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A "farewell gift" is a monetary gift given as a token of farewell to someone who is moving far away due to a job transfer, retirement, moving, or travel. Many people may be unsure of what to give and by when. In this article, we will introduce how to choose a farewell gift, the average price, and etiquette for giving it.
table of contents
- The difference between "Senbetsu" and "Hanamuke"
- When should I give the farewell gift?
- Average price range for farewell gifts
- Standard and bad farewell gifts
- How to write a farewell gift "noshi"
- Recommended as a farewell gift! 7 gifts that will convey your gratitude
- Be sure to follow proper etiquette when giving a farewell gift!
The difference between "Senbetsu" and "Hanamuke"
Farewell gifts are also called "hanamuke." Hanamuke is an abbreviation of "uma no na katake," a word that originated from the custom of sending off a horse with its nose facing in the direction it is going, as a way of praying for the safety of a departing person. Like farewell gifts, hanamuke refers to gifts, money, poetry, etc. given when someone is leaving on a journey or starting out on a new life.
When should I give the farewell gift?
The most common occasions for giving farewell gifts are when someone is transferred or resigns. Generally, it is given on the last day you will see that person. If you have multiple opportunities to see the person after giving the gift, the feeling of appreciation will fade, and there are also cases where the letter of resignation is revoked at the last minute. Let's take a look at how to give a gift depending on the situation and what to be careful of.
If you give it at work
If you have a chance to meet at work on your retirement day, hand it over to them in person. The best time to do so is before or after they say their final goodbyes. However, since people tend to have a lot of luggage on retirement days, large, bulky or heavy items may not be appreciated. Don't forget to put larger items in a carry bag so they are easy to carry.
If giving at a farewell party
If you are handing them out at a farewell party, it is best to do so once the meal has finished. If people are drinking alcohol, you may miss the right timing, so be careful not to give them out too late.
If sending by mail to your home, etc.
If you are sending it by mail to your home, it should be sent within one to two weeks of your retirement date. However, if you are moving due to a job transfer or other reason, be careful about the delivery date and destination. Sending it at the last minute can be inconvenient, so it is best to send it at least one week before your move.
If you are giving it personally
For those who have been especially kind to you, it is fine to give a personal gift separate from the company gift. However, be careful not to give it in public, such as at the workplace or at a farewell party, as this can make those who did not prepare a separate farewell gift feel awkward. If you are able to keep in contact with them after you leave, it is a good idea to make time to give them a personal gift when things have settled down.
Average price range for farewell gifts
It is common for multiple people to pool their money together to give a farewell gift. The amount per person should be around 1,000 to 3,000 yen. If you are a part-time worker, try to make sure that your contribution is less than that of a full-time employee.
Since no gift is given in return for a farewell gift, anything too expensive will cause unnecessary inconvenience and is a no-no. Even if the person has been particularly kind to you, a farewell gift from your company should be prepared within the market price range.
Standard and bad farewell gifts
While cash is the standard way to give a farewell gift, in recent years, gifts have also become more common. Here are some standard gifts and some gifts that should not be given.
A classic farewell gift
花束
Bouquets are a classic gift. Preserved flowers and herbariums are also recommended as they do not require watering or other care.
Alcohol and glasses
If you're a lover of alcohol, a sake tasting set or glass would be a great gift. Personalized gifts with names and messages can also make a lasting keepsake.
Assortment of sweets
Assorted sweets are a great gift for people of all ages and genders. Choose one that suits the recipient's age and preferences.
Practical items such as mugs
Practical items such as mugs that can be used daily are also popular as farewell gifts. Items that can be used in any situation will add a touch of elegance to a new life.
Catalog gift
If you feel like cash is too boring, but you're not sure how to choose an item that will make the recipient happy, we recommend gift catalogs, which allow the recipient to choose what they like. There are a variety of gift catalogs available, from those that specialize in one genre to those that offer a wide range of options.
Parting gifts that are not allowed
NG gifts are items that are considered to be "unlucky" or "inappropriate for someone of higher rank." Recently, more and more people are ignoring this rule, but you should be careful not to choose them unless the person in question specifically requests it.
cash
Although cash is the basic farewell gift, be careful as it is often considered bad manners to give cash to someone of higher rank. A cash gift can be interpreted as meaning "please use this to help with your living expenses," so it is best to avoid giving it to elderly people in particular.
Underwear or underwear
Underwear and undershirts are generally thought of as gifts for people who are struggling financially, so they are not suitable as farewell gifts.
Statinaries
Gifting stationery carries the message of "encouragement to study and work diligently." High-end brand-name ballpoint pens and fountain pens are popular business gifts, but be careful as they are not suitable for superiors or people retiring.
Socks or slippers
Socks and slippers may seem practical and appreciated at first glance, but wearing them on your feet carries the connotation of using the other person as a stepping stone or looking down on them. Be careful, as this is likely to be considered rude, especially to older people.
comb
A comb is an item that women would likely appreciate, but it is not a suitable gift because it brings to mind unlucky words like "suffering" and "death."
handkerchief
The kanji for handkerchief is "tekken." This can be read as "tegire (hand cut)," which is why it is thought to have the connotation of "cutting ties." Recently, more and more people are giving handkerchiefs as gifts without much thought, but a "white handkerchief," reminiscent of the cloth used to cover the face of the deceased, is taboo.
Cutlery
Sharp items such as knives and scissors are considered inappropriate as gifts because they are associated with "cutting ties." However, in recent years, they have also been given with the positive meaning of "opening up (the future)."
How to write a farewell gift "noshi"
When giving a farewell gift, it is considered good manners to put cash in a "congratulatory envelope" and attach a "noshi" (gift tag) to the gift. There are various ways to write the envelope, but a safe way to write it is "Thank you" regardless of the reason for leaving. Be careful not to use "farewell gift" as it can be considered rude to someone of higher rank.
| Front writing | Usage scene |
| Thank you, farewell gift | Any reason for leaving |
| Mitake | No to superiors |
| Congratulations on your promotion, congratulations on your promotion | Promotion |
| Retirement celebration, retirement celebration | retirement |
| Celebration | Retirement and marriage |
The basic mizuhiki is a red and white bow. However, if you are giving it as a wedding gift to someone who is retiring from work, choose the Awaji knot or the Musubikiri knot. Write the giver's name underneath the mizuhiki.
If you are sending a gift to a department or team, write "Everyone in the XX department." If you are sending a gift to multiple people, write the names of the people in order of their position, from right to left. If everyone is on the same level, you can write them in alphabetical order.
If there are many people signing the petition, write the representative's name in the center and then write "and x number of others" to the left of it. In this case, write the names of all the people on a piece of paper and enclose it so that it is clear who the "and" are.
Recommended as a farewell gift! 7 gifts that will convey your gratitude
We have picked out and introduced some products that would make perfect farewell gifts.
PochipThis compact, box-type flower arrangement is easy to carry. Its refreshing green accents stand out more than typical flower gifts, making it a unisex design that's perfect for men, too. It's not as bulky as a bouquet, so it's easy to carry around without worrying about being seen.
PochipThis bouquet is great because you can enjoy it without any hassle, in the beautiful wrapping it came in when you received it. There is jelly-like water inside, so there is no need to change the water or water it. After enjoying the flowers, you can dispose of them all together as burnable waste.
PochipThis 720ml plum wine tasting set is a generous amount. Each bottle is enough for about 1 drinks on the rocks, so you can enjoy it in a variety of ways, such as straight, with soda, water, or hot water.
PochipThis luxury pudding assortment set has been featured on several popular TV shows. The stylish packaging makes it the perfect gift. It comes with a sauce for changing the flavor, so you can enjoy it twice with one pudding. Another great feature is that you can choose from 1 different combinations of the six puddings.
PochipThis stylish mug and drip coffee set features a shabby color scheme and a personalized name. The name is individually hand-painted by the designer, giving it a unique feel that machine-made coffee doesn't have. The coffee is carefully selected with attention to the type of beans, roasting method, and packaging, making it a genuine product that will please those who say, "I'm not a coffee enthusiast, but I still want to drink delicious coffee with a little extra care."
PochipThis set includes three types of bath salts and a highly absorbent, easy-to-use Imabari face towel. The bath salts, rich in rock salt, are expected to have detoxifying effects through sweating and promote blood circulation. The packaging design makes it a great gift for people of all ages and genders. It's also recommended for those who find the strong scent of regular bath salts too strong.
PochipThis catalog gift allows you to give "experiences" such as yoga, horseback riding, pottery, beauty treatments, and day trips to hot springs. It can be used in a wide range of areas, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Another great feature is the wide range of gift options available, including message cards and gift wrapping.
Be sure to follow proper etiquette when giving a farewell gift!
In many cases, the time you give a farewell gift is the last time you will see that person. Give a gift that will be appreciated, conveying your feelings of gratitude that you have not been able to fully express until now, and encouraging them to start a new life together.
"PR"
