10 Great Retirement Gift Ideas for Employees

Retirement gifts are a small but meaningful way for your company to make the transition smoother for your departing employees. Many people (52%) think they’ll be able to retire gradually, but the majority of retirees (74%) had to stop full-time work all at once, and 7 in 10 had to retire earlier than they originally planned.

Between the lack of control and big change in lifestyle, your retiring employees will appreciate any boost in confidence and recognition from the company’s part. ‌And even if your people feel ready to retire, giving them a thoughtful retirement gift recognizes their contributions and leaves them with a lasting, positive impression.

Here’s a treasure of retirement gift ideas for you to choose from, so you can honor your retiring employees’ dedication and celebrate this significant milestone.

Key Takeaways: What to Consider When Buying Retirement Gifts

• Carefully consider how much you have to spend, so you can be consistent and fair with all retirement gifts.
• Don’t let tradition dictate what you choose—find a gift that reflects your employee’s personal interests, celebrates their individuality, and gives them something to treasure and enjoy.
• Involve the employee’s team in coming up with some variations on our suggestions.
• Don’t limit yourself to something physical—an experience or something social can be great, too.

Why Should You Buy a Gift for an Employee Who’s Retiring?

A retirement gift is an important gesture for any employee leaving the business, especially if they’ve worked for you for several years.

Celebrating their time with you not only shows how thankful you are for that person, but by recognizing an important milestone, you’re also showing that you care about the efforts your team put in over the long term.

You’re also marking a major transition in their life. They’re about to embark on a new journey and a new way of living. It’s a big deal! Giving a gift shows that you’re acknowledging this and are excited for them.

10 Retirement Gift Ideas for Your Employee

Here are 10 retirement gift ideas to help employees explore their passions and create lasting memories.

1. Experiences

Instead of traditional gifts, why not give the gift of adventure? An experience gift will give your retiring employee something to plan and look forward to.

Here are some experience gift ideas to consider:

• Tickets to a concert or show
• Weekend getaway to a charming destination
• Spa day package
• Gift certificate for a hot air balloon ride or other unique activity
• Membership to a museum, art gallery, or botanical garden

2. Personalized Gift

Give them something special that has a sentimental touch. This is a gift you could collaborate with their team to put together.

Here are some personalized gift ideas:

• Engraved watch or piece of jewelry with their name or retirement date (if you want to keep some tradition alive)
• Custom photo album or scrapbook filled with team memories (e.g., from company parties and team activities)
• Framed piece of art or photography related to their hobbies or interests, like a signed picture from their favorite sports team or athlete

3. A Relaxation or Leisure Gift

After many years of working hard, your retiring employee deserves the opportunity to relax and take time for themselves.

Some ideas could be:

• High-quality hammock or rocking chair for their porch or garden
• Gift certificate for a spa day or massage
• Set of luxurious bathrobes, slippers, and aromatherapy candles
• Subscription boxes tailored to their hobbies, such as coffee, wine, or books

4. A Contribution to a Hobby or Passion

A thoughtful gift related to their hobby shows that you see them as a whole person, not just an employee. Plus, it gives them something to use when pursuing their passions in their newfound free time.

Here are some ideas to consider:

• High-end gardening tools or a set of raised garden beds for an avid gardener
• New golf clubs, a set of fishing gear, or a top-of-the-line bicycle for the sporty individual
• Art supplies, a pottery wheel, or high-quality camera for creatives
• Cooking classes, a gourmet food basket, or a subscription to a meal kit service for a foodie who spends a lot of time in the kitchen

5. Tech Gifts

For tech-savvy retirees, retirement doesn’t have to mean disconnecting. From gadgets that simplify everyday tasks to devices that spark and creativity, here are some tech-forward presents:

• Tablet or e-reader pre-loaded with their favorite books
• Smart speaker with voice control for music and entertainment
• Digital photo frame
• Wireless headphones for listening to audiobooks or podcasts

6. Charitable ​​Donation

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate your people? You can donate in their name to a charity or cause they support, along with giving them a certificate or some other way to commemorate the gesture.

It’ll show your appreciation for their values and commitment to making a difference. Plus, you’ll be contributing to a cause they care about, amplifying their positive impact on the world.

7. A Gift Card or Voucher

You can’t go wrong with a gift card. Pick one for their favorite store or service, and let them treat themselves to something they really want after retirement.

For example:

• A popular restaurant or online store
• Home improvement stores if they plan on tackling DIY projects
• Airlines, travel gear, or hotels if they have travel plans

8. Plants

If your employee is a green-fingered sort, then a plant is a thoughtful gesture that’ll bring life and beauty into their home, representing their growth and new beginnings.

For experienced growers:

• Notoriously fussy, but beautiful orchids
• Carnivorous plants
• Care-hungry bonsai trees
• Fiddly fiddle-leaf figs

If they’re just getting started on their plant-passion journey, choose one of these low-maintenance plants:

• Monstera deliciosa
• Snake plant
• Spider plant
• Peace Lily

9. Books

If your retiring employee can’t get enough of a good book, this could be the perfect way to show your appreciation and fuel their love of reading. Plus, books are the easiest of all to gift wrap!

Here are a few ways to put an extra bow on top:

• A special printing or first edition of their favorite novel
• A custom-bound or engraved collection
• Their favorite author’s complete works
• Commissioned artwork or illustration based on their favorite characters

10. A Farewell Party or Social Event

Saying goodbye is never easy, but showing your retiring employees how much they mean to their team can make all the difference. These moments of connection create lasting memories and reinforce the bonds built within your team.

Organize a farewell get-together where coworkers can relax, reminisce about shared experiences, and offer heartfelt well-wishes for the future.