There’s something about farewell parties in Kenyan offices. It always starts the same way: Someone sends an all-staff email with the subject line “Farewell for Janet This Friday”. You skim it, make a mental note, and… promptly forget.
Friday comes, and you’re watching your colleague pack their desk plant into a box, while everyone frantically throws KES 200 into a manila envelope that has been circling the office all week. Someone runs to buy a “Good Luck” card from the stationery shop downstairs. The cake is either Black Forest or strawberry, because that’s what the office always gets.
And then comes the awkward moment, the speeches. A manager says, “We will miss you,” three times. Someone cracks a joke about “finally escaping this madhouse.” The gift is handed over, and it’s… another generic diary or a pen set.
But you know what? Farewells don’t have to be this predictable. If you’ve worked with someone for years, they deserve a send-off that’s thoughtful, personal, and maybe even a little unforgettable.
Here are 30 unique farewell gifts for colleagues and bosses in Kenya that go beyond mugs and pen holders, each one with a touch of heart, humour, and just the right amount of “I thought about you.”
Table of Contents
Why The Right Farewell Gift Matters
Ever been at an office farewell and thought, “Please no more branded mugs”? A gift is a memory anchor. For the colleague moving to a new company or the boss stepping down, the gift becomes a token they take into the next chapter, the thing that makes them say, “Ah, these people were good to me.”
At Garo Gifts, we believe a farewell gift should do two things: make the person leaving smile, and make the people staying feel like they did something right. Not flashy. Not generic. Thoughtful. Practical. Let’s do send-offs that people remember.
Group Gifts (How To Organise Without Chaos)
- Choose one person as lead (not the loudest, the organiser).
- Agree a budget per person first (KES 200-1,000 typical).
- Use shared payments (M-Pesa or bank) and keep receipts.
- For surprise gifts, confirm logistics, will they need to carry the gift or will it be couriered? If the person is relocating, prefer compact or experiential gifts.
Unique Farewell Gifts for Colleagues in Kenya
At Garo Gifts, we believe a good farewell is built from memories, community, and care, not just expense.
1. Custom Caricature Or Illustrated Portrait
A cartoon version of them in their “office persona”, maybe holding their favourite tea mug or typing furiously at a laptop. It’ll get laughs now and smiles later.
Why it works: Funny and personal, captures the office character (the one who always “just checks emails” before starting work, or the one with 12 coffee mugs).
Price band: KES 1,000-4,000 depending on the artist.
Presentation / Tip: Frame it, and during the handover, let someone share a mini roast about what’s in the picture.
2. An ‘experience’ Voucher, Give Them Time, Not Another Mug
Spa day, pottery class, scenic train trip to Nanyuki, because sometimes the best gift is not more stuff, but a break before starting fresh. Perfect for someone who’s worked hard and deserves a breather.
Why it works: A spa day, weekend stay at a country lodge, or pottery class is worth more than another pen. They’ll remember it long after the office WhatsApp group goes silent.
Price band: KES 3,000-12,000+.
Tip: Get the whole team to chip in, experiences feel more special when they’re generous.
3. A Personalized Desk Nameplate They’ll Actually Keep
Think engraved wood or acrylic with their name and a cheeky title:
“Lucy M., Professional Deadline Dodger”
“Mr. Kamau, Boss of the Year (According to Us)”
Personal, a bit silly, but also something they can put on their next desk.
Why it works: Personal, a bit silly, but also something they can put on their next desk, is half gag, half keepsake.
Price band: KES 1,500-3,500.
Tip: Wrap it in office stationery for a dramatic “last unboxing.”
4. Memory Scrapbook From The Team
Why it works: It’s heartfelt and costs more in thought than money. Filled with printed photos, inside jokes, and those quotes they’ll never live down.
Price band: KES 800-2,500.
Tip: Pass it around secretly before the last day so everyone can add a page.
How to present: Let 2-3 people read a message aloud at the event, then hand over the book.
5. Kenyan Coffee Gift Set
Why it works: Whether they’re moving abroad or just to another office, nothing says “home” like the smell of Kenyan coffee beans. Fill a basket with locally roasted coffee, premium tea leaves, honey, and maybe even a stylish mug.
Price band: KES 1,500-5,000.
Tip: Include a personal note like, “For those Monday mornings in your new adventure.”
6. Customized Leather Work Bag Or Laptop Sleeve
Why it works: Stylish, practical, and long-lasting, just like the best colleagues.
Price band: KES 4,000-10,000.
Tip: Add a small engraved tag inside with their initials or a farewell quote.
7. Potted Plant That’s Hard To Kill
A touch of green makes any workspace feel alive. The trick? Pick a plant that survives even with minimal attention. Add a small tag with a message like, “Just like you, this plant thrives anywhere.” or “May you bloom wherever you’re planted.” Bonus points if you choose a quirky pot that matches their personality.
Why it works: A living gift that grows with them, unlike the artificial plant they’ve ignored for three years.
Price band: KES 500-3,000.
Tip: Pick a low-maintenance plant like a snake plant, ZZ plant or succulent if they’re not the “green thumb” type. Plant in a modest pot, attach a card with watering instructions and one line: “For oxygen in your new chaos.”
8. Engraved Watch
Why it works: Elegant and symbolic, “For all the time we’ve shared.”
Price band: KES 4,000-15,000.
Tip: Engrave the back with the farewell date or a short phrase.
9. Custom Kenyan Kitenge Hoodie Or Scarf
Why it works: Wearable and proudly Kenyan, perfect if they’re heading abroad or to a corporate office.
Price band: KES 3,500-8,000.
Tip: Sneak in a matching pocket square or tie.
10. Engraved Pen Set & Personalised Leather Notebook
Whether they’re a meeting note-taker, a doodler, or a secret poet, a personalised leather notebook feels like a grown-up upgrade from the office spiral-bound pads.
Why it works: Timeless, elegant, and says, “You’re moving on to sign even bigger deals.”
Price band: KES 2,000-6,000.
Tip: Slip in a first page note from the team: “Write your next big chapter here, we can’t wait to see where it takes you.”
11. Framed Art Piece Or Handmade Decor
Think bold African print frames or a framed team photo collage, or a minimalist Nairobi skyline, wall decor, or a framed motivational quote
Why it works: Personal and cultural, “Hapa ni hustle tu” hits differently.
Price band: KES 1,000-3,000.
Tip: Choose colors that match their new office or home and packaging that’s easy to carry.
Guests at their new place will ask, “Where did you get this?” and they’ll proudly say, “From my team, the best one I ever worked with.”
12. Subscription Box (Snacks, Coffee, Self-Care)
Why it works: Keeps the farewell going for months, every delivery is a reminder of the team.
Price band: KES 2,500-6,000/month.
Tip: Make the first box a surprise with handwritten notes inside.
13. Office “Survival Kit”
Why it works: Fun mix of essentials, tea bags, mints, mini sanitizer, stress ball, sticky notes.
Price band: KES 1,000-2,500.
Tip: Put it in a tote bag with a cheeky label: “For when meetings run long.” or “For surviving your next batch of colleagues.”
This is the one they’ll actually open immediately after the party and laugh about.
14. Customized Mug With Their Catchphrase
Why it works: If they always say “It is what it is” or “Tuko pamoja,” capture it forever.
Price band: KES 800-1,800.
Tip: Pair with a small bag of coffee or tea.
15. Travel Essentials Kit
Why it works: Perfect for colleagues moving abroad or traveling often, includes luggage tag, travel pillow, and reusable bottle.
Price band: KES 2,500-5,000.
Tip: Engrave the luggage tag with their initials.
Presentation: Slip in a note saying, “For all the places you’re going next.”
16. Personalized Wall Calendar With Office Photos
Why it works: Every month comes with a memory, the office party, that awkward team photo, the rainy day tea run.
Price band: KES 1,500-3,000.
Tip: Leave space on each month for team members to write farewell notes.
17. Custom Playlist + Bluetooth Speaker
Why it works: Music is memory. Load the playlist with songs that remind them of the office, from serious work beats to that one annoying hit that everyone sang at lunch.
Price band: KES 2,000-6,000.
Pro tip: Present it with a note: “For when you miss our noise.”
18. Memory Jar From The Team
Everyone writes a short note, which could be a joke, a memory, or “the one thing I learned from you.” Roll them up, pop them in a jar. It’s like giving them a box of happy tear triggers for bad days in their new job or whenever they miss the team.
Why it works: One-liners, small stories and “remember when” notes become a portable comfort kit they can open on hard days.
Price band: KES 700-1,800 (jar + printed notes + small decoration).
How to present: Put a single note on stage to read out, then give the jar.
Tip: Use a beautiful jar, ribbons, and maybe slip in a few chocolates.
19. Farewell Video Montage
Not just pictures, add short recorded messages from team members. “We’ll miss your laugh” hits differently when you hear it.
Why it works: Emotional, personal, and unforgettable, perfect for a surprise at the farewell party.
Price band: KES 1,000-3,000 (if edited locally).
Tip: Play it on a projector during the send-off and send them the file afterward.
20. ‘inside Joke’ Merchandise Mug, Tote Or T-Shirt
If the whole office knows about their obsession with chapati or how they say “I’ll revert” 20 times a day, put it on a mug. It’s hilarious and personal.
Why it works: Small but personal, something they’ll see every day.
Price band: KES 800-2,000.
Presentation / Tip: Pick their favorite colors and add a tiny charm with meaning. Keep it tasteful, don’t humiliate anyone.
21. A ‘local Favourites’ Farewell Gift Hamper
Pack it with things they’ll miss from the office area: snacks from the local kiosk, the coffee brand you all survive on, even that specific brand of pens they’re always stealing from your desk.
Why it works: It’s useful and nostalgic, include mandazi vouchers, the office pen brand, a packet of coffee, and a custom mug.
Price band: KES 1,000-4,000 (scale to budget).
Tip: Add a tiny note explaining each item (“For late-night reports, chapter: Coffee”).
22. Tech Kit For Their New Office Life
Portable chargers, wireless earbuds, or a good quality laptop stand will be used every single day. They’ll think of the team every time they plug in… hopefully during a less boring meeting than the ones they had there.
Why it works: Practical and sleek. Perfect for someone moving into a fast-paced role or starting a business.
Price band: KES 1,500-5,000.
Presentation: Put items in a neat pouch with a small card: “For all future meetings (and podcasts).”
23. A “Starter Pack” For Their New Role
Why it works: Think leather notebook, a high-quality pen, a guidebook relevant to their new job, and a bookmark with a team note. It’s thoughtful and useful.
Price band: KES 1,500-6,000.
Tip: Personalise the notebook with initials.
24. Bespoke Farewell Cakes – With Inside-Office Jokes Iced On Top
Why it works: Food unites, and a cake with a cheeky phrase will have everyone laughing and sharing memories.
Price band: KES 1,500-5,000 depending on size and decoration.
Presentation: Serve slices and pair with the memory jar reading.
25. A Donation In Their Name
Why it works: For the colleague who values giving back, organise a small donation to a cause they care about, and present a framed certificate.
Price band: KES 1,000-10,000.
Tip: Make sure you choose something personal, don’t pick a charity at random.
26. Hobby Starter Kit
Why it works: Show them you know their passions, whether it’s baking, gardening, or photography.
Price band: KES 2,500-7,000.
Example: A gardening kit with tools, seeds, and gloves if they’ve always talked about “starting a shamba.”
27. Gourmet Gift Basket
Why it works: Because snacks make everyone happy. Include local treats, chocolates, or even specialty teas.
Price band: KES 2,000-6,000.
Pro tip: Add a small card explaining why you picked each item.
28. Coffee Maker Or Fancy Tea Set
Why it works: For the colleague whose desk always smelled like coffee heaven.
Price band: KES 3,000-10,000.
Tip: Include a note like, “Because no one else makes chai like you.”
29. Quality Water Bottle Or Thermal Flask
Why it works: We’re not talking about those random branded bottles that leak. Think sleek, insulated, and stylish, something they’ll use daily.
Price band: KES 1,500-4,500.
They’ll sip during a meeting and think: “My old team had style.”
30. Cooking Class Or Food Experience
Why it works: Ideal for the colleague who’s always bringing packed lunches that smell amazing. Could be a cooking class with a top Nairobi chef or a tasting tour.
Price band: KES 3,000-7,000.
They might even invite some old teammates to taste-test their new skills.
Bonus: A Handwritten Letter from the Boss (or Whole Team)
Why it works: Words stay. Sometimes longer than the memory of the job itself.
Price band: Almost free, priceless impact.
Presentation tip: Use good stationery.
Who To Buy For: Colleague Vs Boss, The Quick Rules
- Colleague (peer), go for funny, sentimental or useful. Memory jar, card, or ‘starter pack’ works great. Keep it casual.
- Immediate manager, keep it polished and respectful. Leather folio, a quality pen, a tasteful framed print. Add a personal, concise note about leadership.
- Senior boss / public figure, err on professional and elegant. If the team wants humour, do that in a separate, private gift not given during a formal moment.
How to Make Goodbye Gifts Extra Special
- Add a card with real words. Don’t just write “All the best.” Tell them what you’ll miss, even if it’s their questionable music taste.
- Give it at the right moment. Right after speeches, when the emotions are high, is prime time.
- Think about portability. If they’re moving cities, make sure the gift is easy to pack.
What to Say in a Farewell Card
A farewell card is not a LinkedIn recommendation. Keep it short, warm and specific. Here are three sample notes:
- For a colleague you’ll miss: Jane, you made mornings better and meetings shorter. The tea runs won’t be the same. Stay brilliant.
- For a manager: Mr. Omondi, thank you for your steady leadership and the patience to teach. Wishing you calm skies and new wins.
- For a close teammate: For my partner-in-crisis, every deadline felt lighter with you. Let’s do nyama choma soon, my treat.
Always have the team sign the card; for senior staff, ask people to write short, specific lines rather than long essays.
Where to Buy Office Farewell Presents Kenya
- Local artisan shops and creative stores have bespoke items and personalised gifts (handmade art, caricatures, quilled frames). A few Kenyan makers and small shops advertise their work online and deliver across towns. If you prefer creative, handmade options, check local creative shops that specialise in custom cards and 3D designs.
- Online gift shops with delivery make life easy when the leaver is outside Nairobi or you need fast fulfilment. Some shops list same-day Nairobi delivery and nationwide shipping, handy for tight timelines.
- Local markets and print shops are great for bespoke mugs and t-shirts if you have time to coordinate. For professional gifts (pens, folios), order from a trusted stationery supplier and get it wrapped.
FAQs
Q: What’s a reasonable budget per person for a group farewell gift?
A: KES 200-1000 per person is common; push higher if everyone wants an experience voucher or a tech gift.
Q: Should we make the farewell public or private?
A: Read the room: Public if the person likes celebration and recognition. Private if they’re quiet or the occasion is sensitive.
Q: How do we handle a colleague who’s being laid off vs resigning for a promotion?
A: Tone matters; opt for supportive and practical gifts. Avoid jokes; gift something practical or career-boosting if it’s a layoff; celebrate more openly for a promotion.
Q: Are experience gifts easy to use?
A: Yes, just ensure the voucher has clear redemption instructions and a long expiry (6-12 months).
Wrapping It All Up with Love
A farewell isn’t about spending the most. It’s about acknowledging the time, energy, and laughter someone has shared with you. Whether you go for a thoughtful personalised gift, an experience they’ll treasure, or a simple yet heartfelt gesture, the key is to make it about them.
Because one day, it might be you packing up your desk plant. And trust me, you’ll remember the thought more than the price tag.
Choose something that says, “I saw you. Thank you. You mattered here, and I’m rooting for you.” Whether it’s a card or framed wall art, pick something that matches the person, the relationship, and the story you shared.
At Garo Gift Shop, we believe no farewell should be forgettable. Our curated farewell collection includes everything from personalised cards, notebooks and framed art to fun office survival kits, all available for delivery across Kenya. Browse our Farewell & Retirement Gifts Collection and send someone off in style with something they’ll truly remember.
