12 Thoughtful Retirement Gift Ideas

Retirement is a big deal and should be celebrated. After many years spent working, life now offers some free time to enjoy the pastimes and activities that we are passionate about.

Some try new hobbies and learn new skills during retirement. Others take off to explore the world traveling. While others enjoy spending more time at home with family.

Do you have a coworker, family member, or friend who is retiring? If they’re extra special, you probably want to send them out in style.

Here is a list of thoughtful retirement gift ideas that I have put together.

1,000 Places to See Before You Die (Deluxe Edition): The World as You’ve Never Seen It Before

1,000 Places to See Before You Die (Deluxe Edition): The World as You've Never Seen It Before

There are hundreds of books that serve as guides to various travel destinations, but not one can compare with 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.

Named a best gift book by various respected publications, it is sure to hit the right spot for the traveling retiree. Give them the opportunity to see these 1,000 amazing places the world has to offer. They’ll soon be making their lists of favorite places and booking their tickets to far-away destinations.

A Kindle Reader

A Kindle Reader

Books can get heavy to lug around, but a Kindle reader can store thousands of pages and still weigh as much as a cell phone. Simply put, this device is the perfect gift for the on-the-go retiree. Help your friend enjoy their favorite books while they are out and about.

Online Photography Courses

Online Photography Course

Offer online photography classes to the one who loves to take photos. There’s always something new to learn, and your friend can up their photo skills with a few tips and techniques.

A Funny Retirement Apron

Funny Retirement Apron

I couldn’t pass up on this funny apron. It’s perfect for the goofball retired friend who boasts a great sense of humor.

Monthly Magazine Subscription

Monthly Magazine Subscription

Hand your colleague a monthly subscription to their favorite magazine. Choose from Good Housekeeping, National Geographic, TIME, Martha Stewart Living, and so many more.

Wine Subscription

Wine Subscription

What makes a perfect gift for the wine lover? Well, a wine subscription, of course! Have specially curated wines delivered to your retiring friend’s door. Because they have earned the right to day drink.

101 Fun Things to Do in Retirement

101 Fun Things to Do in Retirement

If your newly retired friend has a wicked sense of humor, get them a quirky book, like 101 Things to Do in Retirement. They will certainly have fun browsing the pages of this guide to life after work.

Experiences in a Box

Experiences in a Box

If your retiring friend doesn’t care about stuff, offer them experiences instead. This unique gift idea comes in a nice box full of opportunities. Your friend will have to choose one activity from the available list and then dive in.

Needless to say, this will leave them with a ton of photos to remind them of this spectacular time in their life.

50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do

50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do

If your friend has always dreamed to traverse the wide expanse of the USA, this beautiful book from National Geographic is sure to make them happy. It contains everything they need to know about the places they want to see in the USA.

Personalized Luggage Tags

Personalized Luggage Tags

Does your newly retired friend like to travel? Get them a personalized luggage tag. Shutterfly will let you add photos, logos, text, and anything else you need to create the perfect luggage tag for your retired friend.

A Picnic Backpack

A Picnic Backpack

Who doesn’t love a picnic? Get your friend or colleague a modern and practical picnic backpack so they can take their lunch to the park or anywhere else they please. No more eating in the company cafeteria!

Bluetooth Speaker-Stand

Bluetooth Speaker-Stand

Does the retiree enjoy watching movies? This speaker/tablet stand is great for watching movies and videos from any location inside and outside of the home.

Do you know anyone who will be retiring soon? What do you think of my list of retirement gift ideas? Which one is your favorite and which one would you like to receive as a retirement gift? What retirement gifts did you receive when you left your full-time job? Were there any that you hated? Tell us about them. Let’s chat about retirement gift ideas.