Among Friends

[K9buddy]

How about a celebratory dinner and a card with an inscription that expresses your appreciation of him and your wish for him in his retirement. 

[VaBelle35]

If he golfs and belongs to a golf club, call the pro shop and ask them for ideas.

[DukeBlueNan]

When I retired I was given a rose bush and hydrangea bushes. They're both nice memories of the students and my career. 

[chrystaltree]

I can't even guess since you didn't tell us anything about the man.  I think an experience rather than a thing.  He must have interests, even passions that are outside of medicine.  Several years ago, my co-worker and her siblings gave their father flying lessons. I thought that was the coolest thing.  He had a lifelong interest in model planes, he collected books on various aircraft, visited flight museums when he travelled.  So, something that meshes with your father in law's passion.  

[Scorpio1971]

Thought about a couple nights away at a bed & breakfast for him & your mother-in-law?  Something within driving distance for them, and arrange for a nice bottle of wine or champagne in the room if they drink wine as a celebratory toast, and a cash gift card to help pay for their meals in restaurants while there?  And a nice note saying that they can relax now that there will not be any 'emergency or middle of the night' calls?  If this may be beyond budget, perhaps there are others in family that may want to be included to help defray expenses.  Don't know your financial situation, so sorry if this is beyond your ability, but thought it would be a nice start to 'their' retirement. 😊

[LTT1]

@mintedrose

Does he like to:

read

cook

BBQ

computer

entertain

golf

go out with friends

eat gourmet

You might check the Orvis catalogue. It showed extremely nice men’s gifts!

[CelticCrafter]

I agree with everyone else, no stuff.

I don't even give my in-laws retail or restaurant gift cards anymore since they no longer have a car and have to rely on senior transportation. 

I give them gift cards to the grocery store.  They can walk there and back and it lets my father-in-law have a special treat or two because she's cheap and doesn't let him buy what he likes otherwise.

[VaBelle35]

Experiences that he would like would probably be best.

On the golf theme (since one assumes most doctors golf), you may be able to arrange a lesson with a PGA golf pro or a foursome with some cool local people.

Just throwing ideas out there.

[VaBelle35]

I just remember a co-worker bought a fishing lesson with the star of the Fishing CHannel or OUtdoor channel or whatever and he was over the moon about it.

[deedledeedeedle]

@Walkers Grammy

What a fantastic idea!!! 

Several relief agencies put out catalogs to shop for people in 3rd world countries. Goats, cows, chickens, water purification systems, etc.

Another meaningful gift would be a donation to Doctors Without Borders or Operation Smile. 

Dee