Retirement Gifts
In this glossary, we will share the best retirement gifts to offer your loved ones.
What is a good retirement gift?
A good retirement gift is meaningful, practical, and reflective of the retiree’s personality, career, or future plans. It should strike a balance between appreciation and personalization, showing that their time and contributions have been valued.
Good retirement gifts often celebrate both achievements and what lies ahead—whether that’s travel, hobbies, or family time.
Common options include personalized mementos, experience-based gifts, travel accessories, or even hobby-related items. The best gifts show thought and care—not just a price tag.
What are good retirement gift ideas?
There’s no one-size-fits-all retirement gift, but some thoughtful ideas work across many industries and roles. Here are a few popular picks:
- Personalized plaques, frames, or nameplates
- Gift cards to favorite restaurants or stores
- Travel vouchers or luggage sets
- Experience gifts like wine tasting or spa days
- Hobby-related kits (gardening, painting, reading, etc.)
- Subscription services (books, streaming, food boxes)
- A heartfelt handwritten letter or scrapbook
What's a good retirement gift for a coworker?
Coworkers often appreciate gifts that carry a personal touch while still feeling professional. Think of what the person enjoys or their retirement plans—something simple yet meaningful works best.
- A signed group card with personal messages
- A framed photo of the team or workplace moments
- A customized mug, pen, or notebook
- A plant for their home or new workspace
- A group gift such as a smartwatch or Kindle
Why are retirement gifts important?
Retirement gifts aren’t just tokens—they reflect years of service and contribution.
They help mark the transition while reinforcing company culture and camaraderie.
- Show gratitude for years of dedication
- Strengthen morale and team spirit
- Leave a lasting positive memory of the workplace
- Encourage a culture of appreciation
- Allow coworkers to express personal goodbyes
What is an appropriate gift for a retirement party?
Gifts at a retirement party should honor the retiree’s journey while being appropriate for a group setting.
Avoid anything too expensive, controversial, or overly personal.
- Personalized keepsakes (trophies, clocks, or pens)
- Gift baskets with snacks, coffee, or wine
- A memory jar filled with notes from coworkers
- Group video messages or photo collages
- A farewell book with messages and photos
What are the different types of retirement gifts?
Retirement gifts can be practical, emotional, or fun—depending on the recipient’s personality and workplace traditions.
- Personalized gifts (engraved clocks, framed messages)
- Experience gifts (tickets, tours, or classes)
- Hobby-related items (tools, supplies, or gear)
- Group contributions (large electronics, vacation packages)
- Sentimental gifts (scrapbooks, letters, videos)
Are retirement gifts taxable to employee?
Retirement gifts may be taxable depending on their nature and value. Generally, small items of nominal value are not taxed, but expensive gifts may be considered compensation.
- Cash or gift cards are almost always taxable
- Tangible items under a certain value may be tax-free
- IRS considers “de minimis” gifts as nontaxable
- Employers should consult payroll or tax advisors for large gifts
- Tax laws can vary by country, so HR should verify local rules
Do you give a gift at a retirement party?
Yes, giving a gift at a retirement party is customary and considered thoughtful. It doesn’t have to be expensive—what matters most is appreciation.
- Gifts can be individual or from a group
- Cards with heartfelt notes are always welcome
- Office culture may dictate formality or casualness
- A shared gift from the team is a good option
- Include something personal or funny to reflect memories
Employee pulse surveys:
These are short surveys that can be sent frequently to check what your employees think about an issue quickly. The survey comprises fewer questions (not more than 10) to get the information quickly. These can be administered at regular intervals (monthly/weekly/quarterly).
One-on-one meetings:
Having periodic, hour-long meetings for an informal chat with every team member is an excellent way to get a true sense of what’s happening with them. Since it is a safe and private conversation, it helps you get better details about an issue.
eNPS:
eNPS (employee Net Promoter score) is one of the simplest yet effective ways to assess your employee's opinion of your company. It includes one intriguing question that gauges loyalty. An example of eNPS questions include: How likely are you to recommend our company to others? Employees respond to the eNPS survey on a scale of 1-10, where 10 denotes they are ‘highly likely’ to recommend the company and 1 signifies they are ‘highly unlikely’ to recommend it.
Based on the responses, employees can be placed in three different categories:
- Promoters
Employees who have responded positively or agreed. - Detractors
Employees who have reacted negatively or disagreed. - Passives
Employees who have stayed neutral with their responses.
How much to contribute to coworker retirement gift?
There’s no fixed amount, but the contribution should feel comfortable for everyone. It’s more about showing appreciation than the amount itself.
- $10–$25 is common for group collections
- Up to $50 may be fine for closer relationships
- Consider office norms and your role or seniority
- HR may set suggested ranges for fairness
- Always make contributions voluntary, not obligatory
How to ask coworkers for money for a retirement gift?
Asking for contributions should be handled respectfully and transparently. Keep it optional and make it easy to contribute.
- Use a shared platform or envelope with clear instructions
- Explain who the gift is for and your idea for it
- Suggest a comfortable range (e.g., $10–$20)
- Mention a deadline for collecting funds
- Offer updates on how the gift is shaping up
- Thank everyone, regardless of whether they give or not
How do you plan a retirement gift program as HR?
HR can set the tone for a thoughtful farewell experience. A structured retirement gift program ensures consistency and fairness.
- Set budget guidelines for individual and group gifts
- Offer a list of pre-approved gift vendors or ideas
- Include optional team contributions in the process
- Encourage managers to personalize gifts when possible
- Document gift policies to stay within tax and HR compliance
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