How to Gift a Retiree: 5 Crucial Things to Consider

Nothing is more satisfying than finally reaching the golden age, retiring, and celebrating your achievements in style, right? This is especially true for anyone with some tricks up their sleeves for budgeting and saving for retirement as early as possible.

And yes, retirement comes with gift-giving, but let’s face it – the older we get, the more gifts we tend to accumulate, and the harder it can be to keep track of them all.

So, chances are that when you think about gifting a retiree, your mind immediately goes to a tangible object: something new or different that can become part of their daily lives.

But if you want to make your gift not just memorable but also heartfelt, here are five things you should consider first.

1. Ask Yourself These Questions 

Of course, gifting someone after years of work, achievements, (and some failures) can be a tricky undertaking. This is especially if it’s someone you’re not very close to.

However, it can be easier to choose the perfect gift for a retiree if you first ask yourself questions like the following:

• What would make the retiree feel happy? 

While some retirees appreciate money the most, it could also be something that cheers up their spirits by encouraging the freedom to live without constraint. In this case, anything from a new smartphone or tablet to a stand mixer or a new set of furniture would suffice.

It could also be a beautiful bouquet of flowers that says congratulations and immediately uplifts the retiree’s mood from the moment they receive it. A recent piece by Bouqs on retirement gift ideas mentioned sunflowers as among the best arrangements to show appreciation and congratulate a retired person.

• What are their interests and passions? 

Another crucial question to ask yourself is what the retiree likes to do. For example, would it be OK to get them a new retirement hobby like dancing or guitar playing? Or, would they be happier with a luxury piece of art or jewelry, perhaps by a world-renowned artist?

• What are their unique needs? 

When making the decision, you should keep in mind what the person going into retirement needs. Are they more about creature comforts? A bed? A new set of towels or slippers? Or, are they more into style and fashion?

In general, it’s best to steer clear of very practical or simple gifts and focus more on making the gifts sentimental, meaningful, and luxurious.

2. Balancing Sentimental and Practical Gifts 

It’s very common for people to go with what’s practical, especially if they want to save a bit of money or make sure the gift actually works in the recipient’s home. But often, just because something is practical, it can also have a bit of sentimentality attached to it, making the gift feel impersonal.

To avoid this, take the time to really think about what it is the retiree would appreciate most.

3. Consider Experiences Rather Than Tangible Gifts 

Your retirement gift doesn’t always have to be a tangible gift. If you think about giving them an experience gift, instead, it’s likely that they’ll cherish them for a very long time.

An example might be giving a retiree a weekend trip to the local theme park where they can take in some amazing roller coasters and save themselves from the dreaded day-in, day-out errands of retirement.

4. Consider Donating in Their Name 

Giving in the name of the retiree can be another great option. This could be something as simple as donating to a charity or perhaps helping the retiree donate something they no longer use.

5. Expressing Congratulations and Appreciation

Once you know what their likes and interests are, it’s time to write a heartfelt card expressing your gratitude and giving them the honor of your appreciation for their contributions.

This can also serve as a fun way to kick off a conversation about how they are feeling today and the impact it’s having on their life.

Things To Avoid When Gifting a Retiree

Picking the right gift for your retiring friend, colleague, or loved one also means avoiding certain things. Some of these would include:

• Avoid gifts that are too serious or expose a lack of planning
• Gifts that make the retiree do all the work
• Don’t give gifts that add stress to their lives
  

At the end of the day, choosing the right retirement gift for the retiree should be a very personal decision. Don’t be afraid to take your time and do your research to ensure you give the perfect gift.

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