How to Make a Farewell Scrapbook for a Co-Worker

For most of your co-workers, a beer at the local happy hour is enough to bid goodbye when someone leaves the company. But a special friend, a team leader or someone who has been at the company for ages deserves something memorable. A scrapbook is the perfect gift to capture funny memories, professional achievements and personalized words of encouragement from everyone on the team.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blank scrapbook
• Old magazines
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Stickers, glitter and other "flare"
• Photos and words of encouragement gathered from the team
• Objects reminiscent of the office or places near the office

1. Send out an email to everyone in the office and out in the field explaining that you're creating a scrapbook for your departing co-worker. Make sure that your co-worker who is leaving is not included in the email list so that it is a surprise. Ask everyone to submit funny (but office appropriate) photos, words of encouragement or suggestions for items that should be included in the scrapbook.

2. Create a scrapbook folder on your computer to keep all of the photos and messages organized in one central place so that nothing is lost or forgotten.

3. Create a word document on your computer to organize the goodbye messages if most of the goodbye messages you receive are in email format. Copy and paste each message onto the word document and make sure that all names are included.

4. Gather items from around the office or job location that are particularly reminiscent of your departing co-worker's job or day-to-day routine. Take the name tag from their office mailbox. Snap a picture of their cube while they're away. Try to find tangible objects that will remind them of the office. Grab some chopsticks from the local, favorite sushi place. Try to include objects with special meaning or humorous memories associated with them. Try to dig up awards and other forms of recognition that your co-worker achieved over the years.

5. Make sure that you have enough stuff to fill the scrapbook up so that you do not have any blank pages at the end. If you need more space, you can always add additional pages.

6. Start with a title page in the beginning that lets your co-worker know that he or she will be missed. This page should include a group shot or a picture of the person at work.

7. Print out the word document filled with the farewell messages and cut them into individual pieces. Print out the photos too.

8. Paste the messages, the photos and other "office scraps" that you've collected throughout the book. Use the stickers, glitter and magazine cutouts to add color and personalization.

Tips & Warnings

• Present the scrapbook to your co-worker at the farewell party.
• Make sure that nothing inappropriate is added into the book. It's likely to be passed around during the farewell festivities.
• When you solicit material for the scrapbook, make sure that people know that it will be likely viewed by the group.