Thoughtful Retirement Gift Ideas For Your Boss.

A retirement gift is a great way to show your boss how much you appreciate their time spent with the company. You don't have to spend a lot of money on an extravagant gift - a thoughtful and well-chosen one is more than enough to show you care!

In this article, Thankbox has put together a list of 17 gift ideas for a retiring boss. There are options here for all kinds of personalities and interests, so you’re sure to find the perfect retirement gift for your boss!

Let’s get started!

1. A Personalised Thank-You Note

A handwritten thank-you note is always a meaningful gift, and it's something your boss can keep and cherish forever. Take the time to write down all the things you appreciate about them and their time at the company - don't be afraid to get sentimental!

For a more modern take on the thank-you note, you could always go virtual. Using a service like Thankbox, sending a group thank-you note is as easy as sharing a link with the entire office.

Everyone who receives the link can create a personalised thank-you note complete with images, videos, GIFs, and text. Once the “box” is ready to send, it gets delivered straight to your boss' inbox for them to enjoy!

Tip: If you want to add a cash gift to your Thankbox, it's as easy as sharing a link with everyone in the office. People can add funds to the Thankbox which can then be redeemed as either a gift card or as a prepaid debit card!

2. A Framed Photo

If you have a favourite photo of the two of you together, why not get it framed as a retirement gift? Whether it's a candid shot of the two of you from years ago or a more recent team photo, this is a gift that your boss will definitely appreciate.

A slate picture frame personalised with text

For an added layer of personalisation, you can use an online service like Funky Pigeon or Personalise to create a custom photo frame that fits the occasion. Add a sweet message or personalise it with your boss' name and the years they worked at the company - it's up to you!

3. A Gift Certificate to Their Favourite Restaurant

After years of working long hours, your boss deserves a chance to enjoy a nice meal out on the town. A gift certificate to a local restaurant is the perfect way to show your appreciation! When choosing a restaurant, be sure to consider your boss's dietary restrictions and favourite cuisine. You can't go wrong with a classic like steak or sushi, but it's always good to mix things up!

Start your boss' perfect send-off.

Create your boss' card now - it takes a few seconds and then invite everyone to contribute to the ultimate retirement card.

Create a Thankbox Set a Reminder

4. A Regular Book

If a custom book sounds like too much work, you can always go with a regular book instead. Whether it's a classic novel or a non-fiction book about their favourite hobby, your boss is sure to appreciate a well-chosen book.

If you're not sure what to get, take a look at their bookshelf or ask them what they're currently reading. You could even get them an e-reader loaded with some of their favourite titles!

Tip: A handwritten note inside the front cover is a great way to make your gifted book more meaningful!

5. A Donation in Their Name

If your boss is passionate about giving back, why not make a donation in their name to their favourite charity? This is a great way to show your appreciation for all they've done while also supporting a cause that's important to them.

There are many online platforms that make it easy to donate or fundraise in someone's name, including:

Alternatively, you could simply make a donation to their favourite charity and enclose a card with the details.

6. Customized Artwork

If your boss has a special interest or hobby, why not commission some artwork that celebrates it? Services like Etsy make it easy to find artists who specialise in customised art, so you can find something that's perfect for your boss.

You could go with an abstract painting based on their favourite colours, a sculpture of their favourite animal, or even a collage of images related to their life and career. The options are endless!

7. A Piece of Memorabilia

If your boss is retiring after years of dedicated service, chances are they have plenty of memories to look back on. Why not give them a piece of memorabilia that captures one of those memories?

This could be anything from an old company photo to a newspaper clipping from their first day on the job. If you're not sure what to get, have a brainstorming session with your colleagues. This is a great way to generate ideas while reminiscing about the good old days!

8. A Gift Card to a Local Spa

After years of working hard, your boss deserves a chance to relax and rejuvenate. What better way to show your appreciation than with a gift card to a local spa? They can use it to enjoy a massage, manicure, pedicure, or simply some time spent relaxing in the sauna!

9. A Personalised Mug

The “World's Best Boss” mug might be a bit cliché, but a personalised mug is still a great way to thank your boss for their time, advice, and mentorship over the years. You can find mugs with pre-printed designs, or you can get one that's custom-made.

Etsy is a great place to find personalised mugs, but you could also try online stores like Funky Pigeon.

10. A Gift Basket

A gift basket is always a good option, especially if you can't land on the perfect standalone gift.

You can find pre-made baskets at most stores, or you can put one together yourself. If you go the DIY route, be sure to include a variety of items that your boss will enjoy, such as food, alcohol, books, and beauty products.

11. A Subscription Box

If your boss loves surprises, why not sign them up for a subscription box? There are many different types of subscription boxes, so you're sure to find one that's perfect for your boss.

Some popular subscription box themes include:

12. A Personalised Calendar

A personalized calendar is a great way to help your boss stay on top of all of their retirement activities. You can find calendars with pre-printed designs, or you can create your own using a service like Photobox or Vistaprint!

Tip: Get the whole office involved and see if you can find photos from each month of the year to include in the calendar. This is an easy way to show that you went the extra mile when creating the calendar!

13. A Watch

A watch is a timeless piece of jewellery that makes a great retirement gift. It's something your boss can wear every day, and it will serve as a reminder of their time at the company… no pun intended.

When choosing a watch, be sure to consider your boss's style and preferences. If they like bright colours and loud patterns, brands like Swatch have tons of eye-catching options that won't break the bank. If they usually opt for more understated or classic accessories, a dressier watch from a company like Fossil might be perfect.

Tip: Many watch companies will allow you to personalise your order with your boss' initials, name, and in some cases even a thank-you note!

14. A Subscription to a Streaming Service

If your boss loves movies, TV shows, or music, they'll appreciate a gift card for a subscription to a streaming service, such as:

Netflix
Hulu
Spotify
Tidal for CD quality
Apple Music

They can use it to keep up with all their favourite shows, movies and bands, and they'll think of you every time they do!

15. An Experience

If your boss is the type of person who loves trying new things, they might appreciate an experience more than a physical gift. You can purchase vouchers for all sorts of experiences, from hot air balloon rides to cooking classes.

For bosses that are looking to start off their retirement with a bang, you could even book them a skydiving experience!

16. A Customised Pen Set

A custom pen set is a classy way to say thank you to your boss. Online stores like Pen Heaven have tons of pen sets to choose from at all kinds of price points, so you're sure to find something your boss will love.

At checkout, don't forget to engrave the pens with your boss' initials or with a message from you or the team as a whole!

17. A Nice Bottle of Wine (or Spirits)

If your boss loves wine (or any other type of alcohol), you could always order a special bottle for them in honour of their retirement. Find a bottle that's from their favourite winery or distillery, or pick out a unique flavour that they've never tried before.

You could even have it delivered to their office with a note… something along the lines of “Cheers to your retirement!” perhaps!

Final Thoughts

No matter what gift you choose for your boss, it's sure to show how much you appreciate all they've done for you and the company. For more information about how Thankbox makes it easy to send group notes and gifts, check out our website!

Start your boss' perfect send-off.

Create your boss' card now - it takes a few seconds and then invite everyone to contribute to the ultimate retirement card.

Create a Thankbox Set a Reminder