Gift Ideas for Retirement

From personalized golf balls and engraved jewelry to funny t-shirts and giant cookies, gift ideas for retirement are as varied as the retirees themselves.

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Reaching retirement is a milestone in a person’s life. He or she has worked for many decades and are entering a time for relaxation and the pursuit of other interests.

Not every type of retirement gift is appropriate for every retiree. For example, a gag gift of an inflatable walker and candy retirement pills might be fine for a retiree with a great sense of humor. However, that type of gift is not a good idea for everyone.

The type of retirement gift you choose often depends on several factors.

• Whether the retiree is a family member, friend, neighbor or colleague
• The relationship you have with the person retiring
• The retiree’s personality
• The person’s interests or hobbies
• Whether or not the retiree is planning on traveling

A gift basket filled with edible delicacies, spa luxuries or hobby essentials makes a wonderful retirement gift. Whether you fill the gift basket yourself, buy a premade one or have a basket custom-made for the retiree, it is certain to be a gift that will be remembered. The Retirement Gift Shop even offers a gift basket filled with hilarious retirement gag gifts.

Although they are called gift baskets, filling a beautiful tote bag, a tackle box or lovely gift box full of special items also makes a great retirement gift.

For decades, a gold pocketwatch was considered the classic retirement gift. The watch was usually presented by the company honoring the retiree’s many years of dedicated employment.

A pocketwatch still makes a wonderful retirement gift. It is often given by a close family member. Adding an engraved inscription makes it even more meaningful.

Other jewelry retirement gift ideas include:

• An engraved bracelet or necklace
• Retirement bracelet
• Inscribed wristwatch

A special memento with the retiree’s name and date of retirement engraved on it makes a very nice retirement gift. The following are examples of these special personalized mementoes:

• Picture frame
• Etched mirror gift items
• Framed retirement poem
• Paperweight
• Clock

Giving a personalized retirement gift makes it all the more special for the recipient. There are many types of gift items that can be personalized by adding a few thoughtful words or a special sentiment.

The following are examples of gifts that can be personalized by adding engraving or embroidering:

• Jewelry
• Jewelry boxes
• Photo albums
• Picture frames
• Pillows
• Throw blankets
• Golf balls and clubs
• Tennis racket
• Plaques
• Passport covers

• Travel items such as a paid vacation, monogrammed luggage or travel books.
• Donations made to a favorite charity or organizations in the retiree’s name.
• Books, CDs or DVDs that pertain to a special hobby or interest.
• Humorous and gag gifts such as t-shirts and mugs with funny retirement sayings, a Retirement Income Program in a box or an "ode to retirement" hat.
• Unusual food gifts, such as a giant two pound retirement cookie.

There are many excellent websites that offer a wide selection of retirement gifts of all types and price ranges.

• The Retirement Gift Shop
• Design It Yourself Gift Baskets
• Lasso the Moon Gift Baskets
• Affordable Gift Baskets
• Gifts
• First Street for Boomers and Beyond
• Abernook
• Wellhaven Gifts for Seniors and Boomers

Although there are many gift ideas for retirement, choosing a gift that fits the retiree’s personality, lifestyle and interests ensure your gift will be remembered and cherished.

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