The Ultimate Guide to Thoughtful Farewell Gifts for Colleagues and Employees

4 min read

employees celebrate at a retirement party

Someone’s leaving the team – and now you’ve got approximately three days, a group chat full of vague suggestions, and zero ideas on what to get them. Sound familiar? Whether they’re off to a new job, a new country, or early retirement (jealous), thoughtful farewell gifts for colleagues are your chance to say “you mattered” – with more than just a thumbs-up emoji.

At WellBox, we believe goodbye gifts should actually feel good to give and great to receive. Something meaningful, a little bit personal, and ideally, not bought in a panic at lunchtime. From curated snack boxes and wellness gifts to personalised hampers with real impact, we’ve got ideas that go beyond the basic.

Let’s take the stress out of saying goodbye – with gifts that people actually want.

What are the best farewell gift ideas for a colleague who is leaving work?

Let’s be honest, most people don’t remember the spreadsheet you built or the 147th Monday morning meeting you sat through together. But they do remember how they felt when they left. A great farewell gift is about the message: You made an impact, and you’ll be missed.

When you’re looking for the perfect farewell gifts for colleagues, it helps to think in themes. A great send-off could be a mix of practical items for their next chapter, a few indulgent treats to enjoy on their own time, or something uplifting to mark a fresh start.

Think: a beautiful notebook for their new role, a calming room spray to unwind after the last Zoom call, or a selection of gourmet snacks they don’t have to share. Eco-friendly travel mugs, self-care treats, and even little desk accessories can go a long way when you’re trying to say “you’ll be missed” in a meaningful way.

If these ideas sound like the kind of thoughtful touches you’re after, check out our Exult Gift . It bundles all of that and more – artisan snacks, luxury wellness items, a sustainable travel cup, calming shower steamers, and even a positivity desk pad – all designed to make a lasting impression.

Prefer to focus just on the food? Our Gourmet Gift is perfect for the colleague who’s always first in line when snacks arrive. Or if you’re after something that gives back and feels planet-friendly, the Sustainable Gift includes eco-conscious items and supports mental health charity Mind with every order.

What’s a good farewell gift for someone starting a new job?

Not every farewell is a goodbye forever – sometimes, it’s the beginning of something new. When a colleague or team member is heading off to start a new role, the best gifts are the ones that say “good luck, you’ve got this.” Think fresh starts, calm energy, and a little something to brighten up their new workspace.

A desk-friendly plant is a brilliant option; low-maintenance, visually calming, and symbolic of growth (literally). Our Aura Gift is a gorgeous peace lily that not only purifies the air but also makes a lovely, living addition to any office or home. It’s perfect for new beginnings and just fussy enough to give it personality, it’ll even give a gentle nudge when it needs water.

Want something a little bolder? The Aspire Gift features a Pachira Aquatica, aka the money tree. With the right care, it can grow up to two metres tall, making it a statement plant and a brilliant metaphor for someone about to thrive in a new role.

If you love the idea of giving a gift that’s rooted (pun intended) in growth, confidence and fresh energy, Aura and Aspire are ideal choices – and they’re both delivered straight to their door in sustainable packaging, with a personalised message and a meal donation included.

Aura gift from WellBox

What makes a good remote employee farewell gift?

Saying goodbye is always a little trickier when you’ve never shared the same office kitchen or bumped into each other at the printer. Remote employees might work from home, but they’re just as much a part of the team and a well-chosen gift can help bridge that physical distance and show your appreciation in a meaningful way.

A great farewell gift for colleagues should prioritise connection and care, something that helps remote employees feel seen, celebrated, and part of the bigger picture. Our Breathe Gift does exactly that. It’s packed with premium wellness items designed to encourage a moment of pause: think soothing chamomile tea, handmade soap, a meditation card deck, and Himalayan bath salts to help them properly unwind after that final Zoom call.

The candle adds a little calm to their space, and the dark mint chocolate? Well, that’s just good manners. It’s all beautifully presented in a sustainable keepsake box, delivered straight to their door, and includes a donation to mental health charity Mind, because supporting wellbeing should go beyond the workplace.

For remote leavers who’ve contributed from afar, Breathe is the perfect way to say “thank you for everything – take a moment for you.”

two female coworkers hug and exchange farewell gifts

Should I get my boss or co-workers a gift when I’m the one leaving?

So, you’re the one heading out and now you’re wondering: Should I bring a gift for the people I’m leaving behind? The short answer? You definitely don’t have to, but it can be a really thoughtful gesture – especially if you’ve built strong relationships or just want to leave on a high note.

Small farewell gifts from a departing team member don’t need to be extravagant. A shared food or drink gift box is a great choice – something the team can enjoy together (and maybe remember you fondly for, long after you’ve logged off for the last time). Even a simple personalised card or a thank-you note can go a long way in showing appreciation.

A woman takes a deep breath and relaxes at her desk

Leaving a job might be the end of one chapter, but a small gesture can help you finish it with a smile (and maybe a few LinkedIn endorsements too).

The thoughtful goodbye they’ll actually remember

Saying farewell doesn’t have to mean scrambling for last-minute ideas or settling for something forgettable. Whether you’re marking the end of an era, wishing someone well in their next adventure, or simply showing appreciation from afar, the right farewell gifts for colleagues can say so much more than words ever could.

At WellBox, we’re here to make those moments easier – and more meaningful. From wellness boxes that help them unwind, to gourmet hampers they’ll genuinely enjoy, to sustainable gifts that give back, we’ve curated a range designed to suit every kind of goodbye (and every kind of budget).

So if you’ve got a colleague, client, boss, or even a whole team, on the move, don’t panic. We’ve got just the thing to help you leave a lasting impression, delivered straight to their door with a personal touch.

Download our employee appreciation brochure for more inspiration.