In the past, retirement usually meant that your company would throw a little party for you. They pulled out a bottle of whiskey and poured generously for your colleagues, who were probably mostly male. If you were a loyal employee, you could even get a gold watch from the company while your co-workers looked on with envy.
The concept of pension has changed over the decades as more women entered the labor market. While most people retire in their mid-60s, some leave their 9 to 5 jobs early through the FIRE (financial independence, early retirement) movement, or can continue part-time. Part-time working can especially apply to women who want extra income after having more free time for informal care.
Retirement evokes mixed feelings among many who see it as an opportunity to start the next phase of their lives. It may be an easier transition for some than for others. When thinking about retirement gifts for women, it’s critical to honor their past and focus on the stage ahead.
Giving retirement gifts
Buying retirement gifts for the woman who has been your friend, co-worker, colleague or maybe even your mentor should match their interests and your relationship with them. You may have some important insights after years of sharing a cubicle or an office in your workplace. Often times giving experiences are better gifts than material things. They can make for longer memories and ways to celebrate your friend’s newfound freedom.
Think about what your friend or colleague’s retirement means to them. Will they travel, pursue hobbies, or learn new skills? Decide whether to buy an individual gift or a retirement gift as a group of co-workers. It will make a difference to your budget. You don’t have to break the bank. You want to match their interests or personality when considering a gift.
60 retirement gifts for women
Pampering goes a long way
An easy place to find things that meet what most retiring women want: pampering. After working hard and bringing in their expertise with a fair amount of stress at work, she’s earned the chance to regain newfound freedom. Between long working days and full retirement, there is likely to be a transition to that place of relaxation.
Consider these gifts to spoil your friend or colleague:
A gift certificate to a spa like Canyon RanchMani-Pedi AppointmentsAppointments at a favorite hair salonMakeup ArtistPampering Care Package
If you want to spoil your friend, consider purchases such as foot baths, skin care products, scented candles, or even a bath caddy to soak in your tub. Make sure there is a place for a wine glass and a book. You can also buy a plush robe or throw so they can sit comfortably in front of a fire.
A gift for a fellow group
Giving a gift from a group of colleagues is beneficial if you want to pool your resources to develop a more substantial item, such as jewelry, a bundle of retirement games, a glass flower bouquet, a gourmet gift basket of fun foods, a painting, or pottery . Employees can provide personalized wine glasses.
Travel planning
Does your friend have a travel bug? Many retirees look forward to traveling without deadlines to return to the office. You can chip as a group to buy travel vouchers, a certificate for airlines via flightgift or cruiselines
Also consider these nice things to give someone who plans to travel:
Lilly Pulitzer Passport Holder or Personalized Passport CoverThe Personalized Travel Suitcase SetA Whole Collection of Luggage or Small BagsVoyage Mapper Scratch Map of the USA or the WorldTravel JournalThe Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small Camera or BinocularsTravel Packaging
Club memberships and subscription boxes
The woman with many interests is considering buying a membership or sending a subscription box. There are so many clubs, and if you find it hard to choose, check out Amazing Clubs, which has over 40 different types of clubs. As with book of the month clubs, there are subscriptions to wine, massages, coffee or tea where you can prepay for products or services that make wonderful gifts. Most of us may not think of doing this for ourselves, but appreciate receiving things right up our alley.
Wine clubs like Wine.com American Film Institute has a weekly movie club for the cinephile A membership to a museum, dance, music or theater group A subscription box for a variety of interests, including spices, craft projects, appetizers, or games
Pursue an interest or gain new skills
Many people return to their passionate interests or pursue something new when they retire. They may have been interested, but not the time or opportunity. It is a wonderful gift to give your friend the tools that suit their interests, such as paints, watercolors, brushes and an easel. It can be painting, scrapbooking, gardening, cooking, sewing, hiking, knitting, photography or interior design.
The list is many and depends on what you know about your friend’s interests. Some people want to learn something new, such as learning a language, photography, creative writing, a musical instrument or opera. There are many online or in-person classes to try that are affordable and make great gifts.
Tools for painting, including paints, watercolors, brushes and easel. Scrapbook supplies Garden tools, flowers and plants. Try virtual classes in many categories, such as MasterClass, where the masters teach in their fields, such as the iconic Annie Leibovitz (photography), David Sedaris (storytelling), or Alicia Keys (songwriting).
Health
As we get older, we want to stay physically active and mentally fit. Retirement offers time to focus on our well-being. Many people play pickleball and try different classes. We suggest:
Yoga classes or a yoga setPilates classesMeditation classesTime with a personal trainerFitbit SenseAir purifier for healthy breathingDodow for better sleepTea maker for herbal teaYeti Water Bottle
For those who are book lovers
People who enjoy reading like to buy books in different genres or reading related gifts. It’s an excellent time for retired women to curl up with a book, listen to a book while they walk or jog, or relax in their bath. I participate! Here are gifts for book lovers:
Kindle Paperwhite or OasisAudible SubscriptionLeather bookmark that reads ‘On to the next chapter’, personalized bookmark or a bookmark bundle Mug reads: ‘Retired yet Fully Booked’ T-shirt says ‘Retirement means more time to read’ Vintage book locket from Literary ClassicsLiterary Fortune Cookies100 Books Scratch-off PosterLit Chat: Conversation Starters About Books And Life Magnetic Poetry For Book LoversBookends For Those Who Have A Lot Of Books
And then there are practical gifts
You can never go wrong with practical gifts of premium quality and value. Money is one of the most practical gifts, so the recipient can save or spend it on what’s best for him or her. If you’re giving a group gift, this can work.
Baking or cooking gadgetsPicture of co-workers in a beautiful frame with their signaturesPlant a tree in her honor via TreeGiversBeach equipment, including chairs, an umbrella and beach towelsSuitcase of wine or other spiritsCooking lessons
Give unforgettable experiences
This is a great category for people who prefer experiences over gifts. You can’t go wrong arranging fun experiences for friends who are open to new things or have a bucket list. It may be necessary to know the woman’s preferences, her abilities, and your budget. Our suggestions:
Weekend GetawaysRomantic GetawaysSpa ResortsWine TastingsTheatre TicketsConcertsSporting EventsUnique shopping experiences can be combined with jewelry making, painting or hikingBook a Hot Air Balloon flightHelicopter flight or hire a pilot for a scenic ride
Final Thoughts
Buying retirement gifts for women embarking on a new part of their life journey can be a challenge. As we go through every change in our lives, there is some anticipation of what lies ahead. Making that adventure more beautiful for your friend or colleague is a great way to celebrate it together.
This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks.
Jeff is a fan of all things finance. When he’s not changing the world with his blog, you can find him on a run, playing a Mets game, playing video games, or just playing with his kids.
This post Retirement Gifts for Women: Our List of the 60 Best
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