On their first day, a new employee might find a welcome pack waiting for them: a notebook with the company logo, a water bottle or a personal message from the team. It's all about making a good first impression and helping someone feel they belong. But what do you give that same employee on their last day?
After months or even years of working together, so much has happened. Projects have been completed, successes celebrated and memories made. A farewell gift for a colleague is more than a kind gesture. It's an opportunity to recognise what someone has contributed to the organisation.
For HR and office managers, this is a chance to make the moment count. A thoughtful gift and a personal send-off give someone more than something to take into their next chapter: they offer a tangible reminder of their time with the company.
1. The welcome and the farewell: two moments that matter
Organisations put considerable thought into an employee's first day, from structured onboarding programmes to personalised welcome packs for new employees. For many companies, a warm welcome is an important part of the employee experience.
But the last day deserves just as much attention.
A welcome is about expectations, new opportunities and finding your place. A farewell is a chance for the employer and employee to look back. What has this person contributed? Which moments will stay with the team? And what does the organisation want them to take away?
This question is gaining attention in HR, too. In October 2026, Dutch insurer Achmea told HRMorgen about its employee journey, 'Goed vertrekken' ('Leaving Well'). Since early 2025, a team has been exploring how employees experience their departure and how key moments can feel more personal.
The work has led to a departure roadmap, clearer communication and a more personal employment reference. Achmea's approach illustrates that saying goodbye is a series of moments, not just the final day itself.
A farewell gift can play a meaningful part in that final moment: a simple, tangible way to show appreciation for the time spent working together.
2. How do you make a farewell gift truly personal?
A gift featuring the company logo can be a lovely reminder of the organisation. But its meaning comes largely from the item you choose and the story behind it.
An insulated travel mug might bring back memories of the team's daily coffee breaks. A notebook can suit someone starting a new professional challenge. A travel bag might be just right for a colleague who hopes to explore more after retirement.
This is consistent with Loopper's research into appreciation at work, based on a survey of 1,052 Dutch employees. Nearly nine in ten respondents said a tangible token of appreciation increased their sense of being valued. These are self-reported experiences, not measured effects on outcomes such as loyalty.
The responses also suggest that many participants value the thought behind a gift more than its price or how luxurious it is. So look beyond the budget. What suits this employee? What might they still use after leaving?
A message from colleagues brings everything together: a card filled with memories, a few lines about a shared project or a personal note from the manager.
3. Farewell gifts for colleagues: ideas for every budget
Farewell gift ideas for colleagues, whatever your budget.
When ordering gifts on behalf of an organisation, setting clear budget bands in advance makes it easier to choose something appropriate for different departures while keeping your approach consistent.
Please note: the amounts below are illustrative company budgets, not fixed product prices. Actual costs depend on the item, order quantity and personalisation.
Up to €15: a small gift with a personal touch
A personalised notebook suits someone beginning a new chapter. Add a message from colleagues on the first page. A printed mug can be a reminder of coffee breaks shared at work. For someone who is often on the move, a compact water bottle is another practical option.
€15 to €35: a gift they can use every day
Consider an insulated travel mug for the commute, a reusable water bottle or a durable bag. When a gift fits naturally into someone’s routine, it can remain useful long after their final day.
€35 and above: a more substantial farewell present
For a long-serving employee or a special milestone, a curated gift set can be a good fit: perhaps a water bottle, notebook and personal card. A quality bag or an accessory related to their hobbies is another option. The thought behind the choice matters more than the amount spent.
Practical tip for HR: before ordering, check the minimum order quantity, personalisation options and delivery time. Many printed products have minimum order requirements, so finding a gift for just one employee may take a little extra planning. See Loopper’s guidance on small orders.
4. Retirement gifts: marking a meaningful milestone
A retirement gift that reflects the departing colleague's plans for the future.
Retirement is a different kind of goodbye from moving to another employer. Daily routines change, making more room for travel, hobbies and other personal interests.
According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), more than 100,000 employees in the Netherlands retired in 2025, at an average retirement age of 66 years and four months. In the 2025 Proudies annual survey, 65% of 514 respondents said work had been an important part of their identity. This sample should not be treated as representative of everyone retiring in the Netherlands.
A retirement gift can therefore do two things at once: show appreciation for the years spent together and celebrate the opportunities ahead.
What makes a good retirement gift?
For someone who loves getting outdoors, a roomy backpack or insulated bottle could be a thoughtful choice. A beautiful notebook might appeal to someone who enjoys writing or making plans. Complete the gift with photos, memories or a message from the whole team.
A retirement gift doesn't need to capture an entire career. It simply needs to show that the person's contribution was noticed and appreciated.
5. Choosing a farewell gift for your manager or boss
When a manager leaves, the farewell gift can be a joint gesture from several employees. Managers often work across teams or departments, creating an opportunity to bring different memories together.
The gift doesn't have to be formal. For a manager who travels frequently, a power bank could be useful. A notebook or writing set can suit someone who enjoys developing new ideas. For a close-knit team that has worked together for years, a curated gift set can feel particularly personal.
Invite colleagues to contribute a memory or a thank-you message. That way, the gift reflects not only what the manager achieved, but also the part they played in the team's working life.
6. Offboarding and the exit interview: the final moments matter too
A personal farewell as part of a thoughtful offboarding process.
A farewell gift is one part of a wider process: offboarding. While onboarding helps new employees settle in, offboarding is about bringing the employment relationship to a thoughtful close.
That includes handing over responsibilities, completing administrative tasks, returning company equipment and making space for a conversation. The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK) recommends including an exit interview in HR policy. It is not a legal requirement in the Netherlands, but it can offer valuable insights into the experiences of departing employees.
A farewell gift serves a different purpose: it expresses appreciation and gives the team a moment to reflect on their time together. The two can complement each other.
How to organise a thoughtful farewell
Three steps to a meaningful send-off
- 1
Plan the key moments
Coordinate the exit interview, handover, farewell gathering and gift budget.
- 2
Involve the team
Gather memories and learn about personal interests before choosing a gift.
- 3
Present the gift
Make time for a personal thank-you and a moment to give the gift together.
At Loopper, organisations can order a wide range of branded gifts with their logo or chosen design. Personalisation options vary by product. When ordering, you can also find guidance on submitting your logo and what is included in a free digital artwork proof.
A good farewell remains part of the story
The first day at work is about everything that lies ahead. The last day is about everything that has happened along the way. Some people have spent years working on the same projects; others may have been with the team for a shorter but equally meaningful time. Every departure has its own story.
A thoughtfully chosen farewell gift can make that story tangible: an item that suits someone's interests, a personal message and a shared moment of appreciation.
