Thoughtful and Inspired Retirement Gifts for Men and Women
Next to marriage and having kids, retiring from a long-held job is a major life milestone, and it deserves to be celebrated as such. Whether you're saying goodbye and good luck to a casual aquaintance or your best work buddy, one of these retirement gift ideas is sure to make a great impression at their going-away party.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
Related: Personalized Anniversary Gifts That Are Thoughtful and Inspired
$17 from Hallmark
Here's a clever little something extra to give that retiree at their going-away party: a keepsake wood-and-ribbon binder for all those greeting cards full of loving notes from friends and coworkers.
$36/month and up from The Bouqs Co.
A bouquet of flowers is always appreciated and the recurring gift will remind your coworker of their friends back at the office. Fresh flowers delivered monthly are even better. Send your friend a subscription flower arrangement from one of four collections: farmer's market, classics, roses, or seasonal.
Related: The Best Gifts for Plant Lovers and Green Thumbs
$13 from Amazon
Why try and cram everyone's signature into one small greeting card when you can all sign this 11-by-17-inch poster? It comes unframed, so don't forget to include one when you present this gift to the lucky retiree.
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$14 from Amazon
Dr. Seuss never officially retired; he kept writing and drawing right up til the end. For his final book, first published in 1986, the good doctor shares a lifetime of wit and wisdom for kids young and old alike.
Related: 20 of the Coolest Bookstores in America
$40 and up from Etsy
Give that go-to guy or gal who made the office run like clockwork a small token of your gratitude for their years of service with this customizable wall art. Choose from three sizes and six finishes.
$80 from Harry & David
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Giving a box of chocolates never, ever goes out of style. This 25-piece collection of chocolate truffles is a taste adventure of flavors, including dulce de leche, peanut butter cup, cookies and cream, key lime, coconut, Sicilian pistachio, and more.
Related: 25 Candy Stores That Will Make You Feel Like a Kid Again
$4 from Etsy
Does the retiree-to-be love fine wine? Then give 'em a bottle of their favorite varietal at their going-away soiree, and slap this label on it before toasting to their health.
$25 from Etsy
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Congratulate them on the new job or celebrate the signing of an important document like a mortgage or wedding license with this personalized pen and matching pen case. Choose from rosewood, maple, or bamboo, plus one of seven engraved designs.
Related: The Best Gifts for Writers (And Not One Pen — We Promise)
$49 and up from Babbel
It's never too late in life to learn another language, and lessons can be an amazing gift for an eager learner. Babbel offers gift codes starting at $49 that allow the recipient to unlock access to 6, 12, or 24 months of lessons for a single language. Pay a bit more and they can dabble in all 14 languages that Babbel offers, from Spanish to Turkish. Other well-regarded online options include Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, and iTalki.
$20 from Things Remembered
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These 1-inch cubes will keep your favorite retiree's drink chilled and undiluted by melting ice. Plus, they can be customized with their initials, in case there’s any doubt about whose booze you are sipping.
Related: Boozy Gifts That Don Draper Would Endorse
$13 and up from Etsy
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Give the tie-wearer in your life this smart, subtle tie bar, and let ‘em know how much they mean to you with a custom message rendered in one of 14 typefaces. Available in aluminum, brass, copper, or sterling silver.
$42 and up from Etsy
Who wouldn't love a personalized caricature of themselves hanging on the wall of their home office or den? Customize it with a choice of background options and include up to five individual caricatures. One note: This gift arrives as a digital file; you'll have to take it to a photo or office store for the final high-resolution print (which you can then have framed).
$140 and up from Crystal Central
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Exclusive to soldiers in the Army, the Army Reserves, and their spouses, this plaque can be personalized with your favorite veteran's name and brigade or battalion logo. Even better, you get to choose from several wording options. Made from high-quality crystal emblazoned with a brilliant but understated American flag in the background, it is available in several sizes and styles.
Related: Engraved Gifts That Will Make ’Em Remember You
$650 from Macy's
Time flies when you're having fun, and retirement is the time to shine. Give your favorite female retiree a gift she'll truly treasure with this Movado timepiece. The blush stainless-steel watch is waterproof to 30 meters and comes with a two-year warranty. It's available in other finishes as well.
$32 from Amazon
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Bring the drive-thru home with a morning sandwich maker, every morning (hey, they're retired now!). The dishwasher-safe set takes your own fresh ingredients — like eggs, English muffins, ham, bagels, or sausage — and turns them into an effort-free breakfast of champions.
Related: The Greatest Breakfast Sandwich In Every State
$42 and up from Amazon
Okay, so maybe it's a cliché about golfing and retirement. But let's be honest: Your golf-loving coworker is going to have a lot more free time for 18 holes now and then. Made of ripstop polyester, this bag has a bottom compartment for up to three pairs of shoes and an upper compartment with adjustable dividers for clothes and pocketed mesh organizer lining the lid for accessories. Available in five colors.
$15 and up from Trade Coffee
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There is nothing better than curling up with a good book and a warm cup of coffee. Trade Coffee subscription service will introduce your reader to 50 highly rated roasters such as Cuvee Coffee in Austin, Texas; Huckleberry in Denver; and Revelator in Birmingham, Alabama.
Related: Perk 'Em Up with These Great Gifts for Coffee Lovers
$20 per month from America's Test Kitchen
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Now that they're retiring, they're going to have plenty of time to pursue new hobbies and interests... like cooking. With over 5,000 photos and 200 videos, there aren't many brands that are more trusted than ATC. This is a great choice for a wide range of food. There's a three-week free trial, so there's literally nothing to lose by giving it a shot.
$70 and up from ClubBubbly
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Retirement should be celebrated! Bottles of Champagne and sparkling wine featured in this subscription are sourced from near and far to offer festive options not easily found at your local wine and spirits store. The service can send three or six bottles on a one-time or bimonthly basis.
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$250 from Macy's
Now that they're retired, they've got the time to devote to travel. Send 'em on their way with a "bon voyage!" and the gift of this vegan leather travel bag. It's got an internal key clip plus pockets to stash important stuff, plus a zippered external pocket. Available in ash, primrose, or wine.
$30 from Parks Project
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Sure, this popular book is available on other mega-retail sites, but buying it here — or buying any Parks Project merch — for the outdoor enthusiast in your life provides a donation toward a specific project. As of this writing, the site had donated more than $1 million to parklands.
Related: Outdoor Gift Ideas Under $50
