Tell me if this sounds okay or should I restrain from doing it....?

I think it is a nice gesture of your appreciation, not to mention a good way to secure a favorable recommendation from him if you should ever need one. However, I am wondering why you don't think he would accept it from you in person. Are you leaving on bad terms? Or do you just think that he is the type of person who's bad at accepting gifts? Tell you what- leave the pen set and the note on his desk, but make sure the note is short and sweet, something like "It was a pleasure working with you." Don't delve deep into the reasons for leaving, or anything like that. This is not a good place to pour your heart out. Leave the gift and move on to your new life!

Why would he not accept it from you? Is there some kind of tension between you regarding your leaving? You would not be making any mistake by leaving the pen set, but keep in mind that if he wouldn't want it, he may not keep it. Nice as it may be, he may pass it on to someone else or, at worst, throw it away. If it's a nice set, these scenarios are not likely, but ask yourself if you are willing to accept that he may go that far. Hopefully, he will accept the set for the nice gift it is intended to be.

I think that is a really nice thing you are doing, not many employees would think of it. I'm sure he won't refuse it, as it will be clear you bought it especially for him. However, if you feel too shy to hand it to him in person, then yes, by all means leave it on his desk for later, with your address at the top of the note if he doesn't have it, so he can send a thank you note.

Good luck :)

That sounds very nice of you. Can't imagine why he wouldn't take it, but yeah, if you anticipate a problem, leave it on his desk.

Assuming, of course, it's a nice pen set, and a nice note, not something ugly and or likely to cause a lawsuit!

if he is any kind of a man he will not turn down your gift just leave it on his desk with the note what he does with it after that is not your concern youve done the right thing your concience will be clear

I think that sounds great! It doesn't sound like you have any ulterior motive, but just to express gratitude. There should be more of that in the world.

i think that is an absolutely wonderful idea. if he has a problem with it, then he is a moron. i however, am doubtful that will be case. i would just give it to him, unless of course you really do anticipate a poor reaction. I would think that most people would think it a very nice gesture.

Why wouldn't he accept? I also hope that since your leaving there is a little something for you as a going away.

Explain why you want to give it to them if they try to refuse. I would try to avoid just leaving it, they may want to say a few words of goodbye, and this gives them the opportunity to.

Sounds like a good move to me. He'd really appreciate it and give you good references in the future :)