10 Farewell Gift Ideas For A Much Loved Colleague

Let a much loved work colleague know just how much you'll miss them with a farewell gift that shows you care.

Unfortunately we can't always choose who we work with, which is a real shame as we spend so much of our daily lives with our coworkers.

So on the odd occasion when you get to work alongside someone you get along well with, it's a real blessing.

Which makes it really sad when the day comes for them to move on to new challenges and pastures new.

But don't let them go without showing them how much you valued your time working together, as a thoughtful leaving gift will make their day.

Whether that is just a small personal gift from you, or a bigger one that the whole office can contribute to.

And to help you pick out something good, check out the following list of farewell gift ideas for a work colleague, which has a wide selection to suit a range of people.

1. A Box Of Delicious Chocolates

A lovely box of chocolates is always a winner as a gift, and this is also the case as a coworker leaving gift.

So you could push the boat out and get them the Godiva Chocolatier Gold gift box.

As this is full of high quality and delicious chocolates packaged in a lovely box that they'll be really happy with.

2. A Funny Mug To Remember You By

A mug with a lovely message is always a winner as a leaving gift for someone you like, as it's useful and you can express how you feel about them.

And you have plenty of great options available to you, with messages ranging from funny to heartfelt and sentimental.

With a favourite of mine being the 'I Used To Work With Legends' mug above.

3. A Lovely Scented Candle

Scented candles make for a thoughtful gift for people you love, as the aromas they give off are pleasant, relaxing, and lovely.

And the perfect one for your colleague who is leaving is the Homesick 'New Job' scented candle.

As this is a good quality candle with the right message, and comes in a package worthy of gifting.

4. A New Pen For Their New Job

If you want a leaving gift that a much loved colleague can take with them to use at their new job, then how about a high quality pen?

As not only does this make a good gift, it's something they can use for years to come.

And a great option for use in the office is the Lamy Studio Rollerball pen.

5. A Jar Of Smiles And Inspiration

When someone you love leaves for a new job, you'll be desperate for things to go well for them in their future career.

However, you can't be there for them all the time to offer them encouragement and advice when they are struggling for motivation.

So a nice gift to give them is the Jar of Smiles, which is full of inspirational and motivational quotes they can dip into top keep them on the right track.

6. A Book To Help Them Succeed

Another gift idea that can help a colleague to succeed in their new job is to get them an inspirational book to guide them.

And there are loads of these to choose from depending on their personality and the type of job they're moving on to.

While one that is great for all round personal development and helping them find their purpose is 'Start With Why' by Simon Sinek.

7. A Planner To Keep Them On Track

One thing you need to do when starting a new job is to stay well organised as you get used to your new tasks and work environment.

After all, as the the saying goes 'fail to prepare, prepare to fail'.

So a gift your work colleague would really appreciate is the Anecdote daily planner, as this attractive planner will help them to stay on top of things.

8. A Foam Footrest To Keep Them Comfortable

When you work together with someone it's in your interests that they pull their weight and do their fair share of the work.

However, when they move on to a new job, you won't care if they decide to put their feet up and coast.

So how about getting them the Ergofoam adjustable foot rest, as this will keep them nice and comfortable at their new desk.

9. A Tumbler For Their Morning Coffee

If your colleague is moving to a new job that is a bit further afield, then they'll have to deal with a longer commute.

So a gift they'll really appreciate is a YETI Rambler tumbler.

As these are great for keeping their morning coffee warm as they make their way into work, and they fit perfectly into most car holders, so are safe to use when driving too.

10. A Dammit Doll To Take It All Out On

Starting a new job can be a super stressful time.

So a thoughtful and fun little gift you can get for your favourite colleague who is leaving is a Dammit doll.

As these dolls are designed to be pulled, scrunched, hit, thrown, and smashed against desks and walls without falling apart.

And as such they make a great stress reliever when they need to let off a bit of steam.

And How About A Farewell Gift For A Work Colleague You Hate?

It's hard to say goodbye to a someone you've enjoyed working alongside for years, but it's the opposite when someone you can't stand decides to move on.

In fact, that can feel like a joyous occasion!

And while it's not good to be mean, giving them a passive aggressive leaving gift is satisfying and may just be appreciated by your work enemy, who probably feels the same way about you!

So I thought I'd also come up with a few gift ideas that could work well to send them on their way with.

1. A Mug With A Not So Subtle Message

A mug is always a useful and popular gift when a fellow worker is leaving.

So why not give them a mug which sums up your feelings about them with the UNT mug.

As they'll probably see the funny side of it, and may even re-gift it to someone themselves if they don't want to use it.

2. A Gift Of Nothing

The thought of getting someone you hate a leaving gift may not be an appealing thought.

So how about getting them nothing, literally!

As you can wrap up the gift of nothing and watch their face drop as they open it to find the sum total of... nothing.

Very satisfying! 

3. A Scented Candle With A Difference

Scented candles are usually relaxing and lovingly created.

However, the 'Go Fuck Yourself' candle comes with a message that is the opposite to relaxing and caring for someone's well-being!

Which makes it a good gift choice for someone you don't like, and as a consolation the actual candle is really nice, so it's not totally mean.

4. Funny Leaving Party Balloons 

If you have to go to a leaving party for your arch nemesis, then decorating it with these balloons may make you feel better.

As these contain tongue in cheek messages that are meant to be ironic and raise a few smiles.

However, they can also express your true feelings too, without hurting theirs.

Rounding Up

It's a sad day when a much loved work colleague leaves, so don't let them leave empty-handed.

As a thoughtful leaving gift can really make their day, and gives you the chance to express how much you've valued their friendship and your time together.

So I hope you've found something suitable among this list of farewell gift ideas for a much loved colleague that I've put together here.

And maybe even found a farewell gift for a work colleague that you're not so keen on too!