Heartfelt Retirement Gift Suggestions

Retirement gift suggestions are always welcome when a coworker is retiring. Unless you are a "naturally gifted" gift-giver, it is difficult to select appropriate gifts - a task often more difficult for men than women.

While it is considered appropriate to give the retiree a gift as a token of appreciation for their time with the company or organization, you might want to present something that reminds him/her of your personal interactions or a relationship you might have shared.

Of course, choosing the right gift for a co-worker is often easier said than done. Sure, you can head out to your local mall or big box retail store, but you may still have trouble finding appropriate retirement gifts. And, most people are stumped when it comes to great retirement gift ideas. The pens and coffee mugs are done-to-death ideas and you want to get something a bit more warm and personal. So, what do you do? Try these ideas:

Look for Retirement Gift Suggestions in Stores

One of the first things that most people think to do when it comes to finding appropriate retirement gifts is to head for their local gift store. If you’re thinking this may be a dead end – stop! It really isn’t! There are a great many gifts to be found in these shops that you can have personalized to make a meaningful present for your coworker. You could also ask for assistance from the salesperson for retirement gifts and ideas. Another great idea is to scour the internet. There is a mind-boggling array of gifts and ideas out there, and you’re sure to find one that is appropriate and tells the retiree how you feel about him/her.

As an example, poke around a local Hallmark store. Everything from photo albums, photo frames to personalized plaques can be found at these venues, and all these make great retirement gift ideas – especially when you’ve taken the time to personalize them. For instance, you could collect some pictures of your colleagues at work and maybe, some of the office building and fill the first pages of the album. These could serve as fond memories of a long, successful career. There’s also lots of space for pictures of future experiences.

Gift Cards - A Great Retirement Gift Suggestion

Think back at the time you spent with your co-worker. He/she may have inadvertently let slip a few details of his/her life. For instance, “My partner and I love sushi,” or maybe, “We are huge fans of old western movies.” Use these tips as ideas for retirement gifts. No, you don’t have to load up a generic Visa gift card and hand over straight cash. But you’ll be able to find gift cards to a variety of stores and restaurants that can be personalized to your outgoing colleague.

Wouldn’t your coworker appreciate a gift card to take a spouse or significant other out for a nice dinner without having to worry about the cost? Or, can you find a gift card to a store that you know the retiree loves? Or, maybe even, a yearly subscription to a DVD store or online movie store. These extra considerations are what turn gift cards from impersonal presents to meaningful retirement gifts.

Post-Retirement Activities

Aside from being a little emotional about leaving the company and his/her friends, your co-worker is going to be excited about all the projects he/she has planned for retirement. Keep your ears open and you’re sure to find retirement gift suggestions. If you don’t know, you can always ask around to find out what things your retiring co-worker is planning on doing once he/she has retired. That will help you generate ideas for a retirement gift that he/she is sure to love.

For example, if they’re interested in golfing, buy golf-specific retirement gifts. If they’re planning on traveling, a personalized piece of luggage might be appropriate – or even cameras to capture their memories while they are traveling. Or, if they’re planning on spending more time gardening, you can put together a gift box of gardening necessities. Be sure you know what their interests are before you get such a specific gift, because you wouldn’t want to get them golf gifts if they don’t like golf in the first place!

Club Memberships

And while we’re on the subject of affordable retirement gifts, consider club memberships as well. If your retiring coworker is particularly active and fit, you might consider a membership to a gym. Or, to a boating, fishing, or golf club. Another option to consider is the gift of a food or wine of the month club membership. Of course, that will depend on your retiring coworker’s interests. Or try this one, movie buffs would love online movie store subscriptions. These don’t have to be lifetime memberships – buying just one year or even a season makes these memberships affordable retirement gifts for any budget.

Find Time for your Co-worker

Having spent many years in the company, making an abrupt transition can prove to be a little difficult. In this scenario, one of the best retirement gift ideas for your co-worker is the time you can spend with him/her. Call every now and then and plan a lunch or a movie or maybe, just coffee. The very fact that you’re making time for him/her will make your co-worker feel valued. While this is not an idea for a retirement gift that is physical, keep it in mind as it may well be more valued than something you buy.

Fine Wines

Wines, brandies, spirits, and any kind of liquor sets are great retirement gift ideas unless of course the retiree is a recovering alcoholic (do ask around about these issues)! Your co-worker can choose when to enjoy it like maybe, to mark a special occasion later in life. And when he/she opens the bottle, he/she is sure to think fondly of you.

Support a Cause

Your co-worker could have a special charity that he/she regularly donates either money or time to. Or, there may be some cause he/she feels strongly about. If you’re looking for retirement gift suggestions, how about donating to the cause? Or, you could simply be present for a donation drive and show your support to your co-worker. He/she is sure to appreciate it.

Personal Note

A personal, handwritten note telling your co-worker that he/she is important and will be missed is a wonderful retirement gift. It forms a special connection between you and can be cherished forever. He/she is sure to pull it out and read it again and again when he/she is feeling nostalgic. Combine it with flowers, and if possible, rope in the other people at the office and get them to help you put together a box of such personal notes.

Maybe the BEST Retirement gift idea?

Having spent many years in the company, making an abrupt transition can prove to be a little difficult. In this scenario, one of the best retirement gift ideas for your co-worker is the time you can spend with him/her. Call every now and then and plan a lunch or a movie or maybe, just coffee. The very fact that you’re making time for him/her will make your co-worker feel valued. While this is not an idea for a retirement gift that is physical, keep it in mind as it may well be more valued than something you buy.

No matter what, remember to not limit yourself in where you look to find appropriate retirement gifts. Use these retirement gift suggestions and you’re sure to find a wonderful heartfelt going-away token for your colleague.

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