80+ Gift for coworker leaving to express your gratitude and appreciation

A great book always comes to an end, no matter how much you wish the story could go on.

You turn the final page, lingering on the last words, feeling a mix of nostalgia and appreciation for the journey it took you on. The characters, the lessons, the emotions—it all stays with you, even after you close the cover.

But, just because the book ends doesn’t mean its impact fades.

Work relationships have a similar arc. You share chapters filled with collaboration, inside funny jokes, and hard-earned successes. Then, one day, a colleague moves on to their next adventure. It’s bittersweet, but it’s also a chance to celebrate their story.

A sweet and thoughtful gift is like a well-chosen bookmark—it reminds them of where they’ve been, the people they’ve worked with, and the memories they’ve made. Because even when someone’s next chapter begins, the story you shared will always be worth remembering.

What makes for a thoughtful farewell gift?

A thoughtful farewell gift should reflect the recipient’s personality, interests, and the relationship you’ve built. It's not about the price tag but the sentiment behind it. Consider meaningful and practical farewell gift ideas—something that can be used in their next role or simply remind them of their time with your team. Personalized items, like a custom notebook or engraved pen, can add a personal touch, showing that you’ve put thought into the gift.

If your colleague is moving to a new city, consider a travel-themed gift, like a map, a luggage tag, or a city guidebook. Experiential gifts, such as a voucher for a local activity or a subscription box that matches their hobbies, are another great option. These going away gifts create lasting memories, something they can look back on fondly.

The most thoughtful gift ideas are those that show you’ve paid attention to their likes and needs and those that make them feel appreciated as they move on to the next chapter in their career.

What to consider when picking a gift for a coworker leaving

When choosing the best farewell gift for a coworker, it’s important to consider their personality, future plans, and shared experiences. Here are key factors to keep in mind to make sure your gift is both meaningful and thoughtful.

• Know their interests: Think about their hobbies, favorite activities, or any conversations you’ve had about personal passions. A gift that aligns with their interests shows thoughtfulness.
• Consider their next step: Is your coworker moving to a new job, starting a business, or taking time off? Choose something that can help them in their new role or provide comfort during their transition.
• Professional vs. personal: Strike the right balance between professional and personal gifts. A gift like a personalized planner works well in a work setting, while something like a unique art print may be better suited for a personal connection.
• Avoid generic gifts: A generic gift, like a gift card, can feel impersonal. Instead, opt for something that has specific meaning, whether it’s a custom item or something tailored to their future plans.
• Keep the team dynamic in mind: If you’re buying as a group, consider pooling resources for a larger gift. A shared experience or something bigger, like a team-signed memento, could be more impactful.
• Budget wisely: Be mindful of the budget, especially in a work environment. You want to give something meaningful without going overboard. Focus on thoughtfulness rather than price.
• Timing matters: Give the gift at an appropriate time. A farewell lunch or party is often a good opportunity, but ensure the gift feels genuine and not rushed, reflecting the true sentiment of their departure.

80+ Creative and unique gift ideas to send off a coworker leaving

Saying goodbye to a coworker can be bittersweet, and finding the right gift is a meaningful way to celebrate their time with the team. Here are 80+ creative and unique gift ideas to consider:

1. Personalized notebook: A beautifully designed notebook with their initials or a thoughtful quote on the cover, perfect for jotting down ideas in their next job or personal adventures.
2. Customized mug: A personalized mug featuring their name, favorite quote, or an inside joke, reminding them of the team every time they take a coffee break.
3. Travel map: A world map where they can mark places they've been or plan future travels—ideal for a coworker embarking on a new adventure.
4. Gift card to a local restaurant: A gift card to a favorite restaurant for a meal they can enjoy after their last day at work.
5. Desk plant: A small, easy-to-care-for plant, like a succulent, to brighten up their new workspace and remind them of your thoughtful gesture.
6. Portable phone charger: A practical, portable charger to keep them powered up on the go, whether for business or personal use.
7. Memory scrapbook: A scrapbook with photos, quotes, and messages from colleagues, capturing memories and well wishes from their time with the team.
8. Engraved pen: A sleek, professional pen engraved with their name or a motivational message—a useful and elegant surprise gift for their next role.
9. Custom tote bag: A stylish, personalized tote bag that’s both functional and a reminder of their time with your team.
10. Noise-canceling headphones: A high-quality pair of headphones to help them focus in their new workspace or enjoy music during downtime.
11. Subscription box: A subscription box tailored to their hobbies or interests, like books, snacks, or wellness products, providing a surprise each month.
12. Personalized calendar: A custom calendar featuring memorable team photos or motivational quotes to inspire them throughout the year.
13. Professional portfolio: A sleek, leather-bound portfolio for organizing important documents and showing off their professionalism in their next job.
14. Custom nameplate: A professional desk nameplate personalized with their name, perfect for their new office or workspace.
15. Fitness tracker: A fitness tracker to help them stay healthy and motivated as they transition into their next chapter.
16. Thank you video: A heartfelt thank-you video from colleagues, sharing memories and well wishes for their future success.
17. Board game or card game: A fun and interactive game that they can enjoy with friends or family during their free time.
18. Personalized tote or beach bag: A custom bag, ideal for the coworker who enjoys beach trips, picnics, or weekend getaways.
19. Coffee table book: A beautiful coffee table book on a topic they love, whether it’s travel, design, or their favorite hobby.
20. Spa gift set: A luxurious spa set complete with bath salts, candles, and skincare products, helping them relax after a busy work transition.
21. Personalized keychain: A custom keychain with their initials or a meaningful symbol, offering a small yet personal token they can carry with them everywhere.
22. Custom wine glasses: Elegant wine glasses with their name or a fun quote etched, perfect for a relaxing evening after their workday ends.
23. Travel journal: A stylish travel journal for documenting their adventures, whether it’s business trips or personal vacations.
24. Portable speaker: A compact Bluetooth speaker for enjoying music or podcasts on the go, making every journey a bit more fun.
25. Customized T-shirt: A fun, personalized T-shirt with a design that’s relevant to an inside joke or shared memory from your time working together.
26. Experience gift: A voucher for an experience like cooking classes, a wine tasting, or a spa day to help them unwind and enjoy their free time.
27. Photo frame: A digital photo frame pre-loaded with team photos and memories, so they can reminisce about their time with colleagues.
28. Leather travel wallet: A sleek, stylish leather wallet designed for storing travel documents, credit cards, and other essentials during their trips.
29. Personalized stationery set: A custom stationery set with their name or initials, perfect for personal letters or notes in their new chapter.
30. Coffee subscription: A monthly coffee subscription to help them enjoy new blends or try different varieties, giving them a cozy ritual wherever they go.
31. Creative desk organizer: A stylish desk organizer to help them stay neat and productive in their next workspace, whether at home or in the office.
32. Digital gift card for an e-learning course: A perfect gift card for an online course platform, encouraging them to continue learning and growing in their new role.
33. Framed inspirational quote: A framed print with an inspiring quote to motivate them as they step into their next professional adventure.
34. Personalized journal: A beautifully designed journal with their name or a thoughtful message engraved, great for writing down ideas or reflections.
35. Team puzzle: A custom puzzle featuring a team photo or inside joke, giving them a fun way to remember the team’s bond.
36. Customized bottle opener: A personalized bottle opener with their name or a fun design, perfect for hosting or enjoying a drink with friends.
37. Virtual team reunion: Organize a virtual event or lunch to celebrate their departure and reconnect as a team before they move on.
38. Plant care kit: A plant care kit with everything they need to care for their new desk plant, adding a touch of nature to their workspace.
39. Inspirational book: A motivational or career-focused book that provides guidance and inspiration for their next chapter in life.
40. Portable coffee maker: A travel-sized coffee maker to help them enjoy their favorite brew on the go, whether they’re commuting or traveling.
41. Customized wall art: A piece of personalized artwork featuring their name, a favorite quote, or something meaningful from their time with the team.
42. Gourmet chocolate box: A luxurious box of gourmet chocolates, perfect for indulging in a sweet treat after their last day.
43. Personalized tote bag: A tote bag featuring their name or an inspiring phrase, a practical yet thoughtful gift for their day-to-day use.
44. Customized desk lamp: A unique farewell gift for cowoker, personalized desk lamp to brighten up their new workspace, adding a bit of style and functionality.
45. Scented candles: A collection of relaxing, high-quality scented candles that can help them unwind and create a soothing atmosphere in their new home or office.
46. Customized planner: A beautifully designed, personalized planner to help them stay organized and on track in their next role.
47. Monogrammed bathrobe: A cozy, monogrammed bathrobe for relaxing after work, offering them comfort and luxury in their downtime.
48. Luxury pen set: A sophisticated set of pens engraved with their initials, combining functionality and elegance for their new office.
49. Engraved bracelet or watch: A meaningful bracelet or watch engraved with a special message or their initials, serving as a keepsake.
50. Custom photo book: A personalized photo book filled with memories from their time at work, including team photos and memorable moments.
51. E-gift card for entertainment: A gift card for a streaming service or online store, giving them the option to enjoy movies, books, or games in their downtime.
52. Personalized desk clock: A custom desk clock with their name or a meaningful quote, adding a personal touch to their workspace.
53. Personalized sports gear: If they're a sports enthusiast, customized gear like a jersey or cap featuring their favorite team’s logo.
54. Cookbook with team recipes: A cookbook filled with team favorite recipes or dishes that hold special significance to their time at work.
55. Self-care kit: A gift basket filled with skincare products, bath salts, and other self-care items to help them relax and recharge.
56. Custom luggage tags: Personalized luggage tags for their travel adventures, combining functionality with a thoughtful reminder of their time with the team.
57. Coffee or tea sampler: A curated selection of premium coffees or teas from around the world, perfect for their next role or new chapter.
58. Personalized hoodie: A comfortable, custom hoodie with their name or a fun quote, providing a cozy keepsake they can wear.
59. Memory jar: A jar filled with messages of appreciation, memories, and well wishes from their colleagues, offering them a heartfelt farewell.
60. Experience gift voucher: A gift card for a memorable experience like a cooking class, hot air balloon ride, or concert tickets, giving them something to look forward to.
61. Customized phone case: A personalized phone case with their initials, favorite quote, or team logo, providing protection and a reminder of their time with the team.
62. Artisan coffee set: A set of artisanal coffee beans paired with a high-quality coffee grinder or French press for the perfect brew at home.
63. DIY craft kit: A fun DIY craft kit, such as candle-making or knitting, for them to relax and tap into their creative side during their time off.
64. Subscription to a book club: A monthly book subscription service that delivers new, exciting books based on their reading preferences, helping them discover new authors and genres.
65. Personalized coasters: A set of custom coasters featuring their initials, a memorable quote, or an image that’s meaningful to them.
66. Digital assistant device: A smart home device like an Amazon Echo or Google Home to help them organize tasks, play music, and enhance their home environment.
67. Custom passport holder: A personalized passport holder for their travels, engraved with their initials or a motivational phrase to inspire new journeys.
68. Leather briefcase: A stylish and durable leather briefcase to carry their essentials, perfect for their new professional chapter.
69. Personalized picture frame: A custom frame with a heartfelt message, a team photo, or a cherished memory from their time at the company.
70. Travel pillow set: A comfortable travel pillow, eye mask, and blanket set, ideal for long flights or road trips, making their travel experiences more comfortable.
71. Cooking class voucher: A perfect gift card for an online or local cooking class where they can learn new skills and enjoy a fun experience.
72. Weekend getaway package: A voucher for a weekend getaway, allowing them to take a break and recharge before jumping into their next adventure.
73. Personalized wine bottle: A bottle of wine with a custom label, perhaps with their name and the date they leave, making it a keepsake they can enjoy later.
74. Personalized gym gear: Custom gym equipment or accessories, such as a yoga mat or water bottle, engraved with their name or favorite fitness quote.
75. Digital artwork: Commission a custom digital illustration or portrait of them, capturing their essence or a favorite memory.
76. Personalized recipe box: A wooden recipe box with their name, filled with cards where they can jot down their favorite recipes or family recipes to keep.
77. Memory-filled jar: A jar filled with notes from coworkers sharing their favorite memories, appreciation, and well wishes for their future endeavors.
78. Sustainable gift set: A set of eco-friendly items like a reusable shopping bag, bamboo utensils, or a stainless-steel water bottle, perfect for those who value sustainability.
79. Gift certificate for a retreat: A gift certificate for a wellness retreat, offering relaxation, yoga, or meditation to help them unwind and reset.
80. Personalized wall clock: A unique, custom wall clock engraved with a meaningful message or photo, adding a personal touch to their new workspace or home.
81. Custom key holder: A personalized key holder with their name or a meaningful design, perfect for their new home or office.
82. Monogrammed leather journal: A high-quality leather journal engraved with their initials, providing a stylish and thoughtful place to jot down new ideas.
83. Personalized travel adapter: A practical travel adapter with their name or a custom design, perfect for international travelers.
84. Indoor herb garden kit: A DIY herb garden kit with everything they need to grow fresh herbs at home, perfect for cooking enthusiasts.
85. Custom desk calendar: A personalized desk calendar with inspiring quotes, team photos, or fun facts, helping them stay organized in their next role.
86. Luxury tea set: A beautifully packaged luxury tea set with a selection of premium teas, providing a soothing ritual for their new chapter.
87. Memory box: A wooden memory box where they can store keepsakes, mementos, or notes, offering a sentimental gift to keep special memories safe.

How HR can encourage positive farewell rituals with meaningful gifts?

Farewells are an important part of workplace culture, and HR can play a key role in ensuring they’re meaningful. Encouraging positive farewell rituals with thoughtful gifts can leave a lasting impact on departing employees.

• Create a farewell tradition: Establish a consistent process for farewell gifts for coworkers, such as presenting a personalized gift during the last team meeting, so that each departing employee feels valued.
• Incorporate team input: Involve coworkers in the perfect gift selection by allowing them to contribute ideas or pool resources for a meaningful group gift, making the farewell more personal and inclusive.
• Focus on personalization: Encourage HR to help personalize gifts, such as custom notebooks, engraved pens, or memory-filled scrapbooks, to reflect the individual’s time with the team.
• Highlight their contributions: Select gifts that recognize the employee’s specific contributions to the team, like a framed certificate of appreciation or a commemorative plaque.
• Celebrate milestones: Give good luck gifts that align with significant career milestones, like a retirement gift for long-term employees or a practical tool for those moving on to new roles.
• Offer experience-based gifts: Encourage HR to gift experiences such as dinner vouchers, event tickets, or spa days, offering something memorable to the employee rather than just a material object.
• Include a heartfelt message: Along with the gift, include a personal message or card from the team, sharing gratitude and well-wishes for the future.
• Consider future needs: Select gifts that will benefit the departing employee in their next chapter, such as a professional briefcase, planner, or tech gadget, showing that HR cares about their success.
• Make it a team event: Turn the farewell into a team bonding event, where HR facilitates a lunch or gathering to present the gift and celebrate the employee’s time with the company.
• Encourage ongoing connections: Provide going away present for coworker that foster continued connections, like personalized contact cards or a framed photo of the team, allowing the employee to remember their colleagues fondly.

The role of personalized gifts in strengthening workplace relationships

Personalized gifts have the power to deepen connections among colleagues and foster a sense of appreciation. Here are five ways they strengthen workplace relationships:

1. Showcase thoughtfulness: Personalized gifts demonstrate that you’ve paid attention to a colleague’s interests or preferences, making them feel valued and appreciated beyond their work performance.
2. Foster a sense of belonging: Customized items, like engraved pens or personalized notebooks, create a stronger emotional connection, making employees feel more integrated into the team and company culture.
3. Enhance team morale: When personalized gifts are given, they contribute to positive workplace energy, boosting team morale and reinforcing a supportive work environment.
4. Strengthen loyalty: Thoughtful, personalized going away gifts for coworkers can inspire a sense of loyalty among employees, encouraging them to feel more committed to their work and the organization.
5. Create lasting memories: Gifts that reflect shared experiences or inside jokes create lasting memories, ensuring that employees remember their time with the team fondly and strengthening long-term relationships.

Common mistakes to avoid when giving a gift to a coworker leaving

Giving a farewell gift to a coworker is a thoughtful gesture, but it’s important to avoid certain missteps that could undermine its meaning. Here are seven common mistakes to steer clear of:

1. Choosing a generic gift: Avoid giving impersonal gifts like random gift cards or mass-produced items. A generic gift can come off as thoughtless and fail to reflect your colleague’s individuality.
2. Not considering personal preferences: Gifts should align with the recipient’s personality or interests. Failing to consider what the coworker actually likes could make the gift feel disconnected from their true tastes.
3. Overstepping boundaries: Be cautious when selecting gifts that are too personal, such as clothing or items related to their personal life. These departure gifts for coworkers can make your colleagues uncomfortable, especially if you don’t know them well.
4. Ignoring team dynamics: Don’t make the mistake of choosing a gift that might alienate others or disrupt team harmony. Always consider whether the gift could be perceived as biased or exclusionary.
5. Focusing only on the gift, not the gesture: A beautiful gift can be great, but the most important part of the farewell is the thought behind it. Forgetting to include a heartfelt message or personal note can diminish the impact.
6. Timing the gift poorly: Giving the gift too early or too late can take away from the sentiment. Aim for a time when the departure is fresh but not rushed, ensuring the moment feels meaningful.
7. Going overboard with the price: While generosity is appreciated, expensive good luck gifts may make your coworker feel uncomfortable or obligated to reciprocate. Stick to something thoughtful within a reasonable budget.

Why is conducting an employee exit survey crucial for improving workplace culture?

Employee exit surveys provide valuable insights that can help improve organizational culture and retention strategies. Here are eight reasons why they are essential:

1. Identify areas of improvement: Exit surveys highlight key pain points in the workplace, helping identify areas where the company can improve to enhance employee satisfaction and workplace retention.
2. Understand reasons for turnover: They provide a clearer understanding of why employees leave, whether due to management issues, personal and professional growth, or workplace environment, allowing companies to address these factors proactively.
3. Uncover hidden concerns: Employees may feel uncomfortable sharing concerns while employed, but an exit survey allows them to voice issues honestly, which can reveal underlying problems that weren’t previously addressed.
4. Enhance recruitment strategies: Insights from exit surveys can help HR refine recruitment strategies by identifying factors that attract or repel talent, ensuring a better cultural fit in future hires.
5. Improve employee engagement: By understanding why employees leave, organizations can develop better engagement initiatives that prevent dissatisfaction and retain top talent.
6. Gain competitive advantage: Companies that act on feedback from exit surveys demonstrate a commitment to improvement, which can enhance their reputation as an employer of choice.
7. Measure the effectiveness of organizational changes: Exit surveys provide valuable feedback on recent organizational changes, helping HR assess their impact on employee satisfaction and culture.
8. Track trends over time: Regularly conducting exit surveys allows HR to identify patterns and track progress in improving workplace culture, helping companies evolve and retain employees more effectively.

Conclusion

Finding the right farewell gift for a departing coworker is a kind gesture, but ensuring employees feel valued long before they leave is even more important. Employee exit surveys play a crucial role in understanding why employees move on and what improvements can be made to workplace culture.

CultureMonkey, an employee engagement survey software, helps organizations capture honest feedback through anonymous feedback surveys. By identifying trends in turnover, workplace challenges, and engagement gaps, HR teams can take proactive steps to improve retention and employee satisfaction.

These insights don’t just enhance recruitment and retention strategies—they create a workplace where employees feel heard and valued.

So, while a thoughtful farewell gift leaves a lasting impression, a well-structured employee feedback strategy ensures fewer farewells in the first place. With CultureMonkey, organizations can build a culture of continuous improvement, making the workplace better for current and future employees alike.

Blog summary:

1. Importance of exit surveys: Conducting employee exit surveys is crucial for identifying the root causes of employee turnover, which provides valuable data for improving workplace culture and enhancing retention strategies.
2. Uncover hidden issues: Exit surveys allow departing employees to share honest feedback about workplace challenges they may have avoided discussing while still employed, revealing critical areas for improvement.
3. Improve recruitment and engagement: Insights gained from exit surveys can help HR refine recruitment strategies, ensuring a better cultural fit for future hires while also improving employee engagement initiatives to retain top talent.
4. Gain a competitive edge: Acting on feedback from exit surveys showcases the company’s commitment to addressing employee concerns, giving it a competitive advantage in the talent market and positioning it as an employer of choice.
5. Track trends and measure change: Regularly conducting exit surveys provides ongoing data to track employee turnover trends, assess the effectiveness of organizational changes, and ensure continuous improvement in workplace culture.

FAQs

1. What to gift someone who is resigning?

When gifting someone who is resigning, choose something meaningful that reflects the coworker's personality and contributions. Personalized coworker leaving gifts like a custom notebook, an engraved pen, or a framed team photo are thoughtful options. Alternatively, a practical gift for their next job, such as a professional portfolio or travel accessories, shows you care about their future endeavors.

2. What is a good gift to give someone who is moving away?

A great gift for someone moving away is something practical yet sentimental. A personalized travel bag or a map with pins for places they've visited or want to visit can be both thoughtful and useful. Alternatively, consider gifting a keepsake, like a custom photo album or a framed picture of memorable moments shared together, so they can carry a piece of home with them.

3. What to do when a coworker is leaving?

When a coworker is leaving, it's important to show appreciation for their contributions. Organize a farewell gathering or lunch to celebrate their time with the team. Write a heartfelt message or card expressing gratitude for their work and friendship. If appropriate, consider giving a thoughtful gift that reflects their interests or future plans. Lastly, stay in touch to maintain the connection beyond their departure.

4. Inexpensive goodbye gifts for coworkers

An inexpensive goodbye gift for coworker can be both thoughtful and meaningful. Consider a personalized mug, a small potted plant, or a custom keychain. A framed photo of the team or a heartfelt handwritten card can also make a lasting impression. Alternatively, a simple desk accessory like a notebook or pen set is both practical and sentimental, showing appreciation without breaking the budget.

5. Last minute gift for coworker leaving

For a last-minute gift for a coworker leaving, consider something quick yet personal. A thoughtful card with a sincere message is always appreciated. A gift card to their favorite coffee shop or online store is convenient and versatile. Alternatively, a small desk plant or a framed photo of the team can be easily purchased and still feel meaningful.