41 Exciting Retirement Gifts for Coworkers to Say Farewell in 2025
Retirement gifts for coworkers are a fantastic way to show appreciation for a job well done and say congratulations when a team member comes to the end of a successful career. Send them off with something that lets them know they'll be missed and provides them with lasting memories of your team and their work experience.
Whether you're planning a retirement party or searching for a more personal memento for someone close to you as a coworker and friend, it’s common to ask, what is an acceptable retirement gift? Perhaps your question is more specific, and you’d like to know, how much should I spend on a retirement gift for a coworker? We’re here to help answer those questions. Keep reading to discover some fantastic ideas for retirement gifts for coworkers, bosses, employees and friends.
Jump to Section
- Unique Retirement Gifts for Coworkers
- Luxury Retirement Gifts for Coworkers
- Retirement Gifts for Male Coworkers
- Retirement Gifts for Female Coworkers
- Personalized Retirement Gifts for Coworkers
- Retirement Gifts for Coworkers FAQ
Unique Retirement Gifts for Coworkers
1. Art classes
Things that support new hobbies make excellent retirement gifts for coworkers. For some fun ideas for creative hobbyists, check out art classes near you. With support from a skilled artist, your coworker can learn how to paint, sew, blow glass or mold clay. Classes are easy to schedule and appropriate for all skill levels. You could also book an online art class as a unique retirement party idea to keep everyone engaged, learning and having fun.
2. Cooking classes
Thoughtful and functional retirement gifts for coworkers are ones that help them explore the culinary arts and improve their skills in the kitchen. With cooking classes near you or online cooking classes, your coworker can learn a new recipe, develop a taste for international cuisine or unleash the power of professional knife skills. Classes are fun and engaging and led by an experienced chef and easily fit into busy schedules. Consider this option as a unique retirement gift for men who love to grill, enjoy spicy cuisine or want to explore the art of pizza making. A Classpop! Gift Card could also be the perfect experiential choice.
3. Upscale Picnic Set
Gift your coworker the tools to enjoy leisurely time outdoors with a high-end picnic basket. Pack this retirement gift for your coworker with durable plates, stainless steel cutlery, elegant wine glasses and a large, cozy blanket. You can choose an insulated bag or a beautiful wicker basket to pack everything in. Personalize the picnic set with their initials or include a bottle of fine wine for their enjoyment.
4. Tickets to a Play
After ending a successful career, your coworker deserves a night out. Gift it to them by purchasing tickets to a play. You can choose a local theater production, a touring Broadway play or something unique like a ballet or opera production. Or maybe get them an actual Broadway show ticket in the Big Apple, along with a dinner at one of the best restaurants in Times Square. This retirement gift for your coworker will acknowledge their appreciation for the arts and give them time to relax and unwind.
5. Custom Star Map
A custom star map is a sentimental retirement gift for a coworker. This personalized artwork displays the night sky as it appeared on a specific date and location, such as their first day at work or retirement day. Framed and ready for display in their home, a custom star map serves as a timeless keepsake blending art and meaning. It’s a unique way to celebrate their career and journey ahead.
6. Bonsai Tree Kit
Consider a bonsai tree kit for a cost-effective yet unique retirement gift for a coworker. This is a gift that signifies patience, growth and new beginnings. Most kits include a young tree, trimming tools, soil and a simple pot. This is everything your coworker needs to start their new hobby and bonsai journey. Caring for a bonsai encourages mindfulness and creativity, making these ideal retirement gifts for coworkers seeking a fulfilling and peaceful activity.
7. Soundwave Art
For one of the more thoughtful retirement gifts for coworkers who love music, purchase a piece of soundwave art. These beautiful and inspirational pieces take your coworker’s favorite song and turn it into a visual representation of the soundwaves. The song might be significant to them or contain an inspirational message you want to share.
8. Language Learning Membership
Fantastic teacher retirement gifts for coworkers who want to continue learning is to gift them a language learning membership. Cambridge University states this gift can help them to form new connections in the brain and enhance their cognitive health. They can choose their favorite language and take daily tasks to learn a new skill or refine their reading, writing and speaking abilities. Duolingo, Babbel, Busuu and Preply are all fantastic options for anyone who plans to travel.
Luxury Retirement Gifts for Coworkers
9. Wine-Tasting Excursion
Let someone extraordinary spend a day sampling wines and enjoying the peaceful countryside on a wine-tasting excursion. These retirement gifts for coworkers grant them a day of pure luxury as they explore and learn about winemaking. Pairing the excursion with gourmet food options or an overnight stay at a charming vineyard makes the gift even more special. This relaxing retreat offers a touch of elegance and encourages them to embrace leisure and create cherished memories.
10. Travel Voucher
Vouchers for airfare, hotel accommodations or a cruise are luxurious retirement gifts for coworkers that encourage them to escape from it all. There’s no better way to enter retirement than by taking a memorable vacation to a favorite or bucket list location. With this gift, their travel goals are made more accessible and affordable. This is an ideal group gift that everyone can contribute to.
11. Experience Subscription Box
Experience gift boxes like Tinggly and Wonderbox are versatile and exciting retirement gifts for coworkers, allowing them to choose from unique experiences that align with their interests. These curated boxes often include spa days, hot air balloon rides and other adventures, providing something for everyone.
12. Engraved Whiskey Glasses and Decanter
If the gift recipient enjoys taking mixology classes, crafting the best cocktails and drinking fine liquors, engraved whiskey glass and decanter sets make excellent retirement gifts for coworkers. These elegant sets elevate their home bar with a classic design and presentation and include personalized engraving to make it unique.
13. Spa Day
Encourage someone special to relax for a day and pamper themselves by gifting them a spa experience. Whether you choose a massage, pedicure, manicure or day-long experience, the pampering session will help them to unwind, take the day slowly and enjoy a little meditation and healthy indulgence. Pair these retirement gifts for coworkers with an overnight stay at their favorite hotel for a luxurious escape.
14. Staycation Package
Your coworker doesn’t have to leave home to enjoy some relaxation and exploration. To help them experience their city in a new way, gift them a staycation package complete with a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant, passes to a museum or theme park and transportation vouchers to take them from one location to the next. These retirement gifts for coworkers are fun, personal and a great way to help them rediscover the home that they love.
15. High-End Kitchen Tools
Anyone who loves spending time in the kitchen will appreciate high-end pots and pans, a new knife set or a beautiful wood cutting board. There are endless options when considering high-end kitchen tools as retirement gifts for coworkers. This is a gift that everyone can chip in for, or you can all buy individual pieces that go together to support your coworker’s love for the culinary arts.
16. Digital Tablet
Digital tablets like the iPad are great for drawing, monitoring the family budget, planning travel, reading books and communicating with family and friends. This is one of the best retirement gifts for coworkers that they'll use every day and appreciate for years to come.
17. Personalized Celebrity Cameo Video
Purchase a few Cameo appearances from their favorite celebrities as unique and exciting retirement gifts for coworkers. Whether the celebrity wishes them well in retirement, shares a funny message or reads some sweet stories about memories at the office, this is a gift any star-struck fan will cherish and brag about to family and friends.
18. A New Camera
Wherever your coworker's retirement adventures take them, a new camera can help them capture memories and bring beautiful images home. This is one of the top retirement gifts for coworkers that encourages them to travel, explore art and look back on their adventures. Whether you choose a mirrorless, DSLR or snap-and-shoot camera, this is a gift they are sure to appreciate. Pair the camera with photography classes to make these extra-special retirement gifts for coworkers.
Retirement Gifts for Male Coworkers
19. Vintage Albums and Record Player
For retro retirement gifts for coworkers, give him the gift of music in the form of vinyl. Find a selection of records from some of his favorite artists and add a turntable so he can play all the nostalgic hits he loves. Whether you choose jazz, blues or rock 'n roll, this gift will bring back memories and provide him with soothing music to enjoy daily.
20. Blackstone Griddle
Any guy who enjoys grilling will love a premium Blackstone Griddle. This is one of the most luxurious retirement gifts for coworkers. With his new flattop, he can explore cooking up some burgers, steaks, seafood, grilled vegetables and other tasty recipes for his family and friends. This is a fantastic gift to pair with some cooking classes or the best cookbooks.
21. Tickets to a Sports Event
Send him to see his favorite football, baseball or basketball team as one of the most immersive retirement gifts for coworkers that he’s sure to appreciate. This is a fantastic gift for the guy who loves sports and is looking for an opportunity to kick back and enjoy a game with family or friends. Add to the gift by purchasing a gift card that he can use to buy snacks or souvenirs at the stadium.
22. Smart Home Gadgets
Make his life a little easier by purchasing smart home gadgets as functional and practical retirement gifts for coworkers. From camera doorbells to intelligent lights and communication devices or thermostats you can control from your phone, there are plenty of options for home technology that link together and make monitoring and controlling the home more convenient.
23. Tool Set
After retirement, your coworker will have much more time to fix things around the house. Give him the tools to tinker with by purchasing a high-end tool kit. Choose battery-powered tools to give him the power to work through tasks quickly or a more standard set if he prefers the manual approach. Either way, these retirement gifts for coworkers are some he will appreciate and use for years to come.
24. Golf Clubs
Whether he enjoys spending time on the green or is looking for a new hobby to try, a set of golf clubs makes fantastic retirement gifts for coworkers. Pair the clubs with some lessons or tee times to transform this gift into an authentic experience that will give him time to relax and opportunities to meet new friends while staying active.
25. Coffee Subscription
Let him start every day with his favorite cup of java by choosing coffee subscriptions as retirement gifts for coworkers. He’ll receive a fresh bag of coffee every month, delivered right to his front door. This is a fantastic way to remind him to sit back and savor what he enjoys most in the next chapter of his life.
26. Beer Steins
Purchase a set of beer steins for distinctive and thoughtful retirement gifts for coworkers. This is especially ideal for the guy who loves craft beers. The intricate designs of beer steins make them a beautifully decorative accent to any home bar and are functional for enjoying a beverage with family and friends. Opt for a personalized set with engraved initials or a retirement date to add a meaningful touch.
27. Pickleball Set
Everyone’s favorite new hobby might become your coworker's favorite after retirement. Gift them a pickleball set, like one from Selkirk, so they can hit the court, make new friends and enjoy some exercise. Include a couple of sturdy paddles with solid grips, some balls and a handy case for carrying everything. Make these retirement gifts for coworkers by adding their name or initials to the carrying case.
Retirement Gifts for Female Coworkers
28. Hand-Painted Plant Pot
If you are artsy, a hand-painted plant pot with a lovely bloom makes one of the most unique, customized DIY retirement gifts for coworkers. Simply purchase a clay pot and some paints, and add your details. You might include your coworker’s name, a special saying, an image or a decorative element. Add a flower or succulent for your coworker to tend to and help her discover a new love for gardening.
29. Donation to Her Favorite Charity
Meaningful and impactful retirement gifts for coworkers include donating to her favorite local, national or international charity in her name. Finding a charity that matters to her might take some digging, but once you do, simply choose the amount and donate in her honor. You can give her a card with the donation amount or information about the recurring donation.
30. Pet Portrait
What is a good retirement gift for a woman who plans to spend much time with her favorite fluffy friend? How about a pet portrait? Commission an artist to paint or sketch a picture of your coworker’s dog or cat to hang on their wall. This acknowledges their unique bond with their pet and makes for memorable keepsake retirement gifts for coworkers.
31. Handmade Quilt
Choose retirement gifts for coworkers that will keep them cozy and warm. A handmade quilt is a beautiful item to display in her home, and she can use it to snuggle up on chilly evenings in front of the fireplace. You can choose colors or decorative patterns to match her aesthetics or make the quilt out of t-shirts that have significance to her.
32. Luggage Set
Anyone who plans to travel in retirement will appreciate a high-quality luggage set. These retirement gifts for coworkers are available at many different price points, and you can choose to purchase one piece of luggage or the entire set. Either way, it will give her fond memories and a safe place to transport her things whenever she uses the luggage.
33. Spa Pampering Gift Basket
Whether your coworker loves to soak in a warm tub or pamper herself with scented lotions, she will appreciate a spa pampering gift basket. Fill these retirement gifts for coworkers with fragrant DIY bath bombs, soothing shower fizzers, moisturizing lotion, a high-quality soy candle and body soaps or shampoos for the ultimate gift of relaxation. This one is sure to encourage her to take a break.
34. Personalized Soy Candle
Purchase personalized soy candles for warm and thoughtful retirement gifts for coworkers. It’ll bring a touch of relaxation and serenity to the next chapter in her life. Crafted from natural soy wax, these candles are eco-friendly, softly scented and long-lasting, making them a practical yet luxurious choice. The customization options, such as adding their name, retirement date or a meaningful quote, make the gift unique and special.
35. Designer Handbag
Gifting your coworker a handbag by her favorite designer is a fantastic idea if you think she'll want a luxurious, practical and lasting gift. She'll use it every day. Opting for a high-end brand ensures the handbag becomes a timeless accessory they can cherish for years. Whether these retirement gifts for coworkers are large totes, chic crossbodies or classic clutches, they'll reflect sophistication and thoughtfulness.
Personalized Retirement Gifts for Coworkers
36. Personalized Recipe Book
Gather your coworkers together and collect a recipe from each person to create one of the more sentimental retirement gifts for coworkers that they are sure to love. Bind the recipes in a book and include a thoughtful message on the inside, encouraging them to try new foods and explore new flavors in retirement. They’ll use the recipes to feed family and friends and think of you fondly when they do.
37. Memory Book
Many memories are made in a person’s place of employment. Collect them and create a book for your retiring coworker to cherish. Whether the memories are of team retreats, special projects, fun celebrations or after-hours parties, they’ll enjoy looking through them whenever they browse the pages of this special gift and keepsake item.
38. Embossed Leather Journal
Whether your coworkers are traveling or jotting down thoughts and ideas, they'll love a high-quality embossed leather journal. This is one of the most ideal retirement gifts coworkers who are thoughtful with pen and paper and enjoy storing memories as written words. Fill the first page with a caring message or quote to make the gift personalized and sentimental.
39. Engraved Pocket Watch
Retirement is all about having time to do all the things you love. Remind that special coworker of this with an engraved pocket watch. This retirement gift for your friend and coworker has a distinguished look and feel, and it’s an item they can use daily, whether at home or traveling. There are many different designs of watches, so choose one that fits their style and personality.
40. Cooking Apron With Customization
If your coworker loves spending time in the kitchen, a personalized cooking apron makes a thoughtful gift. Whether they’re a culinary enthusiast who frequently gets a little messy or a person who is looking forward to exploring new recipes in retirement, a customized apron adds a special touch to their culinary adventures. You can personalize it with their name, a fun title like “Retiree Extraordinaire” or a funny quote to make this retirement gift uniquely theirs.
41. Handmade Wind Chimes With Engraving
The soft sound of windchimes is soothing, and these personalized retirement gifts for coworkers will provide them with tranquil sounds right outside their back door. Gift them modern windchimes made from high-grade metals or quirky, artistic windchimes from colorful recycled materials. They’ll appreciate the sentimental value of this special gift.
Retirement Gifts for Coworkers FAQ
How Much Should I Give for a Coworker Retirement Gift?
There is no real inappropriate amount to spend on retirement gifts for coworkers. The amount matters less than the thought behind the gift. It typically depends on your relationship with the person and the workplace culture. For someone you are close to, a range of $25 to $100 is thoughtful, with most people gravitating toward the lower end or middle range. If you want to give your coworker a more luxurious retirement present, pool money together for an impressive group gift. This allows everyone to participate without individuals breaking the budget.
How Do You Say Thank You to Coworkers at Retirement?
There are many ways to thank a coworker upon their retirement. Purchase a decorated cake, send a thoughtful card around the office for signatures, host a fun and lively retirement party or consider simple or more elaborate retirement gifts for a coworker.
Do You Bring a Gift to a Work Retirement Party?
While bringing retirement gifts for coworkers to their party is unnecessary, the gesture is admirable and appreciated. Contributing to a shared gift is often plenty if the party is casual or organized by the group. A modest and meaningful gift, like an engraved keepsake, leather journal or pampering gift card, can show your appreciation if the gathering is more intimate. Consider the retiree’s preferences and interests when selecting retirement gifts for coworkers to make it more personal.
What Is a Common Retirement Gift?
Common retirement gifts for coworkers often celebrate the person’s transition from the workplace to a new chapter of life. Personalized items, such as engraved pens, photo frames, flowers or trophies commemorating their career, top the list. Other thoughtful gifts include hobby-related items, such as cooking tools or travel accessories, gift cards for art classes or books they can enjoy in their leisure time. The best gift-givers consider personal interests and the retiree’s plans for the future.
Choosing special retirement gifts for coworkers is a way to honor them and their career and express gratitude. Whether it’s a commemorative plaque, a gardening set, an experience gift or something that encourages relaxation and adventure, opt for something thoughtful and considerate of their tastes and preferences. Their next steps are an exciting new chapter, and your farewell gift can let them know you’re excited for them and they will be missed.
As you say goodbye, remember that any size gesture can speak volumes about your respect and appreciation for your retiring coworker. With the right retirement gifts for coworkers, you can send them off with love in their heart and lasting memories of their time with the team.
For even more fun retirement gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
