Carefully chosen work leaving gifts can convey appreciation, respect, and best wishes for the future.

Bidding farewell to a colleague is more than just saying goodbye.

It’s a moment to reflect on shared experiences, challenges overcome, and memories created.

As a wellbeing speaker I can’t stress enough how thoughtful gestures like leaving gifts can positively impact one’s emotional wellbeing.

In this blog, we’ll explore ten ideas for work leaving gifts that strike the perfect balance between sentiment and utility, ensuring your colleague feels valued and remembered.

Contents

10 Ideas for Work Leaving Gifts

Why Get Your Work Colleague a Leaving Gift?

10 Ideas for Work Leaving Gifts

Here are to gift ideas to help you decide what to get your colleague as they move onto their next journey.

1. Personalised Journal or Planner

In the midst of daily tasks and deadlines, a moment of reflection can be a sanctuary.

Gifting a personalised journal or planner is like offering a space for your colleague to jot down thoughts, dreams, and aspirations.

Opt for a luxurious leather-bound or fabric journal, and consider having their name or initials elegantly embossed.

Every time they pen down a thought, they’ll be reminded of the team and the memories shared.

Check out this Leather covered notepad here

2. A Relaxation Gift Set

Wellbeing is deeply intertwined with relaxation and self-care.

A handpicked relaxation gift set, featuring items like essential oils, a soft eye mask, bath salts, and a calming tea blend, is a gentle nudge towards taking a break.

It’s more than just a gift, it’s a heartfelt message that says, “You’ve worked hard, now take a moment for yourself.”

Check out this spa gift set

3. Customised Desk Accessory

Every workspace can benefit from a touch of personalisation.

Consider gifting a high-quality desk accessory, such as a nameplate, pen holder, or mouse pad, customised with their name or a special message.

Every time they set up their desk in a new environment, this accessory will remind them of the team and the good times shared.

Plus, it’s a functional gift that adds a touch of elegance to any workspace.

4. Book Voucher

For the colleague who’s an avid reader, a book voucher from a renowned bookstore can be the perfect gift.

It offers them the freedom to choose a book they’ve been eyeing for a while or discover something entirely new.

Pair it with a personalised bookmark to add a touch of thoughtfulness.

This way, they can dive into new worlds and stories, all while remembering the team that gifted them this literary adventure.

You could even recommend a book review podcast so they can discover new books to read.

5. Wellness Workshop or Retreat

Being a wellbeing expert, I can’t emphasize enough the benefits of a good wellness workshop or retreat.

Consider gifting your colleague a spot in a local wellness workshop or a weekend retreat.

It could be a yoga session, a meditation workshop, or even a nature retreat.

It’s a thoughtful way to show that you care about their mental and physical wellbeing, even after they’ve moved on.

6. Handcrafted Artisanal Goods

There’s something incredibly special about handcrafted items.

Be it pottery, handwoven scarves, or artisanal chocolates, these products carry the touch and essence of their makers.

Gifting such items not only supports local artisans but also offers your colleague a unique and heartfelt gift that stands out from the usual fare.

7. Digital Learning Course

The world is constantly evolving, and so are the skills we need.

Consider gifting your colleague access to a digital learning platform or a specific course they’ve shown interest in.

It could be related to their profession or a personal hobby.

This gift shows that you value their growth and are invested in their continuous learning journey.

8. Gourmet Coffee or Tea Set

For those who relish their daily brew, a gourmet coffee or tea set can be a delightful treat.

Curate a selection of premium coffee beans or rare tea blends from around the world.

Add in a stylish French press, a teapot, or even a set of elegant mugs.

Every morning, as they savour their drink, they’ll be reminded of the warm moments shared with the team and the thoughtful gift that adds flavour to their day.

9. Experience Day

Sometimes, the best gifts aren’t tangible.

Consider gifting an experience day, tailored to your colleague’s interests.

It could be a day at a spa, a wine-tasting session, a hot air balloon ride, go-karting or even a pottery class.

These experiences not only offer relaxation and fun but also create lasting memories.

It’s a way of saying, “Here’s an adventure on us, enjoy every moment.”

10. Plant or Bonsai Tree

A touch of green can brighten up any space.

Gifting a plant or a bonsai tree is symbolic of growth, prosperity, and new beginnings.

Whether they place it in their new office or at home, it’s a living reminder of the time spent with the team.

Plus, taking care of a plant can be therapeutic, promoting mindfulness and wellbeing.

Why Get Your Work Colleague a Leaving Gift?

In the professional world, relationships are often forged not just through shared goals and tasks, but through the countless hours spent together, the challenges faced as a team, and the successes celebrated.

When a colleague departs, it’s more than just a professional transition, it’s the end of a chapter filled with memories, learnings, and bonds.

Here’s why giving a leaving gift is so meaningful:

Expression of Appreciation

A leaving gift is a tangible way to express gratitude for the contributions, hard work, and dedication your colleague brought to the team.

It’s a recognition of the value they added and the difference they made.

Commemoration of Shared Memories

Every gift carries a story.

It serves as a reminder of the shared laughs, the late-night brainstorming sessions, the coffee breaks, and even the challenging times that were overcome together.

A Token of Personal Connection

Beyond the professional realm, colleagues often become friends, mentors, or confidants.

A leaving gift symbolises the personal connection and the bond that was formed over time.

Encouragement for the Future

A thoughtful gift can serve as a source of encouragement and motivation for your colleague’s future endeavours.

It’s a way of saying, “We believe in you and wish you all the best in your next chapter.”

Closure and Transition

Transitions can be challenging, both for the one leaving and those staying behind.

A leaving gift provides a sense of closure, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.

Continuation of Camaraderie

While your colleague may be moving on to new opportunities, the camaraderie doesn’t have to end.

A gift serves as a bridge, ensuring that the bond remains intact, even if you’re no longer working side by side.

In essence, a leaving gift is more than just an object.

A work leaving gift is a gesture filled with emotion, gratitude, and hope.

It’s a way to celebrate the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future with optimism and warmth.

The act of giving a leaving gift transcends mere tradition.

It’s a heartfelt gesture that encapsulates gratitude, memories, and the hope of enduring connections.

As colleagues move on to new horizons, it’s these tokens of appreciation that often become the anchors of cherished memories.

So, the next time you find yourself searching for the perfect farewell gift, remember it’s not just about the item itself, but the sentiment it carries.

Here’s to celebrating endings and to the bonds that remain unbroken, no matter where life takes us.

Author 

Tyler Lowe – Health & Wellbeing Speaker

BSc Sport & Exercise Rehabilitation