Are you looking for a unique gift for retiring coworker to appreciate him/her? It can be difficult to think of something special to get them that they'll remember forever.
Retirement marks the end of an era and is a major transition in someone’s life. It’s a time when they reflect on their career, accomplishments, and relationships that have developed throughout the years.
A thoughtful gift can make all the difference when saying goodbye to someone who has been part of your daily life for many years.
To help you out, here are 40 thoughtful ideas for a gift for a retiring coworker that will show them just how much you appreciate them.
In this article, we will cover awesome retirement gift ideas that celebrate your coworker's career, as well as gifts to help them ease into their first days in retirement. Let's dive in.
Gifts to Celebrate Their Career Successes and Recall Shared Memories
When someone you know will soon be retiring, why not give them some gifts to commemorate the memories of working together and celebrate their achievements?
Giving a retired colleague a gift to remember their work is a great way to show your appreciation for everything they did during their career.
Here are some excellent gifts that you can give to celebrate your retired coworker's achievements and the moments you enjoyed together:
1. A retirement plaque
A retirement plaque is a classic retirement gift to let your retiring coworker know how much you value their time and dedication to the company.
These plaques typically have an engraved plate with the recipient's name, years of service, and inscribed words from the organization or peers. Finding a matching frame for the plate can elevate your gift a notch.
If you're looking for something extra special, consider customizing their plaque with images that link back to specific accomplishments during their career. You may also want to think outside the box by creating a unique shape or design of your own.
However, be sure to keep it simple so as not to overwhelm them with intricate intricacies.
2. A personalized photo album or scrapbook
A personalized photo album or scrapbook with pictures and other mementos from your time working together is one of the best gifts you can give to a coworker who is leaving the company.
A thoughtful and meaningful way to recognize your coworker’s retirement, this gift will likely take some time and effort to create, but it will be worth every second spent!
Showcase a variety of photos from different events throughout your coworker's career — from team outings to business trips.
Make sure to include photos of your shared memories in the pictures too! You could even turn it into a themed book, such as "Highlights of our Working Years" or "Memorable Times in the Office Together" — anything that captures the fun times you had working with them.
This is a great idea whether you want something physical or digital – just make sure it’s something they can treasure forever and add more pages as needed.
3. Custom portrait
A custom portrait is a typical retirement gift for a coworker. You can commission an artist to create a portrait that celebrates your coworker’s career highlights, from their first job to their last.
The portrait design should include unique elements that reflect your coworker’s personality and accomplishments. Maybe include their favorite hobbies, beloved pets, books they read, places they visited, or memorable moments from their job.
Your coworker will love having art in their home that reminds them of their amazing life journey.
4. Wine subscription gift
If your coworker is a wine lover, a wine subscription gift is a great way to mark a coworker's retirement and show your appreciation for all their hard work.
It gives them the chance to explore different bottles of wine from all over the world, enjoy new varieties, and explore classic favorites at home.
A wine subscription comes in various lengths, and they can be tailored to your coworker’s personal preferences. They also offer discounts, free bottles, classy bottle openers, bottle cap holders, surprise selections each month, or even access to exclusive collections.
Whether the recipient likes red or white, dry or sweet — there’s something for everyone!
5. A custom-made piece of jewelry or watch that has elements from your business or industry
Retiring coworkers deserve to leave the office in style, and what better way than with a custom-made piece of jewelry or watch that has elements from your business or industry? This thoughtful gift idea is sure to put a smile on the face of any retiring coworker.
You can find many companies that specialize in customizing jewelry and watches for businesses, such as with corporate logos, dates of service, initials, titles, or other symbols meaningful to the employee's time at the company.
You can also include their name on the design if you wish. The sentiment behind this piece of jewelry or watch will be something that lasts long after their term with your company is over.
This personalized retirement gift will show your retiring coworker just how much you all appreciate their time working together, and it's sure to make them feel honored for giving so much to the organization.
It makes for the perfect farewell present that they can treasure for years to come!
6. A special gift basket
One of the best gifts to make any retirement memorable is a special gift basket filled with all their favorite things.
Fill a nice basket with items like snacks, books, games, and gag gifts that will encourage them to make the most of their retirement days.
You could also include items like jewelry or knick-knacks that have sentimental value. If your coworker has an interest in something specific, try to find related items to include in the gift box.
Whatever you choose to add, customize it so it is as personal as possible. That way, your coworker will remember you for giving them this fantastic retirement gift!
7. Memory jar
One of the best ways to give a personalized and meaningful retirement gift to a coworker is to create a memory jar.
A memory jar contains all your favorite memories shared with your coworker. It could include photos, quotes, cards, and even little trinkets that remind you both of something special you shared.
This is an incredibly thoughtful way to commemorate their time as a coworker, and it also allows them to reflect on all the good memories they have from their time working in the office together.
You can write a personal note to go with each item or make a special label for the jar that says what it has meant to both of you to share these memories.
This will make this retirement gift something truly special that they will treasure forever.
8. Customized glassware or barware set
A personalized barware set is a perfect gift for any colleague who loves to entertain and impress their guests.
You can choose from a variety of custom glasses, tumblers, and stemware so that your coworker can easily stock their home bar.
Consider getting their initials or a custom message engraved onto the glasses to add a special touch. Not only will it show thoughtfulness, but it will also demonstrate how well you know them.
Gifts such as these are sure to make any retirement unforgettable and are an overall timeless piece that your colleague will cherish throughout their life in retirement.
9. Pet or a plant gift
If you’re looking for a fun gift to give your coworker, you can’t go wrong with a pet or plant.
Giving someone an animal as a retirement present is a thoughtful and meaningful way to honor their departure. You could get them a cute puppy or kitten if they have the space in their home.
Or, if they don’t have the time and energy for a pet, you could opt for giving them something like a fish tank complete with some colorful fish, or even an exotic bird.
Plants are another great idea because they will last longer than the typical flower bouquet while also helping to brighten up one's home. There are plenty of options to choose from depending on who is receiving the gift and what type of space they will be using it in.
House plants like cacti and succulents are beautiful options, as they look nice, but require relatively little maintenance when compared to something like a bonsai tree or an herb garden kit.
10. Items customized with in-jokes
Personalized gifts are fun and a great way to help your favorite retiring coworker remember the shared past.
Customized items like coffee cups or t-shirts are especially effective because they can be printed with in-jokes that only the two of you understand.
The best part about customized items is that they’re unique, so you don’t have to worry about getting something that your coworker already owns or won’t get much use out of. And it adds the perfect element of nostalgia to mark retirement.
For example, you can have a t-shirt printed with an inside joke between the two of you or with a cherished quote related to your profession. Or, get some matching mugs printed with inside jokes - one for them and one for yourself - so each time you take out the mug, it'll bring back memories of shared memories!
11. A gift card to a local restaurant where you've had memorable team outings or lunches
Giving a gift card to a local restaurant where you and your teammate have had memorable team outings or lunches is the perfect way to bring back the memories of working together.
They will not only get to enjoy an incredible meal, but they'll also be reminiscing on all the fun times they had with their coworkers there.
This is perhaps one of the most thoughtful retirement gift ideas that you can give someone who is retiring.
12. Retirement cake
Retirement cakes are a great way to make your coworker’s retirement unforgettable. You can purchase or make a cake that is as unique and special as your coworker.
Consider having the cake customized with an inspirational quote or a few of their favorite things. Be sure to add some celebratory touches like colorful sprinkles, balloons, ribbons, and candles to get them excited about retirement!
You could even set up the surprise of having their cake delivered right to the office on their last day at work. Just imagine how happy they will be when they initially think they just have one more boring day at the office, only to be greeted with a delicious celebration cake from you!
This is an unforgettable gift that your coworker will cherish for years to come.
13. Handwritten letter expressing appreciation
When it comes to giving the perfect retirement gift, nothing speaks louder than a heartfelt, handwritten letter of appreciation and gratitude.
Taking the time to thank them for all their hard work and celebrate their successes will make the moment even more special.
Not only does this signify respect for another person’s achievements; but it also provides validation for all those priceless moments shared in an office.
A note or handwritten letter is surely one way to send a clear message that colleagues want to recognize and celebrate one another’s successes—no matter how big or small they may be.
14. Monogrammed leather journal
Nothing captures a person's life journey, both past, and future, quite like a beautiful monogrammed leather journal.
This special retirement gift for your coworker lets them record meaningful moments and store cherished memories in its hand-crafted pages. Plus, it's a great way to remember the thousands of happy days and experiences that have made their story truly unique over the course of their career.
The perfect present for anyone stepping away from corporate life—the leatherbound journal is custom embossed with their initials to make it that much more personal. It also offers an elegant yet sophisticated aesthetic that can travel wherever they choose to go in the world!
Whether they're reminiscing about day-to-day milestones, planting dreams, or sketching out ambitious goals going forward—this parting gift will ensure no memory is ever forgotten.
15. Custom-engraved pen set
A pen set is a classic and timeless way to honor a coworker's legacy and celebrate their success.
A personalized pen set with custom engraving ensures that your gift stands out and really shows how thoughtful you are. Include details such as the company logo, a meaningful quote or message, or any other images or text that capture what they mean to the workplace.
By giving them a custom pen set, you'll have a reminder of all their hard work and achievements, which they can use every single day when writing in their journal or taking notes throughout the day.
It's also a great way to recall special shared memories each time they pick up the pen!
16. Fancy coffee maker
This elegant machine will help them remember all the joys of being part of a work team, as well as all the shared memories that have transpired over the years. Plus, having an awesome coffee brewer will provide them with good daily motivation for lazy mornings or evenings!
This appliance is perfect for someone who loves to make fancy coffee drinks at home instead of going out to buy them.
It comes in varieties such as espresso machines, drip brewers, and pour-overs. Some high-end coffee makers even come with features like programmable brew times, auto shot strength, keep-hot functions, and built-in milk frothers!
Your coworker will undoubtedly remember all the great times they had while working when they look down and see this fancy machine every morning as they start their day of relaxation post-retirement.
17. A decorative, personalized clock
A personalized clock with a meaningful phrase or message makes a great gift for your coworker's retirement.
Consider having a decorative clock laser engraved with special words meant to evoke their retirement memories, like “It’s Time to Celebrate Your Retirement” or “Thanks for All the Great Years!” Search online for unique clocks that say something special about your coworker and their career successes.
You can even make custom-made clocks that feature photographs of past work events or projects they completed while they were working with you.
A custom, decorative clock is a lasting reminder of the good times they had working together, and it will be appreciated when they retire.
18. Hand-painted porcelain plate etched with an inspirational quote
What's more special than a hand-painted porcelain plate with an inspiring quote etched into it?
This is the perfect gift to show how proud you are of your coworker's career and remember the good times you had together.
This hand-crafted plate will become a timeless memento of all the times spent together or accomplishments made by your coworker, giving them something to look back on fondly in their new life as a retiree.
Give this precious gift as a reminder of all of the years spent working side-by-side, so they can remember their journey and what it took to get where they are now. It'll definitely put a smile on their face!
19. Tea and coffee mug set
A tea and coffee mug set is a great way to celebrate your coworker's career successes and recall shared memories of their retirement.
A personalized mug set is particularly special because it allows you to add personal touches, such as an inscription of your coworker's name or the date when they started their job.
It can also come in multiple sizes, allowing you to pick the right size for your coworker's individual needs. They also come in a variety of materials, making them lovely mementos with years of practical use.
Mug sets are extremely versatile, adding a touch of class to any kitchen or office while acting as a reminder that you appreciate everything they've done throughout their career.
20. Celebrity shout-out
Celebrity shout-outs are a simple but powerful way to mark your coworker's career success and time at the company.
You can have a well-known person in their field congratulate them, or you can just send them a video recognizing the big step of retirement.
Not only will this surprise give a recap of all the great times shared, but it will also add enough glamour to make it extra special for your coworker. It’ll be something they show around for years to come—and most likely get some laughs as well!
Remember, when looking for a celebrity, make sure their values match those of your business and coworkers.
As the items in this article will help your coworker remember all the great times you had working together, the gift options in the next section will help them begin their retirement journey on a high note. Let's get into it.
Gifts to Get Them Off on the Right Foot into Retirement
Retirement is an important turning point in life, and having a special treat to mark the occasion can help start the journey on the right foot.
Retirement gifts are a great way to show your appreciation for their hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication as they enter this new chapter of their lives.
It is best if your gift aligns with their retirement plan or is targeted at helping them enjoy their time in retirement.
Here are some gift ideas for a coworker who is retiring that will have them thanking you long after they've left the workplace.
1. A relaxing spa day or massage
A spa day or massage for your retirement friend is a great way to help them relax and unwind after years of hard work.
You could give them a day at their favorite spa, or even arrange for a masseuse to come to their home.
The benefits of receiving this type of gift are numerous. For example, massage therapy is known to reduce stress levels, improve circulation, and increase mental clarity, focus, and overall well-being.
Plus, it’ll give the retiree some much-needed bonding time with friends or family members who can offer moral support during the transition into this new stage of life.
2. A gift card to a favorite restaurant or store
A gift card to a favorite restaurant or store is the ideal way to get them started in retirement.
Who doesn't love dinner with friends or shopping for new clothes? Let wannabe retirees know you want them to enjoy their newfound freedom, no matter what that means! What makes this a perfect retirement gift idea is that it can be tailored to each individual.
For example, if you know your coworker loves coffee more than anything else, get him a gift card to his local favorite coffee shop. Or give them a restaurant gift certificate so they can sample all of their favorite dishes when they retire.
3. A new set of golf clubs or other sporting equipment
One of the best gifts you can give to start your family or friend off on the right foot into retirement is a set of golf clubs or other sporting equipment.
Retirement can be hard and sometimes scary, so having something to look forward to and staying active, such as with a new set of golf clubs, can make all the difference!
With the right gear, they can join friends on the golf course for some fun and healthy activity.
And it doesn’t have to be just golf — you could look into getting them new tennis rackets, fishing rods, kayaking gear, pickleball paddles — whatever sports and hobbies your giftee loves, there’s an opportunity for a great gift!
4. A gift card to a local adventure company or travel agency
A gift card to a local adventure company or travel agency is the perfect way to help them enjoy their first few days in retirement. There's no better way to celebrate leaving the workforce than to plan an amazing trip or vacation!
The recipient can use the gift card to research and book flights, hotels, tours, special activities, and more to plan their adventures for retirement. They can also find travel journals for destinations on their bucket list.
Whether they want to explore a foreign country or take a road trip across America, they'll have all the resources at their fingertips.
Gifting a travel agency experience also gives them peace of mind that everything will be taken care of before the departure date.
5. A home improvement gift
Retiring means having a lot more free time to enjoy. That's why giving someone a home improvement gift, such as a new grill or outdoor furniture, is such a great way to start their retirement years on the right foot.
They'll be able to spend their leisure time enjoying the outdoors with friends and family, in comfort. Plus, when you pick out the perfect home improvement gift, you can encourage them to start planning and creating an amazing outdoor living space.
With your thoughtful home improvement gift, they can build decks and patios, add seating areas and privacy screens, and more. They'll love all the options they can try out!
6. A new tablet or smartphone
A new tablet or smartphone is the perfect luxury retirement gift for a retiree. Not only will it keep them connected with friends and family, but it can also help them stay engaged with their hobbies and interests.
With a tablet, they can have access to an unlimited number of creative and entertaining apps that cater to everything from playing games to staying up-to-date on current events.
And with social media being so popular these days, having one of these devices gives them the ability to easily stay in contact with loved ones without having to travel any distance at all.
Plus, some tablets even come loaded with tools that make it easier than ever for them to share photos, write blog posts, or even do some shopping online.
Giving a retiree this kind of technology can truly be a blessing!
7. A membership to a club or organization that aligns with their interests or passions
One of the best gifts to give them as they get off on the right foot into retirement is a membership or subscription to a club or organization that aligns with their interests or passions.
Whether it's a hiking and camping club, an underwater diving class, or some other activity that gets their blood pumping, this gift will surely bring them lots of joy and give them something to look forward to when they retire.
Such memberships and subscriptions can be expensive, but they are definitely worth the money – especially if you surprise them with an entire year's worth of payments! This way, they don't have to worry about shelling out any cash until next year.
They can just focus on learning about the new hobby and finding ways to enjoy it completely for free for now.
8. Art supplies or other materials for a hobby or interest they've always wanted to pursue
It may be cliché to suggest, but there’s no denying that art supplies or other materials to support a hobby or interest make the perfect gift for someone heading into retirement.
After years of being in the same job, they may feel as if they want to start something new, and gifting art supplies could just push them in the right direction.
For some, working in a creative field can bring balance and relaxation as well as expressing yourself.
Whether it’s materials for painting, photography, or sculpting – having everything one needs to explore their passion is incomparable. Seeing the results of their hard work emerge can boost their confidence and give them a sense of accomplishment.
Moreover, by giving them a chance to express themselves artistically, you’re encouraging their self-expression, which can be highly therapeutic and beneficial for mental health.
9. Books or magazines on retirement and life after work
Books or magazines on retirement and life after work are classic retirement gifts for someone who is about to embark on the journey of retirement.
Books about retirement can help you figure out how to make the change from working to not working, how to keep from running out of money in retirement, or how to plan activities and hobbies for this new time in your life.
Moreover, these books offer tips for coping with any unexpected changes and highlight areas of opportunity which make the prospect of moving into retirement a more inviting one.
If your coworker is a book lover, you can gift him/her literature books or inspiring travel books. Better still, if you're looking for a fun book, you can give them adult coloring books.
It's a great way to give them the confidence they need to get off on the right foot into their new journey!
10. A fitness tracker or other fitness-related gift
One of the most thoughtful retirement gift ideas you can give someone about to start their retirement journey is a gift that encourages them to stay active and healthy.
A fitness tracker or other fitness-related items can be a great way to help them on their path to good health.
Fitness trackers are one such option and come in many shapes and sizes. Some may track only basic fitness stats, while others may be more advanced with features like sleep tracking, sports modes, and heart rate monitoring.
Consider what kind of activity your coworker enjoys when looking for the right fitness tracker for them. You can also look at customizing certain items, such as resistant bands and yoga mats, to encourage physical activity every day.
You could even put together a home gym package to get them started right away with all of the necessary equipment!
11. Good luck charms
Retirement is a huge milestone, so give them some good luck charms as a farewell gift. Giving your coworker something that will bring them luck and prosperity in their future endeavors can be a meaningful and thoughtful gesture.
There are plenty of good luck charms to choose from, such as four-leaf clovers, horseshoes, coins, or dimes.
You can purchase these online or make some yourself - like a framed four-leaf clover with a nice tribute retirement message or a charm bracelet with different tokens of good luck!
12. A retirement planner
A retirement is a significant event in their life, and it can be very stressful to go through all of the planning that must be done to ensure a secure retirement.
A retirement planner will help your coworker make a personalized and thorough plan for their life after work. This plan will include their financial goals and budgets, lifestyle preferences, investment suggestions, medical concerns, insurance coverage needs, estate plans, and more.
Giving the gift of a retirement planner allows your coworker to start off on the right foot in retirement with peace of mind.
They'll feel confident that all of their bases are covered, and they'll be able to enjoy their newly found freedom without worrying about the future.
13. Self-care kit
A self-care kit is an excellent way to help your coworker transition into retirement. We all know how stressful it can be to go from a busy job to the peacefulness of retirement.
To make the change easier, you can put together a personalized self-care kit with things that will help your coworker unwind and be more mindful.
Some good examples of a self-care package are scented candles to fill the area with calming aromas, essential oils to reduce stress levels, gift cards for activities like yoga or massage therapy, and a journal where they can pour out their thoughts and feelings.
You could also include inspiring books that start conversations about pursuing their dreams after their career ends.
All in all, giving your retiring coworker something both helpful and meaningful will show them how much you appreciate them!
14. A gift card for a language or cultural learning program
A gift card for a language or cultural learning program is the perfect way to help your retiring coworker get off on the right foot in retirement.
With so much time ahead, learning another language or culture would be an amazing way to use some of that newfound freedom.
You could give a gift card specifically catered towards online language courses like Rosetta Stone, or toward programs that teach specific cultures, such as those from Polyglot Hub. This type of gift is sure to put a smile on their face and provide them with an exciting new challenge.
Your coworker will be able to practice their new language undistractedly in their free time and have fun at the same time!
15. Solar-powered backpack
A solar-powered backpack is a perfect gift to get your coworker off on the right foot into retirement.
The solar-powered backpack is a great way for them to take all their belongings and electronics anywhere they desire without fear of running out of power.
This bag offers plenty of room for carrying items, as well as two USB ports and two charging cables. Plus, unlike many packs of this kind, it offers amazingly superior performance and can actually be used to charge up an iPhone or iPad in a matter of minutes.
Your coworker will be able to use their new solar-powered pack on their new adventures across the globe in their golden years!
16. Subscription boxes or monthly treats
Subscription boxes or monthly treats are the perfect way to help your coworker transition into retirement in style.
From meal kits featuring gourmet ingredients to wine club subscriptions, these gifts are the perfect way to make retirement feel special. Monthly subscription boxes are a cost-effective and thoughtful way to indulge your coworker without breaking the bank!
Each month, they'll get personalized goodies right on their doorstep. They'll get to enjoy something different, like a new culinary experience, an assortment of home goods, or even lifestyle items designed just for them.
17. Local cooking or baking class
Retiring is a time to expand your knowledge and experiment with new interests. What better way to get your coworker off on the right foot into retirement than by gifting them with a cooking or baking class?
Whether it's a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level course, cooking classes are readily available in diverse cuisines such as Chinese food, Italian food, Mexican food, and more!
To give it an extra special touch, you can attend the class together. Retirement parties are all fun and games, but partnering up with your soon-to-be retired father figure for a cooking lesson would make for an unforgettable memory in your book (and his!)
If attending the session together makes it too overwhelming, then getting them a cooking class gift card that they can pick up at their convenience will be just as meaningful.
18. Vintage record player with a selection of classic records
For your coworker who is getting ready to retire and embark on a new chapter in life, a record player with a selection of classic records might be just the thing!
Music lovers will appreciate this thoughtful, classic gift and can easily enjoy music on classic vinyl.
It may take some time to find the perfect vintage record player - the sound quality should be excellent, the construction should be adequate enough to last many years and it should have a few modern amenities like Bluetooth capability for connecting wirelessly to speakers.
Make sure you include a selection of some classic records along with their favorite genre of music to accompany the record player, such as jazz, blues, or rock.
19. Cocktail recipe book
Cocktail recipe books make a great retirement gift for your coworker.
They have all sorts of interesting recipes covering everything from classic cocktails to modern twists on old favorites. Your coworker can grab a book, pick out a few cocktails they'd like to try, and then head over to the store to pick up the ingredients they need.
Cocktail recipe books also contain helpful resources such as tips on entertaining guests and what glassware works best for different drinks.
This way, your coworker will be able to host fun and creative cocktail nights with friends or family members when they once again get the opportunity.
20. Beach or lake day trip
A beach or lake day trip is the perfect way to send your coworker off into retirement! You can organize a whole day for them with activities that suit their interests best.
Pack a picnic lunch, plan some fun beach or lakeside games and activities, and let your coworker relax and enjoy their last days as an employee.
It’s important to take this opportunity to give one last gift that celebrates all the contributions they have made to the company through their years of hard work. A beach or lake day trip also offers a chance to look back on the special memories formed by your collective time in the office.
Your retiring coworker will be reminded of more than just hard work but also your deep appreciation for the effort they have put in over the years!
By now, you should have a couple of good retirement gift ideas for your coworker. To make your process of finding a gift even better, we will answer some of the questions that might be disturbing you about gifts for retiring coworkers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about gift for retiring coworker while trying to get your retiring coworker a present? Then, worry no more.
Here are some frequently asked questions to give you ideas on what kind of gift would be most meaningful and appropriate for your retiring co-worker.
What type of gifts is appropriate for a retiring coworker?
A thoughtful retirement gift should be something that celebrates their hard work and long-term commitment to the workplace. Some popular gifts are personalized keepsakes, gift baskets full of things they can use in retirement, personalized leather bookmarks, personalized cutting boards, custom jewelry or leather goods, or tickets to a trip or event they've been wanting to see.
How can I personalize a gift for a retiring coworker?
Personalizing a gift for a retiring coworker can be a great way to show appreciation for their service as well as create something special and unique for them.
You could get their name or initials engraved on something special, make a one-of-a-kind piece of art with their name on it, or even personalize something like a coffee mug.
How can I make a gift for a retiring coworker a special and memorable experience?
Making a special and memorable experience for a retiring coworker doesn't have to involve expensive gifts. Someone who is leaving the workforce can appreciate even the smallest act of thoughtfulness.
You could get creative with your gift. For example, you could write a heartfelt note, create a collage, or fill a box with photos and mementos that celebrate their time at the job.
Also, host a small office retirement party. Put together an office potluck or lunch party to honor your colleague who is leaving their long-term job.
Is there a certain way to choose a gift for a coworker's retirement that I should follow?
Absolutely! When choosing retirement gifts for coworkers, the etiquette you need to consider is based on the relationship level between you and them.
If the two of you were close or had worked together for many years, then a generous monetary or well-thought-out gift is appropriate. If you only knew each other on a surface level, a thoughtful gift like a personalized card is a good choice.
No matter your relationship level, always avoid any presents that could be considered insensitive or disrespectful, even if you're trying to get them a funny retirement gift.
Lastly, when in doubt about what to give as a retirement present, it’s usually best to ask your coworkers about their preferences.
How much should I spend on a retirement gift for my coworker?
It depends on how close you are to the retiring coworker and how much money you’d like to spend.
As much as there are many expensive options, there are also inexpensive gift options your coworker will like.
For those who don’t know their colleague very well, cards accompanied by small token gifts are usually enough; more generous gifts can come from supervisors looking for something extra special for their loyal employees leaving behind years of service.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a lot of ideas for gifts for retiring coworkers to show gratitude and appreciation for those who have given us years of service.
Hopefully, this list of 40 thoughtful ideas for a gift for your retiring coworker helped you narrow down some choices and pick out the perfect gift.
Whether they're just around the corner or halfway across the country, wish them a heartfelt goodbye!
