When a colleague leaves your workplace, it’s often a happy occasion for them but it can be a little sad for you. You might be losing a good word friend or just one of the few people you can tolerate at work. Maybe you even count them as a proper friend and you’re disappointed to not be working with them anymore, even if they’re moving into better things. While you might not be able to convince them to stay, you can make sure that they go off with some nice gifts that show your appreciation and wish them luck. But what to get them?
Stick to the Classics
There are always some easy go-to gifts if you want to get a colleague something nice. You can’t really go wrong with the classics. Organise a flower delivery for them, get them some chocolates and a bottle of wine, and go around the office to get everyone to sign a card. These things might be simple but they’re kind gestures that pretty much guarantee you’re not going to get it wrong. They’re also gifts that everyone can agree on, which is handy if you’re looking for something to give from everyone and not just yourself.
Get Something for Their Next Step
Where is your colleague going next? Getting them a gift for the next step in their life could be a good idea, especially if they’re moving on to something good. Of course, this type of gift might not be appropriate if they’re leaving to care for a sick family member or because they’re no longer able to work. You might consider something that relates to their new job or a gift for the baby they’re about to have. If they’re retiring, you could get a gift that will keep them entertained in retirement.
Give Them a Souvenir
You could also consider giving your colleague a gift that reminds them of the job they’re leaving. Not everyone will necessarily want to be reminded of the job, but plenty of people have colleagues that they will miss or aspects of the job that they will remember fondly. So you could give your colleague a farewell gift that relates to their job or the company in some way, or more importantly to some of the memories that you have made together. Maybe you have some inside jokes, for example, that could inspire a fun gift.
Show You Know Them
One thing that shows you’ve put some work into a gift for a departing colleague is getting them something more personal. You can show them that although you work together, you also know them as a friend. You might get them something that relates to a hobby that they have or perhaps something they have told you about their family. Think about what they would enjoy that they can take home with them or maybe take to their next job.
Send Them Off with a Good Laugh
Parting ways is never easy, but you can always make it a good memory to look back to. Send off your departing colleague with a good laugh before they go. And not by pranking or laughing at them. Give them a gift that isn’t just useful but also something that will put a smile on their face. Why not give them a funny T-shirt with a joke? It could be an inside joke between you and your other coworkers or a joke that resonates with them. Every time they wear the T-shirt, they’ll remember you and the good moments you spent with each other. Shirts are very versatile and can last long, so you’re sure that your gift will be used for a long, long time, especially with the thought that goes behind it! Alternatively, why not get them a mug if they drink tea or coffee a lot? A personalised mug from somewhere like Face Gift with their face on it can be a funny idea to go for, and make them smile every time they use it.
If you want to give a colleague a thoughtful gift when they’re leaving, think about what they would most appreciate, whether it’s flowers or something more unique.
