Transitioning to those golden years, after spending decades hard at work building up a career, can be a challenge. While retirement can, indeed, be an exciting time too, your friend or loved one might need a helpful reminder to slow down and enjoy all her new, ample free time.
“Retirement is a big deal in someone’s life,” explains Eric Croak, CFP, accredited wealth management advisor and president of Croak Capital. “It’s the end of a long period of hard work and commitment, and it’s a time to celebrate and recognize that. Giving retirement gifts is a key part of this celebration.”
Acknowledging someone when they step away from the workforce shows not only how much their contributions mean but also the significance of the personal connections they’ve made. “These gifts aren’t just things — they show how much you appreciate and respect the person retiring for all their hard work and dedication,” he says, adding: “They can also be a reminder of their career and the relationships they’ve built over the years.” The gift also can encourage the person to return to their passions beyond work.
For many retirees, post-retirement is the best time to globetrot and see all the sights and countries they didn’t have time for before. Other folks want to spend more time at home, digging in the dirt to beautify their gardens or spending more time with their grandchildren.
No matter what her hobbies or passion projects are, we have several ideas to help you get the perfect gift for your retiree. These retirement gifts for women will assist her in making the most of this exciting new chapter in her life, while making you a master gift giver.
1. The self-care and wellness advocate
Work life can be hectic, but retirement life shouldn’t be. Now that she’s venturing into her own personalized “Life of Riley” situation, maybe it’s time she remember to take a step back and care for herself too. While there’s no one-size-fits-all method to recharging after a long career, there are some tried and true ways to unwind, from sipping a glass of red wine to taking a dip in a warm bath with luxurious bath salts. Everyone needs something different to feel refreshed and relaxed, so get her a self-care retirement gift she’ll love.
2. The gardener
Your retiree always has some dirt under her fingernails, from all the time spent tending to her flowers. If you know a woman who likes nothing more than immersing herself in her garden for hours on end, then these garden-related gifts — from gardening tools to pretty pots for her porch plants — are sure to bring her joy.
3. The world traveler
Now that she’s retired, your friend or loved one can resume (or begin!) her world travels. These travel-minded gifts will encourage the wanderlust in the globetrotter in your life, from making her hotel stays or airplane rides comfier to helping her document her trips around the world.
4. The health nut
Finding the perfect gift for someone with an active, healthy lifestyle can seem daunting. Consider upgrading her already health-conscious routine with a personalized touch, such as a new yoga cooling towel with her name on it or some energizing snacks.
5. The golf lover
If the retiree you’re celebrating loves to tee it high and let it fly every chance she gets, then look no further than these golf-centric gifts — they’re more than par for the course. (Note: We do not guarantee these gifts will help lower her handicap.)
6. The family woman
Retiring from a long, fruitful career can also mean spending more time with family. This can take many different shapes, such as setting off on road trips to see the grandchildren or capturing more family moments together. No matter what gift you give her, though, chances are she will feel happy knowing you encouraged her greatest love: her family.
7. The home chef
Less time at the office means more time in the kitchen. If your retiree likes cooking up a scrumptious meal, then these ideas for enhancing her culinary skills — from kitchen accessories to grilling tools — will get a five-star rating.
8. The bibliophile
Is she an avid reader? If so, there's more than just great books (though there are plenty of those too!) to buy her. Try a personalized bookmark or snuggly lounge blanket to warm her up when she's reading into the wee hours of the morning. After all, she won't have to worry about getting up on time to clock in at the office anymore.
9. The movie buff
Being retired frees up more time for her to catch up on her favorite movie genre or rewatch classics. Help your film-loving retiree unwind with these must-have accessories — they may just earn you an invite to her next big movie night.
10. The outdoorsy woman
Post retirement, those who love getting outside and exploring the great outdoors can once again do so whenever they want. If your retiree can't wait to hit the trails or try a new outdoor activity — Fishing? Pickleball? — then these retirement gifts will aid her in her adventure.
AUTHOR
Michelle Mastro is a freelance writer covering home, lifestyle, travel, and culture stories. Born and raised in Southern California, she now lives in the Midwest.