A Retirement Gift from Friends and Family

Rocking Chair Wisdom previously mentioned retirement gifts from friends and family as one of at least three groups that will be involved in gift giving to the retiree. On this page we will stress:

Gift giving from family and friends

• This category of gift retirement gift giving should give more consideration to the personality of the recipient of the gift that than the other two categories.
• The retirement gift from family and friends can be more intimate and personal than from one of the other groups.
• Since gifts given by family and friends tend to be even more personal than those of colleagues and co-workers, consideration should be given as to what would be acceptable to the employee. Consideration should also be given to the venue in which the gift is given so as not to embarrass the new retiree. A gag gift might be more appropriate at a "roast" rather than in a more formal setting.
• Most retirees receiving a gift prefer that the gift exhibit some degree of thought. Creativity in choosing that special gift will mean significantly more to the retiree. Their life has been intertwined between work and home for a number of years. A photographic scrapbook or DVD of their life will be greatly appreciated and treasured.
• When choosing a gift, be mindful of the employee's culture and religious background, so as not to offend.
• While there may be not set budget for this retirement gift since it is given by and indidividual rather than a group, the gift giver should be mindful of the perception that is given by the value of the gift. Some family members and friends may be able to afford an extravagant gift, others may not. However, that does not mean they don't appreciate and recognize the service of the retiree any more or less than anyone else.

Whatever we do, we need to be sure we have taken time to creatively match the gift to the employee. This should be a gift that they will treasure and that will evoke fond memories in the future.