Employees dedicate decades of their lives to a company, contributing to critical successes and milestones. When their careers are near the end, they deserve a proper send-off and an excellent gift. What presents are best for a longtime worker?
Here are some classic retirement gifts and the best ways to make people feel appreciated.
1. Customized Gift Basket
One way to make a retired employee happy is to consider their favorite foods. Do they like sweets or international snacks? The company should compile them in a gift basket. These collections could include an aged bottle of wine, delicious cheese and savory crackers. If the retiree drinks coffee, their colleagues could get a sampler basket of international beans.
While food is a popular addition to gift baskets, other items can be included in the presentation. The collection should follow a specific theme, such as candles and bathtub necessities. A coffee-themed gift basket should consist of commemorative mugs, a thermos, cookies and other desserts. Regardless, the gift should be thoughtful to the retiree. A Gallup survey found employees valued meaningful recognition, even if the gesture was small.
2. High-End Suitcase
Retirement means more time to travel and see the world. The sky’s the limit for adventures, whether at a national park or a sandy beach. However, before they embark on their journey, they need the proper preparation. Companies should gift future retirees a high-end suitcase to ensure they travel in style. This present can be personalized with the employee’s favorite color or monogram.
Quality suitcases boast durable construction from high-end fabrics, such as leather or ballistic nylon. These sleek bags last well in the airplane and baggage claim if they have aluminum and polycarbonate shells. Besides suitcases, employers could also consider duffle bags or backpacks, depending on what the retiree wants. If they enjoy hiking, they may enjoy a high-end backpack for the trails.
3. Long-Awaited Experiences
Some employees talk about specific vacations but need more time to go on them. If the worker discusses a trip to Hawaii or France, retirement is an excellent time to help them on their way. The company could send them on this long-awaited experience with an all-inclusive vacation. They’ll enjoy the sights and sounds while embracing the new culture. Experts say vacations boost creativity and cognitive function, making trips excellent gifts.
While beaches and villas are great, the employee might appreciate another experience. They may wish to attend a professional sports game or see their favorite artist in concert. These events may only last a day, but the memories last a lifetime. Wherever the retiree travels, the company could send them in a private jet, which would increase convenience. These aircraft have less cabin pressure and customized service, making the flight more relaxed for the retiree.
4. Digital Camera
Outdoor adventures could take retirees to scenic places and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. How can they preserve the memories? A quality camera captures images and ensures high definition with each flash. The employee can take their camera to the forests for bird-watching or the ocean for whale-watching. With this media tool, they can get closer to nature and document their retirement travels.
Another reason retirees should get a digital camera is to start a new hobby. If they’ve never had a professional device, they could learn the ins and outs of this craft or take a class. Learning to take great pictures means retirees can enhance their photography skills at graduations, weddings and other important life events. Some employees may prefer nostalgic gifts, making Polaroids and similar devices excellent sentiments.
5. Jigsaw Puzzles
When retirees are at home, they want fun stuff to do outside their housekeeping. Puzzles are fantastic for older adults because they stimulate the mind and provide fun activities. A 2021 Activities, Adaptation and Aging study found puzzles elicit emotional and social benefits while solving cognitive challenges. Retirees who love puzzles may enjoy scenic ones depicting their favorite places, such as the Eiffel Tower or the New York skyline.
Jigsaw puzzles are excellent for stimulation, though they aren’t the only ones the retiree may appreciate. If the employee enjoys brain games, the company could send them a compilation of crossword puzzles or cryptograms. These activities could be another idea for a gift basket, so the organizers should get creative with the compilation. The basket could include customized pens, snacks and other essentials.
6. Luxury Watch
A complete career of service deserves something special and beyond compare. If the retiree enjoys the finer things in life, luxury gifts could be their best choice. One of the best options to send them into retirement is a quality watch. These timepieces are exceptional because of their value and precious metals. Receiving a luxury watch can tell the employee how much the company admires them, and you have a fair number of options.
Watches also provide opportunities for tailoring gifts. If the employee is a movie buff, their watch should reflect famous timepieces from the silver screen. For instance, the gift could be a replica of Elvis Presley’s watch in “Blue Hawaii.” This Hamilton gadget was one of the first electronic watches and boasted a unique design. Other solid options include Steve McQueen’s watch from “Le Mans” or James Bond’s in “GoldenEye.”
7. Sports Gear
Retirement doesn’t have to mean wearing slippers and robes all day. Many retirees are active because it helps their physical health and gives them something fun to do. Golf gear is a classic retirement gift if they enjoy the sport. When they don’t have to clock in or out, retirees have more time to walk the 18 holes. Personalized clubs, golf balls and a bag are a meaningful way to say goodbye to an employee.
A pickleball starter kit is another excellent sports gear choice for retirees. This sport has become popular for older adults because it’s easy to learn and provides a low-impact workout. A 2023 Cureus study found pickleball combated obesity and sarcopenia in seniors, making it an excellent therapeutic option. The pickleball set should include customized paddles, balls and other essential gear to start their next hobby.
Sending Retirees Into the Sunset
Retirement is bittersweet because employees start a new chapter in their lives. After years of dedication, it’s time to move on to traveling and spending time with family and friends.
When an employee’s retirement approaches, it’s customary to give them an extraordinary gift. Organizers should arrange a proper send-off by finding things they are most passionate about. Regardless of the present, it should be tailored to them and extra meaningful. After all, making people feel appreciated is critical to a company’s success.