Best farewell gift ideas for colleagues (thoughtful & practical)

It’s happening. Your favourite work pal is leaving. The one who knew your coffee order by heart and always had your back during those marathon meetings. A dark day indeed. While you mourn the impending loss of your workplace wingperson, another dreaded task looms large: the farewell gift.

Navigating the murky waters of coworker gift-giving can be a minefield. You want to give something that says “we’ll miss you,” not “here’s a generic dust-collector for your troubles”. It’s a fine line between a thoughtful token of appreciation and an awkward, last-minute panic buy. Don’t worry, we’ve got you. This guide is your new best friend for finding the perfect farewell gift ideas for colleagues, ensuring your departing teammate feels truly celebrated, not just processed.

Should you get goodbye gifts for coworkers?

Let’s cut to the chase. Yes, you should. Unless they were the office stapler thief, in which case, maybe just a firm handshake will do. Giving a farewell gift is more than just a formality. It’s a tangible way to acknowledge someone’s contribution and the relationships they’ve built. It’s a final, shared moment that solidifies your time together.

A thoughtful gift shows you paid attention. It says you saw them as more than just an email address or a cog in the corporate machine. It’s a gesture that can make even the most professional offboarding feel personal and human. After all, a positive last impression is crucial. It’s the difference between a clean break and a messy one, and it helps maintain a strong network for everyone involved. For a smooth transition, check out our guide on how to part ways with an employee on good terms.

How much is a reasonable contribution for farewell gifts?

Ah, the age-old question that causes more office tension than the mystery of who keeps finishing the coffee. There’s no magic number here, but a good rule of thumb is to keep it reasonable. Think about the size of your team and your relationship with the departing colleague. A contribution between $10 and $25 per person is a pretty standard range for a group gift.

The key is to make participation voluntary and discreet. No one wants to be publicly shamed for not chipping in. The person organizing should set a suggested amount and provide a simple way to contribute without broadcasting it to the entire office. This approach keeps things comfortable and focuses the gesture on genuine well wishes, not financial obligation. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag.

Gift ideas for creative colleagues

For the coworker who was always doodling in meetings, had the best playlists, and a wardrobe that wasn’t just shades of grey, a generic gift card won’t cut it. You need something that speaks to their artistic soul.

Wall art or prints

Give them something to brighten up their new workspace or home office. A piece of art from a local artist or a print with an inside joke from your team can be a fantastic and personal keepsake. It’s a way to give them a daily reminder of the good times without being cliché.

Funny mugs

Forget “World’s Best Coworker”. We can do better. Find a mug that reflects their unique brand of humour or an iconic quote from their time on the team. Every time they sip their morning brew, they’ll crack a smile thinking of the office shenanigans. It’s functional and funny.

Gag gifts

If your team’s love language is sarcasm and friendly jabs, a well-chosen gag gift can be comedy gold. Think a framed photo of their most hated spreadsheet or a “Sorry for your loss” card signed by the whole team. It’s a lighthearted way to celebrate your shared history and send them off with a laugh.

Movie or theatre tickets

For the colleague who was always talking about the latest indie film or sold-out play, give them an experience. Tickets to a show they’ve been dying to see is a thoughtful way to encourage their passions outside of work. It shows you listened to their weekend recaps.

A voucher to a fancy restaurant they’ve always wanted to try

Remember them wistfully scrolling through that restaurant’s menu during their lunch break? Make their foodie dreams come true. A voucher to that one place they’ve been eyeing is a sophisticated and highly personal gift that provides an experience they’ll genuinely enjoy.

Gift ideas for active colleagues

This is for the person who ran a 10k before their morning stand-up or spent their weekends climbing something tall. Gifting them another desk plant is just an insult. They need something that fuels their energetic lifestyle.

Full body or foot massage

Even the most active bodies need to recover. A voucher for a professional massage is the ultimate gift of relaxation. It’s a luxurious treat they might not buy for themselves but will absolutely appreciate after their next big adventure.

Camping equipment

If their out-of-office message always mentioned being “off-grid”, support their next escape into the wild. A quality piece of camping gear, whether it’s a high-tech headlamp or a self-inflating sleeping pad, is a practical gift that aligns perfectly with their passions.

Sports shoes

A fresh pair of kicks is always a welcome gift for someone who is always on their feet. If you know their favourite brand and size, a new pair of running or training shoes can be an incredibly thoughtful and useful present. It’s a direct investment in their hobby.

Activewear brand vouchers

Choosing specific apparel can be risky, so why not let them pick their own? A voucher for their favourite activewear brand gives them the freedom to get exactly what they need, whether it’s new yoga pants or a high-performance jacket. It’s practical, personal, and foolproof.

Backpacks

Every adventurer needs a reliable bag. A durable, versatile backpack is a fantastic gift that can be used for hiking, travelling, or even just commuting to their new gig. It’s a practical and stylish present that says, “We support your next journey”.

Gift ideas for travel-loving colleagues

For the coworker whose desk was a shrine to past vacations and whose browser history was 90% flight deals, a farewell gift should be all about the journey, not the destination.

Scratch maps

Help them visualize their past and future adventures. A scratch-off world map is a fun, interactive way for them to track their travels. It’s a beautiful piece of decor that also serves as a constant source of inspiration for their next trip.

Laptop sleeves

A traveller’s tech needs protection. A stylish and durable laptop sleeve is a must-have for anyone who works on the go. Choose a design that reflects their personality for a gift that’s both practical and personal.

Flight vouchers

This is the holy grail for any globetrotter. If the team is feeling generous, pooling funds for a flight voucher can literally help their travel dreams take flight. It’s a high-impact gift that shows you truly support their passion for exploration.

Kindle or e-book reader

Long flights and layovers are a bookworm’s paradise. An e-reader is the perfect travel companion, allowing them to carry an entire library in one lightweight device. It’s a gift that will make their travel time much more enjoyable.

Polaroid or film camera

Give them a fun, nostalgic way to capture their travel memories. A Polaroid or film camera encourages them to be present and create tangible souvenirs from their adventures. It’s a unique gift that offers a different experience than just snapping photos on a phone.

Packing cubes

For the perpetually organized (or disorganized) traveller, packing cubes are a revelation. These handy little bags make packing and unpacking a breeze. It’s a simple, affordable gift that will genuinely change their travel life for the better.

General gift ideas for team members

Sometimes you need a crowd-pleaser. These are the go-to gifts that work for almost anyone, striking the perfect balance between thoughtful and universally appealing. To make sure your offboarding process is as smooth as your gift-giving, grab our free employee offboarding checklist.

Personalized gift box

Why give one gift when you can give a few? Curate a gift box filled with some of their favourite things: a bag of their preferred coffee, a snack they always reached for, a nice pen. It shows a collective effort and a personal touch.

Memory book

This one hits right in the feels. A scrapbook or memory book filled with photos, inside jokes, and heartfelt messages from the team is a deeply sentimental gift. It’s a tangible collection of the relationships and moments that made their time at the company special.

Essential oil diffusers

Help them create a calming atmosphere in their new space. An essential oil diffuser is a stylish and wellness-focused gift that promotes relaxation. Pair it with a few calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus for a complete package.

Hand-poured candle

A good candle can completely transform a room. Opt for a high-quality, hand-poured candle with a sophisticated scent. It’s a simple, elegant gift that adds a touch of luxury and comfort to their home.

Coffee tools

If your departing colleague was the unofficial office barista, upgrade their home coffee setup. A French press, a pour-over kit, or a fancy coffee grinder can elevate their daily ritual. It’s a gift that keeps on giving every single morning.

Wine subscription

For the team member who appreciates a good vintage, a wine subscription is a fantastic gesture. It’s a recurring gift that extends the farewell sentiment beyond their last day, delivering a new bottle to explore each month.

Books

You can’t go wrong with a well-chosen book. Whether it’s a bestselling novel, a cookbook from a famous chef, or an inspiring biography, a book tailored to their interests shows you’ve paid attention. Write a nice inscription on the inside cover to make it extra special.

Wellness journals

Encourage a moment of reflection during their transition. A wellness or gratitude journal is a thoughtful gift that supports mental well-being. It provides a space for them to process their experiences and plan for the future. You can even create an exit survey template to gather their final thoughts in a structured way.

Saying goodbye is never easy, but sending a colleague off with a thoughtful gift can make it a little sweeter. It’s your last chance to show them they were a valued part of the team. So skip the generic gift card and choose something that says, “You were awesome, and we’ll miss you.”

Ready to make offboarding legendary?

Nail every farewell, every time. Dive into our arsenal of practical resources, offboarding checklists, and disruptive tools designed to make your work life smoother, smarter and a whole lot bolder. Because your team deserves better than ordinary.