Retirement gift ideas, modern style

"Retirement gift ideas that let you design your own retirement"

With more and more people leaving the workplace, we are always wracking our brains to think of suitable retirement gift ideas. You may even have to tell people what you yourself would like.

Gold watches and silver tea services may not be the ticket
For many boomers, gold watches and silver tea services are symbols of their parents' retirement, where the concept was you were retiring to do nothing for the rest of your life.

Most boomers are planning not so much to retire as to transition to another life stage. It could well involve part-time work, starting a new business or consulting in the area they previously worked full time.

So be careful to check out how people feel if you are thinking of the “gold watch” type of gift. Some people still want them, but others would be happier with an environmentally conscious consumable gift, or something that suggests their interests and activities after they transition from full time work.

Retirement gift ideas and suggestions to fire your imagination
Riffle through the list of suggestions below to get some fresh ideas for retirement gifts. It includes delicious edible gifts, gifts that give a special experience (these are more and more popular,) and those thoughtful gifts that are always in style.

You'll also find gifts that reflect the kind of life boomers plan to live when they retire.

Most of these gifts can be scaled up or down to match your price range, since you can choose pricey or less expensive versions.

An edible gift basket - or a drinkable one - is always a great choice.

Edible gift baskets - and drinkable ones - come in all shapes and sizes.

You can get baskets with mixtures of tasty cheeses, candy, chocolate, liquor, just about anything you want.

You can even order a delicious chocolate gift that is custom made to the shape you want - airplane, business card, model car, you name it.

Check out more details about edible and drinkable gift baskets on this page.

A theme gift basket could fill the bill perfectly.Or get a variety of themed gift baskets. You can purchase a theme gift basket for so many different themes.

Is your gift recipient a camping enthusiast, a grandparent, a golf addict? Identify the passions of your gift recipient and you can find a theme gift basket to match.

Find out more about a theme gift basket tailored to your gift recipient.

Retirement gift ideas for a very special experience

Charter companies understand that many people don't know the details of arranging a charter. They make it easy for you.

Just call for a quote, and tell them what you have in mind. And if you share the cost with a couple of other people, you could give a loved retiree the thrill of a lifetime.

Find out more about chartering an airplane for a special experience here

Premium seats. Have you ever dreamed of sitting in the best seats in the house?

You might be an opera fan, or a theatre fan, or a sports nut. Is your retiree one of the above?

Why not buy tickets to let the person enjoy a private box at a sports game, or premium seats at the theatre or the opera.

What fun to enjoy a night in the best seats in the house!

Weekly or monthly delivery of fresh flowers Arrange for delivery of fresh flowers at regular intervals for a month, three months, six months or longer. Florists will be happy to make this kind of arrangement with you.

For more details about what's available, see my Retirement Flowers page

Are you looking for a gift for someone who has not retired just yet? Maybe they are having a birthday, an anniversary, or you just want to give them a present.

Here are some great suggestions for pre-retirement gifts