While some people are so passionate about their work that they say they'll never retire, this milestone is a time that most plan for, worry about, and—of course—look forward to. They brainstorm new ways to spend their time and money, like traveling around the world, gardening, immersing themselves in a new hobby, or volunteering for a cause that captures their heart. But when a woman in your life—such as your coworker, family member, or friend—makes it to retirement, you'll naturally wonder how to commemorate this special moment in the form of a gift.
Picking one from an endless amount of choices can feel daunting, but we're here to help. You'll also want to consider a few things before zeroing in on one present in the pack, like how well you know the recipient and the nature of your relationship. For a coworker, you'll want to go for an item like a bright bouquet of flowers, or a personalized retirement wind chime that she'll marvel at during quiet moments at home. Send your adventurous mom or best girlfriend on new adventures with a gift that matches her energy level, like a carry-on suitcase from Away. Seeking a unique luxury item that an outdoorsy woman will eagerly look forward to using in retirement? An electric commuter bike will send her on her merry way in style.
If you're ready to shower her with appreciation for her dedication to her career and the positive impact she's had on others, take a look at 32 best retirement gifts for women below. With a variety of gifts—including picks from Oprah's Favorite Things 2022 List—you won't be disappointed!
Looking for an inexpensive and appropriate retirement gift for an avid reader? This cute engraved bookmark with a chain will remind her to cherish this wonderful time in her life.
Nothing says elegance quite like pearl earrings, and this pair is a modern updated spin on the timeless classic, featured in Oprah's Favorite Things 2022. She can celebrate her retirement in high style.
Help her make the most out of retirement with this compact, 48-page bucket list passport journal. With checklists, activities, and more, there's tons of plenty of space to record exciting memories along the way.
This white ceramic ring dish is a special way to honor the positive influence she's had on others during her career. It's sure to become a beloved keepsake in her home.
Who says getting retired is a serious affair? Opt for a funny retirement gift for your coworker, wife, or friend, and leave the serious and tearful speeches to someone else. Top the glass off with a bottle of her favorite wine to toast in style.
Give a beautiful and personalized gift with this wind chime and add an engraved retirement message she'll love. The gentle sound will create an oasis in her garden or on her patio.
“We all have a friend who carries a sizable amount of stuff around on a daily basis," Oprah said when selecting this item for her Favorite Things List in 2022. "(I’m talking to you, Gayle!) Not too big or too small, this vegan suede tote is just the right size for your on-the-go loved one in need of a stylish solution.”
You can never go wrong with flowers. A classic and always appropriate retirement gift for your coworker, this luxurious bouquet is full of intricate texture and will make her feel your appreciation for her hard work.
Give her the gift of me-time and relaxation with this nourishing bath collection. With the calming qualities of lavender or the refreshing scent of citrus, this set includes body oil, soap, lip balm, and shower steamer to turn her bathroom into a stay-at-home-spa. Bet she'll forget about the office stress in no time.
This elegant chilled bottle holder and stylish pair of stemless wine glasses are perfect for her picnics in the park and a unique gift for your champagne-loving girlfriend. If coffee is more her style, the stainless steel and vacuum-insulated glasses will keep the drink hot.
12
Best Journal
Oprah's "The Life You Want" Love and Happiness Journal
12
Best Journal
Oprah's "The Life You Want" Love and Happiness Journal
Let Oprah guide her with the Love and Happiness Journal. It help her find more fulfillment in all her relationships and bring more love into her new life. Following Oprah’s "The Life You Want" Planner, this beautiful guided journal uses writing prompts, activities, and inspiring quotes to help the user create and realize their ultimate vision for the love they deserve.
“I am a firm believer in the power of nature,” Oprah said when selecting this for her Favorite Things List in 2022. “So one of my go-to gifts is an olive tree—which just so happens to be a universal symbol of friendship. PlantOGram will ship an olive tree that can be placed inside or outside to anyone you want. They’re about two to three feet tall and come wrapped in a rustic burlap sack. I have one growing by my tub!”
Now that she is retired, she certainly can put her focus on living her best life. And what better way to energize her to do just that then with a fresh cup of coffee of invigorating herbal tea in this mug? This mug also keeps cool drinks cool, too—it's the perfect option for sangrias by the pool.
In case you didn't know it, bird-watching is the hot hobby right now. With these binoculars collecting over 19,000 reviews on Amazon, you can give her the thoughtful gift of spending time in nature and connecting to the wildlife around her. Even better: It's a fun activity to do with her grandkids.
Retirement is the ideal time to kick back, relax, and enjoy some fine wine. Wine tastes even better served in a VoChill glass. It keeps wine perfectly chilled in its own wine glass, complete with holder. The ideal gift for her that her partner or best friend can also enjoy.
Ditch the generic card and give your coworker something more unexpected with this personalized doodle. Everyone can share fun stories and well-wishes for her last day at the office.
She'll look forward to taking this collapsible portable picnic table with her on her next outdoor outing. With room for two wine glasses and an entire wine bottle, it's perfect for relaxing weekend trips with her partner. The monogram option also adds a personal touch.
Maybe she's been talking about starting yoga but just never had the time. So help her fulfill her post-work-life ambitions with Lululemon's 5mm yoga mat. With cushioning that provides an extra dose of comfort for hips and knees, this mat will help her be more flexible than she's been in decades.
This gift is for the board-game lover who can finally spend quality time with friends and family. Give her this rotating mahogany-finish Scrabble set made of wood, and make some new memories together.
Martina Potratz is a writer and playwright based in Jackson Heights - the best neighborhood in New York if you ask her. Martina’s writing has been rewarded with several grants and residencies internationally, and her theater work has been produced across New York City. Martina graduated with a BFA from the HKB University of Arts in Switzerland.
Jane Burnett is an Assistant Editor at Oprah Daily, where she writes a variety of lifestyle content for the editorial team. She's a journalist with a pop culture sweet tooth—when she isn't catching up on celebrity news, she's usually listening to a podcast! Jane was previously an on-air reporter in local news, and worked at Thrive Global, Ladders News, and Reuters. She also interned at CNBC through the Emma Bowen Foundation, and is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).