Look for gifts that are original or suggest your ideas to other co-workers for more expensive items. Remember that the company also gives retirement gifts and depending on how well the company values its employees is usually a pretty good indicator for the kind of gift the individual will be receiving. Items like: awards and plaques, ornaments, paperweights, valet key fobs, desk clocks, luggage tags, passport holders, mugs and even pen sets are all very nice personalized retirement gifts, don't get me wrong, but lets face it, they are all rather generic and may or may not be used or displayed by the retiree.
However thoughtful a gift may be, it's always best to find items the retiree can use and will appreciate. That's why a retiree generally appreciates their co-workers gifts over the gift they receive from a company. Some companies do however go above and beyond and will give stocks and bonds which is something every retiree can appreciate even if they are a novice. Other companies have been known to give timepieces, crystal decanter sets or even big ticket items like timeshares or club memberships in recognition of years of service.
Giving the retiree something to look forward to in my humble opinion is the best gift to give. Tickets to an upcoming concert, play or sporting event can be very exciting; also I found a getaway vacation booklet that lets the retiree pick their vacation. Other items can include golfing accessories like: divot took and ball marker, shoe bag, personalized golf balls, golf shadow box, or valuables pouch. Even fishing gear and hunting gear can be given and if you're unsure as to which item they will want, a gift certificate is always appreciated and is not as impersonal as some people may think. Better to let the retiree pick the item they really want then to give them something they'll end up returning or worse already have.
My second favorite kind of gift to give for retirement is anything that can be personalized yet still fits into their lifestyle. There are so many gift choices out there it's hard to list all of them here. Here are just a few unique ideas that are memorable, fun and sure to be used and appreciated. A poker chip set for those who love to play cards, folding beach chairs or towels for relaxing at the beach, a throw blanket for lounging or sitting in front of a fireplace, wine carriers or totes, bar signs for the game room or home bar, crystal glassware, stemware and decanters sets to add the finishing touches to any home bar, an engraved guest book plate, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, a vacation booklet full of vacation ideas to keep entertained during those retirement years and even a framed retirement poem are some of the items I found when looking online which are all available in a wide variety of styles, colors and themes to fit all personality types. I even found gift baskets full of bath supplies, wine, beer and coffee along with a neat record recorder that allows all those baby boomers to record their favorite records onto a CD.
With so many choices out there it's hard to pick just one. I always check out any company I find on the internet through the BBB (Better Business Bureau) for my own piece of mind. Plus I like to do repeat business when shopping online as some companies give a repeat customer discount and best of all with gas prices the way they are I can shop in the privacy of my own home and have the gift delivered to me or the retiree saving me gas, time, and stress.
If the office has decided to go in on a gift together be sure to include your input as well as consider other ideas, then decide on the best choice for that individual. When trying to find the perfect gift you can be rest assured that you'll never go wrong if you buy a gift that the retiree wants, can use and will enjoy. A few well placed questions can be all the inspiration you need to give a great gift that will be both memorable and treasured. Happy Shopping
Angelique writes articles for helping shoppers find gifts, providing shopping tips and how to benefit from personalized gifts, promotional products, and awards. Her work is sponsored by Wealthwood Retirement Gifts and Wealthwood Anniversary Gifts Blog.
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