Retirement gift ideas for your male co-worker

Key points:

• Think carefully about his interests — is he a drinker or non-drinker, a fisherman, sports fanatic or hobbyist?
• Think about what is considered an appropriate gift — where he would likely to unbox your present and if that could potentially impact your future at the workplace
• People may come back following retirement in some form or another to either assist with recruitment or work on a contract/part-time basis

This edition of Your Retirement living covers the past, your present and the future of your co-worker in retirement. Specifically, what to get someone you have worked with when they finally hang up their hat and close the curtains on a career at your company.

Naturally, depending on the nature of the workplace, including its culture and company policies, it can be difficult to discern what would make someone smile or get a letter from human resources. Ideally, retirement parties or your co-worker’s final day at the company can serve as your chance to say goodbye and acknowledge their efforts with something special.

This guide will cover what kinds of alcohol will leave a lasting impression, what you should pick up for the aspiring globe-trotter and some perfect presents for the homebody who will bask in the serene silence of retirement.

Alcohol

Alcohol is about as simple as it can get to say goodbye, as a symbol of camaraderie and recognition — however, it may not always be an appropriate thing to present to a pleasant peer as a present.

If you’ve noticed that your colleague doesn’t tend to attend work functions that include alcohol or would prefer a glass of cola to a swig of a sauvignon blanc — they may abstain from drinking, thereby rendering your humble offering either unappreciated or insensitive.

However, if your company counterpart tends to satiate their out-of-hours hours with something stiff or celebratory, consider picking up something that will rock his socks off.

If you work with a man who’s down for a drop, consider picking up a single malt scotch from the Islay region of Scotland. As opposed to blended whiskies which can often taste similar, but vary in price, a bottle of single malt scotch stands tall. Single malt scotch from the Islay region of Scotland is renowned for its unmistakable smoky and peaty flavour, with Lagavulin’s counterparts — Talisker 10 and Laphroig 10 — each possessing the alluring palate, too. It tastes like a campfire and smells just as rich, with a taste that’ll put hair on your chest and net you a thank you letter in response.
If you’re looking to celebrate — champagne is always a natural go-to for the gift-giving public and an appropriate way to send someone off. Don’t feel the need to blow your budget, as a bottle of non-vintage French champagne can cost approximately $30 to $50 dollars. You can still let someone in your department get to experience popping the cork and revelling in their newfound freedom without breaking the bank.

Travel

Travelling is top of mind for some retirees and if you’ve caught wind that they’re taking to the skies or if rumours have been floated about an upcoming cruise — incorporate these ideas into your gift-giving plan.

A travel bag, complete with tags to remember you and your co-workers, may cost around $90 to $150 dollars from brick-and-mortar retail stores but can serve as an amazing vessel for the gifts purchased by other staff. Through pooling money together, staff members can fill a travel bag with other essentials for a holiday away, such as headphones, beach towels or travel guides.

If your co-worker is keen on camping or getting outdoors, this can also serve as inspiration for your generous show of appreciation. Fishing rods, hunting knives, tents, tarps and sleeping bags are all potential ways to show your gratitude through gift-giving.

Stay-at-home retirement

Whether your co-worker is introverted or simply looking to spend more time at home, there are a few ways to add to their scenery after you see them off. Decorative knick-knacks, custom-made mugs, pieces of repurposed workplace paraphernalia and framed pictures are all common retirement gifts.

However, if you want to opt for a gift that they can use on a daily basis and remember you by, it may be worthwhile to give them something that they can benefit from but don’t already have. Sunglasses, watches, high-end fountain pens and coffee makers are all incredible ideas to wish your workmate a happy retirement and put the ‘welcome’ in ‘welcome home.’

Did this guide help you to get inspired and give an amazing gift? What would you like to receive as a retirement gift? Let the team at Your Retirement Living know and sign up for the newsletter!