Celebrating retirement
As the baby boomers continue to retire, you may want to recognize the occasion of a colleague’s retirement with a gift. Here are some thoughtful ways to wish a co-worker well in retirement.
Years of service
A classic retirement gift is a watch, necklace, plaque or other object that is inscribed with the years of service to the company or in the industry. You might also consider including any noteworthy work achievements.
Hobby gifts
Tailor your gift choices to the retiree’s hobbies, such as a few rounds of golf for a golfer or a nice bottle of wine for a wine connoisseur. Artists always need more supplies, and home chefs might appreciate a new kitchen gadget.
Travel gifts
Many retirees have extensive travel plans. You could help them on their journey with a gift of luggage, a passport holder, personalized luggage tags or a gas card for road-trippers. Books about favorite travel destinations can also be useful.
Experiences
Retirees often don’t need more stuff, but almost everyone appreciates a fun experience. Depending on their interests, retirees might enjoy tickets to a concert or sporting event or dinner out at a nice restaurant.
Industry gifts
Sometimes retirement gifts relate to the field you worked in. The gift might make reference to things the retiree created, bought or sold on the job or the many people he or she helped at work.
Humor
Your retirement celebration can be enhanced with a good-natured humorous gift. Funny T-shirts and mugs are easy to come by online on sites like Etsy and Zazzle. Just be careful to avoid offending the recipient.
Group projects
Giving a gift as a group can help keep costs down. A group gift can also be especially meaningful if everyone signs it and writes a message to the retiree or shares a memory.
Charitable contributions
Many retirees give back to their communities by volunteering. Consider making a donation to a charity the retiree supports and sending a personal note.
Social
Retirement can be bittersweet when you are leaving behind colleagues who have become friends. Consider including a social invitation with your gift, perhaps to meet up for lunch or coffee or to see a movie.
Sentimental
Scrapbooks, photo albums and collections of letters from customers, clients or colleagues can create a keepsake quality retirement gift. While these gifts take some effort to compile, they are likely to be cherished by the retiree.
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10 Classic (and Unique) Retirement Gift Ideas originally appeared on usnews.com
