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16 Best Retirement Gifts to Celebrate the Milestone

Welcome them into a life of leisure.

Headshot of Brigitt EarleyBy Brigitt Earley
best retirement gift

A departure from the workforce is undoubtedly cause for celebration. After years and years of hard work, there's nothing the retiree deserves more than a little recognition. But what kind of gift even comes close to being worthy of such a milestone?

At this point in their life, their kids are probably out of the house, their house may even be paid off, and they've got nothing but time to enjoy the golden years. So whether you're shopping for something luxurious for your mom or dad, or something thoughtful for a coworker you could always rely on or a beloved teacher that helped your kids through some of the hardest times, our best advice is to think about what makes them happy. Do they love to read, garden, or travel the globe? Once you hone in on their interests, go from there, considering gifts that play into an existing hobby or might even foster a new one.

To help start your search on the right foot, we scoured top retailers for both traditional and unique retirement gifts anyone would love. There are expensive items ripe for couples walking toward this new chapter together (think: a high-end espresso maker), but there are also plenty of more affordable options (like a MasterClass subscription for your boss) and even a few gag gifts to add some levity to a moment that can be so emotional for some.

1
Best Retirement Gift for Boss

MasterClass Annual Membership

Annual Membership
1
Best Retirement Gift for Boss

MasterClass Annual Membership

$15 at MasterClass
Credit: Masterclass

Your boss has spent the better part of their career mastering their work and then passing that knowledge onto you and your coworkers. A MasterClass membership will give them an opportunity to fill their cup in other ways, learning everything from the art of pasta making to stand-up comedy and beyond—all from the comfort of their home.

2

Ring Gen3

Ring Gen3
2

Ring Gen3

Credit: Oura

Active retirees will appreciate this cool piece of wearable tech. The discreet piece of jewelry is water-resistant and incredibly lightweight but tracks all their activity—even sleep!—and monitors vital statistics like heart rate.

3

JelTraller Personalized Journal

Personalized Journal
3

JelTraller Personalized Journal

Credit: JelTraller

This new chapter is a pensive period fraught with a lot of emotions, and a journal can help the retiree sort through their thoughts, plus lay out their hopes and dreams for the future. This pick, which comes paired with a pen, is available in an array of colors and can be personalized to your liking.

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4

Rockridge Press Keys to a Successful Retirement, by Fritz Gilbert

Keys to a Successful Retirement, by Fritz Gilbert
4

Rockridge Press Keys to a Successful Retirement, by Fritz Gilbert

Credit: Rockridge Press

Once all of the excitement dies down, there's a stark reality to face: Life is a lot different all of a sudden. This book touches on it all—finances, embracing your passions, and dealing with all the feelings (both good and bad) this new phase of life can bring—so they really can live their very best life.

5
Best Retirement Gift for Teachers

Oprah Daily "The Life You Want" Daily Inspiration Cards!

Oprah’s Favorite Things
"The Life You Want" Daily Inspiration Cards!
5
Best Retirement Gift for Teachers

Oprah Daily "The Life You Want" Daily Inspiration Cards!

Credit: Oprah Daily

Teachers dedicate their careers helping other people discover their way in this world, which is why this set of daily inspiration cards is such a great gift for an educator. Each card inside the box features Oprah's favorite quotes, prompts, and breathing exercises to help start their day on the right foot. One of the best parts? Each "task" takes just five minutes or less.

6

Cavertin Do Not Disturb, I'm Retired Socks

Do Not Disturb, I'm Retired Socks
6

Cavertin Do Not Disturb, I'm Retired Socks

Credit: Cavertin

If you're looking for something small and silly for a friend or coworker, these socks will do the trick. Once they slip on this pair and kick their feet up to dive into that new novel, the message will be clear to all potential interrupters: Find someone else to help.

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7
Best Retirement Gift for Coworkers

Pink Picasso DIY Canvas Paint by Numbers for Adults

DIY Canvas Paint by Numbers for Adults
7
Best Retirement Gift for Coworkers

Pink Picasso DIY Canvas Paint by Numbers for Adults

Credit: Pink Picasso

Your coworker may have spent ample time griping about their daily tasks, but chances are they'll eventually start to look around and wonder what to do next. This fun paint-by-numbers kit is easy enough for amateurs but might just introduce them to a new hobby once they discover the joys of painting.

8

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Kindle Paperwhite
8

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Credit: Amazon

With a lot more time to page through all the latest and greatest novels, an e-reader is a gift that's sure to get plenty of mileage. And it's a score for just about anyone—a teacher with a passion for learning, a traveler who wants something for the beach, or a bookish dad.

9
Best Retirement Gift for Dad

Mark & Graham Personalized Golf Ball Gift Set

Personalized Golf Ball Gift Set
9
Best Retirement Gift for Dad

Mark & Graham Personalized Golf Ball Gift Set

Credit: Mark & Graham

Chances are he's going to be spending some time on the links, so why not get Dad a personalized set of 12 balls, complete with 12 tees and 12 pencils—all nestled into a personalized wooden box?

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10

Anthropologie Scrabble Game

Scrabble Game
10

Anthropologie Scrabble Game

Now 30% Off
Credit: Anthropologie

A traditional board game gets a facelift that's classy enough to earn it a permanent spot on their coffee table. Good thing—they're about to have plenty of time on their hands for marathon games.

11

AURA Carver HD WiFi Digital Picture Frame

Carver HD WiFi Digital Picture Frame
11

AURA Carver HD WiFi Digital Picture Frame

Credit: AURA

After such a long career, there's a lot to reflect on. A WiFi-enabled picture frame preloaded with snapshots through the years is a thoughtful way to memorialize a job well done. Not to mention, they'll enjoy uploading their favorite pictures from their newfound leisure time, too.

12
Best Retirement Gift for Female Friend

Oprah Daily Live Your Best Life Bamboo Pajamas

Oprah’s Favorite Things
Live Your Best Life Bamboo Pajamas
12
Best Retirement Gift for Female Friend

Oprah Daily Live Your Best Life Bamboo Pajamas

Credit: Oprah Daily Shop

Mornings are about to become a lot slower, and your loved one will undoubtedly appreciate a super-soft pair of pajamas to help them make the most of that idle time. The long-sleeved set is made by Cozy Earth—the brand Oprah dubbed the “softest ever”—and are designed to be exceptionally breathable, complete with temperature-regulating properties. But perhaps the best part is the sage advice embroidered on the cuff that she'll spot when sipping her coffee or tea: "Live Your Best Life Every Day."

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13
Best Retirement Gift for Mom

PlantOGram Live Frantoio Olive Plant

Oprah’s Favorite Things
Live Frantoio Olive Plant
13
Best Retirement Gift for Mom

PlantOGram Live Frantoio Olive Plant

Credit: PlantOGram

What's Mom going to do with all of that newfound time? This unique gift will help her find some purpose in those idle days of retirement. The live olive tree comes in a container that's wrapped in pretty burlap and can be placed inside or outside. She'll love learning how to tend to her new plant—plus reap the benefits of homegrown olives in time.

14
Best Retirement Gift for Travelers

Brouk & Co Capri 2 -n-1 Garment and Duffel Bag

Oprah’s Favorite Things
Capri 2 -n-1 Garment and Duffel Bag
14
Best Retirement Gift for Travelers

Brouk & Co Capri 2 -n-1 Garment and Duffel Bag

Credit: Brouk & Co

When you don't have to put in a request for vacation time, it's a lot easier to explore the world around you. Gift your favorite traveler this awesome carryall to make their adventures even simpler. It may look like your average weekender, but it doubles as a garment bag to keep their nicer duds polished. It even has a spot for a pair of shoes.

15
Best Retirement Gift for Couples

Nespresso Gran Lattissima Espresso Machine

Gran Lattissima Espresso Machine
15
Best Retirement Gift for Couples

Nespresso Gran Lattissima Espresso Machine

Credit: Nespresso

Without the office coffee maker to rely on for their daily cuppa, the new retiree will appreciate a classy appliance that churns out the highest-quality espresso. Plus, it's a fun way for beginners to master the art of crafting the perfect coffee beverage.

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16
Best Gag Retirement Gift

Corporate Nonsense Generator

Corporate Nonsense Generator
16
Best Gag Retirement Gift

Corporate Nonsense Generator

Credit: Uncommon Goods

Believe it or not, give it a few weeks, and your favorite retiree might start to miss the office. This funny gag gift—a fidget toy that churns out impossibly ridiculous office jargon they're likely pretty familiar with—is the perfect reminder of why they've decided to make a graceful exit.

Headshot of Brigitt Earley
Brigitt Earley
Contributing Writer

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

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