Partings are part of professional life, but rarely are they just business. Whether this person has taken you under their wing for mentorship or just shared daily briefings, goodbyes never feel fully impersonal. And while you cannot always sum up years of working together in a line, sometimes, a gift can say plenty without words.
Still, picking a gift that suits both the tone of your workplace and the person leaving might not be so easy. This article intends to offer assistance in this endeavor. We have put together six farewell present ideas that are proper for work but still congenial.
Keep reading!
1. Chocolate-Dipped Fruit Arrangements
When picking farewell gifts for coworkers, chocolate-dipped fruit arrangements are one of the easiest and best choices out there. They hit that ideal middle ground—elegant without being too formal, and thoughtful without getting too personal.
You don’t have to worry about any personalization or making tricky choices with them. Most arrangements come with an assortment of chocolate-covered fruits like strawberries, grapes, or pineapple. Just add a note, and you’ve got a present that works for both team settings and individual send-offs.
What’s even better is the convenience. You can find plenty of options online, with different sizes and price points. And if the farewell is on short notice, same-day delivery is often available, saving you the stress of a last-minute scramble.
2. Personalized Office Accessories
When someone is starting a new chapter, a gift that reflects their professional identity can feel especially meaningful. Personalized office items—like an engraved pen, a custom nameplate, or a high-quality notebook—show that you’ve put thought into something they’ll actually use.
These types of presents work particularly well when someone is moving up the ladder, shifting into a leadership role, or launching a business of their own. Even small touches, like their initials on a leather-bound journal, make a lasting impression.
It’s a simple way to combine utility and sentiment. Plus, it sends a subtle message: you respect their work and believe in what’s next for them.
3. A Gift Card
Gift cards are often the most flexible option. But when given without context, they can feel rushed or impersonal. The trick is in how you present them.
Think about what the coworker enjoys. Coffee every morning? Get them a card to their favorite café and pair it with a stylish reusable cup. Packaging matters here, too. Add a handwritten message or a small note about why you picked it. That simple act adds value and makes a standard card feel much more special and intentional.
4. A Memory Jar or Team Scrapbook
Some people leave behind more than an empty desk—they leave stories, laughter, and small habits you’ll miss more than you realize. A memory jar or simple scrapbook is a meaningful way to gather those moments into something they can keep.
Start by collecting one-liner notes from teammates. These can be funny, heartfelt, or even a little sarcastic if that’s your team’s tone. Add small photos, sticky notes, or even screenshots of inside jokes from chats. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s connection.
This kind of present works best in close-knit teams or for long-time employees. It shows effort, thought, and group appreciation. If you’re pressed for time, even a digital scrapbook or group video message can have a powerful effect.
5. A Book Tailored to Their Next Chapter
Books make excellent presents when chosen with care. They’re personal without being too personal, and they can inspire, motivate, or entertain.
Think about the path your coworker is heading toward. Moving into leadership? Try titles like Dare to Lead or The Making of a Manager. Switching careers? A memoir about reinvention or a book on creativity might be just right. Even fiction can make a great gift if it speaks to their interests or personality.
6. A Small Subscription or Experience Present
Experience-based presents are rising in popularity and for good reason. They’re simple to give and often feel more memorable than physical items.
Think snack boxes, wellness kits, or digital subscriptions like Spotify, Headspace, or Audible. These kinds of presents fit well with modern work-life routines. They’re practical, enjoyable, and can be used in their own time.
And if you know their interests, even better. A subscription to a coffee tasting club or a streaming platform they mentioned loving? That shows you were listening, and that’s the best present of all.
Concluding Thoughts
Thoughtful goodbyes don’t require a big budget—just genuine effort. When someone moves on, the right gift can remind them of the good work and good people they’re leaving behind. So take your pick, keep it meaningful, and give your coworker a send-off they’ll remember with a smile.
Guest writer
