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How to Throw a Travel-Themed Party The Right Way

You love to travel, and who doesn’t love a good party?

Why not throw a party with a travel theme? And in this post, we will help you to plan the best travel-themed party.

This post is written specifically to help you throw a travel-themed party that is unique and fun, and that celebrates you and your guests’ love for traveling and making memories.

Perhaps you want to throw yourself a fun and unique birthday party or need to throw a going-away party for a friend about to embark on a long trip. Or, you want to get some fun-loving people together around a collectively enjoyed theme, i.e. traveling, of course!

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a cake a other sweets and decorations for a travel-themed party

A travel-themed party is a great way to celebrate this exciting and rewarding hobby and the world’s most wonderful destinations .

Travel-themed parties can also be a great way to get people talking and make the conversation flow. People who attend travel-themed parties will want to share with others the places they have been and the places they someday hope to go.

Ideas for travel destinations and vacations can be shared, and possible travel companionships will blossom, too.

So let’s get started.

Read on to get great themed party ideas for food, decor, and more.

Start Planning for Your Travel-Themed Party

No matter what you are celebrating, a travel-themed party should be full of travel-related decorations, finger foods, sweets, savory snacks, and even costumes, or at least a travel-themed dress code for your guests, too, right?

So, where to start?

Narrowing your travel theme down is an excellent place to start planning for a travel-themed party, and here are some suggestions to get the ball rolling and your creative juices flowing.

Single Country/Regional Theme

Maybe you are farewelling a guest, or you are migrating to a new country; you could make the theme all about that country, region, or part of the world.

With a single country theme (or even region i.e. Central America , Asia), you could theme the whole party, including decorations, dress code, food according to that country (or region) and their culture, traditions, and even flag.

Feel free to be creative. You may even find inflatables with personalized designs, which can be the country’s flag, map, or name letters, and place them as a unique decor in your party.

With an idea like this, you can go all out.

There are countless ways to decorate, various foods you can serve, and many engaging activities you can plan for a travel-themed party!

Decoration Set Top Choice

The easiest way to decorate your party is by getting a set that covers most of your needs!!

Get a Travel Themed Party Decorations Set before you start your journey

Method of Travel Theme

You may want your party to celebrate travel in general, and that’s a fine idea also.

Or, you may want to focus on one method of travel, such as backpacking or cruising. Or focus on some of the attractions and activities of a particular country or region like hiking, skiing , water sports, or even wildlife or a safari.

No matter your sub-theme, your travel-themed party will be memorable if it matches your interests and those of the people you invite.

If some people you invite are not as into travel as others, those passionate about traveling will pass their enthusiasm to the other guests.

After selecting a theme for your party, start getting creative for your invites. This way, you can build excitement and anticipation for your travel-themed party, so your guests can’t wait for the date!

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Build Excitement with Themed Invitations

You can build anticipation for your party with themed invitations based on your overall theme selected earlier.

Encourage guests to bring travel photos or souvenirs from their travels to share, or ask them to bring a dish of local cuisine from their favorite destination or something that matches your overall theme for the party.

A great idea would be to design invitations like plane or cruise tickets, baggage travel tags, or even planes or cruise ships.

Or check out these suitcase-shaped party invitations that you can order pre-made.

There are several options for effective invitations; some are easier than others. You can hand-make invitations, buy some at a store, or use free party invitations online to email your guests.

Invitations Top Choice

The most creative way to invite someone to a travel-themed party is using a suitcase!

Get some Travel Themed Invitation Cards with Envelopes before you start your journey

Food and Drinks

You could include in your invite for guests to bring a dish from the region or country of your theme, or if you want your guests to be impressed, organize catering according to your theme.

Whether it’s Guatemalan or Central American cuisine , Asian or European cuisine, if you plan well and hire a professional caterer, or even if you prepare the food yourself, your party will surely be memorable.

several dishes on a metal place in a catering for a party

Regarding drinks, there are many options to suit your travel theme. You could include wine from France, sake from Japan, or one of my personal favorites, cocktails like the Michelada from Colombia .

Get Creative with Decorations

There are many great ideas for travel-themed party decorations . If you focus on a specific region or country, you can base your decor on that.

If it’s a general travel-themed party, you can print out or buy travel posters, display food in open suitcases, use maps as placemats, and make airplane cupcake toppers on sticks.

You can use helium party balloons or make a cardboard train centerpiece out of old shoe boxes, really, the ideas are endless, and you are limited only by your imagination.

If you are throwing a party in your garden, you may consider getting an excellent garden furniture set .

travel themed party decor on top of a table with food

Play Travel-Themed Games

You can adapt many well-known party games to a travel theme. Instead of pinning the tail on the donkey, you can pin a remarkable landmark on a map.

There are games like ‘Twenty Questions’ where the correct answer must be a destination.

If you like drawing games, write travel-themed words on index cards, try to draw the word, and encourage other guests to guess.

You could also have fun by teaching and learning dances from other countries or asking travel-themed trivia questions.

Word games are a great option also for example, one player names a city or country, and the next player must name a city or country that begins with the last letter of the first guest’s choice.

Use your creativity, and maybe you can create games everyone can enjoy or use some of the best road trip games !

Wrapping it All Up

There are many different directions you can go with a travel-themed party.

In this article, we hope to have provided a really great place to start by first picking a travel-related theme and narrowing it down a bit to a specific region or country or even to a particular type of travel like backpacking or cruise vacations that can also serve as themes for the party.

From invitations to decor and food and drink, you now have an excellent place to start planning your travel-themed party so you can set a date and start sending out invites!

Maybe you will be so inspired after hosting this first party that you have more in the future.

No matter what happens, you will have a memorable party you will never forget. And you are in the best place to start planning again in the future for another party, thanks to this article.

If you want inspiration for your party and destinations you can and should visit, check out our destinations page.

Disclosure: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission for any purchases made through the links. Your trust is important to us, and we ensure that all products or services we recommend meet or exceed our editorial standards .

Last Updated on November 20, 2023

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These 33 going away party ideas are the perfect way to say farewell

Shown from behind, a woman in a woven sun hat with a white shirt draped off her shoulder waves at an airplane in a blue sky.

August 23, 2023

Goodbyes are an inevitable part of life. While they can be sad, they can also be a real celebration. Whether you’re moving on to a new job or relocating for your growing family, leaving can be an opportunity for new, exciting things. And what’s a better way to appreciate the people and places that you’re leaving—while welcoming what’s to come—than a going away party?

Going away parties come in all shapes, sizes, and budgets. Whether you’re hosting a farewell party for yourself or throwing one for a friend, family member, or coworker, here are some farewell party ideas at different price ranges to help you get started. Plus, we’ve got some extra ideas for decor, food, and games that will lighten up any going away party.

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Going away party ideas for friends

Left: An invitation reads “it’s beer o’clock” with a photo of beer glasses being clinked on the left and an orange illustration of two beer mugs on the right and a matching blue envelope. Right: Five beer glasses with different color beers are shown on a round wooden tray.

Making any sort of departure comes with a mixed bag of emotions, and a going away party can help soften the blow—especially when it’s with your friends. Start with one of these farewell party ideas , and personalize it to fit your friend and their new destination.

1. Take a food tour through the city

For many, food is one of the main factors that defines a place and characterizes home. As one last hurrah, invite close friends and family on a food tour through the city that takes the group to some of the best diners, restaurants, and eateries.

Stop by the favorites of the person going away, but sprinkle in some new, “always wanted to try it” spots.
Plan the tour around different courses—start with a spot that has good appetizers or small plates before moving to a restaurant with delicious main courses.
Work in some breaks between restaurants to see some sights, take in the architecture, and otherwise enjoy the city while digesting.
Add a Travel Block to your invitation to show off some of the restaurants you’ll be visiting.
Ask each party-goer to chip in a set amount—use a Link Block on your Paperless Post invitation to provide your Venmo handle—so payment is easy at each spot.

2. Visit a local brewery, winery, or distillery

If your friend has a particular cocktail they love, organize a visit to a local spot specializing in that beverage. This can be a great opportunity for your departing friend to cross an establishment or two off their bucket list before they leave, and maybe it’ll give them a reason to come back and visit more often.

Breweries, wineries, and distilleries frequently offer guided tours with tasting events.
They also usually provide food and refreshments.
If your city has several breweries or wineries, rent a bus to take you on a tour of all the breweries.
Let party-goers know when it’s beer o’clock with a themed invitation .
Cost: $– $$$

3. Puzzle your way out of an escape room

Nothing says “I appreciate this friendship” like being locked in a room full of puzzles you have to solve together.

Escape rooms come in all forms, but the general idea is to solve a series of puzzles using your logic, teamwork, and general resourcefulness to find your way out of the room within a given time limit. Players might be blindfolded, or the escape room may have a zombie theme to create a sense of immediacy.

Find an escape room with a theme that honors your friend or your city.
Escape the room in time, and you and your friends have the pride of solving puzzles through the power of camaraderie. If not, it’s still a fun time with your pals.
Have some pizza and beverages to look forward to on the other side.
Let the games begin by using a game-themed invitation .

4. Relax at a full spa day

Before your friend starts hauling boxes into a moving truck, set up a fully serviced spa day packed with rejuvenating activities.

Include massages, facials, and lounging in a sauna.
Set up a spa day at home, complete with comfy bathrobes and cucumbers on the eyes.
Invite party-goers with a spa day invitation that gets everyone excited for some pampering fun.
Cost: $$–$$$ (depending on location)

5. Create something new in a pottery class

Whether you’re throwing some clay on the wheel or doing some freehand molding, pottery classes give your departing friend a chance to make a ceramic object that they can put in their new home.

Pottery classes involve instructors who help students turn lumps of clay into vases, plates, and other beautiful objects.
See if you can bring in refreshments, or find a bar to stop by afterward to admire your makings.
Invite party-goers with a pottery-themed invitation .
Ask guests to reserve their own spot in the pottery class, so you don’t have to worry about payment.

Going away party ideas for family

Left: An invitation for a backyard BBQ & movie screening with abstract green brushstroke stripes in an ombre pattern on a darker green background. Right: A cozy setup for an outdoor movie with a projector screen and white paper lanterns on a wooden deck.

Whether your son is going to college across the country or your sister has taken a job teaching English overseas, try one of these special farewell party ideas for family to send your loved one off in style.

6. Enjoy a backyard barbecue and movie night

A barbecue is a great way to enjoy time with the family without building too much structure into the activities.

Fire up the grill and invite the family and some friends over—make it BYOB, or provide a tub of beer and sodas.
Use a barbecue-themed invitation to entice all your guests.
Once the sun sets, project your departing family member’s favorite movie or some fun throwback photos onto a large screen or blank section of wall. Pop plenty of popcorn and stock up on candy treats.

7. Compete in some friendly family sports

If yours is a sports-loving family, plan an epic game to send off your family member with fond memories. Whether it’s a basketball tournament or a football match, you can get the whole family involved for some spirited competition.

Set up a field at your house, or see if you can reserve a field at a local park.
Invite family members with an appropriate sports-themed invitation . Use the Details Block to ask people to bring sports equipment or potluck fare.
Make the family member of honor a team captain.
Hand out trophies and MVP awards at the end.
Round it all out with some good grub and drinks after.

Left: A colorful table with a block-printed tablecloth and grapes on a cupcake stand in front of tall decorative grass. Right: An invitation to “wine and dine with us” has a block-printed style blue border and checkerboard border with a yellow rectangle in the middle and four flowers in the corner, above a pink envelope with checkered liner.

8. Invite a private chef for a delicious meal

Why cook something yourself when you could invite a private chef to cook a five-star meal for you? The best part is that you don’t have to do much of anything.

Choose your departing family member’s favorite type of food.
Design and send a dinner party-themed invitation to your family.
Set up an RSVP-by date so the chef knows how many people to cook for.
The private chef will take care of the rest—from planning and prep to cooking and cleaning up.

9. Box up belongings with a packing party

Packing up belongings is one of the most time-consuming parts of moving—so why not get a little help from your family? It does take a bit of time and elbow grease, but it’ll go by much faster than one person packing on their own.

Supply plenty of boxes, packing tape, and markers to label things.
Relive some memories with photos—you can supply them or ask the family member of honor to put aside their photo albums for party-goers who need a break.
Once everything has been packed up neatly, open up some bottles of Champagne and order up plenty of pizza to celebrate.

10. Test your family knowledge with trivia

Trivia is a fun chance to put your family’s knowledge to the test.

Host at home, and order a pizza and some drinks to have while playing.
Include questions that only your family would get. What is Mom’s favorite karaoke song? What did Uncle Steve get everyone for Christmas last year? Add questions about the guest of honor, too—and about the destination they’re moving to.

Going away party ideas for a coworker

You spend a lot of time with your coworkers and colleagues—enough that you develop important working relationships with them. It can be sad to see them go, whether they’re heading off to another company or are planning to retire . Hosting a good, professional going away party with one of these farewell party ideas for a colleague is a chance to celebrate your work friend’s successes while showing some appreciation.

11. Host a cocktail party

A cocktail party gives the office an opportunity to dress up and let loose with some adult beverages.

Reserve a table or room at a local bar, or host the party at the office or your house.
For a special touch, work with the guest of honor to create a signature cocktail for the occasion.
Create a slideshow tribute to the departing coworker that highlights the employee’s successes and contributions. You can also solicit speeches from coworkers.

12. Rent out a barcade

Combine the drinks and ambiance of a bar with the cabinets and pinball machines of an arcade—the humble barcade has become an important social space in the modern age.

Hand out plenty of tokens for free games.
Hold tournaments for high scores at pinball and Skee-Ball machines.
Cost: $$–$$$

13. Bet on yourself with a charity casino night

Say goodbye with a Vegas casino experience to send them off in style. Determine how much you can spend on food and drinks , so you aren’t surprised by the cost at the end. Then:

Set up tables at the office hosting different games, from craps to blackjack to poker.
Let the crew know that any winnings will go to a charity of the departing colleague’s choice.
Provide some prizes for the employees who win the most chips.

Left: An invitation for “happy hour drinks with simplified illustrations of stemmed wine glasses on the right and a black envelope with gold liner. Right: A dimly lit bar with modern shelves above the bar filled with wine bottles and fern plants.

14. Go out for one last happy hour

If you’re having trouble planning a professional event , stick with what you know. Happy hours have always been a time for colleagues to let off some steam, especially after a hard work day.

Use a happy hour-themed invitation to invite the whole company out to one last hurrah at your colleague’s favorite happy hour spot.
Encourage toasts from coworkers.
Ask attendees to pitch in for the guest of honor’s drinks before the bill comes.

15. Take them out to the ballgame

Root for the home team one last time with your coworker.

Ask each party-goer to buy their own ticket in a specific section of the stadium.
Make it a truly special experience by renting out a suite at a baseball game or getting courtside seats at the basketball game for everyone.
Get plenty of concessions, drinks, and Cracker Jacks.

Going away party theme ideas for everyone

Giving your party a theme can really bring things together, elevate basic ideas, and help with the overall planning. Here are some going away party themes that work for any honoree.

16. Combined party

It’s not uncommon to combine a high school or college graduation, a birthday party, or a holiday party with a going away party as the friend, co-worker, or family member in your life moves on to greener pastures.

Host at home, or rent out a local park or party venue for a larger crowd.
For graduates, party supplies can include diplomas and cap-and-gown decor, along with logos, mascots, and other iconography of their school.
For holiday themes, you can deck the party out in their favorite holiday decor.
Supply foods that the guest of honor enjoys, but that also fit the combined party theme. A birthday party combined with a going away party can include a cake for each reason.

17. A new city or region

If your friend or family member is moving to a new city, throw them a party themed after the city or region that they’re moving to.

Host at home in your backyard, or rent out a party space if there will be a bigger crowd.
Include decor, activities, and food from the new spot. For example, if they’re moving to Texas, you can have a cowboy-themed party, complete with cowboy hats, boots, and horses, along with the perfect Texas-themed invitation . For a new Arizonian, you can have a taco party where everyone makes their own tacos from a given spread.

18. A favorite monument or attraction

When you’re looking for a venue, think about what your departing friend, coworker, or family member likes. What’s their favorite place in the city? Is it a special monument or attraction? Is it a hole-in-the-wall cafe? Start your planning there.

If the guest of honor lives in San Diego and loves Balboa Park, consider a picnic in the area.
See if you can rent out their favorite attraction, so your party won’t be full of tourists.
Bring the guest of honor’s favorite foods and drinks and reminisce about their memories of the attraction.

19. A pool or beach party

A pool or beach party is a timeless tradition, and it’s a great way to say bon voyage in style.

Find a spot at a local beach, or use a friend’s or family member’s pool if you don’t have your own.
Bring some coolers for drinks and cool refreshments, like fruit or cold sandwiches.
Add some beach or pool party decor.
Learn the rules and regulations beforehand. For example, some public beaches do not allow open containers of alcohol or pool floats.

Left: Gold, rose gold, and silver spheres hover on the ceiling of a modern, mirrored room by metallic star-shaped balloons. Right: A black and white surprise party invitation reads “SHH” in large letters and “keep it quiet above a white envelope with abstract liner.

20. A surprise going away party

Pulling off an epic surprise party is the best kind of challenge. Keep the secret close, and choose co-conspirators who can help get the guest of honor to the right place at the right time.

When you send out surprise party invitations , use a Details Block to emphasize that it’s a surprise.
Try not to sweat it too much if the secret does get out.
Use a location that seems common for the guest of honor to go to.
Get help with food and drinks—and offer up some of the guest of honor’s favorites.
Cost : $–$$

Going away party decorations

Left: A going away party invitation with a globe of Earth surrounded by light clouds in a blue sky. Right: In a large frame, rows of Instax photos are strung across a brick wall.

The specific party décor you choose will depend on the party’s theme and venue. Here are some decoration staples you won’t want to forget, regardless.

21. A guestbook or guest board

Similar to a high school yearbook, a guestbook gives guests an opportunity to leave encouraging messages for the person going away. Instead of a guestbook, you can also set up a large poster board for guests to sign and decorate. Then, the guest of honor can hang it in their new home as a work of art.

22. A photobooth or instant camera

Rent a photobooth for guests to take pictures for their own memories or to leave them with the person who is departing. Alternatively, set out instant or disposable cameras throughout the venue so guests can take selfies and leave the proof for the guest of honor to laugh at later.

23. Plants and flowers

Plants and flowers give a venue a festive vibe and add cheerful color. Pick out some small potted plants or bouquets to place throughout the space. At the end of the party, guests can take the plants home as party favors, or the guest of honor can take them to their new abode to make it a little more homey.

24. Commemorative glassware

Order special mugs or glasses that commemorate the occasion. Choose a fun design that resonates with the person moving away, and include the date of the party. Then, when they use the glass, they’ll remember their friends and family in their old locale.

Going away party game ideas

Left: A cluttered wooden bar with a maroon ceiling and beer bottles hanging. Right: A going away party invitation with a black and white photo of a woman laughing and postage stamps around it.

While a lot of parties thrive on free time where guests can mingle, it doesn’t hurt to fold in planned party game activities to keep everyone interested and excited. Try one of these going away party game ideas to get guests engaged and energized.

25. Board games

Pick out some favorite board games that everyone is familiar with or that have simple rules. Have some simple games available for kids, as well. Encourage the guest of honor to create teams and have a battle for the championship of their favorite game.

26. Scavenger hunt

A scavenger hunt can be an ongoing activity throughout the party. Set up items for people to hunt for—like someone with the same initials as you or someone who has visited the place where the guest of honor is moving to—or add activities that people have to do, like taking a bathroom selfie. Give each task on the scavenger hunt a point value. At the end of the party, give out prizes or funny awards to the people with the most points.

27. Would you rather?

Another standard party game, “Would you rather?” presents two seemingly difficult choices that guests have to vote on. Divide the room down the middle, and ask guests to stand to one side or the other based on their choice. This encourages both movement and laughter.

Trivia is always a popular game choice. To make it extra special, ask trivia questions specifically about the person leaving—or about their new destination—which can be a real test of who knows that person the best. The winner gets a special photo with the guest of honor.

Going away party invitation wording ideas

The exact wording for your going away party invitation will vary, but every invitation should include the date, time, and location of the party and who’s hosting it. Here are some additional components you might include if they’re relevant to your party:

Information about the theme
Activities guests can expect to take part in
Anything your guests should bring to the party
Guest Questions for dietary restrictions and preferences
RSVP-by date
A Comment Wall so guests can interact with one another and view pictures from the party after it’s over.

When it comes to the wording for corporate invitations or invitations for a best friend’s farewell, you want to get it right. Here are some general messages to include on your going away party invitation so guests know what to expect.

29. Message for a special friend

Special friends deserve special goodbyes. Join us at [name of venue] on [date and time of party] to help us send off [guest of honor] in the most special way possible.

30. Serious message

You’re an important part of [guest of honor]’s life. Join us to bid them farewell as they take the next step of their life’s journey.

31. Message for a family member

Beloved members of the [family name] Family! [Guest of honor] is leaving town to begin a new phase of their life. Please join us at [name of venue] to send them off with love, happiness, and unsolicited family advice.

32. Surprise party message

Our much-loved mutual friend, [guest of honor], will be leaving town next week. To celebrate, we are hosting a surprise party at [name of venue]. No gifts necessary. Please attend if you can, and absolutely do not tell [guest of honor]!

33. Funny message

You are cordially invited to a going away party for [guest of honor] to say goodbye and ensure they’ll miss us lots and come back for a visit soon.

Invitations they’ll never forget, no matter where they go

Send Paperless Post farewell party invitations via text, email, or shareable link. Our online invitations are customizable and include guest management tools like RSVP tracking and guest messaging. Although it may be sad to see them go, a going away party commemorates the best times you’ve had with your departing friend or family member—especially if they’re invited with a bright, witty Paperless Post invitation.

Browse farewell away invitations

Hero image via Vitaliy Mitrofanenko .

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Going Away Party: How to Plan the Perfect Farewell?

August 31, 2023
HR Management

Ah, the intricate dance of farewells! Picture this: It’s a room filled with laughter, some tears, and countless memories floating around. You’re there in the midst of it all, trying to soak in the moment, grasping at the fragments of the past, while also peeking into the future. That’s what going away parties often feel like – a whirlwind of emotions, all mingling at once.

Going away parties are more than just casual gatherings over chips and dip. They’re intimate, emotional ceremonies that mark significant life transitions. Whether it’s your childhood friend moving across the globe, a coworker venturing into a new job opportunity, or perhaps it’s you stepping into a new chapter of your life. These events symbolize an end, but also the beautiful dawn of a fresh start.

The importance of a farewell event cannot be understated. Firstly, it’s a celebration of the times shared, the challenges overcome together, and the memories created. It’s also an acknowledgment of change, with all its uncertainties and hopes. There’s an unmatched beauty in taking out time from our busy lives to acknowledge these transitions, to let someone know, “Hey, you mattered in my life.”

However, organizing a going away party can feel like an overwhelming task. Striking the right balance between celebrating the past and toasting to the future isn’t easy. But don’t sweat it! Whether you’re a first-time planner or an event-organizing guru, I’m here to walk you through the process. Together, we’ll navigate through the planning intricacies of packing party, ensuring that the farewell is as beautiful and meaningful as the journey that led up to it.

In the pages that follow, you’ll find a blend of creative party ideas, practical tips, party ideas, and tools that will set the stage for a perfect send-off. So, let’s dive in and ensure that this farewell party leaves an indelible mark on everyone’s heart!

Going Away Party: Your ultimate guide to planning a memorable farewell. Dive into party themes, activities, logistics, and tools to bid adieu in style.

Setting the Stage: The Basics

When we talk about setting the stage, we aren’t merely referring to the physical setup. It’s about creating the right ambiance, emotions, and ensuring everything flows seamlessly. Let’s unravel this, step by step and make your going away party idea a hit.

Why Have a Going Away Party?

Now, this might seem like an obvious question, but it’s foundational. The purpose behind a farewell party runs deeper than just cake and speeches .

Recognition: The world moves at a rapid pace. Often, we forget to pause and appreciate. A going away party is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the significant contributions and impacts the person has made in your lives or organization. It’s a chance to put them in the spotlight, to share stories of their successes, and to genuinely commend them for the role they’ve played.

Conveying Best Wishes: While farewells are about the past, they’re equally about the future. The party provides a platform to share hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the departing individual’s next chapter. It’s a collective gesture that says, “We’re rooting for you.”

Emotional Closure: Closure is essential. It helps in moving forward. By commemorating the ending, you’re also aiding in the process of acceptance and providing a space for emotions to be voiced and acknowledged.

Key points:

A farewell is a moment of reflection.

It’s a collective well-wish for the future.

The event serves as emotional closure.

Choosing the Perfect Date & Time

While it might seem trivial, the timing of the event plays a pivotal role in its success.

Guest of Honor’s Schedule: First and foremost, the date and time should align with the availability of the person leaving. It’s their day, after all. Ensure you’ve consulted them or those close to them to pick a convenient time.

Guests’ Convenience: The essence of the party lies in the presence of those who’ve shared moments with the guest of honor. Hence, prioritize a date that ensures maximum attendance. Weekends are often a safe bet, but remember to check for public holidays or major local events that might interfere.

Provide Notice: The more time you give invitees to block the date, the better the attendance. Aim for at least a 2-3 week notice, if not more. This also aids those traveling from afar to make necessary arrangements.

Center the date around the departing individual’s schedule.

Choose a date that maximizes guest attendance.

Provide ample notice for better turnout.

Venue Selection:

The venue sets the mood for the event. Whether it’s a cozy gathering at someone’s house, a favorite local café, or a more formal setting like a banquet hall, the choice of venue should resonate with the guest of honor’s personality and the scale of the event.

Ambiance Matters: The venue should evoke warmth and familiarity. It should be a place where attendees feel comfortable sharing stories, laughing out loud, and maybe shedding a tear or two.

Accessibility: Pick a location that’s easily accessible for most attendees. If some guests are flying in or traveling a distance, consider venues close to major transportation hubs or with ample lodging facilities nearby.

Amenities: Depending on the activities planned, ensure the venue has the necessary amenities. This could range from audio-visual equipment for presentations to an open space for games.

Choose a venue that reflects the guest of honor’s personality.

Prioritize accessibility for attendees.

Ensure the venue caters to the event’s requirements.

Creative Ideas: Making it Memorable

Ah, the fun part! Creativity is what transforms a typical farewell into an unforgettable soiree. It’s not just about the glitz and glamour, but the personal touches, the laughter, and the tears. So, how do you infuse this magic into a going away party? Let’s delve deeper.

Theme Ideas

While it’s not mandatory to have a theme, it can undoubtedly elevate the event. A theme can be the compass guiding the décor, attire, food tours and even the activities.

Adventure Awaits: Especially apt for someone embarking on a journey, be it for travel, a new job in a different city, or a student going abroad. Decor could include maps, globes, and travel gear. Guests can come dressed in touristy attire, and perhaps share travel tips or experiences.

New Beginnings: Think of fresh starts – springtime, blossoms, and dawn. It’s a subtle reminder that every ending marks a new beginning. Decorations can be floral-based with a fresh, bright color palette. Activities can revolve around sharing stories of new starts and fresh challenges.

Walk Down Memory Lane: A nostalgic theme. Set up the venue with photos and mementos from the past. Have a slideshow running, and perhaps even recreate some old, cherished memories. This theme invites guests to bring along their own memories and stories, turning the event into a heartfelt trip to the past.

Consider a Virtual Movie Night: Share your love of a certain movie or enjoy a new one with friends and family. This is an excellent going away party idea for guests who may be in other areas and not able to give a send-off in person

Other ideas for themes that you may wish to consider are a college themed party or cooking classes.

A theme brings coherence to the event.

It should resonate with the person’s journey or future endeavors.

Themes can guide decor, attire, and activities, making the party more immersive.

Activities and Games

While speeches and goodbyes are a given, interactive activities and board games can elevate the engagement factor and ensure that guests are not mere spectators.

Memory Sharing Circle: A simple activity where everyone sits in a circle and shares their favorite memory with the guest of honor. It’s both heartfelt and often ends up uncovering hilarious or touching tales that might’ve been forgotten.

Time Capsule Creation: This is a beautiful long-term gesture. Provide guests with notes or small objects to put into a time capsule for the guest of honor. Seal it with the instruction to open it a few years down the line. It’s like giving them a piece of the past to cherish in the future.

“Guess the Memory” Game: Guests pen down a memory (without signing it) they shared with the person leaving. These are then read aloud, and the guest of honor has to guess who wrote it. It’s fun, interactive, and often filled with laughter.

Activities should be engaging and relevant.

The focus should remain on the guest of honor and the shared experiences.

Games are a great way to infuse fun and keep the energy high.

Decor and Atmosphere

Setting the right atmosphere is crucial. Decor isn’t just about your new home looking good but also about evoking the right emotions.

Photo Walls: Have a dedicated wall or area showcasing photos spanning various phases of the person’s life or tenure. It’s a visual journey that many would love to explore.

Memory Jar or Board: Set up a station where guests can pen down their memories or wishes on cards and place them in a jar or pin them on a board. The guest of honor can later go through these, ensuring they have tangible memories to take along.

Mood Lighting: The lighting can set the tone. Soft, warm lights can create an intimate setting, while brighter, colorful lights can make it more festive.

Décor sets the emotional tone of the event.

It should be both visually appealing and emotionally resonant.

Personal touches in decor make the guest of honor feel special and cherished.

Nitty-Gritty: The Logistics

While creativity, themes, and activities are the soul of the party, logistics are the backbone. They ensure the event runs smoothly, eliminating potential hiccups and ensuring the host, guest of honor and attendees have a memorable experience. Let’s dive into the operational details that demand careful planning.

Invitations and RSVPs

This might sound old school, but invitations set the tone for your event.

Designing: Ensure the design resonates with the theme (if there is one). Today, there are numerous online tools (some of which I’ll mention later) that can help you create a captivating invitation, even if you’re not a designer.

Information: Clearly mention the date, time, venue, dress code (if any), and other pertinent details. If it’s a surprise party, ensure that’s highlighted to avoid accidental spoilers!

RSVP: Always include an RSVP. It helps you get an estimate on the number of attendees, which in turn aids in arrangements like seating, food, and favors.

A well-designed invitation grabs attention.

Ensure all vital details are included.

RSVPs are crucial for logistical planning.

Food and Beverages

This often becomes the talk of the party (besides the party games and guest of honor, of course!).

Catering vs. Homemade: Depending on the scale of the party, decide whether you’d like to cater or make something at home. Home-cooked meals add a personal touch but can be taxing for larger gatherings.

Menu Planning: Keep in mind the preferences of the guest of honor. Also, be considerate of dietary restrictions or allergies that attendees might have. An assortment of options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes, ensures everyone has something to relish.

Beverages: Offer a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. If children are attending, have a special section for them, maybe with a fun mocktail or two.

Tailor the menu according to the guest of honor and attendees.

Be mindful of dietary needs.

Ensure there’s a variety in beverages.

Ah, the delicate topic of money. But, essential!

Estimation: Start with a ballpark figure of what you’re willing to spend. It’ll help streamline your choices regarding venue, party food ideas, decor, etc.

Allocation: Designate specific amounts to different sections like venue rental, catering, decorations, and entertainment. Always keep a buffer for unforeseen expenses.

Cost-cutting: If the budget seems tight, consider areas where you can save. Maybe opt for a potluck instead of catering or DIY decor instead of store-bought.

Start with a rough budget estimate.

Allocate funds judiciously to different segments.

Be creative and flexible to manage within the budget.

Favors and Keepsakes

A small token of appreciation goes a long way in making the event memorable.

Personal Touch: Keepsakes with a personal touch, like a handwritten note or a custom-made gift, resonate more. They serve as a lasting memory of the day.

DIY or Purchase: Depending on time and budget, you can choose to craft something unique or purchase pre-made favors. Items like customized keychains, photo frames, or even baked goods can serve as wonderful mementos.

For the Guest of Honor: Consider creating a special keepsake, like a scrapbook with pictures and notes from all attendees or a video montage of shared memories.

Keepsakes enhance the lasting impact of the event.

They don’t need to be extravagant, just heartfelt.

Ensure there’s something special set aside for the guest of honor.

Software Tools to the Rescue

In our digitally-driven age, planning an event, be it big or small, has never been easier thanks to a plethora of software tools. From sending invites to budget tracking, there’s a tool for nearly every aspect of your going away party. Let’s explore some of these lifesavers.

Invitation Creation and Management

Canva : More than just a design tool, Canva offers a wide range of customizable invitation templates that cater to various themes and moods. The drag-and-drop interface ensures even the least tech-savvy among us can create visually appealing invites.

Evite : A dedicated platform for digital invitations, Evite offers not just design options but also RSVP management. You can track who’s coming, who isn’t, and even get a sense of the guest’s dietary preferences if needed.

Digital invites save time and resources.

Tools like Canva and Evite make creation and management a breeze.

Customization ensures your invite stands out.

Budgeting and Expense Tracking

Mint : While primarily a personal finance tool, Mint’s budgeting features can be adapted to handle event expenses. Set up a budget, track expenditures, and get alerts if you’re nearing your limit.

Splitwise : If the party costs are being shared among multiple people, Splitwise is a godsend. It helps you keep track of who has paid what and calculates how expenses should be split.

Digital budget tracking minimizes manual errors.

Alerts ensure you remain within set limits.

Shared expenses are made transparent and straightforward.

Collaboration and Planning

Trello : A visual collaboration tool, Trello is perfect for planning parties, especially if you have a team or committee. Create boards for different tasks, assign responsibilities, set deadlines, and more.

Slack : If your planning involves multiple people, having a dedicated communication channel can be invaluable. Slack allows for real-time messaging, file sharing, and even integration with other tools like Trello.

Collaboration tools ensure everyone is on the same page.

They provide a centralized platform for tasks, responsibilities, and communication.

Integration features can streamline the planning process.

Memory Capturing and Sharing

Google Photos : A free and easy-to-use platform, Google Photos lets guests share their snaps of the event. By creating a shared album, everyone can contribute their memories.

Padlet : Think of it as a digital bulletin board. Guests can post their photos, videos, and even notes. It’s a dynamic and interactive way to collect memories.

Digital platforms offer a consolidated space for memories.

They allow for interactive and collective contributions.

Shared albums and boards can be revisited and cherished long after the event.

Leveraging these tools not only streamlines the planning process but also ensures a more organized and memorable event. Whether you’re a virtigital native or a newbie, these platforms are user-friendly and designed to take the hassle out of party planning.

Finishing Touches

Every successful event has its own secret sauce, those little details that elevate the experience from good to spectacular. The final touches might seem minor, but they often leave a lasting impact, ensuring your going away party becomes the talk of the town (or at least among your circle!). So, what are these nuances, and how can you seamlessly incorporate them into pizza party?

Personalized Playlists

Music has the power to evoke memories and set the mood. Instead of relying on generic playlists:

Memory Lane Mix: Collaborate with guests before the event to curate a playlist of songs that remind them of the guest of honor. This could be tunes from shared vacations, college anthems, or even that catchy song from a memorable night out.

Guest of Honor’s Favorites: Have a dedicated time during the party where you only play the favorite songs of the person leaving. It’s a small but poignant way of making them feel cherished.

Personalized playlists resonate more than generic ones.

They can stir nostalgia and create a unique atmosphere.

Music choices should represent the guest of honor and the shared journey with attendees.

Signature Drinks or Dishes

Make the refreshments stand out!

Homage Cocktail: Create a signature cocktail (or mocktail) that reflects the personality or preferences of the guest of honor. Is she a fan of tropical flavors? Or does he love a classic mojito? Use this as a base to craft your own drinks and craft something unique.

Themed Dishes: Craft a dish or dessert that aligns with the theme or serves as a nod to the guest of honor’s new journey. Moving to Italy? How about serving some authentic Tiramisu?

Unique food and beverages enhance the overall experience.

It’s a culinary way of celebrating the guest of honor.

Ensure the choices resonate with the theme or the individual’s preferences.

Interactive Installations

Message Wall: Set up a wall or a big board where guests can scribble down their wishes, advice, or even doodles for the guest of honor. By the end of the event, you’ll have a tangible memory filled with love and laughter.

Photo Booth: Create a small photo booth area with props related to the theme or the future journey of the guest of honor. It’s a fun activity, and everyone gets to take home a snapshot of the memorable day.

Interactive elements engage guests and make them a part of the celebration.

They provide both entertainment and lasting mementos.

Ensure they are easily accessible and fun to engage with.

Gratitude Gesture

As the event winds down:

Thank You Notes: Handwritten notes never go out of style. Pen down a brief note for each guest, expressing gratitude for their presence and any contributions they made.

Announcement: Dedicate a moment to publicly thank everyone, including any vendors or helpers. It fosters goodwill and is a heartfelt way of acknowledging everyone’s effort.

Expressing gratitude leaves a lasting impression.

Personal touches, like handwritten notes, go a long way.

It’s a way of ensuring everyone feels valued and appreciated.

In essence, the finishing touches are all about attention to detail. They showcase effort, thoughtfulness, and the desire to make the event not just a party, but a treasured memory. As you sprinkle these elements, remember it’s the love and care behind them that truly makes them shine.

How long should a going away party be?

Typically, 2-4 hours. It depends on the activities planned and the other party guests’ availability.

Should the person leaving contribute to the party’s cost?

Not necessarily. It’s often a gesture from friends or colleagues. However, collaborative contributions can be considered.

What should I wear to a going away party?

Dress according to the third party theme here, if any. Otherwise, go for something comfortable yet presentable.

Is it essential to have a theme?

No, but it adds a fun and structured element to decorate the party. For example throw a bon voyage party with a travel theme, with decorations like map tablecloths and a cooler full of airplane bottles of wine.

What’s a unique gift for someone going abroad?

Consider a travel essentials kit or a journal to encourage guests to document their adventures.

How many people should I invite?

It’s quality over quantity. Invite those family members who have a meaningful relationship with the departing individual.

Can it be a surprise party?

Absolutely! As long as you’re sure the person would appreciate the surprise.

Are digital invitations acceptable?

Yes, they’re eco-friendly and convenient. Plus, they’re easier to track.

How can I make the party memorable without spending much?

Focus on heartfelt gestures, like handwritten notes, shared memories, or homemade gifts.

Can I throw a going away party for myself?

Of course! It’s a great way to express gratitude and say your goodbyes.

Going away parties, while bittersweet, are more than just gatherings. They are poignant reminders of shared memories, laughter, and sometimes, even tears. These events underscore the importance of cherishing moments and celebrating transitions. As the chapter for one individual begins to close, another one awaits, bursting with promise and adventures. It’s essential to ensure that this bridge between the two is crafted with love, care, and unforgettable memories.

Planning the perfect farewell going away party ideas is no small feat. It demands creativity, logistical prowess, and an abundance of heart. But, as we’ve traversed through this guide, one thing becomes crystal clear: while tools and tactics play their part, the essence of a memorable going away party is the sentiment behind it.

Every personalized playlist, every themed dish, every handwritten note carries with it a piece of the heart. These gestures, grand or subtle, echo the sentiments of affection, nostalgia, and hope for the future. And while the physical distance might grow, these memories serve as a timeless tether, binding people together across miles.

So, as you embark on this journey of planning a farewell, remember that it’s more than just an event. It’s a tapestry of emotions, experiences, and expectations, woven together by the threads of shared moments. Embrace the process, savor the little joys, and most importantly, let your heart guide the way. For in the end, it’s not just about saying goodbye; it’s about cherishing the past, celebrating the present, and toasting to the future.

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9 Thoughtful Going Away Party Ideas and Tips >

9 Thoughtful Going Away Party Ideas and Tips

Pick a Venue

Unless the person who is moving away offers it up, don’t assume that you can host the going away party at their home. Instead, choose another venue where you can bring together all their favorite people in one place.

Make Your Guest List

Send out invites a few weeks in advance—and be sure to ask for rsvps.

All the stellar going away party ideas in the world aren’t going to matter if you forget to give people enough notice. Settle on your date early on (be sure your party recipient is free first), and then send out your invites about three weeks in advance. Evites or even a text or email will do, just be sure to provide key information like when the party is, where it is, what time it is, and any expectations—such as if you want everyone to bring a gift or be ready to share a memory.

Pick a Theme

Going away parties are a great opportunity to have some fun with a party theme—especially those that might otherwise come off as a little kitschy. Here are some of our favorite going away party ideas when it comes to themes:

Packing parties. If your guest of honor is up for hosting the party at their home, why not get them some packing help out of it? Provide all of the accouterments you normally would like food, drinks, and music, but also put out packing materials and encourage guests to fill up one or more boxes.
Destination parties. Use the going away party as an opportunity to celebrate your friend’s new journey and soon-to-be life in a new town or city. If they’re moving to Miami, for example, decorate the room with palm trees and flip flops and serve some empanadas and margaritas. It’s a festive way to say “we’ll miss you” while also showing how excited you are for their next adventure.
Bon voyage parties. Sometimes classic is the best way to go when it comes to going away party ideas. Throw a bon voyage party with a travel theme, with decorations like map tablecloths and a cooler full of airplane bottles of wine.

Provide Some Refreshments

Ask for useful gifts, include some going-away party games or entertainment, give a toast, have a sign-in book.

The best going away party ideas are those that make your friend feel special and loved, but even just throwing the party in the first place is going to go a long way toward that goal. Know that your friend will be appreciative no matter what you do, and that like most things in life, it really is the thought that counts. So have fun with it, and don’t take it too seriously—everyone getting a chance to be together before your friend moves is a success in itself.

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Author: Laura Mueller

Laura Mueller is a professional writer with nearly five years of experience writing about moving. She is particularly interested in topics around organization, home design, and real estate, and definitely has a few tricks up her sleeve after moving eight times in eight years during her 20s. Laura believes that moving should be as stress-free of an experience as possible, and is always working on new tips and shortcuts that she can share with readers on Moving.com. View all posts by Laura Mueller

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21 Farewell Party Ideas: Themes, Invites, Activities, and Gifts

Farewell party: farewell invitation cards

Saying goodbye is such sweet sorrow, but throwing a giant party makes it a little bit easier. To give your friend an unforgettable send-off , we’ve rounded up 21 farewell party ideas from party themes and invitations to activities and gifts. You’re sure to find something your guest of honor will love.

While the day after saying goodbye might be a little sad, we’ll ensure that your send-off is just like the rest of the time you’ve known each other — Super. Fun.

Dive into these ideas to keep your focus on planning an epic farewell party and celebrating everything the future holds.

5 Farewell Party Themes

Farewell party: map, notebook, phone, camera, hat, and a toy airplane

Say “so long” in style with a fun party theme . A theme is the perfect place to start your planning process. Once you’ve chosen a theme, it’ll be easier to pick out everything else — from your party decorations to your invitations to your going away gift .

1. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Not just for kids’ birthday parties , this theme is adorable for any going away party . Instead of focusing on the fact that your friend is leaving, focus on the fact that they’re going places! Use mini plane, train, and automobile figurines as party decorations , get a matching cake, napkins , paper plates, and the whole shebang.

2. The Sound of Music

Say “So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu,” with this delightful musical theme. It’s ideal for a friend who is about to start traveling (Europe, here we come!) or a friend who loves this classic story. You can screen the film in the background of your goodbye party , play the soundtrack, or ask everyone to show up in costumes of their favorite characters.

3. Shipping Out

We love this theme because it can be interpreted in so many different ways. You can choose a literal ship theme and throw a classic bon voyage party , complete with imagery of old steamer ships. You can channel Bob Hope and the Andrews Sisters , and add some USO-style entertainment to your going away party . And if someone you love is joining the military, you can decorate with their branch’s insignia, motto, and colors.

Maps and globes make beautiful party backdrops. Hang them all around, place pins to mark the location your friend is moving away from and the one they’re moving to. Get globe-themed paper plates, napkins , and balloons. And if you’re celebrating a recent grad , bring a copy of Dr. Seuss’s “Oh the Places You’ll Go” as a farewell gift . You can have guests sign the inside cover like a yearbook.

5. “Friends”

Whether you’re saying goodbye to a childhood bestie or a work bestie, this 90s sitcom classic is a fun theme to let your friend know that no matter what, “I’ll be there for you!” Hang a banner with the “Friends” logo and decorate with black tablecloths, sprinkled with primary-color confetti . Make a sign with a Friends-style episode title, chosen specifically for your friend’s farewell party — something like “The One Where Amanda Moves Away” for a going away party or “The One Where John Retires” for a retirement party .

7 Farewell Party Invitations

Make your farewell party planning easier by sending out digital invitations. With digital invitations , you can customize the wording, color scheme, and more in a matter of minutes. Then, send invites directly to your guest’s inboxes and collect RSVPs online. You don’t need to buy stamps, waste paper, or track down tardy guests. So while saying goodbye is hard, digital invitations are easy.

1. Farewell Friend Invitations

Farewell party: Farewell Friend Invitation

Design: Shari Margolin Design

Say your goodbyes in big, bold letters with this crisp and colorful design . It announces the most important details of your event — the farewell party and the guest of honor ’s name — in clear, simple lettering.

2. Bonne Journée Invitations

Farewell party: Bonne Journée Invitation

Design: Claudia Owen

The vintage-inspired design on this invitation makes your friend’s farewell look like the start of a new adventure instead of the end of their current chapter. It’s the perfect choice for an old-fashioned bon voyage party .

3. Friendly Send Off Invitations

Farewell party: Friendly Send Off Invitation

We love the way this farewell party invitation includes the name of the guest of honor ’s current home and their new home . The design is customizable, so you can update the name of the states or even swap them for city names (if your friend is making a smaller move) or country names (if your friend is making a very big move).

4. Bid Adieu Invitations

Design: PrettyMeJoy

This invitation is sentimental and sweet. The Victorian design and French text are full of nostalgia, perfect for an afternoon spent reminiscing over the good times you’ve had and the things you’ll miss most when your friend is gone.

5. Farewell Amigo Invitations

Bright and cheery and full of fun, this invitation makes it feel like farewell is only for now, not forever. It’s an ideal invite if your guest list is full of good friends and your going away party will be full of good times.

6. Final Farewell Invitations

Even if it won’t really be your final farewell, this formal farewell invitation is appropriate for any sophisticated send-off . Use it to announce an office party for a beloved coworker or an evening soirée for a fancy bestie.

7. Fly Away Invitations

For anyone who’s moving a little too far for comfort, this airplane-themed invitation is a reminder that they’re still just a plane ride away. Use it to announce your friend’s farewell party before their new chapter takes flight.

4 Farewell Party Activities

Having activities planned can keep the conversation rolling at your farewell party , and it can provide a fun distraction when saying goodbye gets a little too real. Here are four activities to add to your agenda.

1. Guess the Goodbye Song

Guess the song is a popular party game , and it’s easy to adapt for a farewell party . There are plenty of songs about saying goodbye, from John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane” to Alan Jackson ’s “It’s Time You Learned About Goodbye” to NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” and Gene Watson ’s appropriately named “ Farewell Party .” Play short snippets of well-known and not-so-well-known goodbye songs and see who can guess the song title and artist first. Give a prize to the winner.

2. Share Favorite Memories

This one will have your guest of honor feeling sentimental. Pass around a microphone and ask everyone at the party to share a happy memory of your guest of honor . It’s a beautiful tribute to let your friend know how much they’ll be missed. If your friend group is shy about public speaking, you can also have them write down their favorite memories and add it to a jar or keepsake box.

3. Set Up a Photo Booth

Everyone will want to get a final photo with the guest of honor , so set up a DIY photo backdrop where guests can strike a pose. This can be as simple as hanging a few decorations on your most stylish wall, or it can be as silly as adding photo booth props like fake glasses and top hats.

4. Play Guest-of-Honor Trivia

You’ve spent a long time getting to know your friend, so before they leave, show off your knowledge. Write up questions about the guest of honor — like “What’s Amanda’s favorite local restaurant?” or “How long has John lived in Texas?” — then have your other guests try to guess the answer. Hand out a prize to the person who knows the guest of honor best.

5 Farewell Party Gifts

A farewell gift doesn’t have to be big or flashy. (In fact, if the guest of honor is moving, then smaller is better — they have enough to pack.) Think of this as a token of your affection. It only needs to be a small memento that will help your friend remember you and the other guests at your party. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

1. Signed Guest Book

Even better than a goodbye card , a guest book is a sweet keepsake for any momentous occasion. During a farewell party , it allows each of your guests to write a goodbye message, share words of encouragement, and let the guest of honor know just how special they are.

2. Box of Lucky Charms

Your friend might need a little luck on their next journey, so give them a box of good luck charms. Ask guests if they’d like to contribute something that’s brought them luck and have each person write a short note explaining their good luck charm. Some fun charms to add might include a ladybug pin, an acorn, a horseshoe, a shamrock, and other symbols of good luck from around the world .

3. Photo Album

It can be hard to find the words to say goodbye to a good friend, so let your favorite photos do the talking. Ask your guests to send their favorite pictures with the guest of honor . Then, add them to an album that your friend can look back on when they’re far away.

4. Succulent

One of the few plants hardy enough to survive a big move, a succulent is a good gift for any bittersweet occasion. Write a punny note to go with it that says, “This place is going to succ without you.”

5. A Scratch-Off Map

If your friend is about to go on a big adventure, help them keep track of it all with a scratch-off map. Every time they go somewhere new, they can scratch it off just like a scratch-off sticker to reveal a full-color image underneath.

So Long, Farewell

Farewell party: group of friends doing a group hug

Life is full of beginnings and endings of closing one chapter and opening another. As we go through life, it’s just as important to celebrate endings as it is to celebrate beginnings. After all, it’s only at the end of a chapter that we can look back and see how much we’ve accomplished.

At your friend’s farewell party , you can look back on happy memories , big moments, and fond friendships while looking forward to new adventures. Because farewell doesn’t have to be forever, only for now.

We hate to say goodbye, so instead, we’ll say, “see you later.” And if you want to see us sooner rather than later, you can find more party inspiration on our Stationers blog .

Relationships

15 Creative Going Away Party Ideas to Help You Plan

Updated 06/15/2022

Published 02/28/2020

Sam Tetrault, BA in English

Contributing writer

Discover the best going away party ideas, including ideas for people moving far away, going to college, and more.

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

A going-away party is a chance to celebrate a new chapter in someone’s life. While saying goodbye is never easy, this is also an exciting time to embrace adventure and change.

Jump ahead to these sections:

Ideas for a someone going away to college, ideas for someone moving far away, ideas for someone going to the military, ideas for a boss or colleague leaving a job, last-minute going away party ideas.

If you want to wish someone well before they hit the road, you’ll want to make this moment count. Because they’re likely busy planning their big life change, take over the arrangements for this event yourself. Consider it a going-away gift!

While you could have a few friends and family get together to celebrate, throwing a memorable event makes this time even more special. Whether they’re heading to college or retiring from the office, these 15 creative going-away party ideas help you plan the best celebration. It’s time to say ‘bon voyage’ in style!

Going away to college is a huge transition. This is commonly seen as the biggest transition from childhood into the “real world” of adulthood. For friends and family, this type of celebration is typically bittersweet. These ideas set the student up for success while strengthening bonds at home.

1. College themed

To get into school spirit, make the college-of-choice the theme. This is especially easy if the grad is heading to a big state school or a university with a strong athletics program.

It’s easy to find a lot of decorations relating to the school’s colors and mascot, so get into the spirit of cheering on the new team.

2. Childhood highlights reel

Because going away to college marks the end of one’s childhood, use this time to share some of your favorite moments from years past. Create a slideshow of photos, have guests tell stories, and enjoy some of the sweeter things from childhood. It’s important to live it up while you can!

3. Packing party

A lot of college students have to pack quite a bit. They’re officially moving out for the first time, and this is a big adjustment.

Having guests bring something the grad can use at college, and joining together to pack everything up is a big help for the family.

If your loved one is jetting off somewhere far away, show them you care with a special going-away party just for them. Moving, whether it’s for family, work, or just a change of scenery, is always difficult. These party ideas prove that distance really does make the heart grow fonder.

4. Designation-themed party

Bring the destination to the party with a fun theme. If the guest of honor is moving to another big city or another part of the world, evoke all types of things inspired by that spot. This is a fun way to build excitement for the big move.

5. Make a guest book or album

Because moving is hard, make sure to include a guest book or DIY photo album. Encourage all the guests to sign the book or bring a photo.

This is a powerful keepsake not only for saving memories of the event but for the person leaving town. They’ll look back on this gift with love and fondness for years to come.

6. Host a fundraiser

Let’s face it—moving is expensive. If your loved one is moving across the country, going backpacking, or volunteering overseas, they might be in need of some extra funds for their trip.

Creating a fundraiser with your friends and families helps everyone chip in towards the cause.

Relocation is common in the military. Sometimes individuals or families are only given short notice before they have to pack up and move. Throwing a party in their honor shows them that their impact and service won’t be forgotten within their community.

7. Classic barbeque

There are few things more American than a classic barbeque cookout. Celebrate national pride before a military relocation with an outdoor barbeque.

Invite friends, family, and the neighborhood. Decorate with flags and other patriotic symbols. It’s like a mini Fourth of July celebration!

8. Potluck feast

If your loved one is going away for Basic Training, one of the biggest adjustments is the food. Things like pizza, burgers, and other fun foods aren’t available during training.

In addition, there isn’t much variety, and the food is notoriously bland. Let your loved one live it up one last time with a delicious potluck! Have all the guests bring their favorite dish and let everyone dig in. Yum!

9. Care package

When one’s in the military, it’s easy to miss the smaller things in life. The small luxuries like razors, candies, coffee, and nice socks are hard to come by.

Having everyone together to put together care packages is a thoughtful way to bond and connect. Hold onto the packages and send them to your loved one every month, giving them a small taste of home.

Saying goodbye to a job isn’t always easy, especially if someone is retiring from their career for good. Making this send-off special is a great way to mark someone’s legacy.

10. Retirement party

If your boss or colleague is retiring, celebrate their career achievements with a big party. Invite the company or their department, put together some retirement bucket list ideas , and share in the fun.

This is a huge milestone. Having the whole company together to honor an individual’s legacy is an amazing end to a long career.

11. Award ceremony

The hit TV show The Office infamously hosted the annual “Dundie Awards” for workers, so why not have a ceremony of your own?

Gift small “awards” to teammates and the guest of honor, keeping the tone light and humorous. Have coworkers make awards for each other, opening up the floor for complements and fun.

12. Surprise party

Throwing a surprise going-away party at work isn’t just a surprise for the person who’s leaving. It’s also a pleasant surprise for the whole team!

Who doesn’t love taking a break during the workday? Pretend everyone’s going to a meeting or lunch and then have it be a surprise party!

Sometimes you don’t have a lot of time to prepare before someone goes away. A last-minute family emergency, job, or life change could leave someone scrambling to get their things in order.

These last-minute going-away party ideas are perfect for every time crunch.

13. Virtual party

If you don’t get to say goodbye in person, that doesn’t mean you can’t still throw a great party. Hosting a virtual party lets everyone catch up together wherever they are.

Schedule time with friends and family, send invites just like an in-person party, and start the chat. You can even play virtual games, share photos, and play music!

14. How well do you know them?

This type of party doesn’t take much planning. Invite close friends and family, get some takeout, and host a mini “how well do you know them?” game.

Ask questions about the guest of honor’s favorite food, last vacation, and hobbies. The person who gets the most right is the winner! This is a fun, simple way to come together.

15. Karaoke party

Last but not least, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to put together a fun karaoke party. All you need is a list of goodbye songs , a speaker, and maybe some wine or beer to get the fun started.

No decorations necessary, just a bunch of people singing together and enjoying each other's company. It’s these small moments that stick with us most when we’re apart.

Enjoy Your Time Spent Together

These ideas above prove it’s really the thought that counts. You don’t have to plan anything extravagant or over-the-top to have a great going-away party. It’s all about spending time with the ones you care about and making sure they feel valued. Whether it’s a senior citizen retiring from the office or your friend moving across the country, take some time to celebrate this new chapter of their life.

Since you don’t always have a lot of time to plan the perfect going-away party, less really is more. When they’re no longer near, you’ll cherish the memories of this party. Your smiles and laughter will be remembered most of all, not the decorations and food. While those details might be important, they’re not everything. Don’t be afraid to keep things simple! If you’re together, you’re going to have a great time.

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Whether for work, college, or other, we often say goodbye to one chapter in life and hello to the next. What better way to celebrate this special time than a going away party? Remember the good times and look forward to new experiences with friends and family by your side. Or congratulate a friend by throwing them a party they won’t forget. For either occasion, check out a few of our farewell party ideas below.

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Reasons for a Goodbye Party

Going away party etiquette, invitations for a goodbye party, going away party themes, farewell cake ideas, party games, decorations.

Every person has a different reason for moving, and it’s important to consider these reasons before planning. Below are the four most common occasions for a going away party:

Military : Deployment parties are common for a military send off. Whether your loved one is leaving for the Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, Army, or Marines, let them know they’ll be missed.
College : After high school graduation many make the big move to a distant school. Before they begin their college journey, celebrate their previous accolades and future adventure with a grad party .
Career : Who knows where your career will take you? Whether it’s across the world or to a nearby city, there’s always a reason to party.
Travel : When someone is traveling to another state or country and will be gone for a while, throw a goodbye party. Make sure you get the chance to say Bon Voyage and start their travels on an excited note.

Should you bring a gift to a farewell party? In short, yes. However, there are a few etiquette best practices to keep in mind.

Don’t get anything the guest-of-honor doesn’t need or want. There’s a good chance that the person moving away is trying to get rid of most of their things before the move. They’d appreciate it if you didn’t add onto that burden.
Ask them if there’s something they need for their new home. Getting something they can use in the next stage of their life is thoughtful and practical.
Get them something they can remember you buy. Consider using your favorite photo of you two and creating a custom glass print . That way they can take you with them.

If you’re planning on inviting friends and family to see-off a loved one, make it official with a custom party invitation . Pick a card that matches your party’s theme and make sure to send out the invitations in plenty of time. When to send out going away party invites depends on how formal the celebration is. If your nighttime elegant dinner party requires a lot of planning you’ll need time to get RSVPs and prepare. If you’re planning a daytime drop in you won’t need as much time and can wait to send those invites.

Formal: Send out invites 4-6 weeks in advance
Non-Formal: Send out invites 2-3 weeks in advance

Going away party invitation wording varies by theme, formality, and occasion. Here’s some things to include:

The theme and type of party
Who the party is for
Location for the event
Date and time
When to RSVP by and who to RSVP to
The dress code, if applicable
What to bring (food or presents)

Once you have all your bases covered you can sit back, relax, and wait for the RSVPs to roll in.

Make your celebration a little livelier by picking out a theme. This should be one of the first steps on your to-do list, because almost all party planning depends on the theme.

Put your party planning hats on and get creative. Below are a few of our favorite farewell party themes.

Future Destination

Give your guests a taste of your new home with a ‘future destination’ themed party. This is the perfect way to celebrate and say “out with the old and in with the new.” Make food the new city is famous for. Include photo plates with pictures of the city’s largest landmark. Decorate with tourist destinations located in the new city. This theme shows off a little bit of your new home to all the dear friends you’ve made.

This expression offers well wishes to someone about to go on a journey. Is there a more fitting theme for a going away soirée? When it comes to décor, think airplanes and maps on printed table runners and hallway banners. This is a perfect theme for someone about to go on a long trip.

Packing Party

Who said it was wrong to put guests to work at your own party? One of our favorite themes for sending a loved one off is a packing party. Bring out the duct tape and boxes. Friends and family can make the best moving crew with some provided food and drinks.

Military Send Off

If the guest of honor is headed to the military say goodbye with a themed party and military style goodbye gifts . Decorate the walls with the emblem of their military branch. Craft care packages to send with the person as they start their training or their post. Make sure you show your support and love as they start their service.

Color Themed Party

If the guest of honor doesn’t want a specific themed goodbye party, then you can opt for a color combo. This will make the planning easier and still give the party a uniform feel. Test out the following color combos:

Black and Gold
Brunch with Bubbly
Cream and Neutral
White and Black
Flag Colors (if the honoree is moving out of the country or traveling abroad)

Going Away Dinner Party

For a more sophisticated feel, have a dinner party. Each guest can bring a favorite dish of the guest of honor or something to fit the theme. You can eat under the stars or feast inside depending on the weather. Below are some creative food ideas to kick off a perfect goodbye:

Breakfast for Dinner
Backyard Campfire
Garden Party
Bite-sized Dinner
Wine & Cheese Party
Sushi Dinner Party
Cocktail Party

When it comes to party themes, the options are endless. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding on a party theme. You should always consider the weather and season so your party theme can be successful. You don’t want to plan a BBQ party during a rainy season or host an outdoor dinner party in the winter. Before settling on a theme, consult with the guest of honor if they’re not hosting the party. They may have a preference or an idea that’s near and dear to their heart.

No party is ever complete without a cake. If the guest of honor has a favorite flavor make sure to use that recipe, and then get creative with the decorations. Consider incorporating a map, plane, flag, or package imagery for an on-theme decoration. Also make sure to include a kind sentiment in frosting to tie it all together,

Between all of the reminiscing there may be some time during the party to play a few games. Choosing games that focus on the guest of honor is a great way to celebrate them moving onto their next adventure. Check out some game options below:

Roast and Toast : Sit in a circle and have each attendee share their favorite memories, then toast. It’s a great way to remember the special person and share a good laugh with friends.
Quiz Anyone : Draw up a list of questions that focus on the guest of honor and see who knows him or her the best.
Blindfolded Guessing : It’s time to put the guest of honor into the hot seat. Have all of the party guests stand in a circle around them. The guest of honor guesses which friend is in front of them by holding their hand. If the guest of honor can’t tell then they are given a clue about the guest. The pressure is on. This game shows just how well the the guest of honor knows their friends and family.
Photo Booth : A party favorite, this is a great way to share your celebration on social media. Add theme related props and let your guests have a blast.

Party go-to’s include streamers, balloons and banners of different colors and sentiments. You can also print out some of your favorite photos and memories with the loved one and hang them around the party area. Consider adding thoughtful ideas such a peel-on chalkboard wall where guests can write down their favorite things about the honoree. For more party decoration ideas , look to your theme for inspiration and buy accordingly to amplify your theme.

Here are a few decoration ideas :

Balloons with photos tied to the bottom
Map of honoree’s new destination
Wall of memorable photos
Custom napkins
Signage with farewell or goodbye sayings

Most importantly, enjoy the party! Take the chance to wish your loved ones well and celebrate new adventures, but don’t forget: it’s not goodbye forever.

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A Subtle Revelry

Get Creative With Your Going Away Party Ideas!

October 23, 2022, 10:15 am

One thing you’ll need to consider when planning a going away party is who to invite.

Obviously, you’ll want to include close friends and family members, but depending on the size of your guest list, you may also need to think about co-workers or other acquaintances.

Once you have your guest list finalized, it’s time to start thinking about food and drink options. For food, finger foods or appetizers are always a good choice because they’re easy for guests to eat while mingling around the room.

Gifts for the Guest of Honor at a Going Away Party

What do people do for going away parties, how can i make my farewell party interesting, do you give gifts for going away parties.

When you’re getting ready to move away, whether it’s for a new job, a new school, or just a new adventure, you’ll want to celebrate your time with a going away party.

Here are some tips to make sure your party is a success:

1. Pick a Theme That Fits Your Personality.

If you’re a beach lover, have a luau-themed party. If you’re a foodie, have a potluck with all of your favorite dishes.

2. Make Sure to Invite All of Your Friends, Family, and Co-workers.

You’ll want to say goodbye to as many people as possible.

3. Have Plenty of Food and Drinks.

Moving is stressful, so you’ll want to make sure your guests are well-fed and hydrated.

4. Have Some Fun Activities Planned.

Whether it’s a photo booth, karaoke, or dancing, you’ll want to make sure your guests are entertained.

5. Have Some Sentimental Moments Planned.

This is your chance to say goodbye, so you’ll want to make sure you have some time for speeches, toasts, and maybe even some tears.

6. Make Sure You Have Enough Time to Say Goodbye to Everyone.

You don’t want to feel rushed at your own party, so make sure you plan accordingly.

7. Have Fun!

This is your last chance to party with your friends before you move, so make sure you enjoy yourself.

When you’re throwing a going away party, who should you invite?

The answer may seem obvious – your close friends and family, of course! But, depending on the type of party you’re throwing, you may want to invite other people as well.

Here are some things to consider when deciding who to invite to your going away party:

1. The Type of Party.

Are you throwing a casual get-together or a more formal affair?

If it’s a casual party, you may want to invite more people, including co-workers, neighbors, and other friends. If it’s a formal party, you may want to limit the guest list to close family and friends.

2. The Size of the Party.

If you’re only having a small gathering, you may not want to invite too many people. On the other hand, if you’re having a large party, you may want to invite more people so that everyone has someone to talk to.

3. The Location of the Party.

If you’re having the party at your house, you may want to limit the guest list to close family and friends. If you’re having the party at a restaurant or other public place, you may want to invite more people.

4. The Purpose of the Party.

Is the party just for fun, or is it to celebrate a specific event, like a new job or a move?

If it’s just for fun, you may want to invite more people. If it’s to celebrate a specific event, you may want to limit the guest list to close family and friends.

5. The Budget.

If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to limit the guest list to close family and friends. If you have a larger budget, you may want to invite more people.

No matter who you invite to your going away party, the most important thing is that you have a good time!

What Type of Food & Drinks to Serve at a Going Away Party

When it comes to throwing a going away party, the food and drink menu is just as important as the guest list and decorations.

After all, what’s a party without good eats and drinks?

If you’re stumped on what type of food and drinks to serve at a going away party, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. For food, finger foods are always a good option because they’re easy to eat and don’t require utensils.

Plus, they’re perfect for mingling and socializing.

Some great finger food ideas include:

Veggie or fruit platters Cheese and crackers Chips and dip Chicken wings Mini sandwiches Pigs in a blanket Sausage rolls Samosas Spring rolls As for drinks, it’s always a good idea to have a mix of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages to please everyone

For the adults, consider serving:

Beer Wine Mixed drinks Cocktails

And for the non-drinkers or minors, have plenty of:

Soft drinks Juice Water Coffee No matter what food and drinks you end up serving, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the company of your guests After all, that’s what a going away party is all about!

Decorations & Activities for a Going Away Party

When it comes to decorating for a going away party, you have a few options. You can go the traditional route and use streamers and balloons in the person’s favorite colors.

Or, you can get creative and personalize the decorations to reflect the person’s hobbies, interests, or favorite places. If you’re looking for activities to keep guests entertained at a going away party, again, you have a few options.

You can opt for classic party games, like charades or Twister. Or, you can choose to do something more unique, like creating a photo scavenger hunt or setting up a trivia game about the guest of honor.

No matter what decorations and activities you choose, the most important thing is to make sure the guest of honor feels loved and appreciated. After all, a going away party is all about celebrating their new adventure – and saying goodbye to the old one.

Here are some great gifts for the guest of honor at a going away party:

A photo album or scrapbook filled with memories of your time together.
A personalized mug or shirt with their name and a special message from you.
A gift certificate to their favorite restaurant or store.
A basket filled with their favorite snacks and drinks.
A heartfelt letter expressing your gratitude for their friendship.

Whatever gift you choose, make sure it comes from the heart and that the guest of honor knows how much they mean to you.

FAQ’s in Relation to Going Away Party Ideas

There are many things people can do for going away parties.

Some popular ideas include:- Having a picnic or barbecue in the person’s honor- Going to a favorite restaurant of the person leaving- Throwing a themed party based on the person’s interests or where they are moving to- Going to a bar or club together for a night out- Organizing a group activity such as bowling, laser tag, or mini golf

There are a few things you can do to make your farewell party interesting. First, you can personalize the party by incorporating some of your hobbies or interests into the decorations or activities.

For example, if you love to travel, you could decorate the party space with maps and globes, or plan activities like a scavenger hunt that takes guests from all around the world.

You could also make the party interactive by asking guests to share their favorite memories of you or have them write down advice for your next adventure.

Whatever you do, make sure to have fun and enjoy your last moments with your friends and loved ones!

It is not necessary to give gifts for going away parties, but it is a nice gesture. If you decide to give a gift, consider something that the person can use in their new home or office, such as a plant or a picture frame.

If you’re looking for some fun and unique going away party ideas, be sure to check out this blog post! From who to invite, to what food and drink options are available, we’ve got you covered.

So get creative and make you’re going away party one that everyone will remember!

Are you looking to throw the best party ever? Then look no further than ASR! We specialize in helping you plan and execute the perfect event, whether it’s a birthday bash, holiday get-together, or anything else.

We’ve got tons of great ideas and recipes to make your party unforgettable. So what are you waiting for? Contact us today and let us help you plan an amazing celebration!

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Special Occasions

45 Going Away Party Ideas for an Unforgettable Send-Off

Looking for going away party ideas for a coworker, friend or family member? Whether your loved one is relocating for work, joining the military or heading off to college, it can be a bittersweet time. Why not make it a blast with a party?

Show them how much they’ll be missed by putting on a fun and unique party complete with games, food and unique activities. Don’t know where to start, you say? Well, we’ve gone ahead and done the legwork. Check out our list for a little boost of inspiration. It’s filled with lots of going away party ideas for games, décor, themes and activities.

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Going Away Party Ideas for Coworkers

Going away party ideas for friends, farewell party ideas for family, military going away party ideas, college going away party ideas, virtual send-off ideas, going away party themes, fun going away party games.

Promotions, lateral moves and new endeavors are all reasons a coworker may be saying so long to the team. Going away parties for coworkers are a fun send-off for them and a wonderful team building activity for everyone.

1. Cooking Classes

Cooking classes are a terrific going away party idea for an office team. From the gumbo and jambalaya of cooking classes in New Orleans to the Colorado-style pizza and bison burgers of cooking classes in Denver , you and your coworkers will have a fun experience as they use communication, organization and time management skills to create a delicious meal. Best of all, they’ll get to eat it when they’re done. Check out cooking classes near you for more great going away party ideas.

2. Go Golfing

Do you have an office full of golfers? Book a day at the local links, mini golf course or even a putting range for a great going away party idea for coworkers.

3. Game Night or Day

Put the spreadsheets and boardroom agendas aside for a while and break out the board games. Have everyone bring in their favorite. Whether it’s a board game, a card game or trivia, the chance to kick back and have fun will make it a special going away party for coworkers. Order in lunch or dinner. Don’t forget cake or cupcakes!

play board games at the perfect going away party idea

4. Old-Fashioned Potluck Lunch

One of the best and most delicious going away party ideas for coworkers is a good old-fashioned potluck lunch. Have everyone bring in their favorite dish to share.

5. Food Truck

If your office crew isn’t the cooking type, find out where the local food trucks park. Carpool or vanpool to the location and enjoy trying new selections or old favorites.

6. Coffee Shop

Transform the office into everyone’s favorite coffee (or tea) shop. Take over the break room or the corner office. Bring in a few café-style tables and chairs, top with cute tablecloths and have someone play barista. If your office doesn’t have one of those fancy espresso machines or even a Keurig machine, borrow one for the day. A platter of sweet and savory croissants, buttery rolls and crumbly biscuits (or even just glazed doughnuts) will go over big with this going away party idea.

Don’t miss the chance to throw a memorable farewell party for friends with these unique ideas.

7. Food Tours

Gather the whole group and book a fun food tour experience. You’ll join local guides as you walk around the city visiting food markets, restaurants, bars and cafés. Whether it’s food tours in Los Angeles , food tours in Seattle or food tours near you , this is a terrific going away party idea to see the local sites, taste regional specialties and discover art and architecture you may have never noticed in your daily routine. Take lots of selfies and groupies while you’re out.

food tours make the perfect going away party idea

8. Escape Room

Escape rooms have become all the rage lately. Book your favorite one for a fun hour or two of searching, gathering and discovering clues. This is one of the best going away party ideas for friends who like to solve mysteries and imagine themselves the next CSI or P.I.

9. Brewery or Winery Tour

Take a poll and find out what beverage your friends all love. Whether it’s wine, craft beer or other spirits, there’s bound to be a winery, brewery or distillery in your local area where you can all spend the day together.

10. Sushi and Seafood Dinner Party

Enjoy a shared love of shrimp, scallops, crab, lobster or tuna with a seafood spread worthy of the best Mediterranean restaurant or beach bar. Check out local seafood markets or, better yet, book a private chef to create this dinner party for you. This is a going away party idea everyone will remember.

11. Backyard Cookout

If dogs and burgers are more your speed, it’s time to fire up the grill or stoke the coals in the campfire. Spend the day playing volleyball, horseshoes or even darts in the backyard. If you do an evening event, hang strands of twinkling lights, set out tiki torches and hand out sparklers for that 4th-of-July feel. Don’t forget the s’mores.

Two families waving at someone during a backyard cookout.

12. Spa Day

Gather the girls (or guys) to enjoy a rejuvenating day of manicures, pedicures, massages and facials. This can be done in an actual spa, or you can create your own home spa complete with relaxing music, soft fluffy robes and bubbly glasses of Champagne or wine.

Make it a family reunion of sorts with these farewell party ideas for family members.

13. Private Chef Experience

Invite the whole family for a delicious meal. Best of all, you don’t have to do anything. Professional chefs will plan, prep and serve the entire meal. They’ll even do the clean-up work afterward. Choose Italian, French, German or Asian fusion cuisine for going away party food ideas. Whether you choose private chefs in DC , private chefs in Las Vegas or private chefs near you , this going away party idea makes a stellar send-off for any going away occasion.

14. Costume Party

It doesn’t have to be Halloween to dress up. If your family is of the dramatic sort, they’ll love this going away party idea.

15. Breakfast for Dinner Party

Scramble the eggs, flip the pancakes, sauté the sausage and mix the mimosas. It’s always a party when there’s breakfast for dinner.

16. Backyard Movie Night

Set up a projector and line up the lounge chairs. Don’t forget to pop some corn for this fun movie night. This makes a fun going away party idea for all ages.

17. Sports Competition

Put a competitive edge into your going away party idea. Plan a basketball, soccer, volleyball or some other sports game as a fun way to say goodbye.

sports with the family is a perfect going away party idea

18. Packing Party

For friends and family who are moving, a packing party is a great going away party idea. Stock up on boxes, tape and packing peanuts. They may have a moving company to handle the big stuff, but this will certainly be appreciated and an immense help in the moving process. Combine it with a pizza party after all the packing.

19. Garden Party

If you or a friend have a lovely garden setting, use it to your advantage and plan an elegant garden party. Do it up right with delicate cucumber sandwiches, hand pies, cookies, fruit and cheese platters, sponge cakes and fresh salads. A pitcher of peach iced tea is a refreshing touch.

a man and a woman enjoying brunch outside

Friends and family headed off to military duty will appreciate the gesture behind these thoughtful and fun going away party ideas.

20. Do It All in One Day

Find out their favorite activities and attractions and do it all in one day. Go bowling, mini golfing, ice skating, movie watching, roller skating or roller coaster riding. Everything they love…do it all!

21. Branch Party

Theme your party and décor after the military branch — Army green, Navy blue, Marine red, Air Force blue or Coast Guard blue — or just go with camouflage. Hang bunches of balloons and swags of streamers.

military themes make great going away party ideas

22. World Traveler Party

Think globes, vintage suitcases, airplane décor and maps for your decorating needs.

23. Red, White and Blue-Themed Party

Whether they’re going into the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines, a going away party idea featuring red, white and blue is a fun and patriotic send-off. Hang streamers, purchase plates and napkins, wrap gifts, send invitations and even have guests dress in these patriotic colors.

cookout foods on red, white and blue background

Whether they’re going for a couple of semesters or four years, college-bound students will have a blast with these going away party ideas.

24. College-Themed Party

Where are they going to college? Use the college colors, mascots and slogans for your décor and going away party ideas. Lots of red is called for with Alabama, Carolina blue for UNC and blue and gold for Notre Dame. You get the idea.

25. Donation Station

College students need things. We all know that. Have guests bring necessities to stock a dorm. Think storage cubes, bath towels, portable chargers and whatnot. Gift cards are always welcome, too.

have a donation station for a going away party idea for students

26. Major Change

Whether their major (or minor) is science, business, marketing or the arts, take cues from it and plan out the perfect college going away party. For example, for science, use beakers, flasks and test tubes for beverages; cut up sandwiches into fourths; decorate banners to look like the periodic table and have everyone don a “mad scientist” lab coat and goggles.

27. One Smart Cookie

Take it literally with cookies of all types — chocolate chip, gingerbread, shortbread, oatmeal — the more the merrier. Bake them or order them from a bakery. Everyone knows cookies make the sweetest going away party idea!

28. Childhood Memories

Make it super sweet and nostalgic with old pictures and stories from their younger days. Slideshows are always fun, but you can also create a photo board with all those old pics.

Didn’t get the chance for an in-person going away party? No worries. You can still do it with virtual going away party ideas.

29. Online Beverage Tastings

From wine to craft cocktails, online beverage tastings are a fun and unique going away party idea. Check out virtual wine tastings and online mixology classes to get started for fun events you can do from home.

30. Online Cooking Classes

If they’ve already moved, you can still plan a terrific going away party. Book online cooking classes that you can join via Zoom. Invite the whole crew. All you need is a kitchen, a mobile device and a few supplies. Learn how to bake cakes, grill a steak or roast a chicken. You’ll be able to interact with each other and ask questions and get advice from gourmet chefs in these fun classes.

31. Virtual Movie Night

Share your love of a certain movie or enjoy a new one with friends and family. This is an excellent going away party idea for guests who may be in other areas and not able to give a send-off in person.

Enjoy movie night for the perfect virtual going away party idea

32. Virtual Escape Room

Virtual escape rooms can be just as fun as the real-life version. Choose from themes like bank heists, Harry Potter, survival, haunted houses and more.

The best way to jump-start your going away party idea inspiration is by picking a theme. You can then cater your décor, food and beverages, invitations and games to this theme. It makes it so much easier than just randomly picking each aspect of the party.

33. Roaring 20s

Have everyone wear their favorite flapper dress or pinstriped suit and fedora hat. Bring on the art deco, feathers and fringe, and turn up the jazz and swing music. This is the 20s, after all.

34. Bon Voyage

Airplanes, globes and travel-related décor make excellent accessories for any type of going away party. Consider décor like the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the Statue of Liberty or the Golden Gate Bridge. If they’re headed overseas, do it up big with sailboats, sailor hats and cruise ships.

35. Hawaiian Luau

You know the drill. Do it up Hawaiian style with pineapples, coconuts and straw skirts for tropical-themed moving away party ideas.

Hawaiian themes make a great going away party idea

36. Mardi Gras

Laissez les bon temps rouler with beaded necklaces and masks in glittery gold, green and purple. Learn how to make beignets or, better yet, find a local bakery to make them. Serve up gumbo, jambalaya and lots of hurricanes, Pimm’s cups and Sazeracs — some famous New Orleans drinks .

37. Wild West

Don the cowboy hats and boots. Decorate with saloon doors, horseshoes and galvanized buckets filled with drinks.

A Wild West theme makes a perfect going away party

38. Pink and Preppy

Go all-out 80s prep with pink and green, turned-up collar Polo shirts and poppy tunes.

39. Spanish Fiesta

Break out the maracas, salsa dancing music and colorful banners. Fill up a tapas platter with empanadas, street tacos and patatas bravas.

40. Superheroes and Villains

This one is easy. Everyone dresses as their favorite hero or villain. You could specify a particular theme like all Marvel or DC characters for a unique going away party idea.

41. Ice Cream or Dessert Night

Keep it simple and sweet with ice cream and desserts galore. Set up an ice cream bar with lots of candy toppings and sauces for sundaes and splits.

Ice cream night is a perfect going away party idea

What’s a going away party (or any party, for that matter) without games? Here are some we think would be fun for everyone at your farewell party.

42. Mad Libs

Remember that hilariously entertaining game of nouns, verbs and adverbs? It’s still around. Mad Libs make a fun going away party idea for all ages.

43. Horseshoes and Badminton

Go old-school with yard games like croquet, horseshoes, badminton and even shuffleboard. This is a fun going away party idea for neighbors who like to challenge each other.

44. Photo Booth

Photos are always fun and make an excellent way to remember the good times you’ve had. Make a fun background and set up props like hats, glasses and balloons for guests to use in their photos. Now’s the time to bring out that old-fashioned Polaroid camera.

45. Would You Rather…

This isn’t just for the teens. Think of questions such as “Would you rather go into the future or back to the past?” or “Would you rather cut off your finger or eat a worm?” Use a handy online list like this one at Sign Up Genius for Would You Rather question ideas. It will make your going away party idea a hit.

Thank you for signing up for our mailing list.

We’ve designed our list to give you a wide variety of going away party ideas for friends, family and coworkers. Your sending-off party can be as simple and laid-back or as extravagant as you want. Take our ideas and run with it!

Whether they’re moving to another state or another country, they’ll remember your party and all the fun times you’ve had together.

For even more fun going away party ideas, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.

Discover the best in culinary experiences and products on Cozymeal: From in-person cooking classes to virtual cooking & mixology classes to private chef meals and top-rated cookware — from world-class chefs, mixologists & more.

The 7 Most Unique Bachelorette Party Ideas Shot

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45 Phenomenal Going Away & Farewell Ideas For Work To Throw A Memorable Send Off Party In 2024

34 Phenomenal Going Away Party Ideas For Work In 2020

Throw out everything you think you know about the classic going away party. It’s not something to dread, a farewell event doesn’t have to be an awkward goodbye. A going away party is an opportunity, an opportunity to make a lasting impression on the special person leaving your company or your area to send them off in style.

Embrace this noble task. Own it. Be memorable.

Going away parties are all about relationships. When pulled off correctly, a send off party can help guests…

Solidify bonds with departing colleagues, ensuring they’ll stay in touch for years to come.
Deepen existing relationships , as the emotions of the departure inspire people to share admiration more freely than they would usually.
Create memories that set the tone for how your departing colleague looks back and reflects on your overall relationship.

Are you ready to make a lasting impression? To facilitate a memory that evokes nothing but gushing fondness?

Get started by browsing the farewell ideas below to throw a phenomenal going away party that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Before you go full event planning mode on us, consider parting ways with a thoughtful gift that says “this isn’t ‘goodbye’, it’s ‘see you later’.” Talk to the curation experts at Caroo and learn how you can make your next going away party unforgettable!

Page Contents (Click To Jump)

Going Away Party & Farewell Games For Work

1) crack the case: virtual murder mystery.

*The Office theme song*… Michael Scott enters… “I do declare… There’s been a murder…”

In all honesty, Michael (AKA: Caleb Crawdad) was actually on to something! Solving a murder mystery can be a great farewell party idea. Check out Virtual Clue Murder Mystery for all types of mystery games that offer the chance for employees and coworkers to study case files, analyze clues, and race to find the motive, the method, and the individual behind the disappearance of Neil Davidson.

Remember… If all else fails… Finger guns galore…

Hey! Are you looking for a way to wish your departing colleague “good luck” as they move on to their next adventure? Check out CareCards — a great way to recognize your employee’s special moment with a colorful compilation of heartfelt messages from their fellow colleagues. Caroo’s specially designed CareCards program is a fun tool for distributed teams to celebrate a retirement in style! You can also order your ex-coworker a personalized gift from the team right off the Caroo gifting platform.

2) Shaken & Stirred Competition

Do more than offer a celebratory toast as a send-off, create a collaborative and interactive way to say “Cheers” to that exiting team member with a Shaken & Stirred Cocktail event .

A professional mixologist will provide a brief cocktail education on the fundamentals of proper cocktail creation, including the chemistry and complexities that are essential for creating a delicious drink.

Then in the spirit of the television show Chopped, teams will be split up and given time to work together to create their own cocktail concoctions to be judged by the mixologist, who will select a winning cocktail.

3) Coworker Feud

You’ve made it to the going away party, but do you really know everything about your departing colleague? Confetti makes it easy and fun to find out with Coworker Feud .

Contestants take turns coming up with the most popular answers to survey questions presented by the host and race to hit the buzzer first. Can you name all the correct answers? Survey Says…..You’ll have to find out!

We played a round of Coworker Feud (AKA: ‘Squad Squabble’) with our friends at Design Pickle to show you how this farewell game can work… Still have no idea how 11 people said “Microwaving Fish” as an answer…

4) Fun Farewell Games Bundle

Download, print, and play this assortment of retirement party games. The Fun Farewell Games Bundle is a collection of downloadable PDFs designed to amp up the excitement and the joy at a going away party. This bundle includes PDF games such as This or That?, Word Scramble, Retirement Feud, Who Knows The Retiree Best?, Has The Retiree Ever?, Well Wishes For A Retiree.

5) Wine and Cheese Pairing Event

Uncork a boatload of fun for your teammates’ going away party with the Wine & Cheese Pairing Experience . This interactive virtual event delivers a diverse selection of wine varieties and gourmet cheeses to sample and pair throughout an hour-long party.

This event comes with live, expert hosts who will guide your party through the ins-and-outs of wine tasting. Discover how to appraise and taste wine like an expert before you craft perfect pairings with cheese and other elevated finger fare.

6) Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

To celebrate their freedom from the office, take the entire team outside with this super fun and collaborative scavenger hunt adventure . Your team will follow an app-led scavenger hunt that will let everyone explore your local city while making memorable connections.

Whether it is a bar crawl through your downtown or a spooky ghost tour through some of the more haunted parts of your city, this farewell party idea is sure to have people moving with excitement.

7) Corporate Castaways

You know, you only retire once… Mark this final day with something they will seriously remember as they spend it with your team in a spin on the “Survivor” style television show.

The farewell party experts at Outback Team Building have devised a challenge-based competition that will test your colleagues with a variety of games and puzzles to see which tribe will achieve victory. Are you ready?

8) Werewolf

9) Unlock The Mystery With An Escape Room

If your retiree is interested in puzzles and riddles, then setting up an in-person or virtual escape room experience is a great way to do something fun with them before they set sail for the open waters of retirement.

You and your colleagues will have to work together to solve the clues before time expires. Check out some of our favorite escape rooms to unlock the mystery at your upcoming send off party:

🌊 Discover an Underwater World
🔒 Take Part in a Prison Break
🚀 Space Escape: Mission to Mars
👾 Catch Meme if You Can
🕵️ Go Deep Undercover to Solve a Jewel Heist

10) A Fond Farewell with Shared Laughter!

Want to show how much you value someone? Send them off with a going away party event where people laugh out loud together!

A comedy music duo will talk to various participants (typically, someone everyone knows like the CEO, Toby from HR, or Pam from Admin, alongside others) and absorb as much as they can about your company and culture:

What does the company do?
Who does what?
What’s the office buzzword? (It’s bandwidth, isn’t it?)
Office-wide pet peeves?

Based on your answers, they’ll launch into an improvised musical about your workplace using their singing skills and standout acting. It’s like Hamilton except it stars Pam, the beloved office admin making for a truly unique going away party experience that will be treasured for a lifetime! Give your group a chance to reminisce and express appreciation with laughter in this 9-5 musical farewell event .

11) Virtual Fiesta in Spain

What better way to say goodbye than by taking your team on a hysterical roller coaster ride of laughter to beautiful Barcelona – virtually of course, with Woyago !

This immersive adventure will whisk your team off to Spain in a playful storytelling experience all about Barcelona’s quirky and wacky culture. From dragons and sacrificial virgins to pooping Christmas logs (true story)- come on down for a virtual farewell happy hour in Spain! Why settle for saying goodbye when you can say hello to an experience that will last forever.

Bonus: City Brew Tours

Posting up at your favorite bar just doesn’t seem festive enough for a going away celebration. You need something way more epic, something like a City Brew Tour . City Brew Tours offers all-inclusive behind-the-scenes brewery tours in cities across North America.

Send your friend off by romping around the streets of your city, sampling delicious brews while absorbing all the fun facts (the kind you can’t find on Google) your expert guide is spouting. Staff will receive VIP treatment at top breweries, cideries and distilleries; up to 15 beer tastings; and a perfectly paired meal. Tours include round-trip transportation with plenty of add-ons and customizations to make your event unique. Even large groups can get in on the fun – City Brew Tours can arrange a tour for up to 500!

A brew tour makes a crowd-pleasing experience for everything from retirement parties to grad parties.

Virtual Going Away Party Games & Ideas For Work

12) virtual trivia championship.

What is the fastest land animal? What famous US festival hosted over 350,000 fans in 1969?

Compete with your colleagues to test your trivia knowledge in the Virtual Trivia Championship . Your ticket to a fun and interactive send off party where everyone can flex their knowledge of all things. Race to the top of the leaderboard with this online farewell idea activity that will have people laughing, yelling, and wishing your newly-retired guest of honor a find goodbye!

13) Charcuterie Board Experience

Is there anything that says “We’ll miss you!” quite like a charcuterie board filled with meats and cheeses? We don’t think so. The Charcuterie Board Experience is a fun and absolutely delicious virtual event complete with everything needed to build a stunning charcuterie board.

Here’s how it works: everyone in the going away party gets a box full of charcuterie food, including gourmet meats, artisanal cheeses, dried fruit, and imported finger fare. This virtual event is led by a charismatic culinary expert who teaches everyone in your event to design and build their own jaw-dropping charcuterie board—the best farewell gift you can give!

14) Virtual Pasta Making Class

Before the retiree is sent off, learn how to make happiness in a bowl! Say farewell to the 9-5 and hello to fresh pasta skills. This instructor led online class will take you and your colleagues on a journey to the old world where you will explore the technique behind making fresh pasta from scratch.

15) Virtual Mixology Class

The internet is your new home for happy hour, so why not also a virtual mixology class ? Grab your cocktail kit ingredients and some brightly colored streamers and you’ve got everything you need for a little educational boozy fun.

Pro-tip: Priority Experiences will deliver mini cocktail kits to all your attendee’s homes and host a cocktail demonstration via video where their professional mixologists will teach everyone how to make the cocktails they have in front of them, do some fun trivia, Q&A, and more!

16) Drunk History

Toast to your colleagues’ retirement with a fond farewell game that blends two of life’s most confounding and enjoyable things: adult beverages and historical references.

Based on the hit TV show, participants are tasked with retelling the story of a famous historical event without consulting the internet or any other reference. Watching everyone have to piece together the truth will have your team laughing and cheering as you work your way through a virtual happy hour . You can even elect to have a professional comedian host the Drunk History send off party so all you have to do is show up and have fun.

17) Would You Rather…

To play this game, all you do is pitch two scenarios in a this or that structure and see who in your group is on which side of the fence. Use this massive list of questions to get ideas for your farewell party game play.

18) Virtual Bon Voyage

Spend one of your last days with your coworkers while traveling the streets of Paris with Woyago . This virtual going way party idea takes your group along with a local to all the famous Parisian sites and the off-the-beaten-path spots.

During the online farewell idea, you will Picnic à la Parisienne with an assortment of authentic French cheeses and wines delivered to your home straight from the City Of Light (La Ville Lumière).

19) Virtual Magic & Mentalism Show

A professional magician performs a live and highly interactive show right through your screens. The magician or illusionist will perform a series of engaging magic tricks via Zoom for your farewell party enjoyment! For an even better experience, we recommend plugging or mirroring your computers to a big screen or TV.

Use Kahoot to play and even customize free quiz-style games. See how you’re performing in real time and wait to the end to see which of your going away party attendees got the top scores.

21) Comedy Hour x DOPE Show Comedy

There are few better ways to celebrate a team member saying farewell than a night of laughter. Let the talented (and hilarious) comedians of DOPE Show Comedy entertain, ranging from up-and-coming acts to features on shows and networks like Netflix, Comedy Central, and Conan. Sit back and celebrate in a virtual comedy hour, hosted by DOPE Show Comedy with Murahd Shawki.

Going Away Party & Farewell Ideas For Work

22) city unscripted.

Especially appropriate for someone moving to a new place, this farewell activity will get you and your guests experiencing your city like never before. Guided by a local with expansive city knowledge different from your own, you’ll experience new sights, spaces, and flavors.

23) A Classic, Old-Fashioned Potluck

No send off party is quite as easy or as festive as a potluck. The sweet simplicity of gathering with friends to share foods and drinks simply never gets old, and it certainly helps that no single person has to do more hosting work than anyone else.

Get a guest book, a dish sign-up sheet, and some fancy napkins and party favors, and you’ve got yourself a party. (This also makes a perfect no-fuss, surprise party idea!)

Pro-tip: Choose a theme—bbq, Greek, or healthy—to make sure everyone’s dishes will work well together.

24) Competitive Sports

Get together for a pick-up game of baseball, basketball, volleyball—whatever! You’ll all feel like kids on the playground again, and you’ll never forget the night you said goodbye.

25) Thanks for the Memories

Have everyone arrive with photos, stories, and memories to share about the guest of honor. Afterwards, assemble everything in a physical or digital photo album or slideshow.

26) “Roast” of Guest of Honor

A near opposite to the idea above, this party activity involves telling jokes and making good-natured fun of the guest of honor.

27) Virtually Tour Yellowstone National Park

28) Drawful 2 Mobile App

This virtual event game brings drawing games to new levels of hilarity by requiring guests to create their drawings on their mobile devices or tablets. (Anyone who’s ever tried to do even a decent signature online will understand the challenges and delights of this game .)

29) Craft Brews and Crafts

Find some delicious craft brews to sample and some delightful DIY crafts to make. That’s all you really need to give your coworker the send off party for the ages.

We recommend talking to Unboxed Experiences by City Brew Tours and opening up the conference room, put in an order for catered lunch , and enjoy the hoppy-goodness of a craft beer experience to make their last day special.

30) Personalized Cameo Message

Cameo allows you to book their favorite celebrity and offer fun facts about their time while being employed by the company. The more facts you can add to the request form the better!

31) Natural Wine Club

Toast to time well spent and sip on natural wines in this farewell experience. In this introduction to natural wine , learn about producers, tasting notes, winemaking methods, and more. Discover organic and biodynamic wines led by professionals.

Going Away Party & Farewell Gift Ideas

Caroo offers thousands of gift options , many customizable, to delight anyone you’re shopping for. Find anything, from fine chocolates to the latest electronics, all in one pace.

Caroo curated gift box ideas we love in 2024:

Happy Hour Box
Sips + Snacks
Mindfulness Box
Unplugged Box

Don’t just send a gift; send a complete pack full of several perfect gifts, customized to help your send off party guest of honor remember their time with you forever.

SwagUp gift ideas we love in 2024:

Home Office Essentials Pack
Classics Pack
Care Package 101
The Sock Pack

Artisan-made goods you can’t find anywhere else? If that’s not the stuff of an epicly memorable going-away gift, then we don’t know what is. Support crafters and makers while you find one-of-a-kind items your friend will love.

Etsy gift ideas we love in 2024:

Fun Farewell Games Bundle
Stained Glass Feather Suncatcher
Handmade Leather Bookmark
Custom Miniature Hand-Cut Map
Be Brave Enamel Pin Badge

35) Tribute.co

Few material items can achieve the sentimental value of sincere and heartfelt messages. Tribute helps you turn video messages from your team into a perfectly presentable gift for a co-worker who’s changing things up.

Tribute gift ideas we love in 2024:

Pro ( contact Tribute for details)
Tribute Booth ( contact Tribute for details)

36) Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods specializes in meaningful gifts, many of them customizable, that pack tons of sentimental value. Browse this site to find the surprising, refreshing, and absolutely perfect goodbye gift.

Uncommon Goods gift ideas we love in 2024:

Galileo Globe Thermometer
Vintage National Parks Puzzle
Big Personality Desk Signs
Hanging Butterfly Oasis

37) Swag.com

From the stylish techie to the homebody foodie, your guest of honor will love the items you can find at Swag.com. Get items people actually want, including Kindles and YETI tumblers, and add your own custom design to give your gift that special touch.

Swag.com gift ideas we love in 2024:

Threadfast Baseball Tee
3-in-1 Trail Tumbler
Parker Small Traveler
Bluetooth Wooden Speaker

Pro-tip: If you are looking for more ideas to give them something special, check out SnackNation’s list of going away gift ideas for sending your coworker off with something they will cherish!

Going Away Party & Farewell Themes For Work

38) setting sail / bon voyage party.

Capitalize on the nautical symbolism of your guest of honor’s journey to a new job or a new place. Decorate with sails and anchors and maybe even get some cheesy sailors’ hats for a photo booth.

39) Packing Party Theme

Pro-tip: Make this virtual by having party guests send packing supplies (boxes, tape, etc.) to the guest of honor.

40) Murder Mystery Farewell Party

Plan a murder mystery party and, if you want, have the guest of honor play the victim.

Pro-tip: Enjoy a flawless murder mystery by enlisting the expert event help of Outback Team Building. They’ll turn your event into a crime to remember. (And we mean that in the best possible way.) Call in the experts .

41) Hot Air Balloons

Up, up, and away. This send off theme might be a little over the top, but hey, you know your guest list. If they’re into bright-colored balloons and vintage aeronautics, then go for it! (You can make some adorable going away party invitations .)

42) Great Escape Theme

This adventurous theme frames your loved one’s or co-worker’s departure as the ultimate escape from a hidden temple, a fantasy dungeon, or of course, an escape room.

Pro-tip: Work with the Escape Game to treat your guests to a virtual or in-person escape room experience they’ll never forget.

43) Bloom Where You’re Planted

This farewell themed party is all about plants—plant decor, plant gifts, and maybe even some plant-inspired cupcakes . If the guest of honor is moving, then this party kind of does double duty as a housewarming party.

44) Take a Bow

Send everyone their tickets and stock up on theater-themed party decorations. This exclusive farewell party show runs for only one night. Be sure everyone comes prepared to give the guest of honor the applause they deserve.

45) Future So Bright

Neon colors, sun glasses, glow sticks, and other light-up baubles feature in a going-away party that celebrates the guest-of-honor’s future plans.

Pro-tip: No matter which theme you choose or invent, leverage monday.com , primarily a project management tool , to make planning the going away party as easy and as painless as enjoying those going away treats. Simply create a board, add milestones, and even upload pictures of your departing coworker or friend.

Q: Can I throw a virtual going away party?

A: You can throw a virtual going away party! Simply find a video conferencing software to use as an online gathering hub and select some virtual going away party games and ideas to keep the event flowing.

Q: What makes a good going away party?

A: Games and activities for fun combined with sincere expressions of appreciation for the guest of honor make a good going away party. This pos t has plenty of tips and tricks you can use to make any send-off you’re hosting unforgettable.

Q: How do I know if my going away party was successful?

A: Know if your going away party was successful by reading the room. Is the guest of honor happy? Are the other guests smiling? Did everyone get to say a few fond farewell words to the person who’s leaving? You can also quantitatively measure your event’s success by sending a brief follow-up poll to ask guests if they had fun.

Q: What are the benefits of having a going away party?

A: The benefits of having a going away party include solidifying bonds with departing colleagues, deepening your existing relationships, and making memories with someone you’ll soon be seeing less often.

Q: How can I get started with an online going away party for work?

A: Get started with an online going away party for work by first browsing virtual theme and activity ideas for inspiration. After you have your general event ideas solidified, you can move on to planning the technical and logistical details, including selecting and testing video conference software and sending invitations and gifts.

Q: What are some good ideas for a going away gift?

A: Some good ideas for a going away gift include a versatile travel bag, a customized yoga mat, and a handcrafted leather bookmark.

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About SnackNation

SnackNation is a healthy office snack delivery service that makes healthy snacking fun, life more productive, and workplaces awesome. We provide a monthly, curated selection of healthy snacks from the hottest, most innovative natural food brands in the industry, giving our members a hassle-free experience and delivering joy to their offices.

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I like your blog!

thanks for the nice post.

There is nothing better than sending in style someone who’s leaving your company or your area with a going-away party. Consider it a noble goal. Own it. Be memorable.

The ideas mentioned can make the event a memorable one with one leaving with happy memories. Definitely, event planners can use it to make such events better. I appreciate you sharing this information with us. It seems helpful.

I am glad to see that virtual magic shows are still highly interactive. I was afraid they’d be boring. But I’ll talk to my boss about hiring a magician if it means our coworkers can interact with them.

Well, they are exiting games for active events. Thank you so much!

Love the snack ideas for a going-away party! 🎉 How about adding personalized snack bags to make it extra special?

Going Away Party Ideas

Struggling to think of themes for a farewell? Going away party ideas abound here at Fond-Farewell! Just read on for different ways to say goodbye...

• Luau : decorations are readily available at most party stores, grass skirts, Leis, Hawaiian themed music. If the budget is tight, coconuts and pineapples from the grocery store will suffice for table decorations and instead of traditional Hawaiian food, you can order Pineapple and Ham Pizza. "Aloha Oe" is a farewell song.

• Adios Amigo : A Mexican-themed fiesta. Maracas, Mexican flags, Salsa and Mambo music, The piñata could be filled with cash as a gift to the person leaving.

• Ciao! : Italian themed goodbye party idea. Posters from Italy, red and white checked table cloths and drippy candles. Italian food such as lasagna or ravioli would be appropriate, along with a tossed salad and vegetable. If Tiramisu isn’t served for desert, there may be a riot.

• Gone Walkabout : An Australian themed going away party idea, with kangaroos, boomerangs, plastic alligators etc. used as decorations. “Joe is going walkabout, please come join us as we say goodbye and wish him well!” would be a good line for an invitation.

• A Far Off Place : An African Safari themed goodbye party, all decorations would be African animals or baskets or face masks. • Gone With the Wind : A southern-themed going away affair. Good southern comfort food – fried chicken, okra, etc., would be a good choice for the meal.

• World Traveler Party : More of a farewell for someone who is headed off to see the world, the world traveler part would be based on the theme of international traveler. A world map tacked on the wall, invitations that look like passports, and an old fashioned globe would all work as decorations. Food can be international, with perhaps each person coming brining a different nationality dish. Trivia from “Where in the world is Carmen San Diego” would be an excellent activity.

• Beam Me Outta Here Scotty! : Star Trek theme. Communicators can be cut out of cardboard and pinned onto chests, you can also decorate in black and red and request that all attendees dress in black and red as well (or black and gold).

• Blast Off Party : A blast off party would be space-shuttle themed, and appropriate for someone who is headed off say, to college or to a job on the other side of the country. There are lots of 50’s songs that had to do with space travel that could be used for this.

• So Long & Thanks for all the Fish : Based on the Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy theme. Very space-age’ish decorations, quotes from the books, and food catered by “the restaurant at the end of the universe” would have to include steak, salad and soup (as per the book’s description).

• May the Force Be With You : A Star-Wars Themed going away party idea. Star Wars action figures would be great table decorations. A Star Wars Trivia contest would be great for an activity.

• Sailing Away Party : This party is sail boat themed of course, for those interested in sailing, or who have been working with the ocean (Navy Coast Guard etc.). A seafood menu. Sailing songs. And “Pin the rudder on the sailboat” as a fun activity that will most certainly break the ice.

Going Away Party Ideas for Children

• Dr. Seuss Party : Based on the book “Oh The Places You’ll Go” Dr. Seuss decorations can be found in most party stores. Dr. Seuss books as well can be used on the tables as decorations. For food, the more fanciful the better, though one could get really creative and have a breakfast party with green eggs and ham. • Packing Party : though this going away party idea could be adapted for adults, it is more or less a children’s party, with cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, different colored packing peanuts all as decorations. For activities, “guess the number of packing peanuts” in a box could be a good choice, as would giving the participants equally sized sheets of bubble wrap and see who can pop all their bubbles first.

• Over the Rainbow : A Wizard of OZ theme for a retirement or goodbye party. Make sure to lay down a “yellow brick road” and hang rainbows from the ceiling. Poppies on the table, even a few lollipops would do for decorations. Invitation idea: “Joe has found his yellow brick road. Come see him off on his journey to the Emerald City.”

• Down the Rabbit Hole : An Alice in Wonderland themed Goodbye Party, the dinner could be based around the Mad Hatter’s tea party, posters and decorations are readily available.

Leaving Home? Starting Afresh?

• Lord of the Rings Party : For the individual leaving home for the first time – or who has always had a fascination with the story, a Lord of the Rings theme is a great choice! Think cloaks, gold rings on chains, be sure to emphasize the importance of the person’s quest. A triva game with Lord of the Rings questions would be fun, as would a treasure hunt for the “one” ring.

• The Wind Beneath Your Wings : Someone leaving home for the first time – use angel wings, bird feathers as decorations. Include Advice for someone leaving home for the first time.

• Your Move : Chess/checkers based theme for a goodbye party. Sheet cake in brown and white squares with plastic chess pieces placed on squares would make an excellent menu addition, or play checkers with cupcakes instead of checkers pieces - you get to eat your opponents cupcakes!

• Luck of the Irish : A going away party idea for the individual leaving for a better job or better opportunity. Decorations can be based on St. Patrick’s Day, greens and golds. Irish Stew would be an excellent menu option, and Celtic or Irish music would be a great choice.

• Castles in the Air : A knight in shining armor motif for someone who is leaving to go do something they’ve always wanted. Castles and knights and pennants would all be excellent decoration ideas, you can even throw in a few dragons for a little spice.

• The BBD : The BBD (also known as the Bigger Better Deal) would be a shameless “I’m getting mine” going away party idea for those who are leaving the company for a “Bigger Better Deal”, dress it up, with a sort of James Bond-ish look, cocktail dresses etc. Have a happy hour, glitzy decorations etc.

• Stepping Up : A going away party idea for the individual leaving for a new/better opportunity. This would be a Fred Estaire/Ginger Rogers theme, with boas and top hats as decorations. Music or a running set of scenes from movies, would work as background music/entertainment. Shrimp cocktail would be a good choice to include in the menu.

• The Doors : A retirement or goodbye party based on the idea of new opportunities and experiences waiting “on the other side.” Invitation: "Each Door you step through is a ending and a beginning, help us celebrate with Joe as he steps through.”

• Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow : A Shakespearean themed goodbye party idea. Optimally, a small Shakespearian acting group would be used as a focus, but running scenes from the re-done movies would work. Food would have to be “hearty”, rotisserie chicken, meat pies and drinks served in mugs.

• Come as Yourself-In-10-Years : Dress up as who or what you imagine yourself to be in 10 years time - make sure you take plenty of photos so you can compare with reality in 10 years. You'll be glad you did, it'll make you laugh (or cry - hint: set a low standard, or a ridiculously high one!)

• Give ‘em Hell : This could be a Hell’s Angles based motorcycle theme for the Harley Enthusiast, or a call to action for the new generation! The youth of today are idealistic and full of fire, so "Give ‘em Hell" is a farewell with attitude! Going away party ideas include revolutionary decorations (fists, red stars, anything counterculture), punk music and definitely a barbeque!

Were you after themes for a retirement or office party?

Need help with invitations? Click for wording or templates .

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24 Best Farewell Party Ideas for Colleagues in 2024

Here is our list of farewell party ideas .

Farewell parties are events or get-togethers that celebrate an employee’s departure from a company and show appreciation for their service. Examples include Treasure Hunts, Cocktail Parties, and Comedy Shows. The purpose of these activities is to foster team bonding and appreciate former employees for their dedication to the company. These events are also known as a “sendoff party,” “despedida party,” “leaving party,” or “going away party.”

These occasions are examples of office parties and are in-person versions of virtual farewell parties or virtual retirement parties .

This list includes:

farewell party ideas for colleagues
farewell games for colleagues
farewell theme ideas
farewell party ideas for students
leaving party ideas
farewell party programs
going away party ideas
fun activities for farewell parties

Let’s get to it!

List of farewell party ideas

From a Farewell Party Buffet to Team Sports Day to Photo Booth, here is a list of the best ideas for a farewell party.

1. Bon Voyage Bash

Bon Voyage Bash is among the top farewell theme ideas. This theme turns the farewell party into a travel-themed adventure. Coworkers who are traveling during the next part of their lives will love this bash. To create this theme, decorate the venue with world maps, travel quotes, and luggage tags to set the mood. Guests can share their travel tips and offer well-wishes to the individual leaving. You can also match the food and drinks to your colleague’s new destination.

2. Farewell Party Decorations

Farewell Party Decorations are easy going away party ideas that employees can use to surprise departing colleagues.

To organize this activity:

Set up a committee of workers to decorate the office secretly without alerting departing employees.
Buy decorations like flowers, balloons, and block letters spelling farewell.
Decorate the departing employee’s workspace.
Surprise the employee with the decorations.

These decorations are great ways to make departing employees feel special and loved by teammates. It is important that the employee does not expect this kind gesture. Making the decorations a surprise will make the experience all the more special and appreciated.

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3. Guest-of-Honor Trivia

Guest-of-Honor Trivia is a fun game that tests how well colleagues know the departing employee. To play this game, write down the questions on a card and give a piece to each worker. The colleagues get a point for every correct answer.

Some questions for this game include:

How long has the employee worked in this company?
What position did the employee fill?
What is the departing employee’s favorite color?
What is the employee’s favorite song?
What is the employee’s favorite movie?

You can also play this game with remote teams over a Zoom call. This game teaches employees important facts about their departing colleagues and helps improve team bonds.

Here are more trivia games for team building .

4. Suitcase Packing Competition

Suitcase Packing Competition is a fun, fast-paced game that employees can play outdoors.

Set up two tables.
On one table, arrange some travel items, like toiletries, clothes, shoes, and towels.
Across the other table, place a piece of luggage and zip it closed.
Players will stand in front of the luggage and race toward the travel items.
Colleagues will pick one item at a time and arrange it in the luggage.
Workers will race back and forth until they have gathered all the items.
The first player to properly pack and zip up the bag wins the game.

This exciting activity promotes engagement and interaction between colleagues. This activity will create a laughter-filled environment, reducing the gloom and sadness associated with a departing colleague.

Check out more outdoor team building activities .

5. Travel Down Memory Lane

Travel Down Memory Lane is one of the top leaving party ideas that helps colleagues remember important dates and shared memories with departing employees.

Employees sit in a circle with the departing employee in the middle.
Colleagues will share good memories they have with the employee while they worked at the company.
If the memory is accurate, the departing employee will reply, “I remember.” If it is not, they will share their version of that memory.
The game will continue in this fashion until each worker has shared the good memories they had with their departing colleague.

This activity is one of the best farewell party ideas for colleagues because it encourages team members to discuss happy memories.

6. Personalized Farewell Awards

Creating Personalized Farewell Awards is a fun way to celebrate your colleague one last time. Before the party, work with the team to come up with lighthearted award titles based on the departing colleague’s personality. For example, Gadget Guru, Excel Wizard, and Lunchtime Legend. You can order real awards or make handwritten ones. During the event, give your colleague these awards and share the stories that inspired them. Your colleague can bring these awards with them to their next adventure.

Check out these online award ceremony ideas .

7. Interactive Map of Memories

For a personalized touch, create an Interactive Map of Memories for the departing coworker. For this experience, print out a large map of your city or state. Then, give guests notes and push pins. Attendees can write workers’ achievements on the notes. Next, teams can pin the notes on locations where significant milestones happened. For instance, pins could represent the location of a new business opening or a fun ceremony. This interactive map is a visual representation of your colleague’s time and is also a unique keepsake.

8. Escape to the Future Challenge

Escape rooms are one of the top fun activities for farewell parties. To make this activity fitting for a farewell party, host an Escape to the Future Challenge!

Here is how to host this activity:

Come up with a futuristic escape room story. Examples include Mission to Mars, Time Travel Lab, and Robot Uprising.
Create puzzles, riddles, and challenges that match the story.
Gather materials for the puzzles and decorations.
Set up the event in a large office space.
Set a timer for an hour, and let teams play the game!

Alternatively, you can look for a local escape room company that offers future-themed rooms or can create a custom experience for you. Escape rooms are a great opportunity to bond one last time!

Here is a list of more DIY escape room puzzle ideas .

9. Themed Potluck Farewell Feast

Potlucks are among the easiest and most popular farewell party ideas for students. You can add a potluck to your farewell party by having a Themed Potluck Farewell Feast! For this activity, ask partygoers to bring a dish based on your departing friend’s cultural background or future destination. With this idea, groups can celebrate the departing student’s past and future. Participants could also make dishes that represent experiences they have had before, such as former team building events. This potluck encourages folks to reminisce and also offers a great meal!

10. Future Predictions Game

The Future Predictions Game is a fun way to send off a colleague! Participants make lighthearted predictions about the departing colleague. Before the farewell party, write a list of prompts or questions related to the coworker’s future and pass it out. During the event, ask each participant to share their predictions. Then, collect all the predictions into one book and give it to the leaving colleague for a keepsake. This optimistic game is a fun addition to the farewell party.

11. Career Highlight Show

Career Highlight Shows are excellent opportunities for departing employees to watch their company journey from beginning to end. This highlight show can contain images of awards and promotions the employee has received since they began working with the company.

To organize a career highlight show, curate images of the employee at work, during special moments with colleagues, receiving awards or certificates, and earning promotions or badges. You can compile these images into a file with good music, then present the content in a slideshow for the whole team to watch. This show highlights a worker’s achievements and shows you will always remember and appreciate them.

12. Employee Farewell Ritual

An Employee Farewell Ritual is an uncommon practice that employers can use to promote the company culture. For this ritual, departing employees must complete a set of activities or rites before leaving the company. These rites help keep their memories alive within the company when they leave and ensure that the company remembers their services after they leave.

Some examples include:

engraving their initials on a wall in the company
placing their name plates alongside several others in the company glass case
planting a tree before leaving

These practices make the thought of leaving the establishment bittersweet because their memories will not just fade away. The departing employees will be happy knowing that their names and achievements will live on within the company even after they leave.

13. Ice Sticks

Ice Sticks are excellent one minute farewell games for colleagues. For this game, you will need a bowl of ice cubes and chopsticks.

Arrange two tables on different sides of a field and set a bowl on top of each one.
Pour ice cubes into one bowl and leave the second bowl empty.
Give each player a pair of chopsticks.
The players will pick an ice cube with the chopsticks and drop it in the empty bowl across the field.
Players can walk, jog, or run, but they must not drop the ice cube.
Teammates will repeat this process until they have filled the empty bowl.
The first player to fill their bowl within one minute wins the game.

To give this game an edge, teammates can play when it is sunny. The sunny weather will melt the ice as employees race against time to carry the ice across the field. This one minute game is an excellent way to keep workers engaged and enjoy a great time with departing employees.

Check out our list of other minute to win it games .

14. Team Sports Day

Team Sports Day is an exciting activity where colleagues compete against each other in various activities like football, volleyball, or relay races.

Find an open space for the games.
Split players into teams. You can choose teams based on things like gender or departments in the office. For example, the groups could be male versus female employees or managing department versus HR department.
Choose any sports game for the teammates to play.
The best-performing team wins the game and gets a prize.

This exercise is a great way to promote teamwork and build employee camaraderie. Employees will also get to take pictures of memorable moments during the event, focusing mostly on the departing employee.

For similar events, check out team field day ideas .

15. Farewell Scavenger Hunts

Farewell Scavenger Hunts are among the best farewell party ideas for employees. In this activity, team members will search the office for different farewell gift items within a given time.

Hide different items around the office. Examples include a farewell note, a bouquet of flowers, and a gift set.
Set a timer for one minute.
Players must gather all the hidden items before the timer runs out.
Players will present the collected items to the departing employee.

This game gives employees the chance to surprise their colleagues with farewell gifts. The most exciting part is that the departing colleague will not guess this game is about them since they will actively gather these items.

Here are more scavenger hunt ideas for adults .

16. Farewell Party Buffet

Farewell Party Buffets are excellent office farewell party ideas for bosses because they allow employees to connect, interact, and engage with their superiors.

For this event, you can pay for a catering service to prepare several food, snacks, and dessert platters. You can arrange these meals on a long table and allow team members to serve themselves. You could also serve a variety of drinks to go along with the dishes. Additionally, these gatherings allow elite clientele to bid farewell to the departing or retiring bosses alongside the workforce.

Here are corporate catering companies you can use.

17. Cocktail Party

Cocktail Parties are excellent social gatherings where employees can enjoy tasty mixed drinks. This event allows workers to interact, discuss, and even get to know each other better.

These gatherings also allow employees to celebrate departing employees and offer toasts in their honor. Additionally, you can play good music for employees to dance together and enjoy each other’s company.

You can create a special cocktail and have coworkers toast the honoree.

Check out work happy ideas for more inspiration .

18. Comedy Show

Comedy Shows are hilarious farewell party programs where employees share funny jokes and anecdotes. You may invite a comedian for this event or encourage employees to share funny experiences or stories featuring the departing colleague.

You can also host this event for remote teams by meeting using any video conferencing tool. The employees will take turns trying to crack the team up by sharing jokes or stories. This activity helps create a fun and happy environment where employees can be themselves and enjoy talking to each other.

19. Photo Booth

A Photo Booth is one of the best farewell party ideas because it allows employees to create lovely memories and take pictures with departing employees.

Set a theme. For example, themes with planes, cars, or trains signify a send-off.
Find a suitable backdrop. Some good ideas include a map, a vinyl backdrop, or a paper backdrop.
Choose props, such as wide-brimmed hats, oversized glasses, fake noses, and mustaches.
Set up your lighting.
Choose a good camera. Polaroid cameras are great options because they allow users to print images on the spot.

Photo Booths are one of the best ways to celebrate staff leaving an establishment because they allow departing employees to take pictures and connect with different colleagues within the company. These pictures will remind them of this farewell party and help them create lovely memories of the event.

20. Karaoke

Karaoke is a simple activity where employees sing along to their favorite songs by following lyrics displayed on a screen. To recreate this activity in the office, you will need a projector and a curated playlist of farewell songs.

Teammates who want to participate may choose any song from the playlist and sing along as the lyrics appear on the wall. This heartfelt performance may also serve as a tribute to the departing employees. This activity is an excellent way for employees to show appreciation for employees leaving a company.

Here are some high energy songs the group can sing.

21. Most Likely To

Most Likely To is a simple game where teammates choose which descriptive word best suits their colleagues.

Some prompts for this activity include:

most likely to come to a meeting late
most likely to be caught at the cafeteria before lunch starts
most likely to go on a shopping spree
most likely to watch an entire movie series in one night
most likely to work overtime

This game helps employees test how well they know each other and give colleagues the chance to learn interesting facts about each other. These prompts can also serve as great conversation starters, which promote employee interaction and engagement.

Check out more most likely to prompts .

22. Tug of War

Tug of War is a challenging game that employees can play in teams. For this game, split the workers into two teams. Then, give both teams each end of a rope. Next, draw a long line between the groups, and at the sound of a whistle, the players must pull their side of the rope as hard as possible.

The teams must try to avoid crossing the line. The first group to drag the opposing team across the line wins. This game challenges employees physically and mentally because they must use their strength and wit to win. To incorporate this into a farewell party, have departing employees head the teams. This gesture gives them a sense of belonging and gives them one final role at work before they leave.

23. Create a Memory Book

Creating a Memory Book makes a tangible gift for workers leaving a company. This book will contain cutouts, pictures of memorable events with colleagues, and other employee signatures. Colleagues can also write a kind word or two in this book to encourage the worker on their new journey.

This scrapbook will give departing employees something physical they can remember the company and colleagues by when they leave. The employees can even offer tiny tokens, such as flowers, pebbles, or buttons that the worker can glue into the book alongside any picture or photo they may share with their colleague.

24. Online Send-Off Speech

Online Send-Off Speeches are among the best ideas for virtual farewell parties because they allow employers to praise and celebrate departing employees and their contributions to the company.

Customize a virtual space using different pictures of the departing employee as a background image.
The employer will talk about the departing worker’s time at the company. Some important highlights of this speech include the employee’s start, achievements, important contributions, awards, and exemplary characteristics.
Other colleagues can also get a minute or two to share some noteworthy characteristics they admire about the employee.

This speech will give departing workers a sense of pride and fulfillment and leave colleagues with a lasting good impression of the departing worker.

You can start the speech with some funny icebreaker jokes .

Farewell party ideas are memorable events celebrating employees leaving a company. These events commemorate the employee’s years of service, achievements, and dedication to the company. Workers can play an active role in these celebrations by decorating the departing employee’s workspace, making a memory book, or curating a farewell playlist.

These events make departing employees feel special, loved, and appreciated. These activities also give employees who are leaving a company the chance to play games, interact, and engage with colleagues before they depart.

Next, check out our lists of retirement gift ideas and well wishes .

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FAQ: Farewell party ideas

Here are frequently asked questions about farewell party ideas.

What are farewell parties?

Farewell parties are events that celebrate employees leaving a company.

How do you throw a good farewell party at work?

To throw a good farewell party at work, consider the departing employee’s interests and contributions to the company. These interests will help determine the type of event or activity to organize. Then, arrange fun and memorable activities for teammates to say farewell to their colleague.

What are some good farewell party ideas?

Some good farewell party ideas include Online Send Off Speech, Employee Farewell Ritual, and Tug of War.

Why is it a good idea to throw office farewell parties?

Throwing office farewell parties is a great idea because it helps promote a positive work culture and makes employees feel valued. These parties also create good memories for departing employees and give existing employees a positive work experience.

Author: Grace He

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com. Grace is the Director of People & Culture at TeamBuilding. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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7 Sensational Adventure and Travel Themed Party Ideas

Oh, the places you’ll go! From birthday parties to bridal showers, there are so many adventure-filled ideas you can use to inspire your own celebration. We’ve curated the top travel themed party ideas to spark your creativity! 1. Up, Up and Away in Hot Air Balloons Hot air balloons […]

1. Up, Up and Away in Hot Air Balloons

Hot air balloons are the cutest vintage touches to a travel theme. Make beautiful table centerpieces with a helium-filled balloon, string, ribbon and a basket filled with colorful flowers!

Hot Air Balloon Floral Centerpiece boards.weddingbee.com

Create one stunning eye-catching display by hanging paper lantern hot air balloons from the ceiling. This is a great idea for an “Up In The Air” baby shower or birthday party!

Carried-Away-Hot-Air-Balloon-Birthday-Party-via-Karas-Party-Ideas-KarasPartyIdeas.com33

One genius idea for a baby shower: take hot air balloons one step further by using diapers for the base!

Diaper Hot Air Balloon Centerpiece for Baby Shower | BlovelyEvents

2. High-Flying Up Inspired Decor

Looking for a fantastic birthday party theme? Disney’s movie Up is an adorable way to incorporate the beloved characters, balloons, and adventure into one fun party!

up-movie-balloons-birthday-party-ideas-printables-party-decorations-adventure-disney05

We love this creative idea! Hand out mini adventure books as favors so little guests can document their own adventures.

Disney's Up Themed Birthday Party | Jason Kvame of Elysium Photography

3. Pack Your Suitcases

Find inventive ways to present sweets and treats! Open a vintage suitcase and place tiers of cupcakes for a beautiful display.

Cupcakes in Vintage Suitcase | Bridal Shower | Maritha Mae Photography via Wedding Chicks

Small suitcases are also great for displaying favors and drinks!

These adorable vintage suitcase favor boxes filled with candy make fantastic gifts to bid “bon voyage” to your guests.

4. For the Bicycle Lover

Create one fun and creative party theme with bicycles! A Party Studio combined bicycles with a pink, blue and purple color scheme for a darling little birthday party.

Pink, Purple and Bllue Bicycle Birthday Party | by A Party Studio via Kara's Party Ideas

Bicycle place card holders and vintage-inspired bicycle favor boxes added a whimsical touch to the party.

Bicycle Place Card Holder and Bicycle Favor Box by Kate Aspen via A Party Studio

Plus, you can spray paint the same bicycle place card holders gold for different look!

Pink and White Party by Chelsey Mass via Mom's Best Network

5. An International Themed Menu

From South Africa to Peru, take your party guests around the world with a variety of international eats.

International Menu | Marissa Moss Photography via Artfully Wed

6. Vintage Maps & Globes

DIY a glam globe by adding a calligraphy quote and ask guests to sign it!

globe-guestbook_Catrina_Earls_Photography

Send guests off on their journey home with map favor boxes filled with a surprise.

Map Favor Boxes Filled With Chocolates | Kate Aspen via Play. Party. Pin.

7. Airplanes Ready for Takeoff

Get ready for takeoff! Use airplanes as the main theme mixed with maps, globes and clouds for one charming boyish birthday party.

Welcome Aboard Maverick Airlines Birthday Party Catch My Party

Vintage airplane bottle openers would make unique and delightful favors to give everyone!

Vintage Airplane Bottle Opener by Kate Aspen

What other adventure or travel ideas do you love? Tell us in the comments!

Happy Planning!

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Going Away Party Travel Party Theme, Travel Themes, Moving Away Parties
Going away party theme

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How to Throw a Travel-Themed Party The Right Way
Perhaps you want to throw yourself a fun and unique birthday party or need to throw a going-away party for a friend about to embark on a long trip. Or, you want to get some fun-loving people together around a collectively enjoyed theme, i.e. traveling, of course! ... There are many different directions you can go with a travel-themed party.
33 Going Away Party Ideas for the Perfect Send-Off
Here are some general messages to include on your going away party invitation so guests know what to expect. 29. Message for a special friend. Special friends deserve special goodbyes. Join us at [name of venue] on [date and time of party] to help us send off [guest of honor] in the most special way possible. 30.
Going Away Party: How to Plan the Perfect Farewell?
Going Away Party: Your ultimate guide to planning a memorable farewell. Dive into party themes, activities, logistics, and tools to bid adieu in style. Search Search. ... For example throw a bon voyage party with a travel theme, with decorations like map tablecloths and a cooler full of airplane bottles of wine.
9 Thoughtful Going Away Party Ideas and Tips
Throw a bon voyage party with a travel theme, with decorations like map tablecloths and a cooler full of airplane bottles of wine. Feel free to skip the theme altogether too if that's what you think your guest of honor would want. Remember: a going away party is a laid back affair. If you just want to get a bunch of people in a room together ...
21 Farewell Party Ideas: Themes, Invites, Activities, and Gifts
5 Farewell Party Themes. Say "so long" in style with a fun party theme. A theme is the perfect place to start your planning process. Once you've chosen a theme, it'll be easier to pick out everything else — from your party decorations to your invitations to your going away gift. 1. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
15 Creative Going Away Party Ideas to Help You Plan
If your loved one is jetting off somewhere far away, show them you care with a special going-away party just for them. Moving, whether it's for family, work, or just a change of scenery, is always difficult. These party ideas prove that distance really does make the heart grow fonder. 4. Designation-themed party
How to Throw An Amazing Travel-Themed Party
National flags - Casual vexillologists will love showing off their knowledge of world flags, a great conversation-starting theme. Around the World in Cocktails - A cocktail party exploring the origins of your favourite mixed beverages. Travel Trivia Tournament - Can be a romantic night for two or extend to a bigger group of adults.
Popular and Easy Going Away Party Ideas
Non-Formal: Send out invites 2-3 weeks in advance. Going away party invitation wording varies by theme, formality, and occasion. Here's some things to include: The theme and type of party. Who the party is for. Location for the event. Date and time. When to RSVP by and who to RSVP to.
Get Creative With Your Going Away Party Ideas!
Here are some tips to make sure your party is a success: 1. Pick a Theme That Fits Your Personality. If you're a beach lover, have a luau-themed party. If you're a foodie, have a potluck with all of your favorite dishes. 2. Make Sure to Invite All of Your Friends, Family, and Co-workers.
Going Away Party Ideas
Put a competitive edge into your going away party idea. Plan a basketball, soccer, volleyball or some other sports game as a fun way to say goodbye. via Canva. 18. Packing Party. For friends and family who are moving, a packing party is a great going away party idea. Stock up on boxes, tape and packing peanuts.
45 Phenomenal Going Away Party Ideas For Work In 2024
1) Crack The Case: Virtual Murder Mystery. *The Office theme song*…. Michael Scott enters…. "I do declare…. There's been a murder…". In all honesty, Michael (AKA: Caleb Crawdad) was actually on to something! Solving a murder mystery can be a great farewell party idea.
Travel Themed Party Decorations
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Going Away Party Ideas
Have a happy hour, glitzy decorations etc. • Stepping Up: A going away party idea for the individual leaving for a new/better opportunity. This would be a Fred Estaire/Ginger Rogers theme, with boas and top hats as decorations. Music or a running set of scenes from movies, would work as background music/entertainment.
24 Best Farewell Party Ideas for Colleagues in 2024
Guests can share their travel tips and offer well-wishes to the individual leaving. You can also match the food and drinks to your colleague's new destination. 2. Farewell Party Decorations. Farewell Party Decorations are easy going away party ideas that employees can use to surprise departing colleagues. To organize this activity:
7 Sensational Adventure and Travel Themed Party Ideas
Oh, the places you'll go! From birthday parties to bridal showers, there are so many adventure-filled ideas you can use to inspire your own celebration. We've curated the top travel themed party ideas to spark your creativity! 1. Up, Up and Away in Hot Air Balloons. Hot air balloons are the cutest vintage touches to a travel theme.
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180 Travel party Ideas
Sep 12, 2023 - This travel party theme is perfect for a going away party, coming home party, missionary return or farewell. . See more ideas about travel party theme, travel party, party theme.
Travel Themed going away party
Jun 2, 2016 - Moving in may and I'm planning an epic party!. See more ideas about going away parties, travel party theme, travel party.
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How to Throw a Travel-Themed Party The Right Way

Planning a Trip? Check Out These Helpful Services:

Start Planning for Your Travel-Themed Party

Single Country/Regional Theme

Method of Travel Theme

Build Excitement with Themed Invitations

Food and Drinks

Get Creative with Decorations

Play Travel-Themed Games

Wrapping it All Up

Need more? Try these

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LET´S BE FRIENDS

These 33 going away party ideas are the perfect way to say farewell

Going away party ideas for friends

1. Take a food tour through the city

2. Visit a local brewery, winery, or distillery

3. Puzzle your way out of an escape room

4. Relax at a full spa day

5. Create something new in a pottery class

Going away party ideas for family

6. Enjoy a backyard barbecue and movie night

7. Compete in some friendly family sports

8. Invite a private chef for a delicious meal

9. Box up belongings with a packing party

10. Test your family knowledge with trivia

Going away party ideas for a coworker

11. Host a cocktail party

12. Rent out a barcade

13. Bet on yourself with a charity casino night

14. Go out for one last happy hour

15. Take them out to the ballgame

Going away party theme ideas for everyone

16. Combined party

17. A new city or region

18. A favorite monument or attraction

19. A pool or beach party

20. A surprise going away party

Going away party decorations

21. A guestbook or guest board

22. A photobooth or instant camera

23. Plants and flowers

24. Commemorative glassware

Going away party game ideas

25. Board games

26. Scavenger hunt

27. Would you rather?

Going away party invitation wording ideas

29. Message for a special friend

30. Serious message

31. Message for a family member

32. Surprise party message

33. Funny message

Invitations they’ll never forget, no matter where they go

Hero image via Vitaliy Mitrofanenko .

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Going Away Party: How to Plan the Perfect Farewell?

Table of Contents

Setting the Stage: The Basics

Why Have a Going Away Party?

Choosing the Perfect Date & Time

Venue Selection:

Creative Ideas: Making it Memorable

Theme Ideas

Activities and Games

Decor and Atmosphere

Nitty-Gritty: The Logistics

Invitations and RSVPs

Food and Beverages

Favors and Keepsakes

Software Tools to the Rescue

Invitation Creation and Management

Budgeting and Expense Tracking

Collaboration and Planning

Memory Capturing and Sharing

Finishing Touches

Personalized Playlists

Signature Drinks or Dishes

Interactive Installations

Gratitude Gesture