What kind of present can I get my coworker?

May 25, 2011 2:29 PM

My coworker (and friend) just got an amazing new job, I'd like to get him a small gift... but what?

I've been working with this amazing web developer for about a year now and he's recently put in his 2 weeks notice to pursue a great opportunity. We've had a great working relationship and friendship and have learned a lot from each other. I'd like to get him a small gift to say "congratulations, you'll be missed" but I'm really at a loss of what to get. I'd like to keep it simple, nothing to extravagant but still look like I've put some thought into this. He'll be gone next Friday so I need to come up with something quick and I'd prefer something that I could get locally (I'm in the Dallas area) so I don't stress about it getting here in time.

Details on my co-worker: He's a 25yr old web developer going into a web consulting position. I know he's into all things web and android but other than that I'm really not sure what he's interested in.

So any thoughts???

posted by RubyDoom to human relations (9 answers total)

Liquor, unless you know he doesn't drink. I feel like whiskey is always a classy choice, but obviously if you know of something specific he likes definitely go with that.
posted by Sara C. at 2:39 PM on May 25, 2011

Does he like coffee? Maybe an Aeropress?
posted by backwards guitar at 2:47 PM on May 25, 2011

A 6-pack of red bull and maybe something from Think Geek?
posted by jlunar at 2:48 PM on May 25, 2011

For $9, there are some hilarious web development cartoons in The Oatmeal's book 5 Very Good Reasons to Punch a Dolphin in the Mouth (And Other Useful Guides). I'm guessing it would be at your local chain bookstore as well. The language (cursing) in the book is web-like, for lack of a better description. It isn't rampant, but it is definitely there. But honestly I'm guessing he will really like that book, unless he already owns it. And even then, it is great as a gift.
posted by cashman at 2:57 PM on May 25, 2011

If you have access to a pen store, get him a fountain (or other type of specialty) pen. Pens can get very expensive but the lower-priced ones are also pretty cool. You can tell him it is a present for his new desk.
posted by Morrigan at 3:12 PM on May 25, 2011

Android Squishable. One of my coworkers has a giant one (out of stock and your price range) and it's very cute. Most developers I know have random stuff, including stuffed animals, on their desks.
posted by asphericalcow at 3:27 PM on May 25, 2011

I'm going through the same thing! I just bought my favorite soon-to-be-ex-co-worker some Angry Birds stuffed pig and birds!! Waiting for them to be delivered :)
posted by effigy at 4:44 PM on May 25, 2011

Personalized items are always nice to give, personalized sticky notes, etc. Since time is a factor what about a nice engraved Cross pen? A store like Things Remembered would be a good place to go for ideas.
posted by sandyp at 6:27 PM on May 25, 2011

Business card holder that fits his style but is appropriate to his new gig - leather or metal and rigid enough to hold cards tidily.

Likely to be something a developer doesn't have and a consultant will need.
posted by Heart_on_Sleeve at 7:28 PM on May 25, 2011 [1 favorite]