A great leaving gift takes the person as well as the occasion into account. For a colleague moving to a new role, choose something sociable or a keepsake to share with the team. For someone retiring, consider comfort, hobbies or an experience they can enjoy at their own pace. If you’re buying as a group, agree on a contribution per person first: pooling your money makes it possible to choose a more memorable present without asking anyone to spend too much.
Celebrate their leaving do with something everyone can enjoy
If the leaving do is a chance to have fun together, a gift that gets people playing or singing can keep the celebrations going after their last day at work. The Goliath poker set, with 300 chips, cards and dice, is a good fit for someone who enjoys hosting game nights. It can also be a thoughtful group gift that creates a shared memory, as long as the recipient likes card games.
For a music lover who enjoys being the life of the party, an adult karaoke machine with two wireless microphones can turn a living room or get-together with friends into an impromptu stage. The microphones encourage other guests to join in, making it a great gift for an outgoing person—but less suitable for someone who prefers low-key celebrations.
Give them time for themselves in retirement
Retirement often makes room for plans that have been put off: travelling, slowing down or enjoying more time at home. The Wonderbox gift box offers one or two nights with breakfast at hotels of up to four stars, with options such as dinner, wellness treatments or wine experiences. Its selection of stays in Spain and across Europe makes it a lovely choice for a couple or someone who enjoys a short break. Just check that the destinations and gift-box terms suit their preferences.
Wonderbox - Coffret Cadeau - 1 ou 2 nuits avec petit-déjeuner et options bien-être dans des hôtels jusqu'à 4 étoiles106.87 €View productFor someone who likes to pamper themselves at home, the HoMedics Deluxe Foot Spa offers a relaxing break for tired feet. Its stimulating bubble strips provide a soothing massage, and it can also be used as a foot bath for pedicures. It’s a personal gift that’s especially well suited to someone who enjoys little moments of relaxation.
An ESTINGO heated blanket can make reading or watching TV more comfortable, especially for someone who feels the cold. Measuring 130 × 180 cm, it has six temperature settings and switches off automatically after ten hours, making it a cosy addition to the home. Choose this kind of gift only if you think the recipient will use a heated appliance.
Useful gifts for enjoying new hobbies
Retirement can also mean more time to read, relax or enjoy a hot drink. This set of five multifunctional reading pillows provides support for reading or watching TV in bed or on the sofa. It’s a practical choice for someone who likes getting comfortable at home, rather than a symbolic keepsake.
For caffeine-free breaks, the Terre d’Oc gift set contains 40 bags of organic fruit infusions, with no caffeine, to enjoy hot or iced. The range of flavours offers plenty of variety and is ideal for someone who likes trying new herbal teas. It’s also easy to add to a group gift—or to give as a small present on its own.
How much should you spend on a leaving gift?
For a colleague you don’t work with closely, a modest contribution or a tasty treat may be enough. In a close-knit team, a collection can help you choose something more personal, such as an experience or hobby equipment. The most important thing is to make contributions optional and transparent: everyone should give what they can, without sharing individual amounts. If you’re unsure, ask someone close to the recipient what they’d genuinely enjoy.
In short, choose a group gift to celebrate the team’s connection, and something linked to hobbies or comfort to mark a retirement. The best gift doesn’t have to be the most expensive one—it’s the one that feels right for the person and that they’ll want to use or experience.
Frequently asked questions
What should I give a colleague who’s retiring?
Choose something that suits their lifestyle: a short break for someone who loves travelling, a comfort-focused gift for someone who enjoys being at home, or a game or karaoke set for someone who likes sociable evenings.
How much should I contribute to a leaving do gift?
There’s no set amount: contribute what suits your budget and how close you are to the colleague. A collection should always be optional and shouldn’t make anyone on the team feel uncomfortable.
What’s a good gift if you don’t know the recipient well?
An easy-to-enjoy gift, such as a box of herbal teas, or a contribution to a group present can help avoid a mismatch. For something more personal, ask a colleague who knows them better for advice.
Should you choose a different gift for someone leaving a job and someone retiring?
Not necessarily, but the occasion can help guide your choice: for someone leaving, consider a gift to share or a nod to the team; for someone retiring, an experience or something connected to their hobbies may be a better fit.