Best Going Away Gifts for Friends, Coworkers, & Neighbors

So, a key team member is leaving. Or a neighbor is moving away. You need to find a great gift, but you’re juggling a dozen other priorities. The last thing you have time for is endless scrolling for ideas that are either too cheesy or too expensive. You need a plan, and you need it now. This guide is built for that. We’ve cut through the fluff to give you practical, creative, and genuinely good ideas for any budget and any relationship—from a close-knit teammate or friend to a senior leader. Consider this your definitive list of the best going away gifts that make an impact without creating more work for you.

Table of Contents

• What Makes a Going Away Gift Great?
• Meaningful Gifts for Friends and Family
• Smart Gifts for Departing Co-Workers
• Practical Gifts for the Big Move
• How to Make Any Gift More Personal
• Farewell Gifts for Neighbors
• Great Gifts That Don’t Break the Bank
• Funny Going Away Gifts
• How to Nail the Presentation
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes a Going Away Gift Great?

We both know that nobody needs another generic mug or a gift card they’ll forget to use. A great farewell gift shows you were paying attention. It’s not about how much you spend, but how much thought you put into it. The best gifts hit that sweet spot between personal, practical, and memorable. They’re the ones that make someone feel seen and appreciated as they head off on their next adventure. So, before you grab the first thing you see, let’s break down what actually makes a going away gift land perfectly.

Make It Personal

A gift with their name, a meaningful date, or an inside joke on it instantly feels more special. It’s the difference between “I had to get you something” and “I got this for you.” Personalization shows you put in the extra effort to find something that’s uniquely theirs. Think beyond just initials. Maybe it’s a custom illustration of their pet or a piece of gear branded with the logo of a project you both crushed. This is where you can get creative and show you know them. A little custom touch transforms a simple item into a keepsake they’ll actually want to hold onto.

Balance Heartfelt with Handy

The best going away gifts walk the line between sentimental and useful. You’re either aiming for the heart or aiming to make their life easier. A heartfelt gift could be a framed photo of the team or a custom playlist of office jams. A handy gift might be a high-quality backpack for their new commute or a subscription box to help them settle into their new city. The real win? Finding something that does both. Think of a durable, well-designed notebook with a handwritten note on the first page. It’s practical for their new role but starts with a personal message from you.

Plan a Smart Budget

Let’s get one thing straight: a great gift has nothing to do with a high price tag. The thought is what counts, not the receipt. Set a budget you’re comfortable with and stick to it. If you’re buying for a coworker, organizing a group gift is a fantastic way to get something more substantial without anyone breaking the bank. Pooling funds for a high-quality piece of tech or a weekend getaway experience makes a bigger impact than a dozen smaller, less memorable items. It’s about being thoughtful with your resources to give a gift that truly feels like a grand send-off from the whole team.

Meaningful Gifts for Friends and Family

When a friend or family member moves, the gift isn’t just an object, it’s a stand-in for a hug, an inside joke, or a shared memory. You’re not just giving them a thing, you’re giving them a tangible connection to you and the home they’re leaving behind. The goal is to find something that says, “I get you, and I’ll miss you.” It’s about balancing the sentimental with the genuinely useful to make their transition a little bit easier and a lot more personal. This is where you show you’ve been paying attention.

Capture the Memories

Forget generic photo frames. Digitize your favorite moments and create a custom photo book or a digital picture frame pre-loaded with your best shots. A scrapbook filled with photos, ticket stubs, and handwritten notes is a classic for a reason—it’s a physical highlight reel of your friendship. This isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about giving them a concrete reminder of the good times they can hold onto when they’re feeling homesick. It shows you put in the time because the memories were worth it, and it gives them something to flip through on a tough day.

Give a Piece of Home

Moving to a new place means leaving familiar comforts behind. Send them off with a curated box of non-perishable local favorites, like coffee from their go-to cafe or snacks they can’t get anywhere else. Another great idea is a box of dated letters, one to open each month for the first year. Each letter can share a memory, an encouraging word, or a simple update. It’s a thoughtful way to stay connected and give them a small piece of home to look forward to regularly, turning a long year into a series of small, happy moments.

Equip Them for the Journey

The first few weeks after a move are chaotic. Make their life easier with a practical gift that solves a problem. A subscription to a meal delivery kit saves them from a diet of pizza while they’re unpacking boxes. A high-quality portable battery pack or a universal travel adapter is a lifesaver for anyone on the move. These gifts say you’re thinking about their actual needs, not just the sentiment of the occasion. You’re helping them land on their feet in their new city, which is one of the most supportive things you can do.

Help Them Stay Connected

Bridge the distance with a gift that keeps you in touch. Long-distance friendship lamps are a cool piece of tech—you touch yours, and theirs lights up, no matter where they are. It’s a simple, ambient way to say “thinking of you” without a text. You could also create a shared playlist of songs that remind you of your friendship or gift a subscription for a streaming service where you can schedule virtual movie nights. These gifts are less about a one-time gesture and more about building connection into their new daily routine, making the distance feel a little smaller.

Seal It with a Letter or Time Capsule

Sometimes, the most powerful gift doesn’t cost a thing. A handwritten letter expressing what your friend means to you is priceless. Don’t overthink it! Just be honest and share your favorite memories. It’s a deeply personal keepsake they can read whenever they need a reminder of their support system. For a fun twist, create a small time capsule together with notes and trinkets for them to open on the one-year anniversary of their move. It’s a gift that builds anticipation and celebrates their journey, giving them something to look forward to.

Smart Gifts for Departing Coworkers

Finding the right farewell gift for a coworker is tricky. You want something that says, “We’ll miss you,” without being overly sentimental or crossing a professional line. The goal is to find a gift that’s thoughtful, useful, and genuinely celebrates their time with the team. It’s about sending them off on a high note and showing them they made an impact, reinforcing the positive culture you’ve built long after they’re gone.

Forget the generic gift card. A great going-away present reflects your team’s culture and your relationship with the person leaving. It’s your last chance to make a great impression and solidify the connection. Whether you go for something practical for their new role, a personal memento of your time together, or something purely for laughs, the key is to make it feel intentional. You’re not simply checking a box. You’re honoring their contribution and wishing them well in a way that feels authentic. A smart gift shows you see them as more than just a colleague—you see them as a person with ambitions, a sense of humor, and a future you’re excited for. Here’s how to nail it.

Upgrade Their New Desk

Help them make a great first impression at their new gig. A gift that elevates their new workspace is both practical and thoughtful. Think about high-quality items they’ll use every day. A sleek leather mousepad, a high-end pen, or a stylish desk organizer can make their new setup feel polished and professional from day one.

These aren’t office supplies, they’re a confidence kickstarter. You’re showing that you support their next move and want to see them succeed. Choose something with a clean design and solid construction—a well-made item shows respect and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Invest in Their Next Chapter

A truly memorable gift looks forward, not just back. Think about what’s next for your coworker and find something that supports their journey. If they’re moving into a leadership role, consider a great book on management. If they’re switching industries, maybe a subscription to a relevant trade publication or an online course could be perfect.

This kind of gift shows you’ve been paying attention to their ambitions. It’s a way of saying, “We believe in you.” You can also create a custom photo book filled with team memories and well wishes. It’s a personal touch that reminds them of the great work and fun times you shared while cheering them on for what’s ahead.

Organize a Team Gift

When one person leaves, the whole team feels it. Pooling your resources for a group gift is a powerful way to show collective appreciation. It takes the pressure off individuals and allows you to get something more significant than anyone could on their own. Plus, it sends a unified message: we’re all going to miss you.

Organizing it is easier than you think. You can use a service to collect video messages from everyone on the team and compile them into a surprise montage. Or, you could make a donation to a charity they care about in their name. It’s a meaningful gesture that reflects your team’s shared values and celebrates the departing coworker in a big way.

Keep It Light and Fun

If your team’s culture is built on inside jokes and good-natured ribbing, lean into it. A funny gift can be the perfect way to say goodbye, turning a bittersweet moment into a fun one. Think about a running gag, a memorable office mishap, or a quirky habit and turn it into a physical object.

Maybe it’s a framed print of a hilarious Slack exchange or a custom mug with their most-used catchphrase. These gifts celebrate the unique personality they brought to the team. It’s a way to capture a piece of your shared history and give them something that will make them smile long after they’ve left. The best gifts are often the ones that come from a shared laugh.

Stock Their Home Office

In a world of remote and hybrid work, a great home office setup is everything. Give your departing coworker something that makes their work-from-home life a little better. This is where quality really matters. A high-end ceramic mug that keeps their coffee hot, a small but hardy desk plant, or an ergonomic seat cushion are all fantastic options.

These gifts are practical, thoughtful, and show you care about their daily comfort and well-being. It’s a simple way to make their transition smoother, whether they’re moving to a fully remote role or just spending a few days a week at home. You’re not just giving them an object; you’re giving them a better workday.

Practical Gifts for the Big Move

Moving is chaos. Boxes everywhere, no idea where the coffee maker is, and a to-do list that’s a mile long. A practical gift doesn’t just say “good luck,” it says “I’ve got your back.” These are the gifts that solve real problems, making that first week in a new place a little less frantic and a lot more manageable. Let’s talk about gifts that actually get used.

Build a “First Week” Survival Kit

The first few days after a move are a blur of boxes and exhaustion. A “First Week” survival kit is your chance to be a hero. Pack a box with the essentials they’ll need immediately but won’t be able to find: kitchen towels, soap, a phone charger, instant coffee, and some non-perishable snacks. Want to go the extra mile? Toss in a subscription to a meal delivery service for a few days. It saves them from having to find the can opener or brave a new grocery store when they’re dead tired.

Help Set Up Their New Place

Nothing says “welcome home” like a mountain of chores. Help them tackle it by gifting a new home care package. Fill a bucket with all-purpose cleaner, sponges, trash bags, and other cleaning supplies so they can make their new space feel fresh. If you’d rather let them choose, a gift card is your best friend. Think about what they’ll need to buy in the first month. A gift card to a local hardware store for paint and tools or to Target for everything else is always a clutch move. It’s practical, useful, and guaranteed to be appreciated when they’re making endless trips for things they forgot to pack.

Gift an Experience in Their New City

Moving to a new place can be lonely. Help them break the ice with their new city by gifting an experience. Instead of giving them more stuff to unpack, give them a reason to get out and explore. This could be a gift certificate to a highly-rated local restaurant, tickets to a concert, or a pass for a guided food tour of their new neighborhood. An experience gift encourages them to start making new memories and helps their new location feel less like a strange place and more like home. It’s a thoughtful way to support their transition beyond the four walls of their new house.

Give the Gift of Good Tech

In the dead zone between moving out and getting the internet set up, a little tech can go a long way. A portable Wi-Fi hotspot is a game-changer, letting them stay connected for work or just for scrolling when they need a break from unpacking. Other smart tech gifts include a quality portable charger to keep their phone alive while they hunt for the right box, or a durable Bluetooth speaker to bring some good vibes to the unpacking process. These gadgets solve immediate, annoying problems, making you look like a tech-savvy genius.

Choose the Right Gift Card

When in doubt, a gift card is a foolproof option. But you can make it feel more personal and thoughtful by choosing the right one. Think about their new life. Are they moving to the suburbs? A gas card is surprisingly useful. Are they a foodie? A gift card to a specialty grocery store or a local restaurant group works wonders. Did they just buy their first house? A gift card to a home goods store like Crate & Barrel or a local nursery for plants will be put to good use. It gives them the freedom to buy what they actually need, which is sometimes the most practical gift of all.

How to Make Any Gift More Personal

A generic gift says, “I had to get you something.” A personal gift says, “I’m going to miss you.” The difference isn’t about the price tag, it’s about the thought you put into it. The best going away gifts are the ones that show you’ve been paying attention.

Making a gift personal means connecting it to a memory, an inside joke, or a unique part of their personality. It’s the detail that turns a simple mug into the mug they’ll use every morning, or a plain notebook into a keepsake. Whether you’re buying for a coworker you shared a cubicle with for years or a friend moving across the country, a personal touch is what makes a farewell gift truly land. It’s the ultimate way to celebrate your connection and send them off with a tangible reminder of the good times. Ready to skip the generic stuff? Here’s how to do it right.

Write a Message That Matters

Never underestimate the power of a handwritten note. It’s the easiest way to add a layer of meaning to any gift. Get specific. Mention a project you crushed together, a funny moment from a team lunch, or a quality you genuinely admire in them. If you’re organizing a group gift, pass around a card or a scrapbook and have everyone contribute a personal message. A collection of notes from the whole team can be an incredibly touching and valuable keepsake that they’ll read more than once.

Nail the Group Gift

Getting the whole team to chip in for one great gift is almost always better than a dozen small, forgettable ones. It lets you get something more significant that the person will actually use and love. The key is to use your collective knowledge. The best gifts come from knowing someone well—their hobbies, their personality, or an inside joke from work. Poll the team for ideas. Someone is bound to remember that your departing manager is a huge coffee snob or that your deskmate has been eyeing a specific keyboard. It’s a smart way to give a high-impact gift that feels personal to everyone involved.

Go the DIY Route

If you want to show you care, invest your time. A DIY gift screams thoughtfulness. You don’t have to be a master crafter to pull this off. Create a scrapbook filled with funny photos from team outings and add silly quotes to make it special. You could also build a custom playlist for their road trip or frame a photo of the team. For a truly unique touch, you can even work with creative services to design a one-of-a-kind item, like a t-shirt featuring a beloved office meme. It’s the effort that counts, and a DIY gift shows you put in plenty of it.

Send a Digital Surprise

For remote and hybrid teams, a digital gift can be the perfect move. It’s easy to organize and ensures everyone can participate, no matter where they are. A video montage of messages from the team is a classic for a reason—it’s a powerful, emotional send-off that they can watch anytime they feel nostalgic. You could also create a shared digital photo album or a collaborative playlist. It’s a modern, thoughtful gesture that brings everyone together to say goodbye, even if you can’t all be in the same room.

Find Ways to Bridge the Distance

When someone is moving far away, give them something that helps close the gap. The goal is to make them feel connected, even from a distance. Think about gifts that work in pairs, like long-distance friendship lamps that light up when the other is touched, or a set of matching keychains. You could also gift them a subscription box that delivers a taste of their old city to their new home. It’s a simple way to say, “out of sight, not out of mind,” and give them a tangible link back to the people who are cheering them on from afar.

Farewell Gifts for Neighbors

Good neighbors are worth their weight in gold. They’re the ones you can count on to grab your mail, lend you a ladder, or just share a friendly wave across the lawn. When they decide to move, it feels like a small piece of your community is leaving with them. Sending them off with a thoughtful gift is a great way to say, “We’ll miss you,” and wish them well on their next adventure.

The best farewell gifts for neighbors walk the line between personal and practical. You want to give them something that reminds them of the good times you shared on the block, but also something that won’t be a hassle to pack. Think about gifts that either celebrate your shared local area or help them get settled in their new one. It’s not about spending a lot of money; it’s about acknowledging the role they played in your daily life and sending them off with a warm, positive memory of you and the neighborhood.

Share a Local Favorite

Give them a taste of the neighborhood to take with them. A bottle of wine from a local vineyard, a six-pack from that craft brewery you both love, or a bag of coffee beans from the corner café are all fantastic options. These gifts are a nod to the community you shared and give them one last chance to enjoy a local staple.

Just be sure to pick items that are easy to transport and won’t spoil during the move. Think shelf-stable goods. This gesture isn’t just about the item itself, it’s about bottling up a good memory. It gives them a simple way to share a story about their old home with new friends in their new city.

Offer a Touch of Green

A plant symbolizes putting down new roots, but a potted plant is a pain to move. The solution? A packet of seeds. It’s a thoughtful, symbolic gift that’s incredibly easy to pack. You could give them seeds for a small herb garden to brighten up their new kitchen windowsill or a packet of local wildflowers they can plant in their new yard.

This gift is a beautiful way to wish them growth and happiness in their new home. Every time they see the plants grow, they’ll have a living reminder of their old neighborhood and the friendly face who wished them well. It’s a simple, lasting gesture that helps make a new house feel like a home.

For folks who need a little help with their green thumb, gift them a subscription to a plant delivery service so fresh plants can be delivered right to their new doorstep, alive and well.

Welcome Them to Their New Home

Instead of giving a gift that looks back, give one that looks forward. Moving into a new place always comes with a long list of to-dos and unexpected needs. A gift card to a home improvement store like The Home Depot or Lowe’s is one of the most practical and appreciated gifts you can give. It’s guaranteed to be used, whether for a can of paint, a new set of tools, or garden supplies.

This kind of gift shows you’re thinking about their transition and want to make it a little easier. It takes the pressure off you to guess what they might need and empowers them to get exactly what will help them settle in and start making their new space their own.

Great Gifts That Don’t Break the Bank

A great send-off isn’t about how much you spend. It’s about showing you care. You can make a big impact with a small budget if you get a little creative. The best gifts are the ones that feel personal and prove you’ve been paying attention. Whether it’s for a friend, a neighbor, or a coworker you’ll truly miss, here’s how to give something memorable without draining your wallet.

Find Something Thoughtful, Not Pricey

This is where you prove you know them. A going-away gift should be either sentimental or genuinely useful. Think about your inside jokes, shared experiences, or what they’ll actually need for their next chapter. A framed photo from a team outing, a book you both loved, or a high-quality water bottle for their new commute can mean more than an expensive gadget. The goal is to give something that says, “I’ll miss you,” not “I panicked and bought the first thing I saw.” It’s the thought that counts, so make it a good one.

Pool Your Money for a Bigger Impact

Instead of 15 people bringing in a $10 coffee mug, get the team to go in on one great gift. Pooling your money lets you get something they’ll actually use and remember. Think bigger: a quality pair of noise-canceling headphones for their new open-plan office, a subscription box tailored to their interests, or a generous gift card to their favorite restaurant. A group gift feels more significant and avoids the pile-up of small, forgettable trinkets. Plus, it’s way easier to organize. One person takes the lead, everyone chips in, and the departing team member gets something awesome. Win-win.

Create a DIY Memory Gift

If you’re crafty—or just have a lot of heart—a DIY gift shows you invested your time, not just your money. A custom scrapbook filled with photos and notes from the team is a classic for a reason. You could also create a “memory jar” with little notes recalling funny moments or create a video montage with farewell messages from everyone. These gifts are packed with personal touches and become keepsakes they’ll hold onto long after they’ve unpacked their last box. It’s pure, unfiltered sentiment.

Give a Digital Keepsake

Don’t have time for scissors and glue? Go digital. A digital keepsake is perfect for a remote team or a friend moving across the country. You can create a shared photo album that everyone can contribute to or a collaborative Spotify playlist with everyone’s favorite pump-up songs. Another great option is a digital memory book using a service like Kudoboard, where everyone can post messages, GIFs, and photos. It’s a modern scrapbook that’s easy to share, impossible to lose, and won’t take up any space in their luggage.

Find a Great Last-Minute Gift

So, you forgot. It happens. Don’t panic purchase a scented candle. A gift card is your best friend here, but make it a thoughtful one. Instead of a generic Visa card, get one for a coffee shop near their new office, a local restaurant in their new city, or a service like TaskRabbit to help with the move. An Audible or MasterClass subscription is another solid choice that feels personal. These last-minute gifts are practical, genuinely helpful, and show you were thinking about their new life, even if you were thinking about it at the very last second.

Funny Going Away Gifts

Sometimes, a heartfelt gift just doesn’t cut it. If your relationship with the departing coworker or friend is built on a foundation of inside jokes and Slack memes, a funny gift is the only way to go. It’s a celebration of the good times and a final laugh shared together. A humorous gift shows you get them, and it leaves a lasting impression that’s more about personality than price.

Funny gifts are perfect for lightening the mood, especially in an office setting where goodbyes can feel a bit formal. It’s a way to say, “We’re going to miss you, you weirdo.” The key is to keep it affectionate and appropriate (you’re aiming for a laugh, not a call to HR). From gag gifts that poke fun at their office quirks to custom items that bring an inside joke to life, a funny present makes the farewell memorable. And honestly, it’s often the joke gifts that end up proudly displayed on their new desk.

Gift a Piece of Office History

Nothing says “we’ll miss you” like a framed photo they never knew existed. Dig through the archives for a candid shot from a past holiday party or team outing for a guaranteed laugh. For extra points, wrap the gift in old work reports or a ridiculously long printout of a confusing email thread.

You can also memorialize a classic office moment. Think about creating a custom plaque for a funny quote they were known for saying or a framed screenshot of their most legendary Slack message. It’s about taking a small, funny piece of their time with you and turning it into a tangible memory they can take with them. These are the kinds of creative projects that make a farewell feel truly personal.

Turn an Inside Joke into a Present

Every great work friendship has at least one inside joke that makes no sense to anyone else. Now’s the time to immortalize it. Put that ridiculous catchphrase on a water bottle, t-shirt or coffee mug. A temperature-changing mug that reveals a silly photo when it gets hot is always a winner.

If you want to get really creative, think bigger. We’ve seen teams print a work spreadsheet on edible rice paper and put it on a farewell cake. The goal is to find that one specific, hilarious thing that defined their time with the team and turn it into a physical object. It’s the ultimate way to prove you were paying attention to their nonsense all along.

Send a Playful Care Package

A care package is a great way to send them off, but make it funny. Create a “New Job Survival Kit” filled with an obnoxiously loud desk bell, a stress ball, and a framed photo of their old team to remind them of what they’re missing. If they’re moving to a new city, build a kit with goofy tourist merch from their new home.

This is all about creating a curated brand experience, but for a person instead of a company. For someone going traveling, pack a bag with a ridiculous neck pillow and an eye mask with a funny phrase. If they’re leaving for parental leave, a bundle of food delivery gift cards with a note that says, “For when you forget what a kitchen is,” is both funny and genuinely useful.

How to Nail the Presentation

A great gift can fall flat without a little showmanship. You’ve put in the effort to find the perfect present, so don’t just drop it on their desk and walk away. The way you present a gift is half the fun and can make the moment even more memorable. It shows you cared enough to think through the entire experience, from the wrapping paper to the timing. A little planning turns a simple exchange into a genuine send-off they’ll actually remember.

Wrap It with Style

Forget the generic gift bag from the drugstore. The wrapping is your first chance to make an impression. For a coworker, get creative and wrap their gift in old, irrelevant work reports for a good laugh. It’s a simple touch that turns the presentation into an inside joke. If you’re sending off a whole team or want a more polished look, consider creating custom boxes or wrapping paper that reflects your brand. A well-designed package shows you’ve thought about every detail and makes the gift feel more significant. It’s less about hiding what’s inside and more about building anticipation for the big reveal.

Time the Delivery Just Right

Timing is everything. Don’t ambush someone with a gift while they’re trying to finish a deadline on their last week. The best moment is usually during a planned farewell event, like a team lunch or happy hour. This gives everyone a chance to focus on the person leaving and share in the moment. Presenting the gift in a group setting, when emotions are high and people are ready to celebrate, amplifies its impact and makes the recipient feel truly appreciated. It turns a simple handover into a shared experience, which is what makes a send-off feel special.

Plan the Big Reveal

Turn the gift-giving into a small event. Instead of just handing over a box, gather the team to share a few favorite memories or well-wishes. This is where you can add serious emotional value. Include a card with handwritten notes from everyone or a scrapbook filled with team photos and inside jokes. Planning a thoughtful reveal makes the gift more than just an object—it becomes a symbol of the relationships and experiences you’ve shared. This is how you create memorable brand experiences that people actually talk about long after the party is over.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I actually spend on a going-away gift?

Honestly, there’s no magic number. The right budget is whatever you’re comfortable with. A thoughtful, personal gift that costs $20 can make a bigger impact than a generic $100 item. If you want to give something more substantial for a coworker, organizing a group gift is the way to go. It lets everyone contribute a small amount to get one great present without anyone feeling financial pressure.

Is a gift card a lazy gift?

It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. A generic Visa gift card can feel a bit impersonal. But a gift card to that specific coffee shop they love near their new office or to a hardware store for their new house shows you were paying attention. The key is to connect the card to their next chapter. It’s a smart move when you want to give them the freedom to choose what they really need.

What’s the best way to organize a group gift for a coworker without it getting chaotic?

Keep it simple. Designate one person to lead the charge. They can send out a single email or Slack message explaining the gift idea and setting a firm deadline for contributions. Use a payment app like Venmo or PayPal to make collecting money easy. The most important part is to communicate clearly so everyone knows the plan and feels included in the send-off.

My coworker is fully remote. How do we give them a good send-off?

You can absolutely create a great experience from a distance. A digital gift, like a video montage of farewell messages from the team, is a powerful option. You could also organize a virtual happy hour and have a physical gift delivered to their home ahead of time so they can open it on the call. The goal is to make them feel connected to the team, even if you can’t all be in the same room.

I want to get something funny, but how do I make sure it lands well?

Know your audience. A funny gift works best when it’s based on a shared inside joke that everyone, especially the recipient, finds hilarious. Before you buy it, do a quick gut check: Is it genuinely funny, or is it mean-spirited? Is it something you’d be comfortable explaining to HR? If the joke is affectionate and celebrates their unique personality, you’re probably in the clear. When in doubt, keep it light.