The best farewell gifts are thoughtful rather than expensive. A signed card and a small gift chosen with the person in mind will mean more than something costly and generic. If you know what they enjoy — coffee, gardening, running, a favourite snack — start there.
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How much to spend
There’s no rule. Most farewell gifts are paid for by a group collection, so the total depends on how many people chip in. A few tips keep it fair and stress-free:
- Keep contributions optional and private. Pass around an envelope or share a payment link, and never track who gave what.
- Suggest a small amount, such as $5–$10 each, so everyone can join in. People who are close to the person can always add more.
- Match it to the occasion. Someone retiring after many years usually gets a bigger send-off than a colleague moving on after a short stint.
- Check your workplace’s gifts policy. Some employers, especially government agencies, have rules about gifts and collections.
Start with the card
A card signed by the whole team is the heart of most Australian office farewells. Large farewell cards (paid link) give everyone room to write a proper message. If people work in different places, many teams use an online group card instead.
Start the card about a week before the last day so nobody misses out, and keep it out of sight of the person who’s leaving. Short messages you can adapt are below.
Farewell gift ideas under $30
Small gifts that suit almost anyone:
- Reusable coffee cups (paid link) or Insulated travel mugs (paid link) — useful every day, especially for someone with a new commute.
- Chocolate gift boxes (paid link) — a safe choice if you’re not sure what they like (check for allergies or dietary needs).
- Tea gift sets (paid link) or Coffee gift sets (paid link) — easy to pick if you know their drink.
- Desk plant pots (paid link) — brightens a new desk.
- Gift pen sets (paid link) or Hardcover journals (paid link) — a classic for someone starting a new role.
Ideas from $30 to $60
- Scented candle gift sets (paid link) — a popular gift that doesn’t need to be personal.
- A larger tea, coffee or chocolate set than the small options above.
- A gift card for something they love — a local café, a bookshop, or Amazon.com.au gift cards (paid link) so they can choose.
- Something linked to a hobby you know about, such as gardening gloves, a cookbook or a running accessory.
Group gift ideas (bigger budgets)
When the whole team or department chips in, you can choose one more generous gift:
- Gourmet gift hampers (paid link) — easy, shareable and suits most people.
- Noise-cancelling headphones (paid link) — great for a commuter or someone who travels.
- Portable Bluetooth speakers (paid link) — for the music lover in the team.
- An experience: a dinner voucher, a massage or a class they’ve mentioned wanting to try.
For a retirement or long-serving colleague, a framed team photo or a book of messages from people they’ve worked with can mean more than anything bought.
If your colleague works remotely
- Use an online group card so everyone can sign wherever they are.
- A digital gift card is the simplest option because it arrives by email. Amazon.com.au gift cards (paid link) work this way.
- If you send something physical, ask a manager for a delivery address rather than asking the person directly. That keeps the surprise.
- Plan a short video-call farewell, and read out a few messages from the card.
What to avoid
- Alcohol, unless you know for sure they drink and that it’s okay at your workplace.
- Anything too personal, such as perfume, clothing or jokes about their appearance.
- Jokes about why they’re leaving, or digs at the company. Keep it warm.
- Food without checking for allergies, dietary needs or cultural and religious considerations.
- Pressure to contribute. A farewell should never make anyone feel awkward about money.
What to write in a farewell card
Keep it short, warm and specific. A line about something you enjoyed working on together means more than a generic “good luck”. Some messages you can adapt:
- “It’s been a pleasure working with you. Thanks for all your help, and best of luck in your new role!”
- “The team won’t be the same without you. Thank you for always being so generous with your time.”
- “Congratulations on the new job — they’re lucky to have you. Please keep in touch.”
- “Thanks for making Mondays easier. I’ll miss our chats. All the best for what’s next.”
- “Happy retirement! Thank you for everything you’ve taught me over the years. Enjoy every minute.”
If you’re the one leaving, see our guide on how to write a farewell message to colleagues for your own goodbye email.
Key takeaways
- Thoughtful beats expensive: a signed card and a small, well-chosen gift are enough.
- Keep collections optional and private, and suggest a small amount so everyone can join in.
- Check your workplace's gifts policy, and check for allergies before choosing food.
- For remote colleagues, use an online card and a digital gift card.
- Write something specific and warm in the card, not just "good luck".
Writing your own goodbye?
Create a farewell email or message for your whole team, your manager or clients. Free, no sign-up.
Write a farewell message