When a coworker or loved one retires, it is a bittersweet occasion. It can be challenging for individuals to adjust to a new routine and find a sense of purpose outside of their career. However, retirement also presents opportunities for personal growth, pursuing hobbies, and spending quality time with loved ones.
But how do you celebrate the end of an era and welcome the new chapter in life for a retiree? And what about a beloved employee who gave their all to build a company or one who has made your life easier every-single-day? You want to do something special for them.
We’ve rounded up 45 retirement gifts for every budget, whether you’re on a tight budget or looking to splurge. Regardless of how much you spend, these retirement gifts will surely please.
Frankly, while working on this list, I decided to use it for a holiday gift list, too!
1. Personalized Retirement Plaque
To commemorate the retiree, you can choose from a wide range of design options, such as wood, metal, glass, or other materials. A personalized message can be engraved along with the retiree’s name and years of service. Another option would be incorporating symbols or images representing the retiree’s career or hobbies.
Try PlaqueMaker if you’re looking for a personalized plaque.
2. Customized Photo Album or Scrapbook
This could include a “Journey Through Time” theme, showcasing significant moments and milestones throughout their career. Another idea could be a “Retirement Bucket List” album featuring photos and captions of the retirees fulfilling their dreams and aspirations. A “Celebrating Achievements” scrapbook could highlight the retiree’s accomplishments and accolades, making it a cherished keepsake.
3. Travel Vouchers or Gift Cards
These are great options for retirees who want to explore and experience new places. While travel vouchers offer the flexibility to choose any destination, gift cards allow the retiree to decide on their own travel arrangements, including flights, accommodations, and activities.
Ultimately, both options allow the retiree to create lasting memories and embark on exciting adventures.
4. Smartwatch.
There is nothing more classic than a wristwatch as a retirement gift. However, you could add a modern twist to this timeless gift by giving them a smartwatch.
Aside from being a practical option, it includes more features than just a wristwatch, such as the ability to track workouts, measure heart rate, and access voice assistants. This is an excellent option for someone who likes to stay on top of new technologies and is active. Some popular choices include the Apple Watch Series 9, Samsung Galaxy Watch6, or Garmin Vivomove Trend.
5. Engraved Pen Set
An engraved pen set is a practical retirement gift because it symbolizes the retiree’s professional accomplishments and can be used for signing important documents or even for personal writing. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any desk, reminding the retiree of their successful career while also providing a useful tool for their future endeavors.
Dayspring Pens offers a gold-plated pen that can be customized.
6. Spa Day or Wellness Retreat
After years of hard work, retirement allows you to finally relax and take care of yourself. As such, give the retiree a relaxing spa day or a more extended wellness retreat where they can rejuvenate and get pampered. Whether it’s a massage, facial, or yoga session, they’ll appreciate the chance to relax with restorative activities.
7. News Subscription
One of the best parts of retirement is drinking coffee all morning and reading the news. Consider giving a year-long subscription to a news outlet that aligns with the retiree’s interests, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, or National Geographic. As a result, they can stay informed and engaged during their leisurely mornings.
8. Gourmet Food Basket
You can choose from various gourmet food baskets for retirement gifts from Harry & David or Cheese Brothers. Among the choices may be artisanal cheeses, fine chocolates, exotic teas, organic jams, and freshly baked pastries. Retirees can indulge in culinary delights and savor the flavors of their new leisurely lifestyle with these delectable treats.
9. Wine Tasting Experience
Does your retiree enjoy wine? If so, send them to the Napa Valley for a wine tasting. For those on a budget, though, Wine.com offers virtual wine tastings.
10. High-Quality Gardening Tools
They have more time to grow fruits and vegetables in their backyards now that they are retired. For example, the MOXILS nine-piece gardening tool set is a great way to get them started.
11. Personalized Golf Accessories
Personalized golf accessories are a thoughtful and unique gift for retirees who enjoy golf. Plenty of options include monogrammed golf balls, customized golf tees, and embroidered golf towels. Their time on the green will be enhanced by these personalized accessories that will enhance both their golfing experience and personalize it.
12. Charitable Donation in Their Name
Is the retiree passionate about volunteering and supporting local causes? You can make a touching tribute by donating to the person’s favorite charity. If you want to increase your donation, you can ask coworkers or family members to contribute. Unlike other retirement gift ideas, this one is meaningful and doesn’t take up space or collect dust.
As an alternative, a volunteer day can be organized on the employee’s last day of work. When the whole team participates, the retiree is sent off on a positive note while giving back to the community. This allows them to spend quality time with their coworkers.
13. Lifetime Learning
With MasterClass, retirees can take virtual courses taught by experts in their fields, including A-listers like Mark Cuban, Kevin Hart, Martha Stewart, Serena Williams, Gordon Ramsey, and even Metallica. This gift lowers the entry bar for curious learners since MasterClass has only one subscription option (an annual plan).
14. Cooking Class or Culinary Experience
Gourmet cooking classes or dining experiences are great gifts for retirees who enjoy culinary adventures. Various options are available, including wine tasting, gourmet cooking workshops, and food tours. Not only will they indulge their passion for food, but they will also create new memories with loved ones and socialize.
15. Smart Home Devices
There are many ways that smart home devices like Amazon Echo and Google Nest can enhance retirees’ daily routines. For example, they can automate tasks such as turning on lights, adjusting thermostats, and even brewing coffee, making mornings run more smoothly.
They also provide voice-controlled entertainment, set reminders and timers, and allow hands-free access to information, making everyday activities easier and more convenient.
16. Personalized Jewelry
You could give the retiree a sentimental gift engraved or inscribed with their name, initials, or a special message. Personalized engraved pendants, bracelets, and cufflinks can also be considered on sites like Etsy or a local artisan.
17. Personalized Home Portrait Print
Custom portraits of their home can be ordered at Welham & Co in various styles and sizes. In the future, these thoughtful artworks will bring them sentimental memories; they can take them with them if they move.
18. Membership to a Local Museum or Zoo
Memberships to local museums and zoos provide retirees with regular opportunities to explore and engage with art, history, nature, and wildlife. In addition, they can take advantage of discounts on additional programs and merchandise, as well as unlimited access to educational exhibits, special events, and educational exhibits.
In addition to being a lifelong learning experience, enrichment, and enjoyment for the retiree, it’s also something the grandkids will enjoy.
19. Personalized Leather Wallet or Purse
A personalized leather wallet or purse is a useful and stylish gift for retirees. You can add a special message, quote, or engraving that holds significance to them, such as their initials. With this personalized gift, they’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness and uniqueness.
20. Pickleball Set
After retirement, more time is available to enjoy pickleball — the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. If you are new to the sport, consider the JOOLA Tundra Pickleball Paddle Set, which comes with 2 pickleball paddles, 4 balls, and a pickleball bag.
21. Premium Coffee Maker or Espresso Machine
For instance, the Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with LatteGo is the perfect gift for coffee lovers who have spent years drinking mediocre coffee. In addition to making five coffeehouse drinks, it has a built-in LatteGo milk that delivers frothy milk to the perfect consistency.
22. Outdoor Chair
Even though some people prefer enjoying leisure time over the actual experience, the bestselling GCI Outdoor Kickback Portable Rocking Chair provides indoor-quality comfort. Featuring spring-action rocking technology, a supportive mesh backrest, and an easy fold design, this chair is ideal for tailgating parties, s’mores around the campfire, and grandkids’ games.
23. Custom-made Quilt or Blanket
The sentimental value of a custom-made quilt or blanket from Personalization Mall as a retirement gift cannot be overstated. As well as representing years of hard work and dedication, it also serves as a reminder of cherished memories and relationships developed throughout their career. Designed to reflect their unique journey, every stitch and design is carefully selected to convey their true, heartfelt sentiment.
24. Hammock
A hammock like this double-layered padded hammock provides a serene and peaceful environment for relaxation and stress relief. Additionally, it can be used at the beach, at home, or on a camping trip, making it a wonderful retirement gift.
25. The Gift of Reading
Do you have a retiree who doesn’t look forward to downtime? You can give them 101 Fun Things to Do in Retirement by Stella Rheingold.
Additionally, retirement means more time for traveling. This is exactly what Lonely Planet’s Where to Go When aims to do. Each month of the year is mapped out, along with which destinations are the best to visit. Furthermore, the book uses handy infographics and icons to illustrate the relative value of each trip.
Or, get them a subscription to Blind Date with a Book. This gift of the month club sends them a new pair of surprise books, snacks, and bookmarks every month.
26. Concert or Theater Tickets
You can choose from various concerts and theater shows for a retirement gift. Classical music concerts, Broadway musicals, rock concerts, ballet performances, and comedy shows are all possibilities. Depending on the retiree’s interest and preferences, endless options are available.
27. Personalized Cutting Board
This personalized cutting board from Etsy makes the perfect gift for anyone who is retiring and spending more time cooking.
Additionally to the customized cutting board, you can also consider gifting other kitchen accessories that would complement it, such as chef’s knives of the highest quality, stylish aprons, or cookbooks with retirement-friendly recipes, if you have the money or want to do it as a group gift. Adding these items to a retiree’s new culinary adventures will enhance his or her cooking experience as well as personalize it.
28. Fitness Class or Gym Membership
Regular physical activity during retirement has numerous health benefits, both physically and mentally. Participating in fitness classes like yoga and pilates can improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Additionally, it can promote a sense of community and social interaction, making it a great retirement gift.
By promoting longevity, a gym or fitness class membership is a gift that keeps on giving.
29. Personalized Stationery
For personalized retirement stationery sets, you can choose from a number of different styles and designs. Elegant sets with embossed initials or monograms add a touch of sophistication to handwritten notes.
As an alternative, you may want to consider personalized stationery sets that feature custom illustrations reflecting the retiree’s interests or hobbies. Each retiree’s unique style—whether classic and professional or whimsical and creative — can be matched with a personalized stationery set.
30. Calming Gift Set
Those with a green thumb will enjoy this eucalyptus spa set. In addition to the eucalyptus plant and care, your gift recipient will also enjoy the bath salts and body scrub included in the kit. This gift is just what they need for a well-deserved relaxing day after their career.
31. Travel Accessories
The retiree can embark on new adventures and explore the world with practical and stylish travel accessories. Travel journals, luggage tags, or passport holders can be personalized to accompany them on future trips.
In addition, you can gift them this 3 Piece Spinner Suitcase Set or a weekender bag embroidered with their initials.
32. Outdoor Adventure Experience
Among the popular outdoor activities for retirees are camping, birdwatching, canoeing or kayaking, wildlife photography, fishing, sailing, and exploring national parks. These activities allow retirees to enjoy nature, stay active, and create lasting memories.
As such, consider gifting them something related to their favorite outdoor activities, like binoculars for birdwatchers or the America the Beautiful Pass.
33. Digital Subscription Services
Many subscription services are available online, catering to different interests and hobbies. Netflix and Hulu, for example, are streaming services for entertainment, Audible for audiobook lovers, Spotify for music lovers, and even Coursera for those seeking to expand their knowledge and skills, as well as streaming services for music lovers.
In today’s digital age, countless options for digital subscription services make great retirement gifts.
34. Cooking or Baking Equipment
If you are shopping for a gift for a foodie, consider a sous vide machine. This machine allows you to precisely control the temperature and produces tender, flavorful food. An affordable option for retirees is to invest in a pasta maker, which allows them to create homemade pasta and experience new culinary adventures. Additionally, retirees who enjoy baking might enjoy receiving a high-quality stand mixer as a thoughtful gift.
35. Home Theater System
The Roku Streambar or Klipsch HT-50 Home Theater Systems are great for retirement and providing endless entertainment. Home theater systems offer a personalized and immersive experience that can be enjoyed from the comfort of their own home, whether they are watching movie marathons, streaming their favorite shows, or playing games.
36. Personalized Retirement Dice
Even though they no longer have a supervisor, they may still need some guidance. Give them a set of retirement dice customized just for them. Whatever the day holds, they will enjoy looking forward to it, whether visiting friends, fishing, or relaxing.
37. Celebrity Cameo Video
Do you want a truly unique retirement gift? Check out Cameo, which manages a vast network of celebrities and athletes who can deliver video messages to retirees. You can book their favorite celebrity on Cameo and tell them a funny story about work or wish them well.
38. Personalized Bobblehead
You can customize a bobblehead by incorporating the retiree’s favorite hobby or interest. For example, if he or she loves soccer, you can make the bobblehead wear a soccer jersey and hold a miniature ball. Gifts can also be made more meaningful by adding small details, such as their favorite color or a personalized message on the base.
39. A Luxuriant Robe
It’s hard to beat a cozy robe for lounging about in the morning, with no hurry to wear real clothing, like the Restoration Hardware Luxury Plush Long Robe. Consider adding an embroidered monogram to make this gift extra special.
40. Personalized Crossword Puzzle
Nothing beats starting the day with a crossword puzzle — especially when it’s personalized. Using clues from their lives, you will create six puzzle pieces. To make your gift even more fun, include some real brain teasers.
41. Thank You Letter
As part of the retirement gift, write a heartfelt thank you letter to express how much the retiree means to the company. Don’t forget to focus on the employee’s contributions and memories. Keeping a record of the impression makes it easier for the employee to remember how they made a positive impact.
42. Slideshow Presentation
Use photos and video clips of the employee in action to make a slideshow, or ask the retiree’s family members to submit photos and videos. A text box can be added to show the employee’s accomplishments, a message from the team, or a memory. Make sure to show the slideshow at the retirement party and send a copy to the retiree as well. Alternatively, you can upload the video to your social media accounts.
43. Lasting Workplace Honor
You can demonstrate your gratitude to the retiree by creating a tribute to them at work. A plaque could be put on the wall, their desk could be retired, or even a conference room could be named in their honor. Like athletes’ jerseys, frame and display the retiree’s uniform if he or she wore one for work.
44. Work-Related Mementos
In honoring an employee’s dedication to their work, you can give them an item related to their job. The display could be made of a bronzed tool the person used regularly for their work, such as a wrench for a mechanic, or it could be framed if it was their uniform. Whether it’s a map of a salesperson’s territory or a typography print of their achievements and sales records, gift them a map of their territory when they retire.
45. Choose Their Own Retirement Gift
Give the retiree the power of his or her retirement gift rather than playing the guessing game. The Goody app triggers the message, sets up the order, and sends it to your newly retired co-workers before they leave.
FAQs
What are some things to consider when choosing a retirement gift?
- The retiree’s interests and hobbies. When you choose a gift that aligns with their passions, you show them you have put thought into it. Consider what they enjoy doing in their free time or what they have expressed an interest in trying after retirement.
- Their lifestyle. Do they like to be active and adventurous? Are they more comfortable and relaxed? The best gift is one that complements their preferred way of spending their time.
- Budget. Retirement gifts can be very diverse, whether they’re a sentimental keepsake or a luxurious experience. Plan your spending and decide what you can afford.
- Is it a coworker, friend, or family member? Depending on your level of closeness, the gift will be more personal.
Should I get a funny or sentimental gift?
You should consider the recipient’s personality and your relationship with them when deciding how to respond.
It’s OK to give a funny, lighthearted, and fun gift as long as it isn’t offensive. You can, however, show your appreciation for their career and friendship by giving them a sentimental gift that shows you care.
What is a good retirement gift for a coworker?
You might consider giving an inside joke as a retirement gift for a coworker as something related to a memory.
Is it okay to give a group gift?
Absolutely!
When purchasing a group gift, you can afford to give a more luxurious present or show your appreciation collectively.
What is an excellent, inexpensive retirement gift?
Above, you can find plenty of budget-friendly gift options, including gift cards, kitchenware, books, or a handwritten thank you card.
What should I avoid when choosing a retirement gift?
- Gag gifts. Although funny, they may not be appreciated by everyone.
- Gifts that are too practical. Don’t give them too practical gifts they might use at work during retirement.
- Gifts based on stereotypes. Do not assume that a man wants golf clubs or a woman wants a spa day. It is up to them to choose something according to their personal interests.
Image Credit: Kampus Production; Pexels
