A farewell gift is the team's last word to someone who's moving on. It should be useful in what they do next, feel like it came from people who know them, and come with a card they'll keep.
Quick answer: pool money with the team for one good gift tied to their next chapter: a work bag for a new job, carry-on luggage for a move or a big trip, or something for a hobby they'll finally have time for. Add a card where everyone writes one specific memory. That card is what they'll keep.
Farewell gift ideas by where they're going
Start the next role well
A quality work bag they'll carry on day one. The Envoy Business Pack or the Voya Executive Tote both work for a new office, and a tech organizer is a good add-on.
Something for the journey
Carry-on luggage like the Flyte, a travel kit, or a framed photo of the team or the city they're leaving.
Time to travel
Luggage or a travel backpack for the trips they've been putting off, plus a book of messages from colleagues past and present. Our travel gift ideas have more.
Practical and kind
A tote that holds everything, a meal delivery gift card, or a cozy at-home treat. Keep it practical.
Farewell gifts that work for most people
A work bag for the next chapter
The most useful single gift for someone starting somewhere new. They'll use it every day and think of the old team when they do.
Carry-on luggage for a move or a big trip
A strong group gift for someone relocating, travelling between jobs, or retiring.
A tote that goes from office to airport
Polished enough for a new workplace, practical enough for travel. Works well for any role.
A smaller gift from one person
If you're giving individually, a tech organizer is thoughtful without being too much.
How much to spend
From one colleague, $20–$50 is plenty, or just a heartfelt card. For a team gift, many teams contribute $10–$20 each. With eight to fifteen people, that covers a bag or carry-on that feels substantial. Keep contributions optional and private.
The card matters more than the gift
Pass a card around early, or set up a shared online card if the team is remote. Ask people to skip “good luck!” and write one specific thing: a project they did together, something the person taught them, a funny moment. If they're leaving after many years, a printed book of these messages and photos makes a great keepsake.
Organising tips: start collecting a week or two before their last day, choose the gift with one or two people who know them best, and give it at a send-off lunch or the last team meeting so people can say a few words.
When the company is giving
For long-serving employees, a company farewell or retirement gift can be engraved with their name and years of service. In Canada, a non-cash award recognising 5+ years of service can be tax-free up to $500 under the CRA's long-service award rule. See our guide to work anniversary and long-service gifts, and our gifts for coworkers for smaller occasions.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a good farewell gift for a colleague?
- A team gift tied to their next chapter, like a work bag for a new job or carry-on luggage for a move or retirement, plus a card where everyone writes a specific memory.
- How much should you spend on a farewell gift for a coworker?
- About $20–$50 from one person, or $10–$20 per person for a team gift.
- What do you write in a farewell card for a colleague?
- One specific memory or thing they did for you, and a good wish for what's next. Specific lines mean more than generic good-luck messages.
- Is a farewell gift necessary?
- No, but it's a kind gesture, especially for someone who's been with the team a long time. A sincere card and a send-off lunch are often enough.
Saying goodbye
A gift for their next chapter.
Work bags, totes and carry-ons designed in Toronto.
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