Why businesses give going-away gifts to employees

Going-away gifts can show employees you appreciate their commitment and contributions to your company. It’s a simple way to recognize departing employees and create an encouraging work environment for the team. Going-away gifts help create a workplace culture of appreciation and gratitude.

Gifts help you maintain professional relationships with former employees. A thoughtful gesture shows you wish them well, which can make them feel supported. It can also keep communication open for potential partnerships or boomerang employment in the future.

Creating a positive final impression can also encourage the departing employee to speak well of your business to others in the industry.

If the employee is retiring rather than working for a new employer, you might consider a retirement gift to celebrate the employee’s hard work and the successful end of a long career.

Going-away gift ideas for your employees

To choose a meaningful farewell gift, consider the employee’s interests and history with your company.

When choosing a going-away gift for an employee, consider the following:

• Years of service: You might consider a higher-value gift for an employee who has been with your company for over a decade.
• Reason for leaving: If an employee is leaving for new career opportunities, a gift can show encouragement and support. If they’re retiring, you might give a gift that memorializes their service or empowers them to spend more time on hobbies.
• Relationship with coworkers: When the employee is close with their colleagues, the rest of the team might offer suggestions or contribute to the gift, such as a shared gift card.
• Recipient’s preferences and needs: Personalized gifts show you’ve paid attention to the employee and care about their needs.

If you need inspiration, consider these thoughtful gift ideas:

Location-themed items and souvenirs

If an employee is leaving your company to relocate, consider a gift related to their new city or state. Search for items that help the person learn about and appreciate their new location, such as:

• Local guidebook with things to do in the area
• A book about the history of the city or state
• Gift basket of local treats from the new city

You can also consider gifts that remind the employee of your current location, such as food products or merchandise from local restaurants and stores. These items may help workers feel comfortable as they settle into their new location.

Company-themed gift bags

Reinforce the employee’s positive memories of your business by giving them a company-themed gift bag. Fill it with branded merchandise and office supplies to celebrate your working relationship.

Consider items printed with your company logo, such as:

• Sweatshirt or jacket
• Laptop bag
• Water bottle or coffee mug
• Pen
• Baseball hat or beanie
• Fleece blanket

Personalized office gifts, like engraved pens or custom notebooks, add a sentimental touch that makes a farewell gift more thoughtful and memorable.

Flowers and a card

In some cases, you might need to give a gift to an employee you don’t know well. This might happen if you have a large department or if the person has recently transferred to your team. If you don’t know the employee’s personal preferences, consider a traditional present, such as a bouquet of flowers and a card.

Ask your staff to sign the card and write notes wishing the employee luck and thanking them for their hard work. The heartfelt messages and well-wishes can make the gesture more meaningful and personal. For a special touch, consider adding extras such as a bottle of champagne or chocolates.

Office supply gifts

When an employee is moving on to a different role or a remote position, give them practical gifts they can use on the job. These practical items can boost productivity and show the employee you care about their professional growth.

Office-themed farewell gifts could include:

• Pencil cup or pencil holder
• Desk clock
• Office plant
• Desk organizer
• Mouse pad
• Calendar or daily planner
• Desk footrest

As you choose an item, think about the employee’s future workspace. If they’re working in a corporate office, a wireless phone charger or an electric warming coffee mug might fit the professional environment. For a home office, you can consider cozier items, such as a blanket or a pair of slippers.

Goodbye party with a cake

Going-away gifts for coworkers don’t always have to be physical items. You can also send them off with a goodbye party. Find out what their favorite cake is, and host a celebration with the entire team. It’s an opportunity for workers to wish the employee well.

If appropriate, you could also make a speech during the office party. Thank the employee sincerely for their contributions, and let them know you wish them well. Other employees can share meaningful moments and favorite memories.

Free team lunch

If the departing employee has a strong relationship with their team, take the whole group out for a meal on the worker’s last day. A team lunch is more personal than a party, so it’s an intimate way to say goodbye to an employee.

Choose a restaurant that the employee loves and invite team members to attend. It’s a simple but effective way to show your appreciation. If employees feel comfortable, you can also take photos afterward to provide a lasting memento and a thoughtful gift for the group.

Gift cards

A gift card can be a thoughtful farewell gift that allows the employee to use it as they please. If you know the employee well, select a gift card from a beloved brand. Alternatively, tailor it to their interests by asking the workers’ colleagues for ideas and insights.

For example, if your employee is an avid coffee drinker, consider buying a gift card to their favorite coffeehouse. A gift card to an online bookstore would make an ideal going-away gift for a book lover. An employee who loves outdoor adventures might appreciate a gift card to a sporting goods store.

Some employees are private when it comes to their preferences, hobbies and personal lives. In this case, a gift card for gas or groceries can be a practical gift.

If coworkers want to contribute to the farewell gift, invite them to give a specific dollar amount before the employee’s last day. You can add these amounts to the total gift card balance.

Slideshow or video

Recognize your employee’s work and their personality by creating a slideshow of their time with your company, including photographs and videos. Copy the file onto a USB drive and give it to the employee on their last day. For a more tangible version of a slideshow, you can instead create a scrapbook filled with photos and notes.

Personalized wall art

Create a piece of art that your employee can hang on the wall at home or in their new office. You might also ask team members to sign it or add personal messages. Frame the finished artwork and mount a picture hanger on the back so it’s ready to hang.

Farewell gifts help employees transition to their next chapter while maintaining positive professional relationships. When you put thought and effort into a going-away gift for a coworker, you can send them off with positive memories of the company and your working relationship.