Retirement Gift Ideas

What to Give the Retiree...

Believe it or not, the top gifts on many retirees' wish lists are electronics such as the latest cell phone, video game console, portable GPS devices, CD/DVD players, TiVo, and laptop computers. Many Baby Boomers have taken a vow never to be baffled by the latest gadgets, and in retirement they will have time to do all of the programming and optimizing tasks that are required to get their new electronics up and running.

Exercise equipment, sports gear, and spa certificates are also coveted items for the active sixty-something guy or gal who wants to have fun, stay in shape, and pamper themselves. The best retirement gift is something the retiree really wants, but might not want to splurge to buy for themselves.

A collection of CD's or DVD's that give new life to the most popular music and movies of each decade of the retiree's life is a memorable gift, and a subscription to a book-of-the-month club is a gift that keeps giving long after the retirement party is over.

A digital camera or a digital picture frame loaded with pictures taken at the retirement party is another special "memory maker" that will be appreciated by even a "low tech" retiree. Games such as Brain Age 2 or Big Brain Academy with a portable game console, is a super gift for a person who plans to spend a lot of time traveling as a passenger post retirement.

Looking for something a little more traditional? Just Google the words "retirement gifts" and the retirement gift ideas are endless. From funny t-shirts to sapphire paper weights, there is something to fit everyone's budget and sensibilities. Here are a few of our favorites.

The St. Elmo's Travel Alarm Clock is a highly engineered travel alarm clock has a unique press and glow feature that sets it apart from any other time piece. The case of the clock is precision-made from stainless steel, hand polished to a mirror finish, and embellished with a gold-plated, engraveable badge.

Perfect for motor home or hotel dwellers, and worth every penny of the $116 price tag, this gift beats the traditional gold retirement watch for functionality, class, and sass!

Personalized Novelty Golf Balls are a fun gift for the male or female golfer. Only $21 buys a dozen balls, each one professionally imprinted with the pictures you send in along with your order. There will be no question which lost ball belongs to the retiree when pictures of their friends, family, or pet are staring up at them from the rough.

Speaking of pets, the retiree might finally have time to housebreak a puppy, or cuddle up to a purring cat. Do ask the retiree's permission before buying them a pet, but there are a plethora of pet rescue organizations online or in your community that allow you to choose the preferred breed, age, and temperament of pet that will provide endless hours of companionship to a retiree who could use to a little company in their life.

The Look Back & Forward/Retirement Message in a Mini Bottle has a handsome pewter charm, gift tag & stands only 7" high. The hangtag text says: "Like a long forgotten bottle rescued from the sea, inside you'll find a message just for you, from me!"

The message, printed on a parchment paper scroll, is tucked inside the bottle. The message on the scroll reads, "May you look backward with fond memories, May you look forward to a new life of ease, And may you find time to do as you please! May God bless you as you retire."

Our final recommendation is a mouse pad that reads,

"Retirement, your time to stop living at work & start working at living."

Be sure to check the local gift registries at area stores before deciding on a gift. It is not uncommon for today's retirees to register for the retirement gifts they are hoping to receive. Isn't it wonderful that there comes a time in life that one can ask for exactly what they want and get it?

© 2008 Quality Retirement Resources