topic Re: Farewell Gift Ideas? in Community Spirit

Farewell Gift Ideas?

dynogrl — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:29:04 GMT

I have a long term staff member that is leaving next week. The organisation is buying her a gift (amount hasn't been decided yet).

I don't have a great relationship with this woman but I am mindful she has been here forever and deserves a nice gift. I just have NO idea what to get her!!

HELP 😐

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

azureline** — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:46:41 GMT

Does she have a special interest or collection?

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

cherry*135 — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:56:34 GMT

Is she friendly outside of work with any other of the staff? If so they may know what she likes/is interested in.

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

dynogrl — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 01:28:30 GMT

I've only known her for 6 months and she really doesn't like me so I've never really gotten to know her at all.

Her colleagues will be buying her their own gift.

I just need something from Management.....I'm thinking a spa voucher or cinema tickets ??

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

azureline** — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 01:31:50 GMT

Good ideas, non personal and useful.

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

lyndal1838 — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 01:49:47 GMT

Maybe something she can keep...spa vouchers and cinema tickets are gone and forgotten very quickly.

There is something to be said for the old fashioned gold pocket watch for retiring employees.

Could any of her friends give you some ideas for something permanent?

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

azureline** — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 03:06:16 GMT

A watch?

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

dynogrl — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 03:29:30 GMT

I suggested a watch to the Management and got shut down 😐

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

*raqshaki* — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 03:54:05 GMT

One of the nicest gifts on retirement I have seen was for a librarian - a 14ct enamelled book shaped locket / pendant - had solid gold pages in it - on the first page they engraved her start date and on the last page "checked out" with her retirement date - she cried !

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

azureline** — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 04:04:53 GMT

I suggested a watch to the Management and got shut down 😐

How rude of them to then expect you to decide?

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

dynogrl — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 04:04:57 GMT

I've got a plan...I've just been told that there is a Royal Doultan factory outlet near work....I'm going there this afternoon. I'm thinking a nice crystal vase!

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

azureline** — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 04:06:01 GMT

Nice idea or if she drinks tea, a nice cup, saucer and plate set

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

cat_mioux — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 04:59:40 GMT

I was a designated gift buyer for a staff member who left. But I was very friendly with her. I took her shopping with me and she chose 2 pairs of gold earrings with the money collected. I took a photo of her holding the earrings and showed everyone at work.

But if you don't know her very well, that's going to be a little uncomfortable.

Standard farewell gifts:

Flowers

A tasteful vase

Glass bowl

Decent wine or champagne glasses.

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

not_an_eloi — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 06:54:03 GMT

how much do management wanta' spend

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

givemeaspell — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 06:58:18 GMT

how long is "forever". At my previous employer we referred to a scale, eg less than 12 months $50, 12 - 2 years $100, 2-5 years $200 and so on. If someone had been there for over 20 years and was retiring management would put on a farewell lunch and also buy a present. I think a vase is a lovely idea, we got a vase for someone from Tiffany it was beautiful. Why would they knock the watch on the head? $$$?? It also depends on where u work, sometimes spending money on such thing is frowned upon.

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

dynogrl — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 07:14:12 GMT

well I got her a beautiful waterford crystal jug....cost $100 reduced from $399

I will get her a nice bunch of flowers too.....

Budget was tricky as I wasnt given a budget, just told to get whatever! I hate that!

I was sorely tempted to buy stuff for myself ...there was the most stunning set of two wine glasses reduced to $29. I resisted.

I would've got them for her but I am unsure if she drinks wine

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

janeababe — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 07:34:05 GMT

Gawd, i hope no one ever buys me a vase.

Sorry, but you asked for help, then you rush out and buy a vase! erk.. boring, dull, sits in a cupboard until someone ELSE buys her flowers!

Well, done now... so I wish you (and her) all the best.

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

janeababe — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 07:36:20 GMT

oh dear...foot in mouth disease and I do appologise... you said JUG (not vase)
im very sorry dynogirl...

dont know why i had it in my head you said vase.

A jug, on the other hand is a useful gift. Hope she gets enjoyment from it.

*slinks away slowly with tail between legs in a very cowdarly manner * :_|

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

dynogrl — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 07:36:56 GMT

but I didnt buy her a vase, I bought her a jug 😉

Re: Farewell Gift Ideas?

dynogrl — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 07:39:09 GMT

LOL....

I had to rush and get her something today so I can put a chq rec through tomorrow...I want my $100 back asap! I can't wait 2 weeks for the bookkeeper to pay me my money LOL