Even happy occasions can bring mixed feelings when we have to say goodbye to those close to us. Though the separation may be only for a short while such as going away to college or an extended vacation, in the words of Shakespeare, “parting is such sweet sorrow”.
So what is the best way to say goodbye? Give a special gift that will help them along their path, whether they are moving out on their own, starting over in a new place, or just beginning a new phase of life. These goodbye gifts will maintain that special bond with whoever you are saying goodbye to, from long distance lovers to your bff.
1. Shadow Box
Special farewell gift ideas for friends
You saved those tickets from that concert you went to last summer, a cocktail napkin from the new years party, and the movie stubs from that goofy flick that made you both laugh so hard you both cried. But now you have to say goodbye to that special friend. Create a shadow box for them filled with a collection of those special memories to take with them.
Are the two of you going to miss going to happy hour together? Give them an online mixology class. Or give them some gourmet chocolates to let them know how sweet you think they are.
2. Decanter with Initial
Goodbye gifts for boss
They helped coach you for the promotion and wrote that award winning letter of recommendation. Now they are moving on. Show your boss how much you appreciate their mentoring with an engraved decanter set.
If your boss is more of a wine drinker, you can give them an elegant wine decanter with an aerator instead.
Maybe they are leaving to retire and plan to travel around the country in their RV. In that case send them off in style with a travel bar, so they can create cocktails in whatever time zone they visit.
3. Friendship Lamp
Goodbye gifts for friends
It happens. Sometimes our besties move far away. No matter what age you are, a pair of friendship lamps will let them know you are thinking of them across the miles. Just touch yours whenever you are thinking of your best friend, and theirs will glow wherever they have relocated to.
A BFF necklace is also great for all ages, whether young girls or graying adults. You each take half to remember you are not complete without the other.
For adults choose BFF custom wine glasses so you can share some wine together even when you are miles apart.
4. Jerky Gift Basket
Going away gifts ideas for guys
Need to get your buddy a goodbye gift but don’t want to get all sentimental? Try a jerky gift basket.
Not a jerky fan? Everyone loves a meat and cheese basket. However, if they are trying to stay away from meats and dairy, try a healthy fruit and nut gift box instead.
5. Lovebox Messenger
Goodbye gifts for long distance relationship
Sometimes it is inevitable, and you have to experience that long distance relationship. To make it less painful, say goodbye with a lovebox messenger. The screen in the box connects with an app so you can surprise them with romantic messages and photos while they are gone.
Ever imagine being stranded on an island and sending a message in a bottle to a loved one far away? Send not just one message in a bottle but a whole bunch of messages. You don’t even have to figure out what to write. These time capsules are already prewritten!
You can even have your loved one feel your touch from far away with couples bracelets. When you touch your bracelet theirs will vibrate.
6. Days of the Week Clock
Goodbye gifts for coworkers retiring
Imagine not having a schedule jam packed with meetings, chauffeuring kids, and a job interfering with your leisure time. While your coworker won’t need to keep track of time, it’s easy to lose track of the days when they retire. Help them out with this funny days of the week clock.
It’s five o’clock somewhere. Now they can enjoy happy hour every day. Help them out with a margarita kit.
More time on their hands means they are free to explore new hobbies. Spark their interest with an online craft class.
7. 3-in-1 Breakfast Station
Goodbye gifts for your roommate
Your roommate is moving out. Unfortunately for them, all the kitchen appliances are yours. Don’t let them starve! Give them a 3 in 1 breakfast station so they can make coffee, eggs, and toast all with one appliance!
Then get them a slow cooker with a character for an easy dinner. They don’t need to be a gourmet to use a slow cooker. Just throw everything in one pot!
However, they will also need a set of kitchen gadgets. Those eggs won’t flip themselves!
8. State Key Holder
Moving out of state goodbye gifts
Ward off homesickness with a bit of their home state by giving them a key holder to display by the front door. Moving is stressful enough without them misplacing their keys in their new home.
For a simple gift get them a state keychain. Give one with their previous state for old times sake or their new state to help them feel at home.
For another unique gift, have a customized city map made of their old locale. This will be a great conversation starter with new guests.
9. Easy College Cookbook
Goodbye gifts for college students
Many colleges don’t have enough dorm space to house even freshman students, so many college kids find themselves living on their own for the first time in their lives. While campus meal plans are available, they can get expensive. Best to start them off on the right path to adulthood with a college cookbook of easy to prepare meals. Then they can eat healthier and cheaper.
A single serve brewer will come in handy for late night study sessions or after pulling an allnighter.
And of course, the way to a college student’s heart is through their stomach. Say a heartfelt goodbye with a giant snack basket.
10. Work Will Succ Without You Gift
Farewell gift for colleagues
A gift with this play on words will have your coworker remember you everytime they look at this treasure.
For a sentimental gift for a colleague leaving, have a framed signature board made. Then they can take everyone with them, in spirit at least.
Sometimes we spend more time with coworkers than with our family members. For a coworker who everyone has a strong bond with, have a custom office caricature made of you all.
11. Homesick Candle
Farewell gift ideas for those moving far away
Do you associate Florida with the smell of citrus blossoms or New England states with the aroma of apples? Scent has a big effect on our memories. Give someone moving far away that comfort of home with a candle with their home state scent.
Remember mix tapes? While almost nobody has a cassette player anymore, you can personalize a mix for them to take with them with a QR code mix tape.
Just because they are moving away doesn’t mean they have to miss out on special events. You can share all those memories across the miles by sending them to a digital photo frame.
12. Luggage Set
Goodbye gifts for those with the travel bug
Suitcases get bounced around in the airplane, tossed around on the cart, dragged across bumpy roads. Travelers can always use new luggage. A set with different sizes prepares them for whatever length trip they may take.
Don’t forget a passport holder and money belt. This way they find important documents quickly and keep their money safe.
13. Work From Home Survival Kit
Gifts for a colleague leaving to work from home
Many jobs are downsizing office space in favor of employees working from home. If someone you know is leaving the daily commute, give them this funny survival kit to minimize the stressful transition.
Transitioning to working from home may bring up logistical issues. They may be working at the kitchen table on a hard wooden chair. Give them an under the desk foot rest to help support their lumbar.
To keep their sense of humor during long conference calls give them a personalized conference call bingo mousepad. This will help keep them grounded since there are no coworkers to commiserate with.
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