Farewells are weird. One day you’re debating the merits of the office coffee beans with someone, and the next, they’re just... gone. You want to mark the occasion without it being awkward or, worse, cheap. Finding the right gift ideas for coworkers who are leaving feels like a high-stakes social puzzle because you’re trying to balance professionalism with the fact that you actually, you know, like them. Or maybe you just want to be polite. Either way, the standard "World's Best Colleague" mug usually ends up in a donation bin within six months.
It’s about the legacy.
Honestly, the best gifts reflect the time spent together. If you’ve spent three years pulling all-nighters on Q4 reports, a generic gift card feels like a slap in the face. But if you barely know the person in accounting who’s moving on to a rival firm, a personalized photo album is creepy. You’ve got to read the room.
The psychology of the "Good Exit" gift
Why do we even do this? According to workplace experts like those featured in Harvard Business Review, the way an employee leaves impacts the morale of everyone staying behind. It’s a signal. If the team puts effort into a send-off, it proves that people aren't just cogs in a machine. They were seen.
But there is a trap. Most people wait until the last 48 hours to scramble for something. That’s how we end up with those sad, grocery-store flower bouquets that look like they’ve already given up on life.
Personalization vs. Utility
If they’re moving to a new office, they probably need gear. If they’re retiring, they need a hobby. If they’re quitting to "find themselves" in Bali, they probably just need a high-quality travel neck pillow or a solid power bank.
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Think about their commute. Did they complain about the train? High-end noise-canceling headphones (think Sony WH-1000XM5s if the team is chipping in) are a godsend. Did they always have a cold brew on their desk? A specialized tumbler like a Yeti or a Stanley—yes, the hype is real for a reason—is actually useful.
When the whole team chips in
This is where you get the most "bang for your buck." Individual gifts are nice, but a collective fund allows for "Legacy Gifts." These are the items someone wants but would never justify buying for themselves.
I’ve seen teams buy high-end ergonomic keyboards like the Moonlander or the Logitech MX Master 3S mouse for developers. It sounds boring to a non-techie, but for someone spending 10 hours a day at a screen, it’s basically a spa day for their wrists.
Pro tip: If you're doing a group gift, use an app like Splitwise or a simple digital collection tool. Don't be the person chasing people for five-dollar bills in the breakroom. It's 2026. Get a link.
The "New Chapter" kit
If your coworker is leaving for a promotion elsewhere, acknowledge the hustle. A high-quality leather notebook—I'm talking real leather, like a Galen Leather or a Bellroy work folio—is a classic move. It says, "You're a professional, go kill it."
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Avoid "Funny" gifts unless you are 100% sure they'll get the joke. A "I survived [Company Name]" t-shirt is funny for five seconds. Then it becomes a rag for cleaning the car. Instead, maybe look at a subscription to a professional tool or a MasterClass membership. It shows you care about their growth, even if it's not with your company anymore.
Gift ideas for coworkers who are leaving: The remote edition
Remote work changed the game. You can't just leave a box on someone's chair anymore. Shipping costs are a nightmare, and logistics often fail.
Digital gifts don't have to be lame.
- Airbnb Gift Cards: Perfect for that "bridge week" between jobs.
- DoorDash/UberEats: Because the first week at a new job is exhausting and nobody wants to cook.
- Digital Caricatures: Get the whole team on a Zoom screenshot and have an artist turn it into a fun (but tasteful) illustration.
I once saw a team create a "Kudoboard" where everyone uploaded short video clips saying goodbye. It cost almost nothing but meant more than a $50 Amazon card ever could. It’s the effort that sticks.
The "I barely know you" dilemma
We've all been there. You're invited to a farewell lunch for someone you've spoken to twice. You don't want to be the "grinch," but you don't want to spend $40.
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Go for high-quality consumables. A bottle of decent champagne (Veuve Clicquot is the "safe" luxury choice) or a box of high-end chocolates from a local chocolatier. Avoid the mass-produced stuff. The goal here is "I recognize this is a big moment for you," not "I know your deepest desires."
Plants are hit or miss. A desk plant is a nice sentiment, but you’re essentially giving someone a chore. Unless it’s a Pothos or a ZZ plant—those things are practically immortal and can survive the darkest cubicle.
What to avoid (The "No-Go" Zone)
- Self-help books: Unless they specifically asked for it, giving a book like How to Win Friends and Influence People can feel a bit... pointed.
- Fragrances: Way too personal. You don't know their allergies or their tastes.
- Alcohol (without checking): Not everyone drinks. Always verify before buying that nice bottle of Scotch.
- Huge, bulky items: If they have to clean out their desk, the last thing they want is a 4-foot tall framed picture of the team to haul to their car.
The "Fine Print" of Office Gifting
Check your HR manual. I know, I know—boring. But some companies have strict rules about the monetary value of gifts to prevent "bribery" or "conflict of interest" perceptions, especially in government or finance roles. Most "leaving" gifts fall under a de minimis exception, but it’s worth a five-second check.
Also, timing is everything. Don't give the gift five minutes before they walk out the door. Give it at the farewell lunch or during a dedicated "tea break" on their penultimate day. It gives them time to actually say thank you and pack it away properly.
Making it stick
The gift is only 50% of the equation. The other 50% is the card. A generic "Good Luck" signed by 20 people is okay, but a specific memory makes it gold. "Remember when the server crashed at 4 PM on a Friday and we ate cold pizza while fixing it?" That’s the stuff people keep.
If you're the manager, your gift should probably be the most "professional." A framed letter of recommendation or a LinkedIn testimonial is a gift that keeps on giving. It’s a career asset.
Next Steps for a Smooth Farewell:
- Check the Vibe: Determine if the coworker prefers a public celebration or a quiet 1-on-1 goodbye. Introverts often hate the "speech and cake" routine.
- Set a Budget: If doing a group gift, suggest a range ($10–$20 per person) so nobody feels pressured or priced out.
- Order Early: If you're getting something personalized like an engraved pen or a custom map of the city they're moving to, give yourself at least 10 days for shipping.
- The Hand-Off: Assign one person to be the "MC" for the gift presentation so it doesn't feel disorganized.
- Focus on the Future: Choose items that help them in their next role or their upcoming time off rather than dwelling on the job they are leaving behind.