Retirement Gifts Ideas to Celebrate a Lifetime of Work
Deciding to retire after decades of hard work is a huge milestone that is more than worth celebrating. If there is someone in your life who is about to enter the golden years, you’re probably starting to think about how you can wish them well. Whether they’re a loved one, your boss, or a fellow colleague, we’re here to help you find the perfect retirement gift. From retirement gifts for men and women to funny retirement gifts that bring a smile, we’ve pulled together a list of great retirement gift ideas to suit every personality and budget. Whether you're after something classic, heartfelt, or a little unexpected, keep reading for our full roundup of good retirement gifts that make saying goodbye extra special.
Retirement Gift Ideas
Thoughtful retirement gifts to enjoy at home
Now that they’re leaving the workforce, they might be spending more time around the house. If you’re looking for retirement gift ideas for the home or garden, these trusted homewares brands are a great place to start.
Myer eGift Card
Myer is a one-stop-shop for all things interior decor- perfect if you're looking for thoughtful retirement gifts for the home. Think elegant champagne glasses for dinner parties or a luxurious blanket for lazy afternoons on the couch..
Freedom eGift Card
Freshening up your living space can help you truly embrace a fresh start. A new colour scheme or updated piece of furniture can make your home feel brand new. If you're after a practical retirement gift idea for the home, a Freedom Gift Card is a great choice—they can browse a wide range of homewares including rugs, couches, armchairs and more.
Bunnings Warehouse eGift Card
Retirement is a great time to find a new hobby or get back to a long-forgotten DIY project. If they have a green thumb or a penchant for building things, a Bunnings Gift Card can help them get the job done. They can explore hundreds of home improvement products, outdoor supplies and, of course, the sausage sizzle stand.
Retirement gifts for travel lovers
With retirement often comes travel. If your giftee is about to say bon voyage for a while, these travel-inspired retirement gift ideas are both thoughtful and practical.
Accor Hotels eGift Card
Even if they don’t have travel plans on the card, you could treat them to a staycation with an Accor Hotels Gift Card. This trusted brand offers great deals on hotels, resorts and apartments across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. That means they can enjoy fluffy robes, great views and room service without even leaving their city.
Flight Centre eGift Card
If you know they have itchy feet but haven’t yet booked their travel, why not help contribute to the cost? A Flight Centre Gift Card is a generous retirement gift that can get them where they want to go. You can help them find the best prices for flights, hotels, tours and cruises. Then, wait for your postcard in the mail!
Retirement gifts for adventurous spirits
A new chapter means new opportunities to explore, unwind, and enjoy life—these retirement gift ideas are made for their journey ahead.
Anaconda eGift Card
Have they always wanted to walk the Inca Trail or climb Mt. Mount Kosciuszko? There’s no time like the present! Support adventures in the great outdoors with an Anaconda Gift Card as a retirement present. From water bottles to tents, there is a wide range of outdoor accessories to explore.
BCF eGift Card
What’s more relaxing than enjoying the sounds of nature as you wait to bring home a fish for dinner? If they’ve traded a work laptop for a fishing rod, a BCF Gift Card could help support their hobby. BCF is Australia’s leading boating, camping and fishing store. Whether it’s a pair of water shoes, an esky or a swanky new fishing rod, they can find it at BCF.
ClassBento eGift Card
With a ClassBento Gift Card it’s easy to try an activity that is completely different from the normal 9-5. Retirement is a great time to get your hands dirty and learn a new skill. Whether it’s pottery, art, jewellery or latte art, there is a class for everyone- making this a great retirement gift.
Popular retirement gifts for men
A watch is a traditional retirement gift that he can keep for many years. You could help him upgrade his current timepiece or add to his collection with a gift card from Watch Direct. If he loves going to the movies, a gift card for Event Cinemas could help him see the latest releases. Or, if you’re more likely to see him on the green, a gift card for Drummond Golf can provide all the gear needed to hit a hole-in-one. A set of golf clubs is a popular retirement gift that encourages relaxation and fun during this next chapter of life.
Popular Retirement Gifts for Women
If she’s a fashion lover, the Prezzee Smart eGift Card can open up a world of shopping opportunities. You could help celebrate her lifetime of work with a timeless piece of jewellery or a new designer handbag. Or, if she’s a real thrill-seeker, she might appreciate a little less traditional retirement gift. You could surprise her with a RedBalloon Gift Card. There are plenty of hair-raising experiences to choose from. It’s never too late in life to learn how to fly a helicopter or drive a race-car!
What to consider when choosing a retirement gift?
When it comes to celebrating someone who is about to retire, consider how they like spending their weekends. Chances are, they’ll be doing a lot more of what they love, so think about a gift that supports their hobbies. When in doubt, a beautiful meal at a fine-dining restaurant is a festive way to celebrate the occasion. You could also give them the gift of choice with a Prezzee Smart eGift Card. This gift card gives them the option to choose from hundreds of participating retailer gift cards to find exactly what they want.
Celebrating the next chapter
No matter what you choose, the best retirement gifts are the ones that come from the heart. Whether it’s something big, small, practical or just plain fun—it really is the gesture that counts. After all, retirement is more than the end of a job—it’s the start of something new. And your gift? It’s a little reminder that they’re celebrated, appreciated, and cheered on as they begin their next chapter.
FAQs about retirement gifts
What is a good retirement gift?
A good gift for retirement is one that facilitates adventure and travel in this next chapter of life. A gift card that allows them to do or see something new will be much appreciated.
How much money should you give for a retirement gift?
How much money you spend on a retirement gift depends on your relationship to the recipient and how many people are contributing to the gift. If multiple people are chipping in for retirement gifts for coworkers, your individual amounts will be smaller.
When should retirement gifts be given?
A popular time to present a retiree with their gift is on their final day of work. Whether you are a colleague of theirs or a loved one, timing your gift with their exit from the workforce makes it an even more special day.
What is a good retirement gift for a man?
A good retirement gift for a man can be something practical, sentimental, or hobby-related. Think personalised barware, a luxury watch, golf gear, a travel voucher, or a digital gift card for his favourite store. If he’s got big post-retirement plans, choose something that helps him enjoy them to the fullest.
What to put in a retirement gift basket?
A retirement gift basket can be as tailored or as general as you like. Popular items include gourmet snacks, wine or craft beer, books, hobby-related goodies, and a handwritten card. You can also include a digital gift card to let them pick out something personal once they’ve settled into retirement.
Do you bring a gift to a retirement party?
It’s not required, but bringing a gift to a retirement party is a thoughtful gesture. It can be something small like a card, a gift card, or a keepsake that reflects the retiree’s personality or career. It’s a nice way to show your appreciation and wish them well.
Do you get your parents a retirement gift?
Yes—getting your parents a retirement gift is a lovely way to celebrate their career and mark a major life milestone. It could be a sentimental item, a gift tied to their hobbies, or even an experience they’ve always wanted. A heartfelt card or personal note adds a meaningful touch too.
