Top 40 Thoughtful Goodbye Gifts for Coworkers When Leaving a Job

Saying goodbye to coworkers when leaving a job is never easy, but the right gift can help express your gratitude and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re looking for heartfelt keepsakes, funny team mementos, or practical office accessories, this list of goodbye gifts for coworkers when leaving a job includes thoughtful, personalized, and creative ideas for every relationship and budget.

Personalized Goodbye Gifts for Colleagues When Leaving a Job

• Personalized Farewell Mug by Personal Chic - $19.95

This personalized farewell mug is one of the most appreciated goodbye gifts for coworkers when leaving a job because it's humorous, functional, and deeply personal. Add the coworker’s name, a cartoon avatar, or an inside joke from your team. It's affordable, not too intimate, and easy to pair with a card or small treat.

I chose these mugs from Personal Chic because the customization options felt more relevant to our actual team. The ceramic feels sturdy, and the colors remain vivid after multiple washes (though I hand-wash to be safe). Reviewers on the site consistently mention quick delivery and clear print quality, even on short notice. Ideal for both close friends at work and casual colleagues.

• Custom Acrylic Farewell Plaque by Personal Chic - $21.95

This sleek, freestanding plaque features your team photo, farewell quote, and colleague’s name—perfect for desk display or home decor. The quality of this piece surprised me. The edges are polished and smooth, and the print clarity is excellent. 

I’ve seen coworkers display these with pride after moving departments. If you're looking for personalized gifts for coworkers when leaving a job that feel meaningful and modern, this is a great option. Just note: larger team photos may require high-resolution images to avoid blurring.

• Custom Team Names Farewell T-shirt by Personal Chic - $24.95

Looking for fun and creative gifts for colleagues when leaving work? This custom t-shirt includes a witty farewell quote and team members’ names, making it ideal for relaxed teams or casual departments.

I gifted this to a coworker who loved puns and casual Fridays. It fit true to size and came in multiple fabric colors. The soft cotton blend is surprisingly breathable. While it’s more of a novelty than a formal gift, the personalization gave it serious sentimental value.

• Personalized Metal Keychain by Personal Chic - $22.95

A small but powerful goodbye token, this keychain can be customized with a short thank-you message, the date of departure, or initials. It’s a great thank you gift for coworker if you want something affordable yet polished.

I liked how solid it feels—no flimsy chain or dull print. The engraving is deep and legible, and it came in a nice velvet pouch. It’s something they can actually use every day, which makes it more than a decorative item. Especially great when you need multiple goodbye gifts for coworkers when leaving a job.

• Custom Metal Office Sign by Personal Chic - $32.95

This sleek, laser-engraved metal sign can include a message like “Best Team Ever – 2025” or “We’ll Miss You, Sarah!” A stylish way to mark an era and leave behind something they’ll treasure.

What sets this apart is its finish—it looks almost brushed steel, with clean-cut corners and professional mounting hardware. I found this ideal for colleagues who take pride in their workspace or who worked in creative/tech roles. Reviews note it’s lightweight yet strong, and makes a great piece for home offices or dorm-style team rooms.

• Personalized Tumbler by Personal Chic - $28.95 (12 oz) / $29.95 (20 oz)

This double-wall insulated tumbler keeps drinks hot or cold for hours and features custom names, quotes, or avatars. It’s one of the most practical and stylish goodbye gifts for coworkers when leaving a job.

I gave this to a colleague who was moving cross-country—it was ideal for her road trip. The colors are vivid, the lid is secure, and it feels like premium quality for the price. Several buyers on the site mentioned it holds up well after months of use, making it a reliable daily companion even post-job.

Funny Goodbye Gifts for Coworkers When Leaving a Job

• “WTF Daily Notes” Notepad by Knock Knock - $7.95

Perfect for the coworker who survived countless chaotic meetings, this sarcastic notepad lets them vent in a hilarious but harmless way. It’s small, inexpensive, and totally appropriate for gifting on your last day at work. I love how this notepad says what we’re all thinking. It’s not overly personal but makes everyone laugh. The tear-off sheets are thick and don’t bleed ink, and reviews on Amazon confirm it’s a popular desk staple for snarky coworkers.

• “Smells Like I'm Outta Here” Candle by Malicious Women Co. - $24.00

This funny candle combines humor with good quality—a soy wax blend in scents like espresso, lavender, or cedar. The label says it all: you're leaving, and you're not looking back. I picked this because it’s both funny and functional. The scent I chose (Whiskey & Oak) filled a room in under five minutes, and the jar has great shelf appeal. It’s ideal as a thank you gift when leaving a job if you want to leave a laugh behind.

Funny Candles as Gag Gifts for Colleagues When Leaving Work

• Mini Desk Punching Bag by TechTools - $19.95

For the colleague who’s handled stress with grace (or passive aggression), this suction-cup desktop punching bag is a cheeky but appreciated gift. It’s perfect for high-stress roles or anyone in middle management.

One of the funniest goodbye gifts for coworkers when leaving a job I’ve seen. I gave it to someone in HR, and it became the most popular desk item by lunch. The spring-back motion is surprisingly smooth, and it holds up to actual punches.

• “Emergency Meeting” Flip Desk Sign by Fred & Friends - $10.00

This double-sided flip sign displays office moods like “In a meeting… with snacks” or “Trying to look busy.” It’s witty, workplace-safe, and guaranteed to get chuckles from your old team. I’ve seen this become a quiet favorite in several open-plan offices. It's sturdy, brightly printed, and one of the best gag gifts that doesn’t collect dust—because people actually use it.

Funny Flip Desk Signs as Gag Gifts for Colleagues When Leaving Work

• Gag Award Certificate – “Queen of Deadlines” (Digital Download from Etsy) - $4.95

This downloadable and customizable certificate is ideal for poking fun at someone’s infamous habits—always late to meetings, the snack hoarder, or the silent Zoom ninja. Print it, frame it, and leave it on their desk.

What I like most is the ability to tailor it to any inside joke. It’s affordable and creative, and reviews mention it’s easy to personalize with Canva or Google Docs. I printed one on premium paper, and it looked professional despite the humor.

Practical Goodbye Gifts When Leaving for Everyday Use

• Hydro Flask 21 oz Standard Mouth Water Bottle with Flex Cap - $32.95

This insulated stainless-steel water bottle is one of the premium yet practical goodbye gifts for coworkers when leaving a job. It keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for up to 12, making it ideal for commutes, workouts, or office hydration. I’ve owned one for over a year and it’s still in perfect condition. The powder coat makes it easy to grip, and it fits most cupholders. Coworkers I’ve gifted it to still use theirs daily, which speaks volumes about long-term value.

• Leuchtturm1917 A5 Hardcover Notebook (Dotted) - $21.95

This high-quality German-made notebook is a favorite among professionals for bullet journaling or meeting notes. It’s perfect for coworkers transitioning to new roles where organization matters. I personally love the feel of the paper and how well it handles all kinds of pens without bleeding. It’s a step up from basic office notebooks, and several reviewers mention using theirs for years of meeting notes.

Leuchtturm1917 A5 Hardcover Notebooks as Thank you Gifts When Leaving a Job

• Twelve South HiRise 3 Wireless Charger and Phone Stand - $99.99

For a sleek, high-end goodbye gift, this 3-in-1 wireless charging station supports iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. It declutters any desk and feels like a meaningful upgrade. Great for hybrid or tech-forward coworkers, especially if you want to splurge for a close teammate. While on the pricier side, this charger has rave reviews for build quality and aesthetic appeal. A colleague of mine called it “life-changing for my messy desk.” If you're collecting a group gift, this is a standout option.

• Starbucks $15 Gift Card with Thank You Note - $15.00

Simple, effective, and loved by nearly everyone—this combo is the go-to thank you gift when leaving a job. Include a thoughtful note that reflects your appreciation, and it becomes far more meaningful than the dollar amount.

I’ve given and received this many times. It’s never disappointing, especially when paired with a personal note. It works for both acquaintances and close teammates, and it’s great for last-minute gifting.

Starbucks $15 Gift Cards as Goodbye Gifts for Coworkers When Leaving a Job

• Yamazaki Home Desk Organizer Tray (White Steel & Wood) - $34.00

This minimalist desk tray holds pens, chargers, sticky notes, and small items. Its clean design fits any modern office aesthetic. It’s functional, neutral, and blends well into different workspaces—ideal for coworkers heading to a new job. I use one myself, and love how it tidies my desk instantly. The steel is durable, the wood adds warmth, and the reviews often mention how it looks more expensive than it is.

DIY Goodbye Gift Ideas for Coworkers When Leaving

• Handwritten “Thank You” Notes or Memory Jar

When you’re looking for heartfelt goodbye gifts for coworkers when leaving a job, a handwritten note or a memory jar filled with personal messages is unmatched. You can write one thoughtful letter or invite others to contribute short notes and drop them in a jar. It’s meaningful, personal, and totally custom.

This gift suits close-knit teams or colleagues you’ve shared a journey with. It’s inexpensive but emotionally rich. I once created a “30 things we’ll miss” jar for a retiring coworker, and she told me it was the only gift that made her cry—in a good way! It’s a simple but lasting keepsake, and most recipients keep them on their desks or shelves for years.

• DIY Snack Box or Treat Bags

Fill a small box or gift bag with the recipient’s favorite snacks—chips, granola bars, mini candy bars, or even instant coffee sachets. Add a custom tag like “For your next break” or “Fuel for your new job.” Snacks are universally loved and useful during stressful transitions. It's great for coworkers you’ve bonded with over lunch breaks.

I’ve made a few of these with Dollar Tree items and cute kraft boxes. They’re always a hit—especially when you sneak in inside jokes or shared treats. Bonus points if you include a handwritten label or mini note inside.

DIY Snack Boxes as DIY Thank You Gifts When Leaving a Job

• Homemade Candles or Sugar Scrubs

A small soy wax candle in a tin or a jar of exfoliating sugar scrub (made with sugar, coconut oil, and essential oils) makes a luxe goodbye gift on a budget. Add a label like “Relax—you’ve earned it!” These gifts are perfect for self-care and feel thoughtful without being too intimate.

I made lavender sugar scrubs last year for coworkers using mason jars and ribbon, and they looked boutique-quality. Some coworkers even asked for the recipe! With the rise of self-care gifting, these DIYs feel current and appreciated.

• Team Memory Book or Scrapbook

Compile printed photos, team jokes, work event highlights, and farewell messages into a scrapbook or photo album. Use washi tape, stickers, or printable templates to make it visually appealing. It’s one of the most touching goodbye gifts for coworkers when leaving a job—especially when given from a team or group.

I collaborated on one for a colleague who was moving overseas, and we included selfies, Slack screenshots, and silly doodles. She messaged months later saying she still flips through it when she’s homesick. A high-effort, high-reward gesture.

Team Memory Books as DIY Goodbye Gifts for Coworkers

• Personalized Mixtape USB

Create a playlist of songs that remind you of your coworker or your time working together. Load it onto a USB drive, decorate the case with paint or washi tape, and include a short note explaining the songs.

I gave this once to a teammate who always shared her playlists in the office. I included songs we used to listen to during crunch time and funny audio clips from meetings. She called it the “coolest goodbye present” she’d ever received.

Choosing the right goodbye gifts for coworkers when leaving a job shows your appreciation for their support and friendship. Whether it's something humorous, heartfelt, or useful, the gesture will be remembered long after your last day. A well-chosen gift speaks volumes—and helps close the chapter with warmth and gratitude. Happy gifting!