Retirement is an exciting time to look forward to, but it can also be a very stressful time for some people. You want to make sure that the person you’re celebrating their retirement with has as much fun and relaxation as possible! In this guide, we’ll give you some ideas on what kinds of gifts work well for retirees.
We’ll start with spa gift certificates and wine baskets before moving onto monthly club memberships and travel-themed gift baskets (and more).
After that we’ll talk about experience gifts like custom sports jerseys or wireless headphones that they can use while traveling. Then we’ll finish up with how books are great for reading by the pool or beach!
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Retirement gifts should be meaningful, personalized, and reflect the retiree’s interests. |
| Practical gifts like travel, home décor, and book clubs can be a great choice for retirees. |
| Sentimental gifts like photo albums, customized jewelry, and artwork can show your appreciation for the retiree. |
| Traditional retirement gifts like watches, picture frames, and plaques can still be a great choice. |
| Consider the retiree’s personality, style, and future plans when selecting a retirement gift. |
Spa Gift Certificate
A spa gift certificate can be a great option for retirees who like to relax. Spa gift certificates come in many different price ranges and can be used at local spas or at national chains.
If you’re planning on buying a spa certificate for someone, make sure to find out whether they have their own favorite place and if not, you might want to choose a chain rather than an individual business so that your recipient has more options.
Planning the perfect retirement gifts can be a daunting task, but personalized gifts for retirees can make a lasting impact, and show your loved ones how much you care. Check out our guide on creating a personalized retirement gift to make a memorable and meaningful present.
Wine Basket
The wine basket is a classic. If you’ve got a friend or family member who enjoys wine, you can’t go wrong with this gift idea.
The basic formula for the perfect wine basket is:
Gourmet cheeses and crackers. This will be your ticket to their heart. It’s hard to go wrong here what do they like? Chèvre? Camembert? Stinky cheese from France? Buy it!
Some type of champagne (if they don’t already have one). Champagne makes everything better, including celebrations, birthdays, and retirement parties!
Wine glasses for every occasion (or just for any occasion). You’ll never regret having extra wine glasses lying around—they’re useful for so many things! Plus, who doesn’t love drinking out of fancy glassware?!
A bottle opener that will open any bottle (even if it’s been in your fridge since 1982…you know who you are). A corkscrew might seem like an obvious choice here but there are so many different kinds–some even come with built-in knives or serrated edges to cut through the foil on top when removing said cork as well as other nifty features such as laser-cut blades or ergonomic handles!
Best Wine Gift Baskets for Retirement
| Product | Brand | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Wine and Cheese Gift Basket | GiftTree | $94.95 | This basket includes a selection of French wines, cheeses, and gourmet snacks. |
| Napa Valley Wine Gift Basket | Wine Country Gift Baskets | $49.95 | This basket includes two bottles of California wine, crackers, cheese, and other snacks. |
| Wine Duo and Duet Gift Basket | Harry & David | $84.99 | This basket includes two bottles of wine, chocolate truffles, and other snacks. |
| California Tropics Wine Gift Basket | GourmetGiftBaskets.com | $149.99 | This basket includes a selection of California wines, fresh fruit, and other gourmet treats. |
| Grgich Hills Estate Wine Gift Basket | Wine.com | $134.99 | This basket includes a bottle of Grgich Hills Estate cabernet sauvignon, along with snacks and a wine opener. |
Monthly Club Membership
A monthly membership to a club is a great gift idea. If you’re looking for ways to keep your loved one active and engaged, joining a gym or community center might be the perfect solution. Here are some ideas:
- Yoga classes
- Cooking classes
- Art lessons
When it comes to retirement gift ideas for women, you want to find something thoughtful and practical that shows how much you appreciate her. Our guide on retirement gift ideas for women has unique and personalized gift ideas that will help her enjoy her golden years.
Travel-Themed Gift Basket
Travel-themed gift baskets are a great way to celebrate someone’s retirement. They’re sure to please everyone from the frequent flier to the lover of luxury hotels, and they’re a perfect way to show someone how much you care about their new life in retirement.
When shopping for a travel-themed gift basket, your main goal is to make it as personalized as possible.
This means that you’ll want everything in your basket from the basket itself down through each item to be tailored towards the recipient’s tastes and preferences. The more personal touches you can add, the better!
Here are some ideas:
- A personalized wine glass with their name on it
- A family-friendly board game such as Scrabble or Monopoly
- A fancy pen that matches their personality
Best Travel-Themed Gift Baskets for Retirement
| Product | Brand | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bon Voyage Travel Gift Basket | Harry & David | $99.99 | This basket includes a selection of snacks, travel books, a guidebook, and a travel mug in a stylish tote. |
| The Savory Globe Trotter Basket | GourmetGiftBaskets.com | $94.99 | This basket includes a variety of gourmet snacks from around the world, a travel journal, and a luggage tag. |
| Jetsetter Spa Basket | GiftTree | $89.95 | This basket includes a travel-sized spa kit with shower gel, lotion, and other amenities, along with a guidebook and other snacks. |
| Off to College Care Package | 1-800-Baskets.com | $49.99 | This package includes a variety of snacks, a travel pillow and blanket, and other travel essentials for the retiree heading back to school. |
| World Traveler Gift Basket | Wine Country Gift Baskets | $59.95 | This basket includes a selection of snacks, a guidebook, and a scratch-off world map to keep track of travels. |
Experience Gift
What they are: Experience gifts are a great way to show someone you care by giving them an opportunity to do something they’ve always wanted to do.
These can be purchased from websites like Groupon, Travelzoo, or Expedia and range from hotel stays to spa treatments. The possibilities are endless with experience gifts!
What’s cool about them: Experience gifts are perfect for people who love travel or those who have a specific hobby they want to try out. You can purchase certificates for multiple people at once too!
How much will it cost?: Varies depending on the type of experience being purchased
Retirement is the perfect time to indulge in home décor gifts that will enhance the cozy atmosphere of your retiree’s new life. Browse our guide to home décor gifts for retirees to discover creative and practical ideas.
Stationery and Cards for Future Thank You Notes
Thank you notes are important to send after a gift has been received. They are also a nice way to stay in touch with loved ones and friends, so it’s good to have a stash on hand at all times.
If you’re shopping for someone who is about to retire, or if you know someone who plans on retiring soon and needs supplies for thank you letters, stationery sets are a thoughtful gift idea.
Some people prefer an elegant black-and-white set; others enjoy more colorful patterns that can be used year round. A popular choice among retirees is the pink and white striped Montblanc stationery set, which comes with matching envelopes.
This set retails for $99 per box, but some retailers offer discounts on bulk purchases (which means fewer boxes will cost less).
Other options include personalized photo cards from Shutterfly or Minted that feature your recipient’s favorite photos of themselves with their loved ones and pets (or just one photo of them looking fabulous).
Most of these cards come with envelopes included in the price tag; however some retailers charge extra fees when customers want custom messages printed inside along with their picture(s).
For example: You could opt for blank note cards from See designs instead—they sell for $4 apiece without any customization whatsoever! That may seem like an uninspired choice compared against something personalized like Minted’s “Retirement Notes” collection ($9 each), but think about how much money it’ll save!
Best Stationery and Card Sets for Future Thank You Notes
| Product | Brand | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boxed Thank You Cards | Crane & Co. | $16.00 | This set of 10 thank you cards features a gold foil design on premium paper with matching envelopes. |
| Personalized Stationery Set | Minted | $68.00 | This set includes personalized stationery with the retiree’s name, along with a set of envelopes. |
| Thank You Notes Collection | Papyrus | $16.95 | This collection includes a set of 20 thank you notes with various designs, matching envelopes, and a keepsake box. |
| Assorted Card Set | Rifle Paper Co. | $28.00 | This set includes 10 assorted cards with floral designs and matching envelopes on premium paper. |
| Personalized Flat Note Cards | Molly Hatch | $50.00 | This set includes 25 personalized flat note cards with the retiree’s name and a botanical design, along with envelopes. |
Wireless Headphones for Traveling
For the traveler in your life, wireless headphones are a great gift because of their convenience. They’re safer than traditional earbuds, which can get caught on things like the door handle of a moving car.
Wireless headphones also have better sound quality than their wired counterparts, and they’re easier to use: no more tangled wires! Plus, they’re super comfortable.
Travel is an exciting way to explore the world and make the most of your new-found freedom. If you’re looking for travel-inspired retirement gifts, check out our guide on travel-inspired retirement gift ideas to find the perfect present for your loved one.
Comfortable Shoes for Walking Around
If your loved one is into fitness and walks a lot, this pair of comfortable shoes can be a perfect gift. Many people do not think about the importance of good walking shoes until they start to feel pain in their joints, hips or feet after a long walk. If your friend likes to go on hikes or just take daily strolls around town, these are great options that won’t disappoint!
Avoid giving tennis shoes as they are not designed for walking long distances. Choose something with more cushioning for better support and comfort over time.
You should also consider size carefully because most retailers don’t offer returns or exchanges on footwear if it doesn’t fit properly (or if you simply changed your mind).
Custom Sports Jersey
Custom sports jerseys are the gift that keeps on giving. You can get your family member’s name and number put onto their new jersey, or you can choose a team that they’re passionate about and have their jersey personalized with the players’ names and numbers.
The good news is that custom sports jerseys aren’t just for professional athletes anymore; there are plenty of options for children, teens and adults as well. If you’re looking for something more fun than just a regular old T-shirt but not quite ready to commit to an expensive new wardrobe item, this is the answer!
It’s also worth noting that these gifts don’t just have to be used by athletes; if you want to give someone an amazing present that they’ll treasure forever without breaking your budget (or theirs), a customized sports jersey could be perfect!
These items can be made from all sorts of different materials including cotton blends, polyester blends or mesh fabric depending on what type of material feels most comfortable against the skin while playing sports activities such as golfing or tennis lessons at home
Celebrating retirement with a memorable party can be a great way to show your appreciation for the retiree’s hard work and dedication. Our guide on retirement party themes will help you throw a great party that the retiree will cherish.
Books to Read By the Pool or Beach
Reading is one of the best ways to pass your time in retirement. It keeps your mind sharp, it’s relaxing, and it can be a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with friends or family members. But how do you choose a book?
There are tons of benefits to reading books from improving memory recall to helping you fall asleep faster at night and here are some reasons why retirees should start reading more:
A study conducted by the University College London found that people who read regularly were less likely to develop dementia than those who don’t read often.
Reading also encourages brain plasticity (the ability for neurons in different parts of the brain to communicate), which helps memory formation and recall later on down the road too!
Donate to a Charity in Their Honor
One of the best ways to celebrate someone’s special day is by donating to a charity in their honor. It’s a thoughtful, meaningful gesture that has lasting effects on the recipient and can make your gift feel even more personal.
Whatever you choose to donate, be sure to find out how much they love or support it! If you’re not sure where to start, here are some ideas for causes you may want to consider:
- A local organization that serves under-served communities in your loved one’s hometown (this is especially great if they’ve moved away)
- A national organization that works toward social justice issues such as racial equality, LGBTQ rights and women’s rights (again, these types of charities work well because they’re far enough away from home that it shows how much effort you put into thinking of something unique)
Conclusion
We hope this list has brought you some inspiration and ideas for a gift that will make your loved one feel special.
Remember, it’s not just about buying something expensive; sometimes the most thoughtful gifts are the ones that mean something to both parties involved.
We know retirement gives us all time to spend with our families and friends so why not take advantage of it with a memorable present?
Further Reading
Team Building Hub: Retirement Gift Ideas: An extensive guide with over 100 retirement gift ideas for all budgets and styles, organized by category, such as travel, hobbies, and personalized gifts.
SnackNation: Retirement Gift Ideas: A comprehensive list of retirement gift ideas, including unique and personalized gifts, listed by interests and budget to help you find the perfect gift.
Vantage Circle: Retirement Gift Ideas: A guide to retirement gifts for all types of retirees, such as DIY enthusiasts, wine lovers, and bookworms, with a focus on meaningful and practical gifts.
FAQs
What are some traditional retirement gifts?
Traditional retirement gifts include watches, picture frames, and plaques, recognizing the retiree’s years of service and dedication.
What are some unique retirement gift ideas?
Unique retirement gift ideas can include experiences like travel or a new activity, personalized gifts like customized photo albums or jewelry, or practical gifts like a gardening kit or a book club subscription.
How much should I spend on a retirement gift?
The amount you should spend on a retirement gift can depend on your relationship with the retiree and your budget. It’s always best to choose a gift that is meaningful and reflects the retiree’s interests.
What should I consider when selecting a retirement gift?
When selecting a retirement gift, you should consider the retiree’s interests, hobbies, and future plans. You should also choose a gift that reflects the retiree’s personality and style.
Should I buy a practical or sentimental retirement gift?
Whether to buy a practical or sentimental retirement gift will depend on the retiree’s preferences and the occasion. A practical gift may be more appropriate for a work colleague, while a sentimental gift may be better for a close friend or family member who is retiring.
Hey there, I’m Hellen James, and I’m here to help you find the perfect gift for all your favorite people. I have been working in the retail industry for a little over ten years now, and I’ve seen a lot of people struggle to find the right gifts for their loved ones.
