28 Best Retirement Gifts to Celebrate Their Major Milestone
Salute their accomplishments with these unique, thoughtful and funny presents.
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Ah, retirement means hard-earned freedom is well on its way! But retirement also means having to say goodbye to friends and colleagues who've been by your side for years. That's why we encourage getting a retiree a good retirement gift — not only will it recognize your loved one's hard work, but it'll also show your appreciation and support beyond the workplace.
Here at Good Housekeeping, we're researching, testing and talking about products everyday. The best retirement gifts will make their transition to offline mode much easier or encourage them to find a new hobby to keep them busy. We understand that gifts for your coworkers or even your boss involves a certain etiquette, so we made sure to include ideas appropriate for any job setting. But if you're looking for a gift for a family member or friend who is retiring, we also made sure to include more sentimental pieces to spark some ideas.
Tile by Life360 Mate Bluetooth Tracker
Who it's for: Your coworker who often loses things
Why we love it: This little Bluetooth tracker can hook onto most items, like keys or a makeup bag. You can easily set it up via the app on your phone, and it works within a 350-foot radius.
Who it's for: Your retiring coworker who wants to learn a new hobby
Why we love it: Over 5,000 shoppers purchased this set, which includes pre-printed floral pattern fabrics, one embroidery hoop, threads and needles, last month. Satisfied reviewers note they appreciated that the instructions were easy to follow.
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Who it's for: A colleague you don't know too well
Why we love it: Retirement will give them tons of free time, and they might not know what to do with it at first. With this dice, all they have to do is give it a roll to find an activity to keep them entertained.
Who it's for: The creative type, or those who get satisfaction from coloring
Why we love it: At the time of writing, this activity book was the #1 best-selling item in the Mosaic Crafting section on Amazon. You get four books with 25 designs in each, and the user colors either squares, hexagons, triangles or circles to create a pretty picture.
Who it's for: Anyone, but especially a frontline worker
Why we love it: People just want to know that their time at work was appreciated, so giving them this reminder will be so meaningful. "It’s not too heavy and the perfect size to place on a desk or bookshelf," one Amazon reviewer shared.
Antique Brass and Copper Sundial Compass
Who it's for: The retiree who wants to travel
Why we love it: Now is the time for them to start exploring their dreams outside of work. That might include travel, which would make this sundial compass even more appropriate. This one comes in its own carrying case, making it perfect for gifting.
Who it's for: Your retiring parent who wouldn't mind another clock in the house
Why we love it: A ton of Amazon reviewers say this clock, which has nearly 3,000 five-star reviews, is the "perfect retirement gift." It actually works so they'll always know what day it is, which is especially helpful now that they don't have a set schedule.
Who it's for: Your prankster coworker
Why we love it: If they're feeling the retirement blues, this gift is a great way to make them laugh. "You could hear him from the bathroom laughing," one Amazon reviewer wrote after gifting this three-ply toilet paper to her husband.
Who it's for: Dads and grandpas
Why we love it: He'll never run out of activities with this fun book, designed to stimulate his memory and keep him active during his retirement years. It includes coloring pages, word puzzles, mazes and more.
Who it's for: The loved one who lives for attention
Why we love it: Make her wear this plastic silver tiara during her last day at work or farewell dinner so everyone knows about her big move. One Amazon reviewer wrote that it's "great for laughs at retirement celebrations."
Who it's for: That hard working coworker or boss that deserves all the praise
Why we love it: We're getting emotional just reading the front of this wooden card. And we particularly love that the back simply says "goodbye and good luck" with plenty of room for a long message or a bunch of signatures.
Who it's for: That loved one who is always down to try something new
Why we love it: Once they've retired, chances are they'll be on the hunt for a new hobby: This poster has all the inspiration they need. It features 100 scratch-off squares that reveal fun, bucket list-worthy activities ranging from learning to surf to talking to a stranger.
Who it's for: The retiree who is about to have a huge retirement celebration
Why we love it: They'll celebrate in style with this fun cotton sash they can proudly wear at their retirement party. It comes with a pin to ensure that it fits comfortably, and would make a great keepsake long after the big event.
Who it's for: The retiree with a sense of humor
Why we love it: Created especially for retired professionals, this punny present is sure to make them LOL. Reviewers say the cardboard anti-business cards are "surprisingly sturdy" and "fun conversation starters."
Who it's for: The sentimental retiree
Why we love it: They can begin writing their next chapter with this beautiful leather journal, which celebrates a lifetime of effort. The paper is refillable and can be used for drawing, jotting down their thoughts or even collecting items like stamps. What's more, the heartwarming engraving is sure to make them smile.
Who it's for: The retiree who loves wearing jewelry
Why we love it: This ceramic jewelry tray will keep all of her favorite trinkets safe and remind her of how many lives she touched throughout her long career. "The size is perfect — holds my ring, watch, bracelet and two gold chain necklaces," one Amazon reviewer shared.
Who it's for: Any retiree (just check for dietary restrictions).
Why we love it: Congratulations are definitely in order once they retire, and this gift basket is sure to delight. It's filled with delicious snacks (there's everything from nuts and cheeses to caramel popcorn) that they'll enjoy munching on long after the celebrations are done.
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Who it's for: The plant-loving coworker
Why we love it: This beautiful puzzle represents what your retiree might be experiencing, like growth and new beginnings. The brand, Be Rooted was included on Oprah's Favorite Things list.
Who it's for: Your work BFF
Why we love it: The brand says that Amazonite "has been worn to promote courage, success and hope," while the ladybug represents good luck. This bracelet is also elastic so it should fit most wrists, and it even comes with a little card.
Who it's for: Someone extra special
Why we love it: You're saying goodbye to working with them, but not to your friendship. This necklace will let them know you'll always be there for them no matter where you two are in the world.
Shanon is a writer and editor who specializes in best-of product roundups and deals. She has over six years of experience, including almost three years as a Good Housekeeping product and reviews editor, covering the best sales and products across home, appliances, health, beauty, parenting and more.
Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today's shopping network, Reviewed.com.
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