The last working day is approaching, the farewell email is out, and the team asks: “What should we give?”
Good news: A thoughtful, funny, and budget-friendly farewell gift is easier than you think.
In many offices, a budget of €10 to €25 has become standard – the gesture matters, not the amount. Below you’ll find ideas that are quick to organize and will also find a place in your colleague’s new job.
In short: Go small but personal – a mini experience, something useful for the new desk, or a subtle conversation starter.
13 Gift Ideas (with meaning, without cringe)
- A nice notebook: A solid A5 notebook (dotted or blank grid) is timeless, looks premium, and will be useful in the new job. A short team message on the first page = bonus point.
- Screen cleaner & microfiber cloth: Clean screen, clear head. Functional, unisex, ready to use – that’s all a farewell gift needs to be.
- Mini plant (low-maintenance): Succulent or lucky clover in a small pot. Tip: write a watering note on the card (“Love once a week”).
- Small desk calendar: A standing calendar for the new office – please without design overkill. Clean and practical beats “funny but useless.”
- Mug without cliché overload: Plain ceramic lasts longer than the 99th meme mug. A subtle shade or small accent color is enough.
- Snack box “First team meeting”: Sweet & salty mix, with a note: “For your first meeting – you never know.”
- Local café voucher (€5–10): “The first cappuccino in your new neighborhood is on us.” Personal, friendly, instantly usable.
- Mini candle (neutral): Lightly scented or unscented. Ideal for the home office – please no polarizing smells.
- Card game or puzzle book: For commute times or lunch breaks. Small, light, instantly usable.
- Desk timer / timebox: Helps keep meetings short or set focus blocks. Useful without “teacher vibes.”
- Small travel organizer: For cables, pens, AirPods & co. Especially practical for hybrid work.
- Photo frame with team picture: A classic, but it works: one printed photo together. On top: QR code to a shared folder with more pics.
- The conversation starter (subtle cameo): A small desk object with attitude guarantees laughs on the last day – and conversation in the new office. Example: an angry lucky cat (about 15 cm, battery-powered, waving arm). It picks up the familiar Maneki-neko but with a tongue-in-cheek twist.
(If you’re looking for something like this: our shop has various versions – but don’t worry, we won’t shout “Buy me!” in 200 pt.)
How to hand it over without awkwardness (2-minute ritual)
- Pass around a card: Everyone writes 1 line – inside jokes welcome, but respectful.
- Snack + gift: Add a mini snack box or a coffee voucher.
- 30-second toast: “For your new desk – against meetings without coffee.”
- Photo: One last team pic – often shared years later.
Less is more. A small, characterful gift + an honest card beat four random gadgets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much “should” a farewell gift cost?
There’s no “should.” In many teams, €10–25 is normal. What matters is that it feels appreciative.
Is humor okay at the office?
Yes – as long as it’s impersonal. No private jokes, no body or relationship humor. A neutral laugh with desk suitability works best.
Does last-minute work?
Of course. Just go for readily available items or local vouchers.
