Quick answer: A good leaving gift for a colleague is personal and connected to your time together, without being too expensive or awkward. Popular UK choices include a keepsake of the town or city where you worked together, such as a hand-drawn colouring book of it (£16.99), a signed card with messages from the team, a gift tied to their next chapter, or a group gift like an experience.
What makes a good leaving gift?
- It marks the shared chapter. Something that reminds them of the team and the place.
- It suits the budget. Office collections usually range from £20 to £100.
- It looks forward. Ideally it suits their next step too.
Leaving gift ideas for a colleague
A keepsake of the town you worked in
If they're moving away, a hand-drawn colouring book of your office's town or city is a lovely reminder of the streets they walked every day, the lunch spots and the commute. Pair it with a card signed by the team and you've got a thoughtful gift for under £20.
A gift for their next chapter
Moving to a new job? A good notebook or desk accessory. Moving house? Something for the new home. Retiring? A gift that celebrates more free time. See our retirement gift ideas.
An experience from the team
Afternoon tea, a meal voucher or tickets to something they love, funded by a group collection.
A memory book
Photos and messages from colleagues, collected in a small printed book.
A gift that gives back
A donation to a charity they support, or a gift where part of the price goes to a good cause. 10% of every Britain in Lines sale goes to Martin House Children's Hospice.
Leaving gifts by situation
- Relocating to a new city: a colouring book of the town they're leaving, so they can take it with them
- Moving abroad: a light, flat keepsake of home that's easy to pack. See gifts for someone moving abroad
- Going on maternity or paternity leave: something calm for quiet moments
- Retiring: a hobby starter, such as a colouring book and pencil set
Frequently asked questions
How much should you spend on a leaving gift for a colleague?
Individual gifts are usually £10 to £25. Team collections often reach £50 to £100 depending on the size of the team.
What's a good leaving gift for a colleague moving to another city?
A keepsake of the town you worked in together, such as a hand-drawn colouring book of it, plus a card from the team.
Is a colouring book a good leaving gift?
Yes, especially a book of the place you worked together. It's personal, memorable and easy to pack.
