Top 30 Thoughtful Goodbye Gifts for Coworkers When Leaving a Job

Saying goodbye to a coworker—whether they’re moving on to a new job, retiring, or switching careers—is never easy. In this guide, we’ve curated a list of the most meaningful, funny, and personalized goodbye gifts for coworkers when leaving a job—each chosen for its ability to balance sentimentality with usefulness. 

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Personalized Gift Ideas for Coworkers Who Are Leaving

For those special colleagues who have become more like friends, a personalized gift adds an extra layer of meaning, celebrating your unique bond and the memories you've shared.

• Personalized Canvas Print

One of the most touching gift ideas for coworkers who are leaving, this custom canvas lets you print your names, a quote, or even a cartoon version of yourselves in a fun and sentimental layout. I once gave this to a teammate who was relocating across the country—it made her cry in the best way. 

Personalized Besties Canvas Gift

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Personalized Besties Since Canvas Gift

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With a 4.9/5 rating and hundreds of positive reviews on Personal House, it’s a top pick. The quality is surprisingly premium for the price (starting at around $35), with vibrant color and sturdy material. Plus, it shipped within 5 business days, making it a safe last-minute option too.

• Personalized Friendship Mug

A classic choice among gifts for coworkers when leaving, this mug can be personalized with your coworker’s name, a funny quote, or even a cartoon image. I’ve used one myself for over a year, and the design hasn’t faded despite weekly dishwasher runs.

With thousands sold and a 4.8/5 rating, it’s one of the best farewell gifts for coworkers under $25.

Personalized Coworkers By Chance Friends By Choice Mug

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Personalized Good Luck Finding Better Coworker Mug

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>>> See more personalized mugs for coworker here

• Custom Photo Desk Plaque

I think photo gifts are incredibly powerful because they evoke specific memories. This elegant desk plaque allows you to display a cherished photo of you and your coworker, or a team photo, accompanied by a personalized message. It's a truly unique custom gift for coworkers that stands out.

• Personalized Farewell Keychain

For something budget-friendly yet meaningful, a small engraved keychain does the trick. Popular among inexpensive gifts for coworkers when leaving, these often include sweet notes like “We’ll miss you” or a motivational quote. 

• Custom Engraved Pen Set

Custom Engraved Pen Set for Coworkers

According to a Gallup report, 72% of professionals say they appreciate a farewell gift that reflects their career milestone—this fits perfectly. I once gifted this to a mentor, and years later, she told me she still keeps it in her desk drawer. Most quality sets fall in the $20–$40 range and ship within a week. It's a quintessential farewell gift for coworkers.

• Personalized "New Beginnings" Engraved Leatherette Journal

It's a versatile gifts for coworkers when leaving. Personalizing it with their name, new company motto (if known), or an inspiring quote about new beginnings makes it a deeply thoughtful gift for someone embarking on a new career path.

Funny Goodbye Gifts for Coworkers When Leaving a Job

These funny goodbye gifts for coworkers when leaving a job strike the perfect balance between lighthearted and memorable.

• Personalized Farewell T-Shirt

It's a great leaving job gift for coworkers that fosters a last laugh. You can customize it with names and characters for each department (“Marketing Monkey,” “Tech Tamer,” etc.). Over 5,000 sold in last year alone, and we get a lot of reviewers about the soft fabric and bold print.

Good Luck Finding Better Coworkers Than Us T-Shirt 

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• "No More [Annoying Office Thing]" - Personalized Farewell Mug

It’s a practical item with a very specific, relatable, and funny message, making it a memorable goodbye gift for coworkers. Perfect for handing off a notoriously tricky task or project, this mug features a cartoon character and a snarky caption — plus their name for a personalized punch.

• Personalized Mousepad

A great custom gag gift for someone retiring or leaving the 9–5 life, this mousepad is functional and funny. You can add their name, last working date, or even a fake auto-reply message. I gave this to a teammate going off-grid for a year, and she took it on her travels as a photo prop!

Personalized Mousepad for Coworker Leaving

• Personalized “Good Luck Finding Better Coworkers” Candle 

Scented, sarcastic, and absolutely Instagrammable — this candle delivers humor with fragrance. You can add the coworker's name and office inside joke.  At $20–$30, it makes a great last-minute gift idea for someone moving away (just double-check the scent options before ordering!).

• "My Last Day" Branded Paper Shredder (Mini)

This gift is a hilarious, symbolic gesture for someone leaving a job. It encourages them to literally "shred" their past work worries (or just some old documents). It’s a truly unique and funny goodbye gift for coworkers when leaving a job. 

The only potential downside is that it might be seen as slightly passive-aggressive if the relationship isn't close enough for that kind of humor.

Group Gifts to Coworkers When Leaving from the Whole Team

When a cherished colleague moves on, a group gift from the entire team is a powerful way to express collective appreciation and well wishes.

• Breville Barista Express Impress Espresso Machine

The Barista Express Impress makes it incredibly easy to get café-quality drinks at home. This is a significant investment (around $700-$800), making it ideal for a larger team contribution. It's a truly awesome coworker going away gift that truly spoils a coffee aficionado.

The Barista Express Impress

• Subscription Box Tailored to Their Hobbies

For a team gift, it’s a smart way to pool funds for a 3-6 month subscription. It shows you know them personally, not just as a colleague. The only potential downside is if they already subscribe to something similar, so subtle intel is key. It's a unique and thoughtful gift ideas for coworkers who are leaving.

Subscription Box

>>> See some of the best monthly subscription boxes here. 

• Personalized Farewell Memory Book – Mixbook

Mixbook makes it easy to collaborate online before printing, ideal for remote or hybrid teams. It’s one of the most sentimental yet collaborative group gifts to coworkers when leaving. Budget around $45–$80 depending on pages. Ships in ~5–7 business days. If rushed, choose express delivery.

•  Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) or Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

Both AirPods Pro and Galaxy Buds2 Pro consistently rank among the top wireless earbuds for sound quality and ANC by tech reviews like TechRadar and What Hi-Fi?. For a departing colleague, especially one entering a hybrid or remote role, these are invaluable gift ideas for coworkers who are leaving. 

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

• Engraved Glass Trophy or Plaque – Things Remembered

A trophy for "Best Teammate Ever" might seem cliché, but with the right engraving, it becomes a professional-yet-playful gesture. It's particularly great as a farewell gift for coworkers who’ve served many years or led key initiatives.

Going Away Gifts for Bosses or Managers

Gifting your boss or manager requires a balance of professionalism, respect, and genuine appreciation. These going away gifts should reflect their leadership and the team's gratitude.

• Montblanc Meisterstück Classique Ballpoint Pen

If you're looking for a luxurious farewell gift for coworkers in leadership roles, you can't go wrong with a Montblanc pen. The Meisterstück Classique is iconic—known for its impeccable German craftsmanship and prestige. With over 4,500 5-star reviews on Nordstrom and Saks, it’s long considered one of the best professional gifts for managers.

Montblanc pen

• Riedel Vivant Decanter with Riedel Wine Glasses Set

For a manager who appreciates fine wine, this is a sophisticated and elegant gift for their home. It speaks to their refined taste and offers a way to unwind. Riedel is a world-renowned brand in stemware, lauded by sommeliers for enhancing the wine-drinking experience.

Riedel Wine Glasses

• Custom Wall Art with Team Message

Managers often don't receive the same emotional send-off as peers. This canvas offers both a professional presentation and a personal touch — a perfect mix for someone who led your team with grace. It’s one of the most meaningful going away gifts for bosses or managers, especially from a tight-knit team.

• Coach Metropolitan Soft Briefcase or Tumi Alpha 3 Organizer Briefcase

I've owned both Coach and Tumi bags, and their durability is exceptional. A high-quality leather briefcase feels substantial and professional. This is a last day of work gift that says, "We respect your career journey and want to equip you for future success."

Coach Metropolitan Soft Briefcase

• Experience Gift Voucher for Leisure/Hobby

This shows the team knows them beyond their professional role and encourages them to pursue personal passions in their new chapter. The only minor challenge is ensuring they actually use the voucher and can find the time, but the thought behind it is always appreciated.

Goodbye Gifts for Coworkers Who Are Retiring

Goodbye gifts for coworkers when leaving a job for retirement should honor their years of service and celebrate their newfound freedom.

• Personalized Retirement T-Shirt

For a laid-back and fun last day of work gift, a custom T-shirt that reads “Retired – Not My Problem Anymore” or “Officially Off the Clock” makes for a humorous send-off. Personal House's t-shirts are known for their soft cotton and durable prints, ensuring comfort and longevity.

Personalized Retirement T-Shirt Funny 

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Customized I'm Retired Shirt 

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• Personalized Retirement Mug

Perfect for those with a good sense of humor, this goodbye gift for coworkers is a ceramic mug with funny retirement messages, turning a simple coffee vessel into a playful nod to workplace camaraderie. Available in both 11 oz and 15 oz sizes, this mug is microwave and dishwasher safe.

Personalized Retirement Weekly Schedule Mug

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• Personalized Engraved Whiskey Glass

It’s a timeless and functional goodbye gift for coworkers when leaving a job that encourages enjoyment.  Personal House's engraving is usually very precise and clean, making the personalization feel high-end. I'd pair this with a small bottle of their favorite whiskey for a complete gift.

Personalized Funny Retirement Whiskey Glasses

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• High-Quality Hobby-Specific Equipment

This kind of gift is incredibly effective because it directly fuels their newfound freedom. For example, Felco pruners are widely considered the gold standard among gardeners worldwide, known for their durability and precision. The downside is the potential for error if you don't know their hobbies very well.

• Personalized "Happy Retirement Countdown" Desk Calendar

I like the idea of a "countdown" gift; it builds anticipation. For a retiree, it's a playful nod to their upcoming leisure. I'd ensure the quality of the calendar itself is good, with sturdy pages. It is a really funny gift for coworkers when leaving.

• Gourmet "Relax & Unwind" Gift Basket

This basket provides a collection of items designed to help them relax, unwind, and savor their newfound free time. It's a thoughtful way to encourage self-care and enjoyment. Prices vary widely ($50-$200+) depending on contents. Check for allergy information if applicable.

Gourmet Gift Basket

Conclusion 

Whether you're sending off a close work friend, a valued boss, or a retiring colleague, the perfect goodbye gifts for coworkers when leaving a job can transform a simple farewell into a memorable celebration.