Is a colleague or staffer moving on to a new place of
employment? Maybe he or she is relocating across the country. What memorable
gifts might you dream up to mark this person’s departure?
Here are 10 nifty
gift ideas to say goodbye to a coworker with style and thoughtfulness.
Not everyone is likely to come up with a gold watch when a
staffer says farewell. Besides, creative gifts may sometimes be more memorable than
the time-tried classics.
Frame-worthy –
Buy a few basic photo frames. Decorate them, if desired. Fill them with
photographs of the soon-to-be former coworker and fellow employees at memorable
moments. Think: company picnics, holiday parties, and special outings.
Gift Card – This is
a universal favorite, particularly if several people chip in to ring up a tidy
sum at a store or restaurant the recipient enjoys.
Next-Stop Theme Gifts
– Where is the coworker going? How about picking a present that suits the
next chapter in his or her professional life? What are the sports teams in that
city? What attractions draw visitors to that locale? Georgia peaches, Vermont
maple syrup, Virginia hams, Wisconsin cheeses, and similar offerings reveal
that the givers were cluing in.
Noteworthy Gift –
Purchase elegant or whimsical writing papers, envelopes, and pens. Nope, this
is not the time to load a colleague up with the company’s own logo-imprinted
goods. Include an address book, listing close coworkers by name, address, email,
and phone. Tuck in a sheet of postage stamps for good measure.
Pail o’ Plenty –
Grab a basket, a bucket, or a pretty gift bag. Fill it with a bounty of items
that reflect the recipient. Does she enjoy gardening? Is he a crafter? Does she
love gourmet chocolates or coffees? Does he enjoy playing golf? Pick a
selection of neat little presents to fit the departing colleague’s interests.
Personal Workstation Set
– A handy desk set, personalized lunchbox, spiffy new scrub top, sturdy
tool belt, or other useful on-the-job item makes a welcome gift as well.
Scrappy Storybook –
Does someone in the department enjoy scrapbooking? Gather some special
photographs from the leaving coworker’s tenure, and assemble them in a keepsake
album.
Shoot ‘em on the Spot
– Procure several disposable cameras, or have a few digital ones on-hand.
At the going-away luncheon or party, tag several people to take pictures. Develop
or download the photos, and send them to the one who is leaving. For
simplicity, load the photos onto a CD or thumb drive, and give it to the guest
of honor.
Travel Comforts
Collection – Is the colleague embarking on a long journey to his or her new
place of employment? Why not fill up a festive box, tin, or gift bag with
road-trip snacks and treats for the road trip?
Words to Bless –
Sometimes a card or a thoughtful journal is enough, especially when it contains
personal handwritten notes of kindness from the whole gang.
The secret to the best gifts is to make the present (and the
presentation) fit the person and the occasion.
Image/s:
Adapted from vintage clip-art/public
domain
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