Key Takeaways

• We chose a variety of gifts to promote engagement, relaxation, and connection during retirement.
• Gifts in this guide range from about $25–$600. If you’re giving a retirement gift on behalf of the entire company or family, we recommend pooling resources to fund pricier gifts.
• Retirement can stir up a variety of emotions, so it’s important to consider the tone of the occasion when choosing a gift. 

Retirement is a milestone most people look forward to and can’t wait to celebrate. It’s also the last chance for management and co-workers to honor someone’s years of service, thank them for their impact, and help them retire with confidence. The best retirement gifts can help people feel good about their transition into this new phase of life, while thoughtless gifts—or none at all—could leave them feeling underappreciated and unnoticed. 

It’s important to strike the right tone because many people have mixed feelings about retiring. They may wonder what they’ll do with their free time or feel sad at the thought of not seeing their co-workers every day. Others feel optimistic about their retirement and can’t wait for what’s in store. Both outlooks are valid.

Below, you’ll find tech gifts for entertainment and connection, luxurious gifts for relaxation and indulgence, and practical gifts for exploring new hobbies and habits. If you’re looking for a retirement gift for Dad or a way to celebrate Mom’s retirement, a personalized gift can go a long way. We’ve also included some ideas for co-workers you may not know very well or for when you want to send a heartfelt message on behalf of the entire team.

Best gifts for retirement in 2024

• Blue Apron subscription
• Brooklinen robes and blankets
• Apple iPad Air
• Fallen Tree Woodshop tablet stand
• Aura Digital Photo Frames
• Soundpeats RunFree Headphones
• Everand Subscription
• MasterClass Subscription
• 1-800-Baskets Gift Baskets
• Homedics Total Recline Shiatsu Massage Cushion

Shopping for someone you care about? Check out the best hearing aids and best medical alert systems on the market today.

Blue Apron Subscription

Our take on Blue Apron

A Blue Apron subscription can be a great gift for all kinds of people. Someone who’s retiring may enjoy experimenting with new flavors and ingredients in the meal kits now that they have a little more time in the evenings. On the other hand, someone who’s used to eating healthy meals in the office cafeteria may appreciate having convenient pre-made meals at the ready. Blue Apron offers both, and it’s our pick for the overall best meal delivery service because it’s affordable and fresh.

Brooklinen Robes and Blankets

Our take on Brooklinen

When you want to say, “Relax, you’ve earned it,” consider a soft, cozy robe and slipper set from Brooklinen. Or wrap up one of their alpaca-wool throw blankets or plush bath towel sets. These gifts can be a great complement to a spa-themed gift basket, so think about coordinating with other gift-givers for the full luxury experience.

iPad Air

Our take on the iPad Air

We think tablets make great retirement gifts because they support many other activities and hobbies. For example, tablets are lightweight enough for reading ebooks anywhere, and they support plenty of games and puzzles. The large screen makes it easier to read online recipes or see the family during video calls compared to a smartphone. 

The iPad Air is one of many options. We think this model has a good blend of features for the price, and it supports up to 1TB of storage so the recipient can download plenty of games and take tons of photos. We also appreciate Apple’s accessibility features, like screen zoom, automatic captions, and gesture control. That said, some people may prefer an Android tablet if that’s what they’re already used to with their phone.

Fallen Tree Woodshop Adjustable Tablet Stand

Our take on the Fallen Tree Woodshop Adjustable Tablet Stand

If you’re shopping for someone who already has a tablet, consider a luxury accessory like this adjustable wooden tablet stand. We like that it can double as a small cookbook holder or an art easel. This particular model is handmade in Ohio by artisan Pat Dolan, but there are plenty of similar stands to consider if it doesn’t suit your recipient’s style. We recommend looking for one that’s adjustable for ease of use. Some sellers, including Fallen Tree Woodshop, offer personalization options that could transform the stand into a fun memento or piece of art when it’s not in use.

Aura Digital Photo Frames

Our take on Aura Frames

If you’re buying a retirement gift for someone who loves receiving family updates and photos of the grandkids or reminiscing with snapshots from their own adventures, a digital photo frame keeps that connection on display. They can invite an unlimited number of friends and family to upload photos and short video clips to the frame, which arranges them in a slideshow. We think this is especially nice for people who don’t have social media accounts, but even if they do, a digital frame is a more intimate way to share moments and memories. 

There are many digital photo frames on the market, but we felt drawn to the classic look of Aura Frames, which come in several sizes and styles. You can pre-load photos onto the frame so your recipient has an instant slideshow to enjoy. This brand also offers unlimited storage, which means old photos will never have to be deleted in order to make room for new ones.

Soundpeats RunFree Headphones

Our take on the Soundpeats RunFree Headphones

Even if your gift recipient isn’t a runner, they will likely appreciate the features in these Bluetooth headphones. First of all, they securely attach over the ear and around the head, so they’re unlikely to fall off. They stream Bluetooth 5.3, which means the headphones can be about 787 feet away from the streaming device and the audio will remain crisp and clear. It’s great for listening to music or an audiobook while working in the yard—they can leave their phone or tablet inside where it can connect to Wi-Fi, and the audio will continue uninterrupted. 

Plus, these Soundpeats headphones have a built-in microphone for hands-free calling, so it’s easy to have a long conversation while multitasking or resting. Finally, the audio won’t drown out environmental sounds, so users can hear vehicle traffic while crossing the street or hear the oven timer when it goes off. 

Everand Subscription

Our take on Everand

For people who love a good story, consider giving a subscription to an audiobook and ebook vendor like Everand. Podcasts, magazines, and sheet music are also available through this platform, which suggests additional material based on what you read or listen to. Our Reviews Team thinks Everand has a greater selection than free platforms like Libby or Hoopla, and it’s much easier to use than Audible.

MasterClass Subscription

Our take on MasterClass

Consider giving a MasterClass membership to someone who is ready to explore new things with all the extra time on their hands in retirement. The online learning platform nurtures your inner curiosity and allows you to learn from some of the most renowned names in the field. We like the broad range of courses available, the celebrity instructors, and the affordable annual fee. The retiree in your life can learn about space exploration from Chris Hadfield, get tennis tips from Serena Williams, or take their cooking to the next level with Gordon Ramsey. 

If you’re shopping for someone who already has a dedicated hobby like baking or woodworking, more specialized online courses or a series of in-person workshops could be good alternatives. 

1-800-Baskets Gift Baskets

Our take on 1-800-Baskets.com

1-800-Baskets.com offers a wide range of gift baskets, so you should have no problem finding something that’s right for the occasion. In addition to the typical fruit baskets, nut samplers, popcorn tins, charcuterie boards, and cookie trays, you can buy baskets themed around golf, tea, wine, stationary, and spa essentials. If you’re stumped, try the giant jar of chocolate chip cookies.

Homedics Total Recline Shiatsu Massage Cushion

Our take on Homedics 

Consider the Homedics Total Recline Shiatsu Massage Cushion to help a retired person relax after years of hard work. It rests in any chair or on a flat surface and targets the neck and back while generating heat to help muscles relax even more. Homedics also sells neck massagers, foot massagers, leg massagers, and massage guns, which are more budget-friendly ideas compared to the Total Recline Shiatsu Massage Cushion. 

Harry and David Succulent Arrangements

Our take on Harry and David

Harry and David is a gift basket brand owned by the same company as 1-800-Baskets, so their offerings may look similar. We want to highlight their succulent arrangements as another unique gift for retired people who might be tough to buy for. Succulents last longer than cut flowers and require little maintenance. 

What sets Harry and David succulent deliveries apart from other succulent gifts is the variety of cute planters available. We like the ceramic hedgehog and wooden star, for example. If you prefer to support a small business, consider shopping on Etsy or visit a nearby florist for similar arrangements. Or purchase a planter with a meaningful design and fill it with succulents yourself. 

GiftCards.com Restaurant Gift Cards

Our take on GiftCards.com

GiftCards.com sells gift cards for more than 200 restaurants. Some gift cards can be redeemed at multiple restaurants, so your gift recipient can choose where they’d like to eat. Or consider swinging by a popular local restaurant to get a gift certificate that supports a small business. If possible, try to put enough money on the card for at least two meals for a prepaid social outing or dinner date. 

Here’s another idea: Invite the retiree out to eat a month or two after their retirement. It can be tough to transition from daily interactions with co-workers to a more solitary lifestyle, especially in the early stages of retirement when people may not have developed hobbies or routines yet. Socializing with co-workers over lunch or dinner can be a fantastic way to preserve those social connections. 

Garret Wade Portable Garden Bench and Kneeler

Our take on the Garrett Wade Portable Garden Bench and Kneeler

Many people take up gardening during retirement. It’s a great way to get outside, stretch, and perhaps even work up a sweat while also enjoying some meditation in the sounds of nature. A kneeling pad or bench can keep the lower back and knees more comfortable, allowing the gardener to spend more time outside. We especially like this model from Garrett Wade because it’s a two-in-one design that folds for easy storage. When used as a kneeler, users can push against the sides for extra stability when standing or kneeling.

Farmers Defense Protection Sleeves and Hats

Our take on Farmers Defense

If you’re shopping for someone who likes to garden or plans to spend a lot of time outside, consider giving them some colorful protection sleeves from Farmers Defense. The stretchy lightweight material protects against ultraviolet rays and can prevent skin irritation and scratches. Farmers Defense also sells a variety of hats to keep the sun off their face and neck.

Scientifics Direct Backyard Bird Watching Kit

Our take on the Scientifics Direct Backyard Bird Watching Kit

This bird watching kit from Scientifics Direct includes a lightweight pair of binoculars and an illustrated guide to get anyone started with this versatile hobby. If you want to up the ante a little, consider buying a bird feeder and bird seed to help attract birds to their yard for easy viewing. 

As your gift recipient gets more involved in this hobby, they may decide to travel to nearby parks to look for more elusive birds or join other people on bird-watching hikes. Your gift could be the catalyst that sparks it all, and you can make it even more special by inviting them out on a bird-watching trek to help them get started. 

Uncommon Goods

Our take on Uncommon Goods

If you’re looking for a unique and thoughtful gift, we recommend browsing the Uncommon Goods catalog. Take a look at the Interests tab to find themed gifts for people who like pop culture, reading, science, sports, gardening, crafting, animals, travel, music, games, puzzles, and more. For example, you could get an interchangeable solar system necklace for someone who loves outer space, or perhaps an escape room puzzle for someone who likes brainteasers. Our team also likes the personalized word search blanket, which could include the names of co-workers for a retirement party.

Personalization Mall

Our take on Personalization Mall

Personalization Mall can write a message on virtually anything. A sentimental gift for a retirement party might include an engraved whiskey decanter, paperweight, plaque, or picture frame. You can also get an embroidered blanket, tote bag, or pair of socks. There are tons of options available, so you can pick out something that feels right. 

How to choose a gift for retirement

When choosing a gift for retirement, set an appropriate budget, match the tone of the occasion, and stick to something the recipient will likely use or appreciate.

Pricing 

Set a realistic budget when choosing a retirement gift. For many, spending $30–$50 on a retirement gift is more than enough. If the person retiring is more of an acquaintance or co-worker, a smaller budget is OK. If you’re buying a gift on behalf of the whole family, entire company, or you’re in an upper-management position, consider increasing the budget. If searching for a gift for a close friend or family member, try to find ways to personalize your gift or find something that reflects them well, regardless of the budget. 

If you want to buy a more expensive gift, consider pooling money with other family members or co-workers. 

Usability 

Try to purchase a gift the recipient will use or enjoy. For example, if someone doesn’t drink alcohol, they probably don’t want a whiskey decanter. 

Some of the gifts on our list are admittedly risky from a usefulness standpoint. You can’t guarantee someone will enjoy a MasterClass subscription, for example. If this concerns you, consider pitching the idea to the recipient before you actually buy the gift. If they don’t like the idea of a subscription or membership, try a back-up gift or a Visa gift card for the equivalent cost. 

Tone

Match the tone of your gift to the recipient, the occasion, and the company. A gag gift could be a lot of fun in some cases, but it could be inappropriate if you’re the only one who thinks it’s funny. Likewise, stay away from gifts that could make someone feel like they’re no longer valued or important. Retirement is a time of opportunity, but some people do feel a deep sense of loss during this transition. Sensitivity is a good rule of thumb.

Also, if you’re buying a retirement gift on behalf of the company, make sure the gift doesn’t seem too inexpensive compared to what the company makes, does, or represents. People may feel unappreciated if the gift is something like a branded T-shirt any employee could get. A personalized, engraved plaque would be a more appropriate honor.

Bottom line

The best retirement gift will have a special meaning behind it. For example, if the gift acknowledges their hobbies and interests, it shows you took the time to get to know your co-worker. We also like gifts that foster a social connection long after the retirement party or encourage the recipient to stay active and try new things. Plus, there’s nothing wrong with a gift card or gift basket—especially if you’re trying to stick to a budget while still conveying your thanks and appreciation. 

Finally, sometimes the best retirement gift is given months after the party via a phone call, text, or dinner invitation. If you’ll miss seeing your co-worker every day, the feeling’s probably mutual. If your family member suddenly has more time on their hands, let them know you’re thinking of them in this new season of life. Plan time to reach out and catch up.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I spend on a gift for retirement?

Spending about $50 on a retirement gift is plenty for most people, but consider increasing your budget if you know the person really well, you work in an upper-management position, or you’re buying the gift on behalf of the entire company or family. Pool resources with other co-workers, friends, or family members to buy larger gifts.

Am I supposed to bring a gift to a retirement party?

It’s a good idea to bring a gift to a retirement party, but it’s not the end of the world if you show up empty-handed. Most people will be delighted you showed up to celebrate regardless. In a pinch, consider making food like a pan of brownies or an appetizer, buying a bottle of wine, or bringing a gift card.

What is a thoughtful gift for retirement?

Thoughtful retirement gifts often relate to the person’s interests, which helps show you know them on a personal level and paid attention when they shared stories about their life. Other thoughtful gifts may include personalized or sentimental messages, such as an engraved paperweight or encouraging handwritten letter.

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.