33 Memorable Swag Ideas For Employee Offboarding In 2023

As employees move on to new opportunities, whether it's a change in location, career, or retirement, it's important to acknowledge their contributions and farewell them in a positive light.

One way to do this is through the tradition of giving farewell gifts or swag. These gifts serve as a token of appreciation for their time at the company and help to ensure a smooth transition for both parties.

This article will help you understand the importance of farewell swag and some of the most creative swag ideas you can gift your employees as they embark on their next phase of life. And as a bonus, we’ll also take a look at how you can choose the right swag in this scenario.

Let’s get started.

What is employee offboarding?

Employee offboarding is the process of ending an employment relationship between a company and an employee. This can happen for various reasons, such as retirement, resignation, or termination. The purpose of offboarding is to ensure a smooth and positive transition for both the employee and the company and to leave a lasting positive impression.

Some of the key components of offboarding include creating an exit plan, documenting the employee's knowledge and expertise, ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities, collecting company property, and providing feedback and closure. The process should also include an evaluation of the employee's time at the company and an opportunity to provide feedback to the company.

Offboarding can be a sensitive process, but it doesn't have to be unpleasant. By treating departing employees with respect and appreciation, companies can maintain positive relationships and build a strong reputation in the community. Farewell swag, such as going away gifts, can help create a memorable and positive ending to the employment relationship.

The importance of farewell swag during the offboarding process

Farewell swag, such as going away gifts, can play a significant role in the offboarding process and can offer several benefits for both the employee and the company. Here are three of the most important benefits.

Acknowledging employee contributions

Farewell swag is a way to recognize an employee's contributions to the company and shows appreciation for their time and effort. This can help to create a positive final impression and leave the employee with a feeling of fulfillment and gratitude.

Fostering positive memories

Offboarding can be a stressful and emotional time for both employees and employers. Farewell swag can help create a positive memory of the employee's time at the company and provide a tangible reminder of their contributions.

Building brand loyalty

By treating departing employees with respect and appreciation, companies can build a strong reputation in the community and foster brand loyalty. This can help to attract top talent and create a positive workplace culture, even after an employee has left the company.

By including farewell swag in the offboarding process, companies can ensure a positive and memorable transition for both the employee and the company.

33 amazing swag ideas for offboarding employees

Now that we know the importance of farewell swag, let’s take a look at some of the most memorable gifts you can give your departing employees. We’ll divide the ideas into eight categories and then list some of the best swag within each.

Personalized gifts

Personalized gifts also make for a memorable and lasting keepsake, which can help foster positive memories of their time at the company.

1. Customized Notebook - A notebook with the employee's name or initials on the cover can be a useful and practical gift for them to use in their future endeavors.

2. Engraved Keychain -An engraved keychain with the employee's name or a special message can serve as a daily reminder of their time at the company.

3. Personalized Water Bottle - A water bottle with the employee's name or a memorable quote can be a useful and eco-friendly gift for them to take with them on their adventures.

4. Monogrammed Tote Bag - A tote bag with the employee's monogram is a stylish and functional gift that they can use for work, school, or leisure.

5. Customized Wall Art - A beautiful piece of wall art with the employee's name or a special message can serve as a lasting memory of their time at the company.

Home and office decor

The important thing here is to choose items that are meaningful, useful, and reflect the employee's time at the company.

6. Desk Lamp - A stylish desk lamp can be a useful and practical decor item for the employee's new workspace.

7. Office Organizer -A desk organizer or filing cabinet can help employees keep their new workspace neat and organized.

8. Desk Accessories - - A set of high-quality desk accessories, such as a pen and pencil set, paperweight, or photo frame, would make a great gift for offboarding employees. These items will serve as daily reminders of their time at the company and will be put to use in their future endeavors.

9. Personalized Stationery Set - Give your offboarding employees a set of personalized stationery, including notepads, pens, and a notebook, to help them keep organized in their future endeavors.

10. Customized Wall Clock - A customized wall clock is a functional and stylish way to spruce up a home or office space. Choose a design that reflects the company's brand, or personalize it with the employee's name or a special message.

Technology and gadgets

As technology continues to play an important role in our daily lives, tech, and gadget swag make for a unique and useful gift for offboarding employees. These gifts not only show appreciation for their hard work and dedication but also provide them with useful tools for their future endeavors.

11. Wireless Headphones -Give your offboarding employees the gift of high-quality sound with a pair of wireless headphones. These headphones are perfect for listening to music, taking calls, and working remotely.

12. Smartwatch - A smartwatch is a perfect gift for an offboarding employee who wants to stay connected, active, and organized. Choose a model that offers features such as fitness tracking, mobile payments, and voice assistant.

13. Portable Charger - A portable charger is a must-have gadget for anyone who is always on the go. Give your offboarding employees a charger that is compact, fast charging, and stylish.

14. E-reader - An e-reader is a great gift for an offboarding employee who enjoys reading, but doesn’t want to carry heavy books. Choose a model that offers a high-resolution display, long battery life, and access to millions of books.

15. Smart Home Devices - Give your offboarding employees the gift of convenience with a smart home device, such as a smart speaker or a smart light bulb. This will allow them to control their home from their phone or voice, making their daily routines easier and more efficient.

Health and wellness

By promoting wellness and rejuvenation, you are investing in your offboarding employees' well-being, allowing them to approach their future with a clear mind and healthy body. These gifts will not only show appreciation for their past contributions but also help them maintain a healthy and active lifestyle as they move forward in their future endeavors.

16. Yoga Mat - Give your offboarding employees a high-quality yoga mat to help them stay active and fit. Choose a mat that is comfortable and durable, and comes with a carrying strap for easy transportation.

17. Water Bottle - A reusable water bottle is a practical and eco-friendly gift that will help your offboarding employees stay hydrated throughout the day. Choose a bottle that is made of high-quality materials and features the company's logo.

18. Fitness Tracker -A fitness tracker is a great way to help your offboarding employees track their fitness goals and progress. Choose a tracker that is easy to use and features a sleek design, and your employees will be able to monitor their physical activity, sleep patterns, and heart rate.

19. Essential Oil Diffuser - An essential oil diffuser is a great way to promote relaxation and wellness in the home or office. Choose a diffuser that is easy to use and features a stylish design, and your offboarding employees will be able to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy.

20. Meditation Cushion - A comfortable meditation cushion is a perfect gift for offboarding employees who are looking to reduce stress and promote inner peace. Choose a cushion that is made of high-quality materials and features a stylish design, and your employees will be able to use it for daily meditation or yoga practice.

Comfort and relaxation

These are practical and useful gifts that can help to create a peaceful and stress-free environment for the recipient. By providing comfort and relaxation, these gifts can help to soothe and recharge the body, mind, and spirit.

21. Cozy blanket - A warm and soft blanket is a perfect gift for offboarding employees. It provides comfort and a sense of security and can be used at home or in the office.

22. Aromatherapy candles - Aromatherapy candles can help to create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The recipient can light the candle to unwind and reduce stress after a long day at work.

23. Soothing eye mask - A soothing eye mask can help to block out light and noise, allowing the recipient to rest and recharge. It's a great gift for employees who travel frequently or work long hours.

Food and drink

Food and drinks are a great way to celebrate and show appreciation to your offboarding employees and can bring a touch of comfort and joy to their new journey. Regardless of what you choose, your offboarding employees will appreciate the gesture and the delicious treats that come along with it.

24. Snack Basket - A snack basket is a great way to show appreciation to your offboarding employees. Fill the basket with a variety of sweet and savory treats, such as chocolate, trail mix, and crackers, to help them power through their day.

25. Coffee or Tea Set -A coffee or tea set is a practical and thoughtful gift that offboarding employees can use to enjoy a hot drink in the comfort of their own homes. Choose a set that is high-quality and visually appealing, and your offboarding employees will be reminded of their time at the company every time they take a sip.

26. Gift Card to a Local Restaurant Give your offboarding employees a gift card to a local restaurant, so they can enjoy a delicious meal on the company's dime. Choose a restaurant that they may have enjoyed during their time at the company or one that is known for its excellent cuisine.

27. Gift Card to a Grocery Store - A gift card to a local grocery store is a practical and thoughtful gift that offboarding employees can use to stock their pantry with essentials or treat themselves to a special meal. Choose a grocery store that is known for its high-quality products and excellent customer service, and your offboarding employees will be able to purchase items that reflect their individual tastes and preferences.

Providing a gift that supports their passion for travel and adventure can help make the transition easier and create a lasting impression.

28. Travel Voucher - Give your offboarding employees a travel voucher that they can use to book a trip of their choice. Choose a voucher from a reputable travel company that offers a wide range of travel options, such as flights, hotels, and tours. This will give your offboarding employees the freedom to choose the travel experience that best suits their needs and interests.

29. Adventure Gear - Adventure gear, such as a camping hammock, camping stove, or camping lantern, is a practical and thoughtful gift that offboarding employees can use for their next outdoor adventure. Choose high-quality gear that is durable, versatile, and easy to use, and your offboarding employees will be able to enjoy a safe and comfortable outdoor experience.

30. Personalized Travel Journal - A personalized travel journal is a unique and thoughtful gift that offboarding employees can use to document their travels and adventures. Choose a journal that is high-quality and visually appealing, and include the employee's name and a message of appreciation. Your offboarding employees will be able to reflect on their travels and adventures and remember their time at the company every time they flip through the pages.

Art and creativity

This allows your offboarding employees to remember their time with the company in a positive and personal way, providing a sentimental keepsake that they can treasure for years to come.

31. Customized Paintings - Commission a local artist to create a painting based on the employee's favorite memory of their time with the company. This unique and personal gift is sure to be treasured for years to come.

32. Personalized Stationery - Gift the offboarding employee a set of customized stationery featuring their name, company logo, and any other memorable designs from their time at the company. They can use this stationery for personal correspondence or as a reminder of their time with the company.

33. Engraved Art Piece - Choose a piece of art that embodies the employee's personality or the company culture, and have it engraved with the employee's name and the dates they worked at the company. This meaningful memento will be a constant reminder of the employee's contributions and will be cherished for years to come.

How to choose the right swag for offboarding employees

Choosing the right swag for offboarding employees can be a challenge, but by following these tips, you can ensure that your gifts are meaningful and well-received.

Understanding the employee's personality and interests is important in choosing the right gift. For example, if the employee is an avid gardener, a potted plant or a gardening book might be appreciated. If they are a book lover, a customized book set or an e-reader would be a great choice.

Think about their future

It's important to consider what the employee might need or use in their future endeavors. For example, a personalized stationary set or a portfolio can be useful for the employee in their future job.

Make it personal

Personalizing the gift with the employee's name, dates they worked at the company, or a special message makes the gift more meaningful and memorable. This can be achieved through custom engraving, printing, or other forms of customization.

Reflect company culture

Choose a gift that reflects the company's culture and values. This can be achieved by gifting items that embody the company's mission or values, such as a reusable water bottle or a plant to represent sustainability.

High quality

Opt for high-quality, well-made gifts that will last for a long time. This shows that the company values and appreciates the employee, and it ensures that the gift will remain in good condition for years to come.

Stay within budget

While the budget should be taken into consideration, it is also important not to let the budget limit the creativity and thoughtfulness of the gift. A small, personal touch can make a big impact, even if the gift itself is not expensive. For example, a handwritten note or a personalized message can be just as meaningful as a more expensive gift.

Choose the right offboarding swag with Swageazy

Farewell swag is more than just a keepsake or a trinket. It's a way of saying goodbye and showing appreciation to someone who has been an important part of your life, whether it be a colleague leaving a job, or a friend moving away. It's a small token of gratitude for their contributions and a reminder of the memories shared.

Farewell swag can also serve as a motivator for someone who is starting a new chapter in their life. A practical item, like a notebook or a tote bag, can help them stay organized and focused on their goals.

And who doesn't love receiving a sentimental gift, like a custom-made picture frame or a heartfelt card, to help them remember the good times and the people who made them?

If you’re a business looking for creative and thoughtful swag ideas to gift your offboarding employees, look no further than Swageazy! We offer a variety of products and pre-made onboarding kits to choose from, making it easy to provide the most memorable offboarding experience for your offboarding team members.

With Swageazy, every item can be customized to your unique needs and requirements. We help you pick out the best products and offer personalized design services at transparent pricing. From mugs to stickers, and even scented candles, we have a wide range of options to choose from.

Let us help you create a memorable experience and make a lasting impression on your offboarding employees. Contact us today to see how we can help.