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Writer's pictureMaxine Ruiz

Thoughtful Going Away Gifts for Coworkers

Saying goodbye to a coworker is always hard to do. So, if you’re looking for the best gift to give an employee who’s leaving, we’ve got you covered!


Coworkers move around all the time. Some go into retirement, move on or up in their career, relocate, or for some other reason decide it’s time to leave. And while most people do enjoy getting flowers and a card, you could get them something more personalized instead.


Here are some nice ideas for you!


Diverse group of professionals celebrating with drinks in a bright office setting.

Recognition at the End of the Road

Everyone likes to be recognized for their accomplishments, especially after years of loyal service. Giving coworkers going-away-gifts is a good way to end a professional relationship on a high note.


A thoughtful gift can be a wonderful reminder of how much you and the team will miss them. It’s how you pay tribute to a team member whose hard work has made a positive impact. 


Depending on the gift you choose, it can also be a nice opportunity to send them off with something that will mark the beginning of a new era in their lives!



Why Recognition Matters

Not all business leaders realize how important recognition can be for boosting motivation in the workplace. The fact is though, 69% of employees say they’d work harder if their efforts were recognized.


For businesses, recognition comes with a multitude of benefits. Positively reinforcing achievement does not only impact performance, but it also has a ripple effect that reverberates through the whole workforce. This is why it’s so important to celebrate success, even when a teammate is getting ready to leave.




Popular Recognition Gift Ideas for Departing Peers

Figuring out what to get a coworker who is leaving can be difficult. There’s sadness involved, and wanting to express appreciation in a thoughtful way can actually add stress to the task.


Well, don’t worry. We’ve got your back!


Here’s a list of creative going away gift ideas coworkers will definitely appreciate.


1. A Big Box of Self-Care

Lavender-themed gift box containing bath bombs, soap, and aromatic candles on a wooden surface.

The self-care revolution is here, and one of the best going away gifts might just be one that expresses appreciation – but also your company’s core values. 


Starting a new job is stressful. And going into retirement can be daunting. 


But giving your coworker a box of self-care packed with relaxation goodies, or perhaps a day at the spa, might just be what the wellness doctor ordered. 


And besides, who doesn’t love a bit of pampering?



2. A Gym or Yoga Membership

Diverse group practicing yoga together in a sunlit, spacious studio.

Depending on the interests of your departing coworker, a month-long membership to a local fitness club can be a brilliant gift because it signals that you still care, even after they’ve left. It also sends a powerful message to the rest of the team that corporate wellness is a priority at the company.







3. A Practical Relocation Gift

Young couple moving boxes into a new home, with a dog by the door.

If the reason for leaving is relocation, then a location-themed gift might just do the trick. It could be anything from a local guidebook to a book about the city or the country they’re moving to.


You can also consider a basket with food products from their new location, offering a taste of what’s to come – and a reminder of exciting adventures ahead!





4. A Gift Card

Minimalist illustration of two hands passing a bright orange envelope.

This is a classic with loads of potential. A gift card can truly be anything – all you have to do is determine the value of the card, and then there are several ways to go. You can ask the team to participate in the amount or fund the card with corporate money.


You can do a little research to find out your coworker's tastes and interest to buy a specific gift card.  If you know your coworker loves coffee, then buying a gift card to a fancy coffee house is perfect. If they love books, a gift card to Barnes & Noble would be the better option.


Though, you can't go wrong with an open loop or global gift card! The recipient can use them on many different brands and shops, so you can be sure they'll actually love their gift.



Making Recognition Memorable

Going away gifts can serve several purposes at once. They’re great for acknowledging the work and tenure of a teammate that’s going away. But they’re also an effective way to send a positive message to the rest of the workforce. 


Current employees will witness and value how the company treats departing staff. In this sense, going-away-gifts can actually help cultivate an encouraging workplace culture.



 



An illustration of a woman in GoGift's brand colors holding a gift card with a gift motive inside and the GoGift logo

About GoGift


GoGift, a leading global provider of gift card solutions, specializes in offering innovative and versatile gift card services to over 15.000 corporate clients worldwide. With a commitment to simplifying the gift-giving process, GoGift provides a broad range of gift card options from numerous popular brands, catering to a diverse array of tastes and preferences. Their services are designed to enhance the gifting experience, making it more convenient, personal, and enjoyable for both the giver and the recipient.


For more detailed information about GoGift, please visit their official website: https://www.global.gogift.com/







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