It’s time to celebrate many years of hard work and dedication! Whether a parent, friend or coworker is retiring, a thoughtful gift is a great way to honor them. Choose a gift that matches their interests, whether it’s knitting, fishing or traveling. We’ve compiled 36 retirement gift ideas for inspiration. From practical gifts to keepsakes, you’ll find everything from personalized flasks to birthstone bracelets.
If you’re throwing a retirement party, include all of the details in your retirement invitation wording. Consider a theme for your invites, then decorate the party with the same colors and style to bring cohesion to the celebration.
1. Custom Playing Cards
Source: Shutterfly
Do they have an affinity for poker or another favorite card game? Customize a deck of playing cards with family photos or snapshots from a recent vacation.
2. Fabric-Covered Clay Dish
Source: Made for Fabric
Create beautiful dishes by covering clay bowls with a patterned fabric. The retiree can store anything from sewing supplies to jewelry. These add a bit of personality to any craft space or dresser.
3. Homemade Rosemary Soap
Source: A Cultivated Nest
Lather the retiree in luxury. Stir together a neutral soap base with fresh rosemary for a luxurious feel. Every time they use it, they’ll feel like they’re at the spa.
4. Glass Jar
Source: Shutterfly
In the market for meaningful retirement party ideas? Customize a large glass jar for retirement cards, then the retiree can take it home to store things like plants, potpourri and candy.
5. Travel Pillow
Source: Vikalpah
Will the retiree be hopping on a plane or hitting the road? Sew a travel pillow that will fit in their carry-on and offer them plenty of comfort in their many adventures.
6. Personalized Cutting Board
Source: Shutterfly
If they plan to cook more in retirement, a personalized cutting board is a wonderful addition to their kitchen. Engrave their name and retirement year into the wood for a classic piece.
7. Inspiring Embroidery Art
Source: Bustle and Sew
Help them decorate their home, cabin or RV in style. Embroider an uplifting message like ”stay wild” or “live boldly” to inspire their adventures in retirement.
8. Personalized Flask
Source: Shutterfly
Whether they plan to spend their days hiking, skiing or reading, a custom flask can be a welcomed companion. Customize a flask with their name or an inspiring quote. With the flask, they can sip a treat while they relax and enjoy their non-working days.
9. Sun Hat
Source: Love Maegan
Help the retiree get ready for the relaxing beach days ahead. Embroider a sun hat with a fun word like ”vacation” or ”chill.” Their personalized hat will protect them from the sun in style.
10. Themed Photo Book
Source: Shutterfly
Create a photo book to display at their retirement party, complete with photos of family, friends and coworkers. Build your book with a theme in mind, like water or summertime to get them in the retirement mindset.
11. Cabin Sign
Source: Just The Woods
Maybe the retiree plans to spend more time at their cabin, cottage or beach house in retirement. Create a custom sign with their name and the street number to decorate their special place.
12. Photo Coasters
Source: Shutterfly
Retirement party ideas can also double as gifts. Design coasters with photos of family and friends to decorate the party. When the guest of honor takes the coasters home after the gathering, they’ll bring style to a living room or outside patio.
13. Cute Custom Cookies
Source: Cutefetti
Design cookies to match the retiree’s plans. If they’re traveling to Australia, make koala or kangaroo cookies. If they’re headed to the coast, make cookies in the shape of a starfish or seahorse.
14. Jewelry Tray
Source: Shutterfly
Give a meaningful gift by designing a personalized jewelry tray. Include a photo of a grandchild, daughter or nephew, so they feel all the love going into their retirement. On the beautiful tray, they can store everything from bracelets to watches.
15. World Map Wall Art
Source: The Merrythought
To mark all of the places they hope to visit in retirement, this world map brings adventure right to their walls. Construct one yourself out of a pallet board and paint.
16. Catch All Tray
Source: Shutterfly
Choose an inspiring quote or favorite photo to embed onto a catch all tray. Pair the catch all tray with a birthstone bracelet or pair of earrings for a gift that will become a cherished keepsake.
17. Crocheted Bowl
Source: Malloo
DIY gifts can be both meaningful and practical. Crochet a beautiful bowl with cotton yarn. The retiree can store everything from knitting supplies to blankets.
18. Sleep Mask
Source: Swoodson Says
A mask to block out light can make a huge difference when traveling. Sew a mask out of quilting cotton and fleece for a comfy accessory that will become a must-pack item.
19. Customized Pillow
Source: Shutterfly
Hopefully, they’ll be doing plenty of lounging in retirement. You can bring style to their space with personalized pillows. Include an inspiring quote or a joyful photo from a recent family gathering.
20. Custom Embroidery
Source: Cutesy Crafts
The best retirement gift ideas have a personal touch. This embroidery wall hanging features a trailer, but you could design yours with anything from a golf club to a sailboat. Use an applique pattern to make this project even simpler.
21. Woven Photo Blanket
Source: Shutterfly
Whether you’re looking for retirement gifts for men or women, a woven blanket is a comfy, cozy gift that can warm the heart of any retiree. Choose a favorite photo like a family portrait or vacation snapshot to bring them extra joy.
22. Handmade Card
Source: Catered Crop
Write a heartfelt message to celebrate their years of hard work. If you’re not sure what to write in a retirement card, consider recognizing a specific accomplishment or sharing a favorite memory.
23. Sea Salt Scrub
Source: Fat Girl Happy
Blend Himalayan sea salt with essential oil, honey and coconut oil for a scrub that will make them feel like they’re enjoying a day at the spa. Consider an essential oil fragrance that’s also good for the skin, like lemongrass, tea tree or chamomile.
24. Tea Box
Source: Ctrl + Curate
If you envision them sitting back with a cup of tea in retirement, consider gifting a beautiful tea box. Fill the box with bags of their favorite varieties for a gift that’ll bring them warmth and joy.
25. Etched Rolling Pin
Source: Delia Creates
Does the retiree love to bake? Customize a rolling pin by etching a design of stars or hearts. Your gift will bring them joy every time they stir up a batch of cookies or muffins.
26. Canvas Bag
Source: Stamped in His Image
Opt for a cute and practical retirement gift with a canvas bag. They can bring this along on their travels or their day-to-day routine for items like books and headphones. Imprint a map or heart on the front for extra personality.
27. Decorative Journal
Source: Crazy Inspired Life
Looking for retirement gift ideas that are practical? Decorate a journal where they can record their thoughts, dreams and retirement bucket list. Your gift can accompany them when they sip their morning drink or take a flight to a new destination.
28. DIY Lotion
Source: A Fresh Legacy
Pamper them as they enter retirement. Blend coconut oil, beeswax and essential oils to make all-purpose skin lotion. Choose a scent like lavender or chamomile for a relaxing aroma.
29. Camera Strap
Source: The Chilly Dog
Design a stylish, adjustable neck strap for the retiree’s camera. Whether they’re taking snapshots on a hiking trip or lounging at the beach with their grandchildren, they’ll have a comfortable way to carry their camera.
30. Cord Organizer
Source: The Wonder Forest
Perfect for a retiree who’s always on the move or loves to travel, this organizer keeps charging cords and headphones from getting tangled. Design one in their favorite color, whether that’s green, purple or blue.
31. Decorative Wooden Utensils
Source: Delia Creates
Want retirement gifts for coworkers that are simple yet creative? Burn designs into wooden spoons and spatulas. Tie your collection together with a ribbon for a gift they’ll enjoy for many years to come.
32. Pet Wall Art
Source: Love Maegan
Looking for retirement gift ideas for a pet lover? Paint a canvas with a rendition of their dog, cat or goldfish for decor they can hang in their living room, bedroom or den.
33. Fishing Lure Keychain
Source: My So Called Crafty Life
Will they be casting more lines in retirement? Design a fun keychain with a bright-colored fishing lure. Just remember to remove the hook!
34. Lavender Bath Salts
Source: Homemade for Elle
Help them kick back and relax with lavender bath salts. Make your own with essential oil, dried lavender flowers and dead sea salt. They can add the salts straight to their bath or place them in a cotton muslin bag.
35. Picnic Basket
Source: My So Called Crafty Life
Rather than lunch meetings in the office, the retiree will have time for picnics outside. Get them ready with a wicker picnic basket and accessories like a tea towel, reusable plastic cups and sandwich containers.
36. Charm Bracelet
Source: Happy Hour Projects
Retirement gifts for women can be simple but also special. Create a charm, like a heart or puppy, out of clay. Connect your charm to a chain link bracelet for a gift she’ll treasure throughout her retired years.
Retirement is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Build a celebration that’s full of fun—including party games, delicious treats and heartfelt sentiment. The retiree will feel honored, loved and appreciated.
