Gift Rabbit is supported by our readers. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Gift Rabbit is supported by our readers. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

40 Going Away Gifts for Coworkers, Friends & Family

Updated
Send them off with a gift that fits the goodbye, not just the occasion.

Goodbyes are hard, but the gift does not have to be. A good going away gift lands somewhere between thoughtful and funny, and it should suit the person actually walking out the door, whether that is a bestie moving cross-country, a boss heading into retirement, or a coworker finally escaping a job that drained them.

We pulled together 40 going away gifts across every budget and personality, from sentimental keepsakes to gags that will get a laugh at the farewell lunch. Sentimental, practical, or a little bit petty, there is something here to send them off right.


40 Best Going Away Gift Ideas

Sending someone off on a new adventure requires the right token of appreciation. We rounded up the best options for colleagues, friends, and family members ready to turn the page.

Price
Sort by
Tags
No results found. Clear the Filters?

Sarcastic Lavender Candle for Coworkers

  • A Pick For The Passive Aggressive

  • $$$$$
  • Homegoods

Lavender calms the nerves, which is handy when someone is knee deep in packing tape. The real draw here is the label, a cheeky jab that reminds your coworker the office will not be the same without them.

It burns for about 50 hours on a soy wax base, so the joke keeps giving long after the farewell lunch. Pick it for the work bestie who runs on sarcasm and good scents.


Going Away Necklace Gift for Coworker

  • See You Later, Traitor

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories

Struggling to find something for a female coworker who is moving on? This necklace balances humor with genuine sentiment. It is dainty enough for daily wear but comes with a card that jokingly calls them a “traitor” for leaving the team. It is a sweet way to say you will miss them without getting too weepy in the breakroom.


Insulated Farewell Tumbler with Lid

  • Cheers To The Adventure!

  • $$$$$
  • Food & Drinks, Homegoods

A move means a lot of coffee runs and even more stress, so a sturdy insulated tumbler earns its keep. This stainless steel one keeps a drink hot or cold through a long drive or a chaotic first week at a new desk.

The splash proof lid handles moving-truck chaos without soaking the boxes. It suits the coworker heading somewhere new who still needs their caffeine fix on the go.


Motivational Acrylic Desk Sign

  • A Sign It's Time To Go

  • $$$$$
  • Homegoods, Novelty

Sometimes the kindest send-off is a small nudge toward what is next. This clear acrylic desk sign carries a motivational line and stands on its own wood base, ready for a new office or a home workspace.

It stays understated enough for any recipient, from an intern moving up to a manager moving on. Every glance at it is a quiet reminder that leaving was the right call.


Funny Farewell Gift Bag Set

  • Wrap It Up In Style

  • $$$$$
  • Novelty, Paper Goods

Wrapping is the part everyone dreads, so this set does it for you. It bundles a farewell-printed gift bag with wrapping paper, a card, a sticker, and an envelope, ready for whatever present you already bought.

The bag runs a roomy medium size, big enough for a mug, a candle, or a small basket. It is a low-cost way to make a rushed gift look like you actually planned ahead.


Natural Stone Encouragement Bracelet

  • Reminders On Their Wrist

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories

Jewelry travels light, which makes a beaded bracelet a smart pick for someone about to live out of suitcases. This one strings together natural stones and arrives with a short note of encouragement.

It slips on for a job interview or a first day in a new city, a small anchor on the wrist when everything else feels unfamiliar. Good for a friend or sister who could use a little steadiness.


Crochet Emotional Support Plush

  • A Squishy Reminder

  • $$$$$
  • Novelty, Comfort

Some goodbyes call for something you can actually squeeze. This little crochet plush carries a we-will-miss-you message and doubles as a desk companion at the new job.

It is soft, silly, and hard to throw away, which is exactly the point. Hand it to the coworker or teacher who made the place feel warmer just by showing up.


Personalized Crystal Farewell Gift for Boss

  • Getting Fancy With The Gifts

  • $$$$$
  • Novelty

When a respected boss retires, a gag gift might not cut it. This crystal plaque is a sophisticated way to honor years of leadership and mentorship. You can personalize it with their name and dates, creating a custom award that looks great on a mantle. It is a high-end gesture perfect for a group gift from the whole staff.


Goodbye Gift For Coworker Leaving - 16 oz Beer Pint Glass

  • We'll Drink To That!

  • $$$$$
  • Novelty, Food & Drinks, Homegoods

Cheers to them for quitting a job that was draining their soul! If you want to keep it casual, this funny pint glass is the way to go. It tells your colleague you are happy for them (but sad for yourself). Pair it with a six-pack of their favorite IPA to secure your spot as their favorite former coworker.


Never Forget The Difference You've Made Keychain

  • Perfect For The Philanthropic

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories, Novelty

Some people leave a massive footprint on your heart and community. This keychain is a touching, low-cost gift for teachers, nurses, or social workers. It serves as a daily reminder that their hard work mattered. It is small, durable, and packs a heavy emotional punch.


Going Away Gift -Ceramic Ring Trinket Dish

  • Going Away Has A Nice Ring To It

  • $$$$$
  • Homegoods

You are excited for them, but you are also going to miss them like crazy. This ceramic trinket dish captures that whirlwind of emotions perfectly. It is a sweet spot for them to drop their keys or jewelry at the end of the day. Plus, it is affordable enough to pair with a nice card or some chocolate.


Funny Coworker Leaving Mug - It's Gonna Suck Without You

  • Read Between The Lines

  • $$$$$
  • Homegoods, Food & Drinks

Sometimes you just need to be blunt. This mug tells your former coworker exactly how the office feels about their departure. The bold text is sure to get a laugh at the farewell party, and it will serve as a conversation starter when they use it at their new job.


You'll Always Be A Part of Us We Will Miss You Keychain

  • Saying The Right Thing Is Key

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories, Novelty

Whether they are retiring or defecting to a competitor, this keychain is a classic way to say goodbye. It is a sturdy stainless steel accessory that holds up to daily wear. The sentiment is universal, making it a safe but thoughtful bet for almost any colleague or acquaintance moving away.


Funny Sinking Ship Farewell Card

  • For The Ones Who Jump Ship

  • $$$$$
  • Novelty, Paper Goods

For an office that jokes its way through everything, a straight-faced card misses the mark. This one leans into the bit with a sinking-ship gag about the colleague smart enough to jump first.

It reads fast, lands a laugh at the farewell party, and still leaves room inside for a genuine note. Best for the work friend who would rather be roasted than mourned over.


Purple Butterfly Keepsake Plaque

  • A Keepsake For Their Desk

  • $$$$$
  • Homegoods

A butterfly is an easy shorthand for change, and this purple acrylic plaque puts it on their desk without a word of explanation. It carries a next-chapter message and doubles as a paperweight.

It sits nicely on a shelf or beside a monitor, a small keepsake that outlasts the flowers and the cake. Reach for it when you want something sentimental that still looks grown up.


Amazonite Message Bracelet for Her

  • Share The Love With Your BFF

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories

If you want a keepsake that says more than a card can, a stone bracelet does quiet work. This adjustable amazonite piece is meant to signal calm and strength, and every bead is a little different.

It comes with a short message for a friend stepping into something new. Give it to the bestie you are going to miss on the group chat at 2 a.m.


New Beginnings Gift Box Set (7 Pieces)

  • Gift Basket Bargains

  • $$$$$
  • Homegoods, Accessories, Novelty

When you have no idea what to buy, a ready-made box covers your bases. This new-beginnings set pulls together seven pieces, a coffee mug included, so it feels curated without the shopping trip.

It looks generous straight out of the packaging, which makes it a solid group gift or a last-minute save. Aim it at the coworker you want to keep as a real-life friend after the last day.


Funny Coworker Going Away Party Decorations- Balloons

  • Sarcastic Party Decor

  • $$$$$
  • Novelty

If your office vibe is more The Office than a Hallmark movie, these balloons are mandatory. Channeling the energy of Dwight Schrute, these sarcastic decorations state the facts: “You are leaving.” They are perfect for injecting some humor into a sad occasion and look great in party photos.


Next Chapter Compass Bookmark

  • Perfect For Bookworms

  • $$$$$
  • Novelty

For the reader on your list, a bookmark hits the new-chapter theme without trying too hard. This metal compass bookmark carries an encouraging line about opening the next page of the story.

It is flat, light, and slides into a card envelope if you are mailing it across the country. A fitting token for the teacher, graduate, or friend who always has a book going.


New Beginnings Crystal Keychain

  • For A Fresh Start

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories, Novelty

A small charm is an easy way to mark a big change. This handmade keychain pairs healing stones with a new-beginnings message, so it reads as a wish for luck rather than a throwaway trinket.

It clips onto keys or a bag and travels everywhere they do. Good for the mentor, manager, or friend stepping into something unknown.


Jumbo Farewell Card With Envelope 8.5 x 11 inch

  • Say Just What You Mean

  • $$$$$
  • Paper Goods

Standard cards are a nightmare for group signatures. You end up writing in the margins or over the barcode. This jumbo 8.5 x 11 card solves the space issue entirely. It is big enough for the whole department to write meaningful messages (or draw silly doodles) without cramping their hands.


The Piece That Made the Difference Desk Decor

  • A Sweet Reminder

  • $$$$$
  • Homegoods, Novelty

Some coworkers hold the whole place together, and this freestanding desk piece says so. Shaped like a puzzle with a you-are-the-piece-that-made-the-difference message, it stands on its own with no frame needed.

It is understated enough for any workspace and specific enough to feel personal. Choose it for the person whose absence everyone is already dreading.


Lavender Farewell Scented Candle

  • A Comforting Glow

  • $$$$$
  • Homegoods, Novelty

A candle is the safe bet that almost always lands, and this lavender one keeps things calm and a little sentimental. It burns on a soy base with a lead-free wick, so it is clean enough for a new apartment.

The farewell wording makes it feel chosen rather than grabbed off a shelf. Pass it to the nurse, teacher, or friend who could use a quiet evening once the boxes are unpacked.


Badass Affirmations: The Wit and Wisdom of Wild Women

  • Go Boldly Towards Their Dreams

  • $$$$$
  • Paper Goods

Moving requires courage. Give them a boost with this collection of affirmations and stories from incredible women. It is not just a book; it is a tool for those days when they feel overwhelmed by their new surroundings. It makes a great coffee table book or bedside companion for a fresh start.


Insulated 20 oz Travel Tumbler

  • For The Road Ahead

  • $$$$$
  • Food & Drinks, Homegoods

Long drives and new commutes call for a travel cup that holds its temperature. This double-wall 20 ounce tumbler keeps coffee hot or water cold and carries a good-luck message for the road.

It is the kind of practical gift that actually gets used every day instead of shelved. Fitting for the coworker driving toward a new job in a new town.


Retirement Wind Chimes (32 Inch)

  • A Melodic Send-Off

  • $$$$$
  • Homegoods

For someone trading the office for a slower pace, wind chimes are a gentle way to mark it. This 32 inch set is tuned by hand, so it actually sounds pleasant hanging on a porch or patio.

It suits a retiree or anyone moving toward quiet mornings and fewer meetings. Every breeze becomes a small reminder that the team was glad to send them off well.


Forget-Me-Not Crochet Flower

  • A Blooming New Chapter

  • $$$$$
  • Novelty, Homegoods, Comfort

Fresh flowers wilt in a week, so this crochet forget-me-not is the version that sticks around. It comes potted and carries a proud-of-you message for the person moving on to something bigger.

It brightens a new desk without needing water or sun. A sweet, low-key pick for a coworker or teacher you do not want to lose touch with.


A Year of Connection

  • Feel Connected Across Distance

  • $$$$$
  • Comfort

Long-distance relationships suck. This set tries to make it bearable by encouraging slow, meaningful communication. It includes 52 cards and a journal, encouraging you to write weekly. In an era of instant texts, a handwritten note feels like a luxury and helps deepen the bond despite the miles.


Nut and Dried Fruit Gift Basket

  • Saying Goodbye Is Nuts

  • $$$$$
  • Food & Drinks

Leaving a steady job to follow a dream? That’s nuts. And so is this basket. If your friend is too healthy for cookies but loves food, this dried fruit and nut tray is the answer. It is a practical, consumable gift that won’t clutter up their house before a big move.


You're My Favorite Bitch- Funny Scented Candle

  • Talking Shit Never Smelled So Sweet

  • $$$$$
  • Homegoods, Novelty

Who will you roll your eyes with during meetings now? This candle is for the work bestie who knows all the office gossip. It is a hilarious way to acknowledge that the workplace will be significantly more boring (and annoying) without them.


Long Distance Friendship Frame

  • Friendship Knows No Distance

  • Homegoods, Comfort

When you touch one frame, the other one lights up. It is that simple and that magical. These synchronized lamps are a splurge, but they are incredible for close friends or family members living far apart. It is a non-verbal way to say “I’m thinking of you right now” without picking up the phone.


Top Rated Beer Gift Basket

  • Brews For Beer Lovers

  • $$$$$
  • Food & Drinks

Help them stock their new fridge with the good stuff. This basket is a dream for craft beer lovers, featuring top-rated brews from around the country. It is a fantastic party contribution or a housewarming gift for when they finally land in their new city.


Under The Same Moon Pendant

  • Sentimental Jewelry

  • $$$$$
  • Accessories

This necklace is a beautiful reminder that you are both looking up at the same sky. The two-tone gold and silver design represents the sun and moon, symbolizing connection across time zones. It is a deeply sentimental piece perfect for a daughter or partner moving far away.


Hug This Pillow - Going Away Gift

  • A Soft Substitute

  • $$$$$
  • Homegoods, Comfort

For the super sentimental, this pillow case is a tear-jerker. It acts as a stand-in hug when you can’t be there in person. This is particularly popular for military spouses or parents sending kids off to college who need something tangible to squeeze when homesickness hits.


Long Distance Map Gift

  • Customizable Artwork For Friends

  • Homegoods

Turn your geography into art. This customizable print connects two locations with a heart, visualizing your long-distance bond. You can choose the colors and frames to match their decor. It is a classy, thoughtful addition to any gallery wall in their new home.


Success and Inspiration Jar

  • Good Vibes For Whatever's Next!

  • $$$$$
  • Novelty

Big changes are scary. This jar is full of quotes and notes designed to combat anxiety and boost confidence. It is like a daily pep talk they can reach for whenever they doubt themselves. It is a supportive gift for entrepreneurs, students, or anyone taking a massive leap of faith.


Benchmark Bouquets Flowering Fields, With Vase

  • A Cheerful Farewell

  • $$$$$
  • Homegoods

You can never go wrong with fresh flowers. A bright bouquet marks the occasion as a celebration rather than a funeral. Since flowers are temporary, they are perfect for someone moving soon, they can enjoy the beauty now without having to pack a vase later.


Friends Are Like Stars Trinket Dish

  • For Your Ride or Die Bestie

  • $$$$$
  • Novelty, Homegoods

A ring dish is one of those gifts that quietly earns its spot on the nightstand. This glazed ceramic one reads good friends are like stars, you know they are always there, which lands hard for a long-distance bestie.

It gives them somewhere to drop keys, rings, and earrings at the end of a long unpacking day. Good for the friend you are trading daily coffee runs for weekly phone calls with.


New Chapter Drawstring Wine Bag

  • Wine About The Change

  • $$$$$
  • Food & Drinks, Novelty

Instead of handing over a heavy bottle to pack, dress it up on the way out the door. This burlap drawstring wine bag reads pairs well with a new chapter, so a store-bought bottle instantly feels intentional.

It is reusable, foldable, and funny enough to get a laugh at the send-off. Slip their favorite bottle inside and let the bag carry the sentiment for you.


Next Chapter Crystal Keychain for Her

  • For Her Next Chapter

  • $$$$$
  • Novelty, Homegoods, Accessories

For a young woman stepping into college or a first big job, a small charm goes a long way. This handmade crystal keychain strings moonstone, labradorite, and green aventurine under a for-your-next-chapter tag.

It clips onto keys or a bag, a little good-luck token she carries everywhere. Fitting for the friend chasing a new city and a new routine all at once.


Going Away Gift FAQs

What Are Parting Gifts?

A parting gift is a present given to someone who is leaving, moving, or retiring. It works as a thank-you for the time you shared and a send-off into whatever comes next, and it can be sentimental, practical, or purely for laughs.

Should You Bring a Gift to a Going Away Party?

Bringing a gift is thoughtful but rarely required. For a coworker, offices usually pool money for one group present, so an individual gift only makes sense if you are close. For a friend or family member, keep it small and consumable or sentimental, since they are mid-move and do not need more to pack.

What Is a Good Going Away Gift for an Employee?

For a departing employee, match the gift to the exit. A promotion suits nice office supplies or a celebratory bottle, while a retirement suits something tied to their hobbies like golf, travel, or gardening. Whatever you choose, a handwritten card signed by the team carries the most weight.

What to Buy a Female Colleague Who Is Leaving?

Aim for thoughtful and professional. Fresh flowers, a quality candle, or a gift card to a restaurant in her new city all work well. If you are close, a piece of jewelry or a mug that nods to an inside joke feels personal without crossing a line.

What Do You Get Someone Going Away to College?

Practical comfort wins for a college send-off. Think a single-serve coffee maker, noise-canceling headphones, extra-long phone chargers, or a small first-aid kit. A care package of their favorite snacks is the easiest way to become their favorite person during finals week.

What Do You Get Someone Moving to a New City?

Focus on the transition. Gift cards for food-delivery services like UberEats or DoorDash are a lifeline during the first week of unpacking. Items that make a new place feel like home also land well, such as a scented candle, a cozy throw, or a framed group photo. Minimalist gifts are best to keep packing bulk down.

What Do You Get Someone Going to the Military?

Stick to essentials, since recruits in basic training face strict limits on what they can keep. A durable black digital watch, a small pre-filled address book, stamps, and a few photos all make the cut. Skip bulky items and food, which usually get tossed on arrival.

How Much Should You Spend on a Going Away Gift?

For a coworker, $10 to $25 is standard for a casual gift, while a close friend or family member might warrant $50 to $100 depending on your budget. If you are chipping into a group office gift, $5 to $20 is a typical and welcome contribution.

Our Gift Selection Criteria

A going away gift has to clear two bars at once: it should be easy to buy and actually mean something to the person leaving. We start there, sorting picks by who they fit, a coworker, a bestie, a retiring boss, and by the moment they mark.

Every item on this list is one you can order today. When something sells out, we drop it and swap in a current alternative so the lineup stays live. We weigh how well each gift travels, how personal it feels, and whether it works as a solo present or a group chip-in, so you can match the gift to the goodbye without second-guessing it.

Headshot of Carly Schwarz

About the Author

Carly Schwarz

Carly Schwarz is a part-time conservation biologist, part-time creator of funky crafts, and full-time goofball writer for Gift Rabbit. She earned a degree in Environmental Biology from Tulane University in New Orleans and has worked on conservation projects worldwide since. Before she entered the world of online writing, Carly was the Research Coordinator of an elephant sanctuary in northern Thailand.