Employee Going Away Gift Ideas

You spend a lot of time with coworkers on a weekly basis, sometimes for many years in a row. When they decide to leave your company and move onto a new job, to retirement, to start a family, or for any other reason, it’s important to show your appreciation for all their dedicated work. It’s a bright and bittersweet occasion and can be summed up aptly with a gift for the employee leaving. Knowing what to get can be a little tricky, so we’ve put together some going away gift ideas for coworkers leaving and tips for making the occasion memorable.

Why Are Going Away Gifts for Coworkers Important?

When an employee leaves the office or company and says farewell, it’s important to get them some kind of gift whether from the company or an individual employee. What you get for them depends on how long you’ve worked together and several other factors, though some token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication to your company makes all the difference in their transition.

Getting an employee a going away gift also demonstrates implicitly to current employees that the company values their workers which in turn builds overall morale, as well as employee satisfaction throughout the workplace. It’s a good idea to end your professional relationship with someone on a high note, and you never know if that employee may recommend someone else to your company down the road.

Plus, when an employee moves on to a new job at a competitor firm or nearby organization, it’s nice to know with confidence that your own company will be reflected positively or spoken of in a favorable light. The point of an employee going-away gift isn’t about building a strong professional reputation for your company, but it can be an added byproduct of fostering a respectable working atmosphere for employees from their first day at work until their last.

How to Pick the Best Gift for a Colleague Leaving Work?

When looking for gift ideas for coworkers leaving, take into account where that employee is headed to next. Are they relocating? Retiring? Maybe they’re starting a family and having children. A touch of personalization goes a long way for acknowledging the merits of their contributions and letting them know they’ll be missed.

Goodbye gifts for coworkers don’t have to be elaborate or expensive to send the right, friendly message! Depending on your relationship with the departing employee and how long they have worked for the company, you could get them something as small as a thoughtful card, a fun snack or tasty treat on their last day, or a gift card to their favorite store. If you’ve known them a little longer and it feels appropriate, look for gifts like a useful tool or tech device, a piece of jewelry, or a framed print of their favorite artwork.

Top 5 Gift Ideas for Coworkers Leaving

To help you choose a fitting going away gift, we’ve chosen five of our favorite Centricity signature products. These can be customized with your company’s branding, and ordered in bulk from 10 to 100+ at a time.

1. Champion Eco Quarter-Zip Pullover

For staying cozy at home in style or wearing on casual Fridays, quarter-zip pullovers and other sweatshirts offer a fitting gift for employees leaving. This Champion pullover features a fleece-lined collar, sewn-in front pockets, covered zipper, and is made with moisture-wicking fabric adaptable to a variety of climates. Add custom embroidery with your company’s name or logo to make this extra memorable.

2. BUILT 20 oz. Vacuum Insulated Tumbler

This vacuum-insulated tumbler keeps your drinks cold or hot for longer with double-wall insulated stainless steel. Versatile and adaptable to a variety of lifestyle needs, tumblers are a useful and refreshing gift for almost any employee leaving. This BUILT tumbler comes in silver, gold-rose, and gunmetal, and can be used in the office, on the go, at home, or wherever life takes you.

3. Elliston Blanket

Featuring genuine vegan leather carry straps, this chic wool blanket is the perfect companion for picnics or outdoor adventures, and for staying warm during the winter. Made with a wool and acrylic blend, this Elliston blanket is a classic and cozy gift for employees leaving the office.

4. Forte Combination Bluetooth Speaker and Wireless Charger

What better way to show appreciation for a departing coworker than through something you know they’ll love and use? This Bluetooth speaker and wireless smartphone charger is perfect for the musically inclined coworker, traveler, or podcast enthusiast who values portable quality. This sleek Forte speaker comes with a battery life of 15 hours and delivers 10 watts of clear, resonant sound with an easy-to-use interface.

5. Bamboo Cutting Board

This eco-friendly bamboo cutting board offers a unique way to say goodbye to employees leaving, especially to those kitchen-savvy coworkers who love to prepare meals and try new recipes. It comes with a steel handle for easy storage and carrying, and like the other gift ideas on this list can be customized to accommodate your company’s distinct branding.

FAQ About Gifts for Colleagues Leaving Work

Below we answer some common FAQ about choosing the right office farewell gifts for colleagues leaving work.

Is there a monetary limit on what I can spend for an employee going away gift?

Before purchasing a goodbye gift for coworkers, it’s always a good idea to check your company’s policies and see if there are any guidelines or restrictions you should be aware of. Next, think about what you would feel comfortable accepting from other coworkers if you were leaving and stay within those boundaries.

There’s no precise amount of money to spend or not to spend on office farewell gifts, but it’s good to keep in mind that gifts that are too expensive or grandiose could make your coworker feel uncomfortable or put others in the office in an awkward situation. That said, if there’s something nicer you want to get them and it feels appropriate, go for it! The important thing is to be sincere, while still being mindful of others and any company policies.

What are inexpensive gift ideas for a coworker leaving?

Inexpensive gifts can be just as sentimental as elaborate or more expensive gifts! Is there an inside joke you could tie in for inspiration to get them a small trinket they will remember you by? Do they love coffee? Get them a coffee mug or a gift card to their favorite coffee shop. If they’re an animal lover you could frame a photo of their furry friend. Whatever you choose, sincerity and relevance don’t require a large price tag to communicate.

What’s a good going away gift for a female coworker?

There are many options for finding a meaningful going-away gift for a female coworker. With the tips above in mind, look for things such as a succulent or small plant, a planner or journal, jewelry, a candle, or something else you think they’d like and would find useful.

When should I give the gift to the departing coworker?

There’s no perfect moment for presenting going away gifts for coworkers in the office. Rather than waiting for that perfect moment to strike, think about a time when gift-giving would be natural and well-received. For example, at their farewell party or on their last day. Depending on your relationship with them you could leave it on their desk as a surprise, or invite them to lunch and give it to them in a more personal one-on-one setting.

Final Thoughts on Office Farewell Gifts

We hope these gift ideas for coworkers leaving the office help you sort through the noise and find the right present as your colleague says farewell. Whether it’s a coffee mug and card or a fancier lifestyle item like a durable tote bag, look for gifts that are relevant to the person and appropriate for the situation. 

Here at Centricity, we’re dedicated to building workplaces centered around employee engagement and satisfaction. This elevates your employees’ experiences at work and influences their lives beyond the office. In turn, this leads to incredible results for your company as well as your clients. Reach out to us today to learn more about creating custom brand solutions to enhance experiences, whether that’s through workforce technology, branded merchandise, or something in between.

Do you need office farewell gifts? Send us the details and we’ll send you some great ideas.