Retirement Gift Ideas They'll Appreciate

By Greg Holmes

Throwing a retirement party and giving a great gift can be such a special treat for the guest of honor. They will know that a lot of thought and planning went into the festivities and gift selection, and that message will be priceless. Isn't that the kind of gift you want to give to your retiree? The hardest part is narrowing your retirement gift ideas down to one.

Customary retiree gifts from businesses comprise desk clocks, pen sets, passport holders, wall clocks, paperweights, ornaments, money clips, stock options in the company, luggage, manicure or grooming sets, watches and plaques or awards. Even though these are a nice touch, let's face it, they are all rather boring. They tend to collect dust somewhere in a corner and won't be looked at a lot.

Instead, many times retirement gift ideas that co-workers, friends or relatives come up with are funny gifts. They are not only humorous, but they often say so much more than a traditional gift. A funny and well thought out gag gift conveys to the recipient that you think they have a good sense of humor, you think of them fondly and you feel comfortable teasing them. Retirees who get gag gifts tend to cherish them more because they embody fun and friendship. Two funny and personal gag gift ideas are pink golf balls for a super macho athlete or an analgesic ointment for an ex jock with bad knees.

If your retiree is leaving a corporate desk job, then items that would make good gifts for them include jewelry boxes, valet trays, MP3 cases, wine, coffee, tea or chocolate lover gift sets, signed picture frames, card sets or personalized poems.

Think about what you know of the person. Did they enjoy the career they are leaving? Do they like to play sports? Do they want to travel? With the answers to these questions come quality retirement gift ideas so that you can find a memorable gift especially for them. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your gift is relative to an activity he or she enjoys or something they will find useful, and you can't lose. Of course it will take a little more shopping, but your extra effort will pay off in the end.

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