Looking for a few great retirement gifts? Clocking out for the last time is no minor achievement, and while there are plenty of great reasons to celebrate their newfound freedom, you’re going to want to make sure you get them a gift that’s both original and useful (which is no easy feat).
Fortunately, we’ve rounded up the best retirement gifts. Whether they’re looking to put all that free time to good use by sightseeing, working on their golf swing or simply soaking up the good life by lounging about, we’ve sourced some of our favorite retirement gifts to help them celebrate in style.
From scratch off maps to intriguing puzzles to whiskey stones and more, check out some of the coolest and most universal retirement gifts. After all the work they’ve put in over the years, they definitely deserve something nice.
1. Maps International Scratch Off Map of The US
Retirement means that you can finally see the world, starting in your own backyard. Since flying is a bit iffy these days, the good old American road trip is even more appealing. This USA scratch off map is coated in gold; every time your retiree visits a state, they can scratch it off to reveal the state in color and see cartographic details, with National Parks and other attractions highlighted. Measuring 24 by 36 inches, it’s made out of silk art paper.
Buy: Maps International Scratch Off Map of The US $23.99
2. 9GreenBox Zen Reflections Juniper Bonsai
Not heading into a 9 to 5 every day means there’s plenty of time to become a plant parent! A juniper bonsai tree is a great place to start. Homegrown in California, this planet is 6 to 8 inches high and comes in an elegant pot with a divided water pond. Bonsai plants bring luck, plus they’re an ancient form of Feng Shui. They also symbolize harmony, balance, meditation and peace, which are qualities anyone could use in their home! Plus, it’s a plant that’s easy to care for.
Buy: 9GreenBox Zen Reflections Juniper Bonsai $22.56
3. The Kombucha Shop Kombucha Starter Kit
Getting busy in the kitchen is practically a rite of passage for new retirees, and this one has a nice health kick, too. Help them learn to brew their own kombucha with this starter kit that includes everything they need. It comes with all the equipment — a one gallon brew jar made from thick American glass, pH test strips, a temperature gauge — as well as kombucha cultures and instructions. The brand’s support team is always on standby to ensure their kombucha turns out delicious.
Buy: The Kombucha Shop Kombucha Starter Kit $44.99
4. Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele
New hobbies are one of the best things about retirement and you can never go wrong with picking up a new instrument, especially when it’s a crowd-pleaser like the ukulele. This best-seller by Cordoba is ideal for beginners. The handsome instrument is handmade and features a mahogany top, back and sides. The concert ukulele has a rich sound and is also available in soprano and tenor sizes.
Buy: Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele
5. Areaware Gradient Puzzle
Is someone actually retired if they don’t have a puzzle going on? Popularity of puzzles has soared lately for good reason – they’re surprisingly addictive and satisfying. The gradient design of this puzzle will keep them busy for quite some time. It comes in three different sizes and in six color combinations, so get the one that will suit them best.
Buy: Areaware Gradient Puzzle (Black & White) $45.00
6. Geo Box Culinary Herb Garden Kit
This gardening kit is quite the twofer. In addition to letting the lucky recipient get their hands dirty, they can also grow 10 culinary herbs — basil, parsley, oregano, cilantro, arugula, dill, chervil, fennel, chives and garlic chives — to spice up their meals. They’re super easy to grow and the starter kit has all the necessities, including 10 biodegradable peat pots, 10 expandable soil discs, 10 plant markers, seeds and an instruction booklet. The seeds are all organic and non-GMO, sourced from local growers in the US.
Buy: Geo Box Culinary Herb Garden Kit $24.99
7. Pratico Outdoors Extra Large Picnic Blanket & Outdoor Beach Blanket
It’s time to trade their lunch al desko for dining al fresco! This oversized picnic blanket will surely do the trick. The versatile blanket works on any outdoor surface, making it great for the beach or watching their grandchildren’s soccer games. Though it opens up to 60 in. by 80 in, it folds up super compact to the size of a purse and is lightweight with a handle, making it easily portable. The cushioned backing is water-resistant to keep you dry on grass and sand.
8. I Llove Llamas Coloring Book
Adult coloring books are still all the rage — as well as llamas — and this one is sure to put a smile on your retiree’s face. Author Jen Racine is all about whimsical images and this coloring book is no different. It’s filled with pictures of all sorts of llamas, so they’ll certainly want to stay inside the lines.
Buy: I Llove Llamas Coloring Book $6.99
9. Whiskey Stones Gift Set
No more Monday morning meetings; no more late-night work sessions. What better way to help them celebrate their retirement than by helping them usher in the new era with this stunning whiskey stones gift set. Complete with two elegant bourbon glasses, the stones are made from 100% natural basalt, these stones are odorless, tasteless and pretty darn cool. Best of all, it all comes in an elegant carrying case, which is sure to be a hit.
Buy: Whiskey Stones Gift Set $32.99
10. 101 Fun Things to Do in Retirement
For better or worse, they’re going to have a lot of free time on their hands now. Instead of spending time diddling around the house, help them expand their horizons with this fun and fascinating book. Easily one of the more practical retirement presents, it offers tons of great ideas, tips and one-liners to help your them soak up the good life.
Buy: 101 Fun Things to Do in Retirement
11. JBL Charge 4 – Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
For the retiree who loves to rock out, this JBL waterproof speaker makes the perfect companion for all their soon-to-be adventures. Weighing roughly two pounds, it’s small and lightweight enough to fit nicely into most bags without ever being a burden, and its clever design and easy functionality make it easily accessible for even the least savvy Bluetooth users. It features up to 20 hours of nonstop playtime, and it’s waterproof, so you won’t need to worry about it getting wet.
12. Blast Golf Swing Analyzer
Now that they’ve got plenty of time on their hands, they’ll probably want to work on their golf swing. Luckily you can help them improve their game with this awesome golf swing analyzer. Great for newcomers and experienced golfers alike, it uses state-of-the-art smart motion technology to capture, check and evaluate your swing. Best of all, you can use it to help up your long game, short game, bunker and putting abilities. Click here if you’re looking for more golf gift ideas.
13. 50 States, 5,000 Ideas
Is your retiree looking to hit the open road now that they’re retired? If so, this book is a must-have. Brought to you by the travel experts at National Geographic, it includes awesome suggestions and hand-picked details for every state. From parks to beaches to hotels to must-see monuments, it even includes a nifty section on the Canadian territories, you know, just in case they’re planning to hit the great north.
14. MLVOC Travel Pillow 100% Pure Memory Foam
They’re probably going to be traveling a whole lot more now that there’s time to spare, and what better way to celebrate newfound freedom than by helping them stay comfy on all those grueling flights? This ultra-comfy travel pillow is made from 100% pure memory foam and is specifically designed to help support your neck and relieve that nagging travel soreness. It even comes with its own handy carrying pouch, making it the perfect carry-on.
15. Samsonite Expanding Golf Trunk Locker Organizer
Another great golf gift, this Samsonite trunk organizer is the perfect gift idea for the cluttered golf lover. Sure, all those clubs, shirts, shoes, hats and tees can take up a surprisingly large amount of space, which is why this locker is so sweet. Made from durable ripstop polyester, it packs different organizer pockets to help your dad easily store all their golfing essentials. Best of all, it’s super compact and extremely easy to carry on the green.
Buy: Samsonite Expanding Golf Trunk Locker Organizer $49.99
16. Finally Retired Novelty Beer Glass
OK, this one might not be for everyone, but really, who wouldn’t love to celebrate retirement by taking a sip of an ice-cold beer out of this hilarious glass. Whether you’re looking for a fun(ny) gag gift or are simply searching for a retirement gift that’s sure to leave a lasting impression, you really can’t go wrong with this one. This 16 oz glass features an extremely detailed graphic that won’t wear out or fade over time.
Buy: Finally Retired Novelty Beer Glass $15.99
