30 Farewell Gift Ideas For Employees in Malaysia

Every farewell is tough, especially when it involves someone who has made a real impact on our lives, including in the workplace. Letting go of an employee who has contributed so much to the company is never easy. Without them, the team wouldn’t be where it is today.

But even if it’s a sad moment, the farewell process doesn’t have to be gloomy. It’s important to give a gift that’s meaningful and useful, something that fits the company culture, stays within budget, and suits the personality of the person who’s leaving.

Not sure what kind of farewell gift to give? Don’t worry! We’ve gathered plenty of thoughtful and fun farewell gift ideas below to help you out.

Why Give Farewell Gifts?

When someone leaves the company, it marks the end of a chapter. And just like how we celebrate beginnings, it’s only fair to recognise endings too.

Giving a farewell gift is a simple yet powerful way to say thank you. It shows the company remembers and appreciates the person’s time, effort, and contributions. Regardless of whether the employee has contributed to team building, introduced fresh concepts, or simply enhanced the daily work experience, a modest present can convey a powerful message: "You made a difference here."

Beyond the emotional side, farewell gifts help maintain strong professional relationships. An employee who leaves with good memories is more likely to speak positively about the company, recommend it to others, or even return one day in a different role.

It also shows the remaining team that people are valued, even at the exit point. This can boost morale and strengthen the overall company culture.

Farewell Gift Etiquette in Malaysia

When it comes to giving farewell gifts in a Malaysian workplace, there are a few unspoken rules that can help make the moment more thoughtful, respectful, and inclusive. 

Keep Budget in Mind

There’s no need to go overboard. What matters more is the thought behind the gift. Some companies use team budgets, while others pool funds among colleagues. 

Just keep the spending comfortable for everyone and avoid anything that might make someone feel pressured to chip in more than they want.

Be Culturally Aware

Malaysia is a multicultural country, so it’s important to avoid gifts that could be seen as insensitive. If you’re unsure about a person’s religion or background, stay away from alcohol, pork-based items, or gifts with symbols or numbers that might carry bad luck. It’s always safer to go with neutral or practical items.

Know When Group or Individual Gifts Make Sense

If the whole team has worked closely with the person, a group gift can be a nice shared gesture. But if it’s a more personal connection like between a manager and their staff, an individual gift might feel more meaningful. Either way, it helps to pair the gift with a farewell card or a short thank-you message.

Time the Gift Well

Ideally, give the farewell gift during their last team meeting, a farewell lunch, or just before they officially clock out. The team has a lot of time to say goodbye properly and make the gift feel more special.

Don’t Forget the Human Touch

A small gift becomes more memorable when it comes with a sincere note. Even a short handwritten card from the team or direct manager can turn something simple into something meaningful.

Where to Buy Farewell Gifts in Malaysia

You don’t have to search far to find a great farewell gift. There are plenty of places in Malaysia, both online and offline, where you can get thoughtful and budget-friendly options. Some of the most practical sources are:

Online Marketplaces (Shopee, Lazada)

These platforms are popular for a reason: they’re convenient, affordable, and full of variety. You can find everything from personalised items and office tools to gift boxes and quirky keepsakes. Many sellers offer fast delivery and packaging options, too, which makes it easy when you’re short on time.

Corporate Gift Suppliers

For companies that want something more formal or premium like engraved plaques, trophies, or custom stationery, corporate gift vendors are a good choice. Some even help with bulk orders or personalised branding. 

Local or Handmade Gift Platforms

Looking for something unique or artsy? Try local online shops that specialise in handmade crafts, custom portraits, or curated gift sets. Websites like Loka Made or small Instagram shops often offer Malaysian-themed products or personalised touches that make the gift extra special.

Mall Retailers and Bookstores

If you prefer to see the item in person before buying, physical stores like Popular, MPH, or gift sections in Aeon and Isetan often have ready-made gift options. From cute mugs and journals to premium tea sets and wellness kits.

Custom Printing Services

Shops that offer custom printing (like Printcious or local print studios) can help create farewell gifts that are more personal. Think custom mousepads, T-shirts, calendars, or even framed quotes.

Best Farewell Gift Ideas based on Role

No two employees are the same, so their farewell gifts shouldn’t be either. A thoughtful gift that matches their role, personality, or working style shows that the company actually pays attention, and that’s something they’ll remember long after they leave. Here are some ideas based on different employee categories:

For Long-Serving or Senior Employees

When someone has been part of the company for years or held a leadership position, a simple souvenir won’t do. You’ll want something meaningful, high-quality, and reflective of their journey.

• Premium Plaque or Appreciation Trophy

Source: Etsy

A formal way to honour their years of service. Great for display at home or in their next office.

• Custom Leather Organiser or Briefcase

Source: Etsy

Stylish and practical, this works well for those transitioning into a new professional role or starting their own venture.

• Tailored Office Jacket or Blazer with Initials

Source: Ralph Lauren Malaysia

A classy, personal gift that says “we noticed your style.”

• Framed Certificate or Custom Caricature

Source: Photolamus

Capture their legacy with something they can hang up with pride or laugh at with joy.

• Wellness Gift Box or Spa Voucher

​​

Source: Giften Market

After years of hard work, they deserve a little pampering. Think massage oils, scented candles, or even a hotel staycation.

• Wine Set or Premium Tea Selection

Source: Ottawa Baskets

For those who enjoy relaxing with a drink, whether it's a good tea or a glass of wine.

• Memory Book with Printed Notes from Colleagues

Source: Artifact Uprising

Collect farewell messages, inside jokes, and photos into a printed keepsake. It’s emotional, personal, and always appreciated.

For Regular Staff or Team Members

These are the people who made the day-to-day work better, your reliable team players. Their gift doesn’t need to be extravagant, just meaningful.

• Company-Branded Hoodie, Mug, or Tumbler

Source: Belanova Industries

Practical items that let them carry a piece of the team with them.

• Personalised Mousepad or Desk Item

Source: Amazon

Add their name, a team quote, or a design that reflects their role.

• Local Snack Box or Bento Gift Set

Source: Snackmagic

Malaysian goodies like kuih, chocolates, or traditional snacks always hit the spot.

• Lifestyle or Bookstore Voucher

Source: Mall365

A safe choice that gives them freedom: Popular, Aeon, or BookXcess are all great options.

• Farewell Lunch with the Team

Source: Freepik

Whether at a café or in the pantry, nothing beats a final meal together.

• Desk Plant with a Message Card

Source: Etsy

Something green to brighten their next workspace and a small reminder of the team they’re leaving.

• Framed Quote or Photo Collage

Source: Etsy

Keep it simple, funny, or inspiring, whatever fits their vibe.

• Keychain or Pen Engraved with Their Name

Source: Amazon

Small but personal, and great for everyday use.

For Remote or Hybrid Staff

Just because they’re not physically in the office doesn’t mean they should leave empty-handed. There are still plenty of ways to make them feel seen.

• GrabFood or Shopee voucher

Source: Shopee

Simple, digital, and always practical. It can be used to order food or purchase necessary items. Ideal for remote gifting.

• Virtual Farewell Card with Video Messages

Source: Kudoboard

Use a tool like Kudoboard or a shared video call to collect warm wishes.

• Care Box Shipped to Their Home

Source: Eska Creative

Fill it with snacks, candles, coffee, or a cute mug to brighten their day.

• Digital Subscription Gift

Source: The Independent

Spotify, Netflix, or Headspace subscriptions work well if you know their interests.

• Custom Zoom/Google Meet background

Source: iStock

If you do the farewell in online mode, use a custom Zoom or Google Meet background to add a fun goodbye message or a team photo. 

• Digital Thank-you Card Designed on Canva

Source: Canva

Simple and free, but when designed well, it looks thoughtful and professional.

• E-wallet Top-up with a Farewell Message

This can be a quick way to express gratitude, especially for freelancers or part-time workers.

• Virtual Game or Lunch Session

Source: Freepik

Set up a casual online hangout before they go. It’s a nice way to wrap things up.

For Interns or Contract Staff

They may not have been around long, but they’ve still made an impact. A small, friendly gesture can mean a lot, especially for those just starting out.

• Certificate of Completion

Source: Canva

Recognises their contribution officially and helps build their resume. If you don’t have a graphic designer who can help, you can utilize Canva. It has various designs to create certificates.

• LinkedIn Recommendation from Manager

Source: Findymail

Providing a LinkedIn recommendation is like sharing a testimony about working with an intern. It can be very beneficial for career advancement and leaves a lasting impression.

• Tote Bag with a Stationery Kit

Source: Amazon

Tote bags are useful for carrying laptops and stationery to write down various notes related to work or education. They are fun, practical, and always appreciated by students and juniors.

• Group Photo and Digital Thank-you Card

Source: Puneri Gifts

Before ending the last day of work, giving a frame with a group photo alongside with digital thank you card can be an option for a farewell gift. It is a sweet way to show they were part of something.

• Farewell Kit with Snacks, Notebook, and USB

Source: Carousell Singapore

Personalized notebooks and a USB with their name can be a very good choice. You can also add some of their favourite snacks.

• Company T-shirt or cap

Source: India Mart

Giving company t-shirts or caps may seem simple, but they create lasting memories. Every time the recipients wear them, they will remember that they were once part of your company.

• Mini Book on Career or Creativity

Source: Caitlin Elizabeth Harper

If someone loves to read, give them a book about their career or specialty. This shows you care about their growth even after they leave.

Extra Touch: What to Include with the Gift

A farewell gift feels a lot more meaningful when you add a personal touch or a memory that shows the person was truly part of the team. These small extras don’t cost much, but they help turn a regular goodbye into something worth remembering.

Here are a few thoughtful items you can include with the main gift:

• Thank-you Letter from the Company

A short, heartfelt letter signed by leadership or HR makes the gesture feel more official. It’s also a nice way to recognise the person’s contributions formally.

• Printed Group Photo or a Digital Album

Source: Etsy

Take a fun team photo before they leave or compile snapshots from past events and meetings. You can print it or send it as a digital keepsake.

• HR-Issued Appreciation Certificate

Source: Certifier

Especially useful for interns, contract staff, or junior team members who can add this to their portfolio or resume.

• Social Media Farewell Post

A short shoutout on LinkedIn or the company’s social media page lets others see the value of the person’s work and celebrates them publicly.

• Farewell Email Blast to the Team or Department

A quick email with kind words, photos, and well wishes helps the whole office be part of the goodbye, even if not everyone worked directly with them.

Tips for Making Farewell Gifting Memorable

Here are a few ways to create a send-off that really sticks, even if the gift itself is simple:

Include a personalised message or farewell card

Even the most practical gift feels more meaningful when it comes with a handwritten note or a card filled with kind words. Let team members write short messages or inside jokes. The small effort goes a long way.

Give the gift during a send-off moment

Whether it’s a quick team huddle, a Zoom call, or a casual lunch, presenting the gift in front of the team creates a shared moment. Say a few words about what the person contributed, then hand over the gift. It doesn’t have to be formal—it just needs to feel genuine.

Get the team involved

Let teammates help choose the gift or write messages. This shows that the farewell is coming from the group, not just HR or the manager. It also helps the person leaving feel like they’re being appreciated by the whole team, not just the company.

FAQs

What is an appropriate farewell gift budget in Malaysia?

There’s no fixed number, but many companies aim for something between RM30 to RM150, depending on the person’s role and length of service. 

For senior staff or long-serving employees, a higher range may be more suitable. For interns or part-timers, a simple gift under RM50 can still be meaningful if it’s thoughtfully chosen.

Can HR use company funds for farewell gifts?

Yes, some companies allocate small budgets for farewell gifts, especially for full-time staff. Others handle it through team pooling or manager discretion. Stay within policy and keep spending consistent so that no one feels unfairly treated.

What if the employee is leaving on bad terms?

Even if the exit wasn’t ideal, a small farewell gesture can help close things on a more respectful note. It doesn’t need to be a big gift. A short thank-you message, a general appreciation card, or even a simple snack box can show professionalism and maintain goodwill.

Are there tax implications for farewell gifts?

In some cases, yes. Especially if the gift is considered a form of benefit or if it exceeds a certain value. Double-check with your finance or payroll team before giving expensive or high-value items, just to keep everything clean from a compliance point of view.

Is it okay to give cash or vouchers as a farewell gift?

Yes, but do it carefully. Vouchers (like GrabFood or bookstore vouchers) are practical and easy to personalise. Cash is less common and may feel awkward unless there’s a clear company tradition. If you’re giving monetary value, pair it with a written message or small token to make it feel more personal.

What are good last-minute farewell gifts?

If you're short on time, try digital vouchers, a quick care box with snacks, or a printed farewell card from the team. Even a group lunch or a photo frame with a team picture can be arranged quickly. The key is not to panic. Just focus on the message you want to leave behind.

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