Leaving Gifts: Ideas for Colleagues, Bosses and Friends (UK)

October 7, 2026

A leaving gift is how a team says thank you and good luck in one go. The best ones are chosen for the person, not the job title, and come with a card everyone has signed.

Most leaving gifts are group gifts, so the trick is picking something the whole office can get behind - and collecting early.

Thoughtful leaving gifts

A personalised print or photo book from the team.
A quality notebook and pen for the new job.
A voucher for their favourite shop or restaurant.
A plant for their new desk.

Funny leaving gifts

A 'survival kit' for the new job.
A mug with an office in-joke.
A spoof award certificate.
A framed 'most likely to...' list from the team.

Experience gifts

Afternoon tea for two.
A spa day.
A cinema or theatre voucher.
A tasting experience.

By reason for leaving

New job: a desk gift or notebook.
Retirement: a hobby gift or experience.
Moving abroad: a travel journal or local treats.
Maternity leave: a treat for them, not the baby.

How much to collect

£2 to £5 each is typical for a team.
Close colleagues may give more privately.
Collect at least a week before the last day.
Keep contributions anonymous.

Key things to remember

Start the collection early.
Pick for the person, not the role.
Pass the card round discreetly.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good leaving gift for a colleague?

A personalised team photo book, a voucher for their favourite shop or a quality notebook for the new job.

How much should you put in for a leaving gift?

£2 to £5 each is normal for an office collection.

What do you write in a leaving card?

Thank them for something specific and wish them luck - one or two genuine lines is enough.

What is a good example of leaving gifts?

"A personalised print or photo book from the team." is one of 20 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.

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