Promotion, retirement, and a new job are all major life events that call for a gift. Searching for the perfect present can be difficult, but there are many great options out there.
If you’re struggling to find something special, check out our guide for some top goodbye ideas. Your colleague will appreciate the thoughtfulness, and the gift will serve as a nice reminder of their time in the company.
“Good Luck” Card – Katie Doodle
Your colleague’s departure from the company may be bittersweet, but you can make their last days memorable with the perfect goodbye present. Something from this list, like a big greeting card, will let them know how much you’ll miss them and that you wish them all the best in their new endeavors. Get everyone on your team to write down their favorite memories or inside jokes to make the card extra special. You could also pair this card with some other item from our list and create an unforgettable farewell gift for a colleague!
Scented Candle – Wax & Wit
As anyone who has ever been given a scented candle as a gift knows, it can be a great way to make your home smell nice. But finding the right scent can be tricky. That’s where Wax & Wit comes in, with their line of candles sure to please even the pickiest of noses. Each candle is made from a pure cotton wick and organic soy and is free of toxic chemicals – and, because they’re wrapped and ready to be gifted, you can be sure that your colleague will appreciate the thoughtfulness of your farewell present.
Gift Set – Burt’s Bees
If you have any skincare-obsessed coworkers, this gift set from Burt’s Bees would be the perfect present for them. It contains all of the brand’s essential products, which are made from cruelty-free and natural ingredients. Further, these items would also be great additions as an office survival kit for your coworker at their new firm.
“One Line A Day” Journal – Chronicle Books
This journal makes an ideal gift for someone starting a new page in their life. It provides a space for your colleague to jot down their thoughts and ideas and look back on their entries over a period of five years. Whether they’re already an experienced journaler or are just getting started, this gift is sure to be appreciated.
“Success And Inspiration” Jar – Only Good Vibes
Does your colleague enjoy sharing uplifting quotes and words of encouragement with the team? If so, they’ll love this present from Only Good Vibes. Every piece of paper inside the jar contains a quote that is designed to motivate and inspire the reader. All the quotes are printed on the finest paper; the jar itself comes inside a uniquely and colorfully designed box, which makes it an excellent going-away gift.
“You Are A Badass” Calendar – Jen Sincero
The “You Are a Badass” Desk Calendar is the perfect addition to your colleague’s new workspace. This calendar is centered on the New York Times best-selling book of the same name and features tear-off pages, with every page comprising a date, international holidays (if any,) and daily quotes. These quotes are added to inspire, encourage, and motivate the reader, which makes it an ideal gift for someone who is starting new career endeavors. The “You Are a Badass” Desk Calendar will help your colleague stay organized while also providing them with daily motivation and inspiration.
“Bye Traitor” Mug – YouNique Designs
If you want to give your coworker a funny farewell present, then this is the one! This mug will definitely make them smile and also make their morning coffee more enjoyable. It’s the perfect way to say goodbye and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
Golf Pen Set – NALAKUVARA
Your coworker will love this fun gadget set for their desktop if they’re the type to enjoy a round of golf on the weekends. The gift set comes with two mini golf balls, three mini golf club pens, and a flag as well; all items come stored in a mini golf putting box. It’s the perfect way to show your colleague some desk-side support for their favorite hobby.
“The Legend Has Retired” Pint Glass – Beevee
Your coworker may not be a big fan of whiskey; however, that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a good pint of beer! This bar-quality pint glass is the perfect way for them to enjoy their favorite IPA, craft stout, or pilsner – after all, they’ve earned it after a long and successful career!
Whiskey Glass Gift Set – Whiskoff
Now, for those who like to enjoy their whiskey neat, this set is the ideal retirement or farewell present! It contains two whiskey glasses, two slate table coasters, whiskey stones made of natural granite, and tongs. Plus, all the items come stuffed in a beautifully crafted wooden box, making it a great presentation piece.
Retirement Socks – Cavertin
Your work friend’s retirement is a special occasion that deserves to be commemorated with a thoughtful gift. If they have a knack for collecting funky socks, why not add to their collection with a pair that celebrates their retirement? Stored in a colorful and elegant box, the socks make for a perfect gift that doesn’t require any extra wrapping. Just add a card, and you’re all set!
Spa Gift Basket – Sodilly
Do you want to thank a colleague for their hard work and dedication over the years? Why not show your appreciation with this spa basket? The box comes with two all-natural premium soap bars, an insulated stainless-steel tumbler, a bath bomb, a skin lotion jar, and a card where you can jot down a special message. This is the perfect way to say thank you and show that you care!
Electric Wine Opener – Moocoo
This gift is ideal for the coworker who loves to relax with a glass of wine after a long day. The opener will make opening their favorite bottle of white wine a breeze, and it comes with a set of additional accessories to enhance the flavor of the wine. The set comes with vacuum stoppers for preserving flavor, a 2-in-1 aerator and pourer, one foil cutter, and one charging base for the electric opener.
Specialty Coffee Packages – Bean Box
If your coworker was known as an office coffee connoisseur, they would love this package containing 16 different varieties of coffee from all over the world. The beans have been sourced from only the finest estates and are perfectly roasted by well-known roasters. You can select between ground and whole bean options, depending on what the recipient prefers.
“Donut Ever Forget About Us!” Memory Book
How about this memory book if you’re trying to make your gift more personal? This book is the perfect way to add stories, anecdotes, notes, as well as pictures that will help preserve memories with the person you’re giving it to. If you want to make the gift extra special, get all the team members to contribute something to the book!
Bonsai Tree Seed Kit – HOME GROWN
This particular gift idea is a great way to celebrate your colleague’s new beginning, especially if they have a green thumb. The Bonsai tree set comes packed inside a gift box having 4 different bonsai tree seed varieties, and burlap grow bags, soil discs, bamboo plant markers, one planting guide, and bonsai shears.
The planting guide will be helpful for your colleague as it takes them through the whole process of planting and growing the bonsai trees successfully. It would be lovely to see your colleague’s office spruce up with these beautiful miniature Bonsai trees.
Chocolate Gold Gift Box – Godiva
If you’re looking for a colleague-approved gift, you can’t go wrong with a gold box of delicious gourmet chocolates. Godiva’s gift box comes with a variety of 70 chocolate bites with different fillings, such as mint, hazelnut praline, and cherry. It’s the perfect way to show your appreciation for a colleague who has a sweet tooth.
For a more budget-friendly option, you could also choose the chocolate counts of 8, 19, or 36. Regardless of which option you choose, your colleague is sure to appreciate your thoughtfulness!
Tea Assortment Gift – VADHAM
This option makes for a beautiful and unique gift idea, perfect for those who appreciate fine tea. The VADHAM selection contains 12 herbal tea tisanes and masala chai teas, all of which come in elegant golden tin containers.
Best of all, the company is plastic neutral, meaning that its tea is sourced ethically and without harming the environment. Climate change is a real problem, so what could be better than giving a gift that helps fight it?
Amazon Gift Card – Amazon
If you are looking for a safe and thoughtful gift, consider giving a gift card. This way, your coworker can buy something they need or want, and they can use it in their new workplace or at home. If your team is large, this is also an excellent option for chipping in for a goodbye gift.
Smart Daily Planner – Smart Planner
If your colleague is the type who loves planning and organization, this smart planner will make the perfect going-away present. It features daily planning sections, a habit tracker and goal segment, and a weekly review space, all of which will help its owner stay on track throughout the year. Plus, it’s undated, so they can start using it at any time.
Final Thoughts
When trying to find the perfect gift for a colleague, it is important to consider their interests, hobbies, and what they may or may not like. If you have known them for a while, this will be easier to do; however, even if you are not as familiar with them, there are still many options from which you can choose the right farewell gift.
Our guide should provide you with some helpful inspiration for finding the ideal present.
FAQs
Is there a gift etiquette for saying goodbye to coworkers?
Yes, there is gift etiquette for saying goodbye to coworkers. A nice gesture to give your colleagues as you leave the company is a small token of appreciation. You might choose to give each person a personalized gift, or you could buy a group gift. Either way, be sure to take into account everyone’s individual preferences and budgets. Whatever you do, don’t wait until the last minute – plan ahead so you can show your coworkers how much you appreciate them!
How much should you spend on a goodbye gift for coworkers?
There is no set amount for how much you should spend on a goodbye gift for coworkers, but it’s generally considered polite to spend at least something. A nice gift could be anything from a small token of appreciation to something more extravagant, depending on your relationship with your coworkers and your budget.
Can you give cash as a goodbye gift to coworkers?
Yes, cash can be given as a goodbye gift to coworkers, but some recipients may prefer a gift card instead so they can choose their own gift. A thoughtful farewell gift for a coworker might be something personal that reminds them of your time together at work, such as a coffee mug with a message or an engraved pen.
Should you give a personalized or non-personalized farewell gift to colleagues?
The consensus seems to be that if you have the time and energy, a personalized gift is always more appreciated than a non-personalized one. It shows that you care enough about your colleagues to put thought into their parting gift. However, if you’re short on time or just don’t feel like putting in the extra effort, a generic gift will also be appreciated.
Are there any general tips for giving goodbye gifts to coworkers?
There are a few general tips to keep in mind when giving goodbye gifts to coworkers. First, try to choose something the recipient will appreciate and be able to use; next, avoid anything too personal or embarrassing. Finally, use your best judgment when it comes to choosing a gift, and make sure the gesture is genuine!
Why is it important to give a goodbye gift to coworkers?
It is important to give a goodbye gift to coworkers because it shows that you appreciate the time that you have spent with them. It also shows that you are grateful for the opportunity to work with them. Further, it is a good way to leave on a positive note and maintain a good relationship with your colleagues/coworkers.
How can you make sure your goodbye gift to coworkers is remembered and appreciated?
The best way to make sure your goodbye gift is memorable and appreciated is by choosing a unique and thoughtful item. Something that is personalized or customized for each coworker will show that you took the time to think about them specifically. If possible, try to choose an item that is useful or can be enjoyed long after the farewell party has ended.
