They say coworkers are just the people you see every day—but if you’ve ever worked in a halfway decent office, you know that’s not true. Maybe it’s the colleague who always knew how to make Monday bearable. Or the one who kept snacks in their drawer and gossip in their heart. Or the team lead who mentored you through your first big pitch. Now they’re moving on—to a new job, a new city, or just the next chapter—and you’re left figuring out the impossible: what do you get someone who meant more than you realized… until now?
Going away gifts for coworkers can be tricky. You want something that’s thoughtful, but not over the top. Useful, but not boring. Maybe even a little funny—because let’s face it, half your relationship was built on inside jokes in the break room. Whether you’re saying goodbye to your work BFF, your favorite office neighbor, or someone you barely knew but really liked during company happy hour, here are 15 gift ideas that strike the right balance.
Funny, cute, or just small enough to slide into a goodbye card—these are gifts that say, “You mattered here.”
Funny Going Away Gifts for Coworker
1. “Good Luck Finding Better Coworkers” Mug
Classic, petty, and hilarious—this mug says what everyone else is thinking. It’s the perfect parting gift for the coworker who brought sarcasm and sass to every meeting. Whether they use it for coffee, pens, or as a desk plant pot, the message will get a smirk every time. Affordable, practical, and perfectly passive-aggressive in the best way.
2. Office Award Trophy (for Surviving You)
If your departing coworker put up with your constant “just one more quick question” or your meme spam in the group chat, this one’s for them. A mini award—Best Coworker, Survived Our Team, or simply “You Tried”—is a silly but heartfelt nod to your shared office struggles. Bonus points if you present it in an overly dramatic ceremony.
3. Sarcastic Notebook or Journal
A notebook labeled “Meeting Notes (aka doodles and regrets)” or “Plans for World Domination” hits that perfect intersection of funny and functional. It’s great for the coworker who always had a sharp sense of humor, especially during Zoom calls. Whether they use it in their new job or just keep it as a keepsake, it’ll definitely get a laugh.
4. Decision Coin for Their New Job
Heads: quit. Tails: quit dramatically. A novelty decision coin is the ideal desk accessory for your most indecisive coworker. It’s part joke, part stress-reliever, and 100% relatable when they’re trying to survive another meeting in their new role. Funny, oddly useful, and just the right size to toss into a goodbye card.
5. “It’s Not Goodbye, It’s Just a Staff Meeting” Sign
This one’s for the coworker who always cracked jokes even when everything was on fire. A tiny wooden sign or desk plaque with a hilarious message brings their humor into the next chapter. It’s the perfect reminder that while you may no longer share a workspace, your inside jokes live on forever.
Cute Going Away Gifts for Coworker
6. Personalized Candle with Their Name or Quote
There’s something deeply comforting about a candle, especially one that feels tailor-made. A personalized candle with a sweet or funny message like “Smells Like New Beginnings” or “You’re Kind of a Big Deal” turns a simple gift into a keepsake. Add a custom label or their name, and it becomes something they’ll light during their first night at the new gig—or just when they miss your chaos.
7. Mini Succulent in a Sweet Pot
Small enough for any desk and impossible to kill (almost), a little succulent in a pot with a heartfelt or punny message—“You’re Aloe-verachiever!”—makes for an adorable parting gift. It’s a bit of life, a bit of humor, and a whole lot of charm in one tiny package. Great for coworkers who loved their desk décor and deserve to take something green and lovely with them.
8. Custom Keychain with Coordinates or Dates
For a coworker who meant more than you ever got around to saying, a keychain engraved with something meaningful—the coordinates of your office, their start date, or an inside joke—can be surprisingly emotional. It’s portable, practical, and hits just the right note between sentimental and understated.
9. Farewell Memory Jar
It’s not just a jar—it’s a time capsule of good times, shared snacks, awkward meetings, and office birthdays gone wrong. Fill it with handwritten notes from the team, sweet quotes, or even office jokes only they’d get. It’s thoughtful, personal, and exactly the kind of gift they’ll re-read when the new place feels unfamiliar.
10. “Miss You Already” Travel Mug
If they were your go-to coffee buddy or the person who always knew when it was time for a caffeine run, this is the goodbye gift that hits home. A cute, spill-proof travel mug with a message like “Miss You Already” or “Fueled by Friendship” gives them a daily reminder of the fun you shared—and the hot drinks you powered through together.
Small Going Away Gifts for Coworkers
11. Goodbye Card with a Twist
A farewell card doesn’t have to be basic. Look for one with personality—maybe it pops open, includes a heartfelt quote, or comes with space for everyone on the team to write a message (and a few inside jokes). It’s an easy way to show appreciation without going over budget, and it can be tucked into a frame or drawer for those “I miss my old job” days.
12. Pocket Notebook for Their New Adventures
A compact notebook makes a thoughtful gift for the coworker stepping into a fresh role. Whether they use it to jot down first-week learnings, doodle during meetings, or write down goals, it’s a subtle nudge that says, “You’re going places.” Pick one with a motivational cover or soft faux leather for bonus style points.
13. Tiny Desk Toy or Fidget Cube
Desk toys aren’t just fun—they’re stress relievers in disguise. A mini fidget cube, magnetic sculpture, or quirky paperweight makes for a small but impactful gift that keeps their hands (and mind) busy in their new space. Great for those who always had a fidget spinner or were lowkey playing with a pen during meetings.
14. Personalized Pen Set
Whether or not they write by hand often, a sleek pen with their name engraved adds a little luxury to their day. It’s something they’ll keep on their desk, use during interviews or note-taking, and maybe even lend out reluctantly—because it’s their pen now. Bonus points if it comes in a nice case or alongside a journal.
15. Office Survival Kit (Mini Version)
Create a pint-sized survival kit packed with little essentials like lip balm, hand sanitizer, sticky notes, mints, and maybe even some chocolate. Wrap it up in a cute pouch and label it something like “New Job Emergency Kit.” It’s practical, funny, and just quirky enough to get a big grin when they open it.