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Farewell to a coworker is kind of bittersweet. You’re happy for them, but also kinda sad to see them go. Happens! Accept it. If you’re looking for a fun or meaningful way to send them off, here are 20 farewell gift ideas by gift for coworker that are actually good—and not just another generic mug or notebook (unless it’s a funny mug, of course).

1. Personalized Goodbye Card (From Everyone)

Start simple. Gather messages from the whole team and fill a card with goodbyes, jokes, and inside references. Handmade or digital, this always hits.

2. Memory Jar or Box

Ask teammates to write down their favorite memories, quotes, or things they’ll miss about them. Put them in a jar or nice box—it’s low-cost, super personal, and always appreciated.

3. Work Survival Kit (for their new job)

Include snacks, caffeine, sticky notes, a stress ball, maybe even a mug that says “Good luck, you’ll need it.”

4. Custom Keychain

Something simple they can take with them—maybe with their initials, a small quote, or even an inside joke.

5. Digital Photo Frame

Load it up with team pics, memes, or random funny moments from Slack. They can keep adding to it later.

6. Goodbye Video

Have team members send quick video messages and edit them into one big farewell video. It’s a mix of laughs and “I’m not crying, you’re crying.”

7. Personalized Notepad or Planner

If they’re a pen-and-paper kind of person, gift them a cute notebook with their name or a funny phrase like “New Job, Who Dis?”

8. Desk Decor with a Twist

Something they can take to their next office—a quirky sign, a funny print, or even a plant in a pot that says “Don’t kill me.”

9. A Book You Know They’ll Love

Not something generic—go for a book they’ve mentioned, or one that fits their interests. Add a note on the inside cover.

10. “Open When” Letters

Write a series of short notes for them to open at different moments: “Open when you miss us,” “Open when you’re overwhelmed,” or “Open when your new team isn’t as cool.”

11. Team Caricature Print

Hire someone to draw the whole team in a cartoon style. Frame it for them to keep as a memento.

12. Local Goodies (If They’re Moving Away)

Put together a little care package of local snacks, treats, or souvenirs so they can take a piece of the place with them.

13. Custom Tumbler or Water Bottle

Useful and giftable. Add their name or something fun like “Fuel for Important Meetings.”

14. Personalized Farewell Candle

Scented candle with a label like “Smells Like New Beginnings” or “Burning Out Gracefully.”

15. Funny Goodbye Mug

Sure, mugs are everywhere—but this one should say something like “Good Luck Finding Coworkers Like Us” or “Officially Someone Else’s Problem.”

16. Gift Card to Their Fave Spot

Whether it’s their go-to lunch place or favorite coffee shop, it’s a nice and easy way to say, “Enjoy this on us.”

17. A Plant Named After Them

Give them a little plant and name it after them (e.g., “Mini Dave”). Bonus points if it comes with care instructions written in their personality.

18. Custom Playlist

Put together a playlist of songs that remind the team of them—funny, nostalgic, maybe even a little emotional. Share it on Spotify.

19. Desk Toy or Fidget Gadget

If they’re starting a new gig, give them something for their new desk—like a mini desk game, a fidget cube, or a stress toy.

20. Farewell Cake or Office Treats Party

Sometimes the best sendoff is just good food and a casual team hangout with laughs, cake, and stories.

Final Thoughts

Saying goodbye doesn’t have to be awkward or overly sentimental (unless you want it to be). Just go with something that fits your team vibe—whether it’s funny, thoughtful, or somewhere in between. The best gifts are the ones that remind them they were part of something special.

So grab a card, get creative, and send your coworker off with a gift that makes them smile (and maybe tear up just a little).