Farewell gifts are a simple but meaningful way to recognise an employee’s contribution and mark an important transition. Whether someone is leaving for a new opportunity, retirement, or relocation, the right gift helps make the goodbye feel considered rather than rushed.

In this guide, you’ll find 20 farewell gift ideas for employees that balance thoughtfulness with practicality. The ideas range from small team gestures to more personalised options, making them suitable for different roles, budgets, and company cultures.

This list is designed for managers and HR teams looking for ideas that are easy to organise, appropriate for the workplace, and genuinely appreciated by the person leaving.

Common Types of Farewell Gift Ideas

There are some common gift categories to help you choose the right goodbye present. Each type fits a different person, budget, and occasion, from office farewells to retirement parties. You can make a decision based on their personality, your relationship, and the memory you want to create.

1. Personalized and Customized Gifts

A personalized gift can be the most memorable farewell present. You can give a customized mug, engraved watch, or personalized stationery set with a thoughtful touch that shows genuine effort. For colleagues who love photos, consider photo albums or instant camera that captures their workplace journey. Personalization always makes a stronger emotional impact.

2. Practical Farewell Gift Ideas

Practical gifts are perfect for employees and coworkers who appreciate usability. For such people, items like travel accessories, tech gadgets, or books are best as they can support their next chapter. A stylish coffee mug or a quality stationery set works well for daily use. 

3. Luxury and Memorable Farewell Gifts

For a boss, manager, or long-serving employee, luxury presents make excellent retirement farewell gifts. Jewelry, high-end watches, or premium tech gadgets leave a lasting impression. These farewell gifts are perfect for a retirement celebration or milestone achievement.

4. Group Gifts for Team Send-Offs

When the entire team wants to contribute, group gifts are ideal. A collective present, such as a travel voucher, framed artwork, or a customized farewell video, makes the workplace goodbye special. These gifts are especially meaningful during a team send-off or retirement party.

5. DIY and Handmade Gifts

DIY gifts show creativity and personal effort. Fun handmade farewell gifts such as scrapbooks, photo frames, or knitted items reflect thoughtfulness. These affordable farewell gifts are perfect for coworkers, students, or friends, making them feel valued without being expensive. Work anniversaries are also a good occasion for such gifts.

6. Funny and Lighthearted Farewell Gifts

Farewell gifts do not always have to be serious. Funny mugs, quirky stationery, or humorous books can lighten the mood. For colleagues with a great sense of humor, these gifts make the last day at work less emotional and more joyful.

7. Affordable Farewell Gift Ideas

Farewell gifts do not have to be costly to be meaningful. Simple options like flowers, keychains, or small tech gadgets can show care without stretching the budget. Gift cards are another versatile choice, suitable for your favorite co workers, friends, or even teachers. According to a workplace survey, 66% of employees will quit a job if they do not feel appreciated. 

Top 20 Beneficial & Useful Farewell Gifts Ideas

Here are 20 simple and useful farewell gift ideas. They are practical, affordable, and easy to arrange. Choose the one that best suits your colleague and the occasion. Below, we’ve shared more ideas to inspire the perfect farewell gift.

1. Custom Branded Apparel Capsule

Custom branded apparel capsules create wearable keepsakes that employees actually use. Curate a premium hoodie, Columbia jacket, or soft crewneck tee with discreet logo placement and quality fabrics to ensure longevity. These pieces work well in farewell kits or onboarding packs and serve as ongoing brand touchpoints that reinforce employee identity and company pride.

2. Commuter Backpack or Duffel

A thoughtfully designed commuter backpack or duffel bag balances practicality and polish for employees on the move. Look for padded laptop compartments, water-resistant materials, and subtle branding to make a useful gift that travels with them. This option suits frequent travelers and hybrid teams while keeping your organization visible in everyday life.

3. Premium Audio Bundle

Give them something to enjoy beyond work with a premium audio bundle of a compact Bluetooth speaker, wireless earbuds, and even a lamp speaker. These items are ideal for commutes, home offices, or weekend downtime. Add tasteful brand packaging or a personalized note to elevate the experience and create a memorable, high-utility farewell present.

4. Sweet Treat Box

Goodbyes are sweeter with something to share. Curate a box of artisan chocolates, cookies, or snacks, beautifully wrapped with your company’s branding. It’s an easy, delightful gift that leaves a positive taste — both literally and figuratively.

5. Cozy Home Comfort Set

A cozy home comfort set featuring a plush blanket, scented candle, and a signature mug brings warmth to any send-off. This combination creates a comforting, lifestyle-oriented gift that resonates with remote staff or retirees. Subtle customization options boost perceived value and make the gesture feel both thoughtful and refined.

6. Engraved Notebook

Give them a space to plan their next chapter. A notebook with their name or initials feels personal and professional. It’s a timeless keepsake that reflects your company’s attention to detail and commitment to meaningful gestures.

7. Branded Travel Essentials Set

Ideal for colleagues embarking on a new journey, this curated travel set combines practicality with sophistication. Include custom luggage tags, a sleek duffel or backpack, and a reusable bottle for on-the-go comfort. It’s a thoughtful farewell gift that celebrates new adventures while keeping your brand present wherever they travel.

8. Food or Drink Subscription

Keep the appreciation going even after they’ve left. Monthly coffee, tea bags, or snack boxes bring small moments of joy long after the farewell. Add a thank-you note or custom label to make each delivery feel personal and brand-connected.

9. Book Lover’s Gift

For employees who love to read, a curated book gift or subscription is a thoughtful way to say goodbye. Choose a title that inspires new beginnings or professional growth, paired with a personalized bookmark or branded tote for an extra touch.

10. Creative Stationery Kit

For the detail-oriented or creatively inclined, a stationery kit filled with quality pens, notebooks, and artful extras always delights. Package it in a branded box for an elevated look that reflects professionalism and personality in equal measure.

11. Wine and Cheese Gift Box

Send-off celebrations deserve a touch of indulgence. A premium wine and cheese gift box turns any farewell into a small event. Include a personalized note or engraved glassware for a gift that feels as memorable as it tastes.

12. Insulated Cooler or Picnic Kit

An insulated cooler or curated picnic kit turns a farewell into an opportunity for fresh memories. Include reusable drinkware, branded cutlery, and a tasteful picnic blanket to create an instantly shareable experience. This gift is perfect for families or outdoor enthusiasts and highlights a company’s attention to meaningful, memorable send-offs.

13. Remote Work Essentials Kit

Help them start strong in their next chapter with a remote work kit. Include practical items like a desk organizer, mouse pad, or branded tumbler. It’s a smart, useful gift that blends appreciation with everyday functionality.

14. Self-Discovery Journal

Encourage reflection and growth with a guided mind journal featuring inspiring prompts. It’s perfect for employees transitioning to a new role or life stage. Add your brand subtly to remind them of their positive experience with your company.

15. Team Game Night Kit

Encourage one last night of laughs with a team game night kit that includes collaborative board games, card decks, or conversation starters. Perfect for virtual or in-person farewells, this gift fosters camaraderie and shared memories. Add simple branding on a keepsake box for an elevated, reusable presentation.

16. Personalized Glassware and Bar Set

Raise a toast with personalized glassware or a branded bar set, including engraved tumblers, cocktail tools, or whiskey stones. These items suit executive or milestone farewells and create a ceremonial moment. Discreet logoing and premium packaging make the gift feel exclusive and perfectly suited for celebratory send-offs.

17. Personalized Mug or Bottle

Practical, reusable, and easy to personalize — mugs and bottles are farewell classics for a reason. Add their name, an inside joke, or your company logo. It’s a daily-use item that keeps your brand close even after they move on.

18. Desk Accessory Set

Help them settle into a new workspace with style. A desk set complete with organizers, pens, and calendars adds function and flair. Choose high-quality materials and sleek packaging to make it feel premium and purposeful.

19. Branded Cozy Blanket Set

Perfect for chilly nights or home office comfort, a soft branded blanket paired with warm socks or a candle makes a heartfelt farewell surprise. It’s both practical and personal, offering everyday comfort while subtly keeping your brand present in their next chapter.

20. Wellness and Self-care Ritual Set

Endings can be new beginnings, and a self-care ritual set helps ease the transition. Combine items like branded candles, bath salts, or RITUALS® products for a calming, spa-like experience. It’s a thoughtful way to show genuine care for employees’ well-being while aligning with MondayMerch’s premium, wellness-forward gifting collections.

Thoughtful Farewell Gifts That Reflect Your Brand’s Appreciation

A farewell gift is never just a present; it is a sign of gratitude, respect, and friendship. . Whether it is something personal, practical, or handmade, the right gift can make a goodbye feel truly special. From workplace farewells to family member send offs, even a small, thoughtful gesture can leave a lasting memory.

With MondayMerch, you can turn these goodbyes into meaningful brand moments through curated, high-quality gifts that express gratitude and care. From custom merch packs to personalized office items, we help companies design farewell gifts that feel personal and purposeful.

Shop our selection today to find the perfect farewell gifts for your team. Get in touch with MondayMerch today and craft farewell gifts that leave a lasting impression long after the goodbyes.

Farewell Gift Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is an appropriate farewell gift for an employee?

An appropriate farewell gift is something thoughtful and professional, such as a useful item, a small keepsake, or a team-signed note that reflects the employee’s time at the company.

2. How much should you spend on a farewell gift for an employee?

There is no fixed amount. Many teams choose a budget that reflects the employee’s role, tenure, and whether the gift is individual or from the group.

3. Are farewell gifts expected in the workplace?

Farewell gifts are not mandatory, but they are commonly used to show appreciation and create a positive final impression when an employee leaves.

4. Should farewell gifts be personal or practical?

The best farewell gifts often combine both, offering something useful while still acknowledging the individual’s contribution.