For many, retiring is one of the most significant decisions to make in life.
With more free time to explore new hobbies and cultivate skills, retirees will be thrilled to receive a goodbye present that reflects their new freedom and interests.
Consider giving a send-off gift that leaves a lasting impression while showing appreciation for their hard work.
If you’re racking your brain for retirement gift ideas for a coworker, look no further.
We intend to make the process easy and fun so you don’t spend hours scrolling online to find the perfect item.
What Do You Give a Coworker Who Is Retiring?
Giving a coworker a send-off gift is a great way to demonstrate camaraderie and appreciation while marking a huge milestone.
If you’re unsure of the type of present to give your work associate, consider some of these ideas:
- Hobby supplies: Help your coworker get started with a particular interest with some of their favorite hobby supplies.
- Outdoor enthusiast gifts: Someone who enjoys hiking, biking, water activities, or any outdoor experience will be thrilled to receive a related product.
- Restaurant gift cards: If your coworker loves dining out, offer them a gift card for their favorite restaurant or diner as they adjust to retired life.
- Relaxation gifts: Spa massages, foot baths, or a box of wine are all excellent relaxation gifts that might just be perfect for your retiring friend.
- Books: Now that they have more time to read, your workmate may appreciate a favorite mystery, biography, or new novel.
The critical consideration with giving any gift is knowing the recipient and their interests. Spending time thinking about a meaningful or useful idea shows the retiree that you care.
How Much Should I Spend on a Retirement Gift?
Knowing how much you should spend on a retirement gift for a coworker can help make the shopping process much simpler and less stressful.
When settling on an amount for a coworker, there are several factors to consider.
- Individual vs. Group Gifting: Is everyone in your office gifting your retiring coworker individually or as a group? Deciding on this helps you know if you should split the cost of a more expensive gift or shop for an affordable gift on your own.
- Relationship: How close are you with your retiring coworker? If you are close friends, you may find it reasonable to spend a bit more on their parting gift.
- Employment: How long has your coworker been employed at your place of work? Depending on the years they have been with the company, the expense of the gift(s) may vary.
- Your Budget: You don’t need to break the bank for a gift. Consider what is reasonable and realistic based on your budget. Small gifts can still be thoughtful and meaningful.
19 Retirements Gifts for Coworkers for a Memorable Send-Off
Unsure about where to begin in your gift search? We’ve done the leg work for you to find the best gifts for your coworker entering the golden years of life.
Retirement Gifts for Female Coworkers
Giving a customized wooden flower box gift is perfect for the gardener or flower lover in the office. The craftsperson will engrave a meaningful quote for this personalized flower box, or you can provide a motivational message tailored to your recipient.
Choose from an array of arrangement styles for your box. Arrangement styles available include the engraved box alone or the option to purchase the engraved box and clear or linen jars for floral arrangements (not included).
If your coworker loves nature or is fond of the rustic aesthetic, it’s impossible to go wrong with this lovely and thoughtful choice.
2. Bestie Necklace Gift for a Coworker
If you are close friends with a retiring female coworker and want to show her your love and support, consider this best friend necklace. Necklaces can be worn year-round and are often a token of gratitude, friendship, or love.
This beautiful necklace will remind your coworker that they have a caring and genuine friend in you. The necklace includes the option to select a birthstone gem for your coworker. You can choose between rose gold, white gold, or silver for the disc.
It is also possible to include the birth flower of your coworker on the front of the necklace. Both sides of this necklace can be engraved.
3. Personalized Tote Bag for Women with Monogram Embroidery Initial
Do you have a coworker who is notorious for bringing tote bags, lunch bags, and other storage bags to work? If so, consider this elegant tote that you can customize with monogram embroidery.
The bag features a classic embroidery font for the monogram with a lovely outer circle wreath. This tote is large enough to store craft projects, clothes, books, and meals. Your retiring woman friend can even use it as a carry-on for airplane travel.
Can you ever have enough throw blankets? If winter is approaching and your coworker is getting ready to retire, this cozy blanket is an excellent going-away gift so she can cuddle up with a good book.
Measuring 51″ x 63″ and made of high-quality polyester, microfiber, fleece, and Sherpa material, this fleece blanket is sure to impress any recipient. The blanket comes in various colors: gray, black, brown, coral, dark gray, dark olive, green, khaki, light blue, navy, pink, sage green, teal, and yellow.
Retirement Gifts for Male Coworkers
5. Officially Retired Whiskey Decanter Set
For the male coworker in your office who considers himself a whiskey enthusiast, you can’t go wrong with this whiskey decanter set. The set includes custom engraving along with the phrase “Officially Retired” – which means it’s official! And he can celebrate with a glass of whiskey.
Included with the decanter are two whiskey glasses, but you can also purchase the decanter without the additional glasses if preferred.
6. Top 50 US Golf Courses Bucket List Board
For the golf-loving retiree in your office, check out this Top 50 US Gold Courses Bucket List Board. This bucket list board includes removable wooden tees that he can place on the board whenever he visits a golf course listed on the board.
It’s a must-have gift for anyone who takes golfing and exploring new golf courses seriously. This board is handmade from wood, making it an impressive one-of-a-kind gift for any retiring guy who loves to hit the links.
7. Koolaburra by UGG Men’s Tipton Slipper
For the comfort lover who just can’t wait to relax during retirement, a pair of cozy slippers may be the perfect gift for him. Koolaburra by UGG Men’s Tipton Slippers are made from 100% synthetic suede with the same quality as any UGG product.
These men’s slippers are incredibly soft and cushioned with faux fur and wool interior, making them the perfect pair for the fall and winter seasons.
The slipper currently comes in several colors: black, chestnut, stone gray, chocolate brown, and dune.
8. Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
Do you have a coworker who complains about his coffee getting cold far too soon after beginning to drink it? Maybe the retiree is simply a lover of coffee and has to have a hot cup at his desk all day.
Consider gifting him the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug as a thoughtful retirement gift. The heated mug lasts up to 80 minutes on a full charge, allowing you to keep your cup of coffee hot at all times. You can control it with a smartphone app, making it one of the most tech-smart gift ideas for a retiring coworker on this list.
Funny Retirement Gifts for Coworkers
An inexpensive yet heartfelt way to show a retiring coworker that you care is by giving a customized, funny retirement gift mug.
A custom retirement gift mug can include silly phrases, funny anecdotes, or even a customized message to remind your coworker that they are no longer required to clock in and out each day.
This custom mug includes funny sayings, but you can also choose a retirement date or year to celebrate the timing of your coworker’s retirement.
10. 101 Fun Things to Do in Retirement: An Irreverent, Outrageous & Funny Guide to Life After Work
Retirement isn’t always an easy transition, especially for those who truly love their jobs and are passionate about the work they do. Consider this useful workbook if you want to share a bit of lighthearted humor and some unique retirement ideas with a soon-to-retire coworker.
They will enjoy tips on making the most of having fun and spending time free from stress and constraints. Says one reviewer, “101 Fun Things does a great job of offering a stunningly wide range of things to do. Can’t tell you how many times I actually said—out loud—“I never thought of that!”
11. Funny Warning Sign: Retired Person on Premise
Gag gifts have always been a staple during retirement parties and going away celebrations, especially if you are close to the person who is leaving.
If you have a coworker who appreciates a good gag gift, consider this Funny Warning Sign that reads: “Retired person on the premises. Knows everything and has plenty of time to tell it.”
This sign is the perfect gift for long-time coworkers who have a great sense of humor and love to share their wisdom.
12. Funny Apron, Unisex Kitchen Bib with Adjustable Neck for Cooking/Gardening
If your coworker is a home cook or dabbles in cooking, grilling, or baking as a hobby, a custom or retirement-themed apron is a great going-away gift. This funny apron highlights retirement with a unique and humorous definition of the word. Other phrases and designs are also available.
It’s the ideal gift for the culinary coworker or the one who loves outdoor grilling while wearing an amusing apron. And isn’t that everyone?
Retirement Gift Basket Ideas for Coworkers
13. Happy Retirement Organic Spa Gift Set
Gifting a boxed set of useful items is a great way to say goodbye to a coworker you enjoyed working with each day.
This organic spa gift set not only includes traditional spa items such as balms, sprays, and beach bombs, but it also includes a customized ‘Happy Retirement!’ sentiment inside.
14. Spa Gift for Men
While most gift baskets and spa-themed gift sets are targeted toward women, this Spa Gift for Men is designed with men’s needs and scent preferences in mind.
For those male coworkers who appreciate good skincare and style routines, a spa gift for men is something they may finally have time to use.
Giving the gift of a coffee is the perfect idea for coworkers who are coffee enthusiasts or who just love a good cup of Joe.
This coffee gift box set includes eight assorted bags of coffee beans from around the world and a French press stainless steel and glass coffee maker. This gift is an excellent way for a coffee lover to try unique and unusual coffees they haven’t tried before.
This chocolate gift basket has it all and is perfect for a retiring coworker. If your coworker loves chocolate and indulges in exquisite desserts, this is the gift that keeps on giving.
This chocolate gift basket includes traditional chocolate peanut clusters, butter pecan clusters, peppermint patties, white chocolate butter pecan candies, Belgian pretzels, and so much more.
Once they open the box, they will think of you with every delicious bite!
Homemade Retirement Gifts for Coworkers
17. Handmade Large Burl Jewelry Box
This 11×8″ handmade jewelry box is a perfect going-away and retirement gift for coworkers. Whether they use the box to store jewelry or other personal belongings, a handcrafted box is a unique gift that will leave a lasting impression.
Most handmade boxes online are one-of-a-kind, making them even more memorable for the gift-giver and recipient.
18. Congratulations on Your Retirement Cutting Board
A custom handmade cutting board is a beautiful gift idea for those who enjoy cooking and those who prefer homemade presents. This retirement cutting board can include custom quotes and your co-worker’s name for an extra special touch.
Choose from numerous wooden materials for the board, including maple, cherry, walnut, or bamboo. You also have size options ranging from 8.25″ to 11″.
19. Wooden Handmade Folding Drink Holder Table
Another unique handmade gift idea to consider for your coworker who is retiring is this Beach Table that is personalized and suitable for traveling and holding drinks. If your coworker can’t stop talking about going on vacations, spending time outdoors, or heading to the beach, this is an absolute must-have gift for their retirement.
Final Thoughts
Buying gifts for a coworker’s retirement should be a fun and satisfying experience, not stressful or confusing. When you are familiar with appropriate retirement gifts and know what will please your retiring coworker, you will find a gift they will not soon forget.
