15 of the best retirement gift ideas

Set your colleagues up for the perfect retirement and thank them for all their hard work over the (many) years with the ideal gift.

We’ve pulled together some of our favorite gift ideas for retirement from retailers across the US. With ideas to suit every interest and budget, you’re sure to find something that says good luck and not just goodbye.

1. Golf clubs

Where to find them: Go Play Golf, Academy Sports + Outdoors
Price range: $80 to $1,300

We know, it seems stereotypical, but a set of golf clubs is a great retirement gift as golfing is one of the most popular activities among retirees. So, if they’re into teeing up and putting in a shift on the green, a new set of golf clubs is the perfect way to ensure they start their retirement well.

A basic set of clubs from Academy Sports + Outdoors costs around $80, while a specialist set – like the lightweight Cobra F Max, which is designed to support your swing and deliver maximum speed and drive – is closer to $1,300. If they already have a full set, you could always purchase a single club, which will cost around $30. You could also pay their green fees with a Go Play Golf card.

2. A scented candle

Where to find one: Yankee Candle, Bloomingdales
Price range: $5 to $65

Yankee Candle is one of the most popular scented candle brands in the US with a vast range of scents and candle sizes.

Choose from neutral scents like ‘fresh linen and sea breeze’ to vibrant, sweet flavors like ‘sweet apple’. A small tea light will cost a couple of bucks, while larger jar candles can cost up to $30.

If you want something luxurious, go for a striking faceted candle from Bloomingdales, which will cost around $65.

3. Fishing pole

Where to find one: Academy Sports + Outdoors, L.L Bean
Price range: $90 to $950

If they’re the outdoorsy type, a new fishing rod is a fab idea. It’s also a good way for them to spend all that extra time they’ll have and explore the great outdoors.
A basic rod will usually set you back around $90 to $110 from stores like L.L Bean.

If you’re looking for something more specialized for an expert fisher, you could get a Sage Salt HD rod, specifically designed for fishing on saltwater flats, for $950.

Academy Sports + Outdoors have a wide range of rods covering every level of experience, so you can find the perfect match.

4. A new skill

Where to learn one: Groupon,
Price Range: $10 to $60

Now they have more time to travel, booking them onto a language course could be a great way to help them prepare. Help them learn the native tongue of their next destination so they can have a truly authentic experience.

Or, you could help them bring their favorite cuisine home with a cookery course. With Groupon, deals start at around $10 and increase in price depending on the expertise of the teacher.

5. Sweet treats

Where to find them: Krispy Kreme, Graeter’s
Price range: $5 to $50

Cater to their sweet tooth with some sugary goodies from Krispy Kreme. Single donuts will cost under $5, or you can create a gift set with all their favorite flavors, which will cost up to $30 depending on the gift set and number of donuts you select.

If donuts aren’t their thing, try a gift card for Graeter’s so they can indulge in delicious ice cream.

6. Books

Where to find them: eBay, Barnes & Noble
Price range: $15 to $40

For the avid reader, retirement is a great time to get through that seemingly endless ‘to read’ pile.

If you’re struggling for great gift ideas for retirement, look no further than the latest list of best sellers or the Barnes & Noble Monthly or Book Club picks.

Classic novels like Wuthering Heights of Jayne Eyre will start at around $6, while popular recent releases like the famous thriller Gone Girl, hover around the $15 mark. If you go for something brand new, you’ll look to pay from $20 to $25

7. Yoga mat

Where to find one: Kohl’s, Target
Price range: $10 to $75

Yoga is another of the most popular activities for retirees, whether they take it up after retirement or are a seasoned stretcher.

You can get a basic Yoga Direct mat for around $9. Mid-range brands like Pure Fitness or Adidas cost between $20 and $30 and should be enough to suit a beginner yogi. More advanced mats, which offer more support thanks to thicker material, retail at around $75 with brands like Lifeline Hero.

8. A vacation

Where to buy one: Hotels.com, Airbnb
Price range: $30+

Treat them to a small trip away to celebrate their retirement with their loved ones in style.
You can pick from a range of packages from Hotels.com, like a weekend break in Vermont from $103. Or set them up with a gift card so they can choose their next destination.
If they’re into quirky stays, you can find some unique accommodations on Airbnb for them to try. Set them up in a cozy but spacious lakeside cabin in Texas for a fun-filled trip with the family from $250 per night.

9. Suitcase

Where to find one: JCPenney
Price range: $30 to $450

Of course, they’re bound to need something to store all their belongings in now that they’re free to jet off on vacation whenever they please.

Hardside carry-on suitcases start at less than $30, from brands like Traveler’s Club, or go all out with a full luggage set from JCPenney. The biggest and best sets cost up to $445.

10. Steak dinner

Where to eat one: Outback Steakhouse
Price range: $15+

Whether it’s a farewell feast or a celebratory meal with the family, treating them to a delicious steak dinner is a great way to say goodbye to your favorite teammate.

A delicious T-bone steak at Outback Steakhouse will cost around $30, while a three-course meal could range up to around $80 per head.

11. Oven gloves

Where to find them: Bed Bath & Beyond, Wayfair.com
Price range: $10 to $30

If they’re the person who’s always bringing in home-baked treats and goodies, then a new set of oven gloves could be a great gift idea for their retirement.

A standard pair is as little as $10, while a personalized set is around $25.

12. Gardening gloves

Where to find them: Lowe’s
Price range: $5 to $30

Help the green-thumbed retiree embrace the great outdoors – and that thorny rose bush – with a new pair of gardening gloves.

Basic gloves start at under $5, while heavy-duty pairs – ones that can withstand even the prickliest of plants – will cost around $25.

13. Bouquet of flowers

Where to find them: 1800 Flowers.com
Price range: $30 to $70

A stunning bouquet of seasonal flowers is a traditionally popular way to wish your retiring colleague all the best in their next chapter.

A premade bouquet will usually start at around $30, with the price increasing as you choose rarer blooms such as yellow roses or seasonal sunflowers and more extravagant arrangements.

14. Pamper set

Where to find them: Bed, Bath & Beyond, Bath & Body Works
Price range: $10 to $30

After all their years of hard work, your colleague deserves some time to unwind and relax. Choose from a relaxing shower set or a calming foot care collection if you know they spend a lot of time on their feet.

Sets usually start at around $10, with more luxurious brands and larger sets costing up to $30.

15. Quilting gifts

Where to find them: Joann
Price range: $5 to $25

Quilting is a great way to pass the time, get creative and make something that will remain in the family for generations. It’s perfect for those new grandparents or grandparents-to-be.

Quilting fabrics like cotton and linen typically start at around $5 per yard. Basic materials will be cheaper, while anything with embroidery or appliques will usually cost more – as will more luxurious materials like satin or velvet.

If you want to go all-out, a full quilting kit will cost between $15 and $25.

View our entire range of gift cards and look for more gift inspiration on our blog to find the perfect gift for retirement.