Farewell Gifts

It is always difficult to see a good friend move away or seeing a colleague you have worked with retire; it is even more difficult to decide what you want to get them as a farewell gift. You want to give them something nice that they can use or maybe something that they can remember you by. But the question is what? Maybe at some time in the past you were in a similar situation and you bought a gift that you thought was just right only to find out that either the gift’s recipient couldn’t use or really didn’t want it. That probably makes you a little gun shy about buying any other farewell gifts. Not to worry with the right information your gift will be quite the success.

You may feel added pressure if you were elected among your co-workers to choose the farewell present. But consider it a compliment because they trust you to pick out something good. You are also the one who is going to collect the money and also determine how much each person should contribute. You have to be careful with this one because some folks might not be able or willing to contribute as much money as others. Instead of insisting that everyone gives the same amount, let them give whatever they want to give (there shouldn’t be any drama involved in a farewell gift)

Now on to figuring out what gift you are going to buy. The easy choice would be a gift card and lord knows that are a million places that take gift cards and that’s fine but that is pretty much like giving them cash or a check. It is probably best to leave the gift card idea as a last resort. Try to be a little more creative.

If you have worked with this person then you probably have known quite a bit of about them and their family. Over time they are probably mentioned on numerous occasions what they like to do in their free time. Whether it is gardening, travelling or even just reading you know pretty much what they like to do. So that makes your job a lot easier. If you are going to buy something specific to their hobby definitely check with a family member before you make any purchases. You never know but they might already have at home what you are going to buy them.

So don’t worry about buying farewell gifts or retirement gifts if you have taken a little time to get the right thing the gift recipient will be happy with your choice.