30 Retirement Gifts to Celebrate Their New Work-Free Life
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Bye-bye, 9-5! Hellooooooo, retirement! Are you super jealous they’re retiring? Of course, but we’re not going to let that dim their joy–after all, they’ve earned it. And we’re going to make sure their send-off is one they’ll remember with a thoughtful retirement gift.
We know that finding the best retirement gifts is crucial for marking this major milestone, whether it’s a gift for your coworker signing off for one last time or your mom officially leaving the workforce behind. The best retirement gifts are usually ones that go hard on at least one of the four S’s. That’s sensible, sophisticated, sentimental, and sometimes silly. We like to think of retirement presents sort of like reverse college graduation gifts – instead of getting them ready for “the real world” these are gifts that are preparing them for relaxation and leisure.
With cool tech options, travel essentials, and even something fun for wine lovers, we rounded up retirement gifts to make the most of their new work-free life.
From practical finds to splurgeworthy picks to give as a group to personal gifts just from you, these retirement gifts will make a great start to their endless days off.
10-Piece Garden Organizer
Retirement Adult Coloring Book
This adult coloring book is perfect for the days they just want to sit back and do next to nothing. It’s filled with 25 single-sided coloring pages featuring witty phrases sure to make them laugh, like “Goodbye tension! Hello pension!” and “Having a good time is my job.” Just don’t forget the colored pencils.
Mossy Oak 4pc Fishing Tool Kit - Pistol Grip Fishing Pliers, Fish Fillet Knife, Fishing Gripper, Line Snip, Fly Fishing Retractor with Retractable Lanyard
Happy Retirement Gifts for Women Men - Unique Retired Gifts Ideal Going Away Gift for Coworker 11 oz Retirement Mug for Coworkers Office & Family
Simple Succulent 1,000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
There’s a reason jigsaw puzzles are a mainstay pastime — and this 1000-piece option is sure to keep your retiree busy as a bee for hours. When completed, they’ll be left with a vibrant image of succulents they can turn into wall art. Give it with this puzzle board for the perfect gift pairing.
Framed Rose Gold Retirement Decorations Guest Book 12"x16" for Women - Happy Retirement Party Decorations - including Rose Gold Pen & Acrylic Glass - Unique Retired Gift
Royal Mink Sherpa Cabernet Heated Throw
We’re in the golden age of content, enough to fill a number of your retiree’s endless work-free days. While they binge-watch the latest and greatest, let this heated throw safely keep them warm and snuggly with its sherpa lining, four distinct heat settings, and auto-shut off function.
Plus, it’s machine-washable and dryer-safe for hassle-free maintenance.
Electronics Travel Organizer
With great tech comes a greater mess of cords. Make sure their wires and cords don’t cross as they travel with this electronics organizer. It has three adjustable padded dividers, five mesh pockets to store their tech, and five elastic bands ideal for cables. Plus, it’s made of water-resistant nylon for extra protection.
occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars with Clear Low Light Vision, Large Eyepiece Waterproof Binocular for Adults Kids,High Power Easy Focus Binoculars for Bird Watching,Outdoor Hunting,Travel,Sightseeing
Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones will help them enjoy the peace and solitude of retirement. Our senior tech editor loves this pair of wireless headphones for its comfy fit, reliable noise cancellation, and battery life of up to 40 hours with noise cancellation, and 60 hours without. The Soundcore app also offers a customizable listening experience.
Once Upon a Book Club Box (Adult Edition)
‘This Legend Has Retired’ Baseball Cap
Protect their skin, shield their eyes, and let the world know they’re officially off the clock with this baseball cap. From lounging in the sun to getting active outdoors, this cap will fit comfortably on your retiree’s head regardless of their activity level, thanks to the adjustable metal buckle on the back.
Even if your retiree doesn’t want any retirement gifts, it’ll be a hit. As this 5-star review puts it, “Our friend retired last week. He wanted no gifts. We figured he would not be upset at this token of respect. He was both surprised and delighted. He’s already been wearing it every day when he walks. Great retirement gift for a coworker, friend, and family!”
Funny Retirement Design Men Dad Retiring Party Humor Lovers T-Shirt
101 Fun Things to do in Retirement: An Irreverent, Outrageous & Funny Guide to Life After Work
eGift Card
Without 9-to-5 obligations, your retiree can shop online completely uninterrupted. Kick off this new off-the-clock online shopping chapter of their life with an Amazon gift card.
From everyday household essentials to luxury goods to treat themselves, your retiree will be able to shop it all from their home with this retirement gift. Plus, it's the perfect umbrella gift to give as a group.
Custom Lake Art Cribbage Board
This unique retirement gift is both a game and a tabletop art piece in one. Constructed of smooth cherry wood, this top-rated cribbage board can be customized with a laser-etched image of their favorite lake. Users love the craftsmanship of the board, as well as the granular topographical detail.
‘100 Places That Will Change Your Life’
If your newly retired recipient needs some serious inspo on where to travel first, this retirement gift will be their trusty guide. National Geographic’s 100 Places That Will Change Your Life features beautiful destinations from around the world for them to consider for their next great adventure that’ll change their mind, body, soul, and spirit.
More: 20 Farewell Gifts for Anyone Who's Leaving Town
Poem Wood Plaque
This wooden plaque is engraved with an acrostic poem that’ll serve as a reminder of how to enjoy their retirement.
It’s a tear-jerking gift according to this 5-star Amazon review, “It was beautiful. I gave it as a retirement gift and she loved it. As she read it, she was on the verge of tears.”
Retirement Wine Glass
Cheers to this major life moment with this stemless wine glass. It's a cheeky retirement gift that’s perfect for bundling together with a card and other coworker gifts for a toast to their retirement.
Funny Retirement T-Shirt
Great for the soon-to-be retiree who’s ready to trade suits for sweats, this graphic T-shirt is a tongue-in-cheek addition to their new casual wardrobe. It’s made from 100% cotton, making it super comfy for the endless out-of-office lazy days and making working folks jealous.
Herbal Retreat Tea Set
If your recipient is also saying goodbye to coffee, this herbal tea set will make the transition easier. It includes 10 tea infusers in five caffeine-free flavors — Apricot Amaretto, Blueberry Merlot, Cherry Cosmo, Kiwi Lime Ginger, and Mojito Marmalade.
‘Retirement Rules’ Gift Scented Soy Candle
In case they didn’t get the list of retirement rules on their last day of work, this scented hand-poured candle will do. The label features 10 thoughtful rules your retiree should follow including wake up smiling, take naps, and travel the world.
Low Loveseat Camping Chair
For the nature-obsessed retirees, this loveseat camping chair is equal parts a camping gift and a retirement gift. It has enough room for two, an insulated beverage holder on each armrest, and a sturdy steel frame for lounging around campfires to lazy beach days, they can take it all in alongside their partner with this gift.
Signature Hammock
This retirement gift will encourage them to kick back and relax — they’ve earned it! This handwoven weather-safe hammock from Yellow Leaf Hammocks is incredibly comfortable, crafted with weather-safe yarn in a loose-knit design that gently cradles the sitter without crowding them.
It’s available in different colors and comes in a family-size option to relax with the whole crew.
MasterClass Subscription
Even though they’re out of the workforce, your soon-to-be retiree can still learn new skills, especially with a MasterClass subscription.
They can learn comedy from Steve Martin, cooking from Gordon Ramsay, writing for television from Shonda Rhimes, and many more interesting skills from experts in different fields through a series of online classes.
Celebrate Happy Retirement Bracelet
Looking for a wearable retirement gift? This Alex and Ani retirement bracelet features a color-infused charm that commemorates this major life milestone with the mantra “Relax” and depicts a sunny beach day. The bangle is designed without clasps, but it can still be adjusted for a custom, comfortable fit.
‘Cook Like a Pro: Recipes and Tips for Home Cooks’ by Ina Garten
Now that they’re officially retired, they can fill their days brushing up on their cooking skills. This cookbook from celebrity chef Ina Garten will have them whipping up meals like a pro in no time. Feeling extra generous, gift it with this bamboo book stand to follow along with the recipes hands-free.
Golf Practice Net
They can now hit the links whenever they want, but on the days when leaving the house isn’t in the cards, this retirement gift will be their go-to. It has everything they needs to practice their shots and swings at home, including a golf hitting mat, five golf balls, and a hitting net with multiple targets.
As one 5-star Amazon review agrees: “This is great for practice. My dad is retiring and enjoying getting back into golf. This is helping him with his accuracy and just having fun!”
Breeze Comforter
Sleeping in is one of the biggest perks of retiring. No more hitting snooze on the alarm clock or rushing to the office, just pure rested bliss.
The Buffy Breeze comforter is lightweight, breathable, and made of eucalyptus-based material that’ll keep them cool, so they can spend all day in bed without burning up.
Kindle (2022 Release)
Without a hectic commute and demanding job on their plate, your retiree can catch up on some reading. This Kindle is lighter, more compact, and holds twice as many books as the previous generation. Its extended battery life, glare-free display, and adjustable lighting make it easier than ever to finish books.
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