A good work gift is kind, easy to receive and never awkward. It should not be too personal, not too expensive, and not something that puts the other person on the spot. That leaves plenty of room for useful, friendly gifts that say thank you or good luck.
Below are ideas for leaving presents, thank-yous, a boss, the team and remote colleagues. If you are collecting from a group, set a figure early, keep it voluntary and make it easy for people to give a little.
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Our three favourites
Leaving gifts
To mark a goodbye that should be remembered.
For a well-liked leaverA group photo book
A small book with messages and photos from the team is a warm keepsake. Ask for contributions a couple of weeks early and keep the book a surprise.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For a colleague with a sense of humourA framed team caricature or illustration
A light-hearted illustration of the team is something they can hang in a new office. Send clear photos and choose a lighthearted style.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
For a send-off with something to shareA leaving gift hamper
A hamper with tea, biscuits and a few small treats gives them something to enjoy at home. Check for dietary needs and best-before dates.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
Thank-you gifts
For a colleague who helped when you needed it.
For a quiet thank-youA desk succulent in a pot
A small, hardy plant brightens a desk and needs little care. Check that the office allows plants and that the pot is stable.
Expect to pay Under £10 in most UK shops.
A box of artisan biscuits
A tin of good biscuits is easy to share with the team. Check for allergens and keep the box sealed.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the coffee run regularA coffee shop gift card
A card for a chain or local café lets them choose their own drink. Check the shop is near the office and the card has no near expiry date.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the boss
Appreciation, not currying favour.
For meetings and big ideasA premium notebook and pen set
A neat notebook and a good pen are safe and professional. Choose a plain colour and avoid logos, and check the paper size.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
For saying it togetherA team card with handwritten notes
A card signed by everyone with a short note about how they helped the team is often what a boss keeps. Circulate it a few days early and keep it simple.
Expect to pay Under £10 in most UK shops.
For the team
Something to share in the office.
For lunchtime funA board game for the break room
A quick card or party game adds some fun to the lunch hour. Check the player count and that the game is suitable for a mixed group.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the kitchen cornerA cafetière and coffee set
A decent cafetière with a pack of ground coffee lifts the office kitchen. Check the size so it serves the whole team.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For remote colleagues
A gift that arrives by post.
For a colleague working from homeA letterbox treat box
A flat box with tea, biscuits and a card is easy to post and brightens a home office. Ask for a delivery address discreetly, or check with HR.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
A desktop plant kit
A small kit with seeds and a pot gives a home desk a bit of life. Check the sow-by date.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
Good to know
Company policy
Some employers have rules about gifts, especially for clients or senior staff. Check your policy if in doubt.
Alcohol and dietary needs
Not everyone drinks alcohol or eats the same foods, so choose a gift that a wide range of people can enjoy.
FAQ: questions people ask
What is a good leaving gift for a colleague?
A card signed by the team plus a small gift such as a photo book, hamper or gift card is a classic choice. Choose something they can enjoy at home and take with them.
How much should I spend on a colleague’s gift?
Keep it modest and in line with office norms. For group gifts, a small contribution from each person is usually enough, and a thoughtful card matters more than the cost.
What can I give my boss?
A team card with notes and perhaps a small shared gift is often better than a personal present. Choose something professional such as a notebook or a hamper.
What gifts are safe for colleagues I do not know well?
Consumables such as biscuits, tea or a plant are low risk. Avoid clothing, perfume or anything too personal.
How do I organise a group collection?
Pick one person to lead, set a deadline and tell everyone a suggested amount. Keep it private and voluntary, and buy the gift and card before the leaving day.
