Is it customary to give a gift at a retirement party?

Cookie06 · ‎04-24-2010

We are attending a retirement party for the first time and I am wondering, do you give a gift at one? Any ideas would be appreciated.

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10000Nicknames · ‎11-30-2013

Unless they specifically put "no gifts, please" on the invitation, I would say "yes." Gift cards have become pretty popular (perhaps a restaurant, round of golf, things like that). Just my opinion.

dancingwoman · ‎03-10-2010

We just went to one last Wednesday...we brought a gift card to a new restaurant that just opened up in our town...we did eat there first to check it out..DW

missy1 · ‎03-10-2010

Get a gift for retiring? That is a gift, in itself. A card, maybe a bottle of wine if they drink.

wilma · ‎03-13-2010

On 2/16/2015 BonAtTheBeach said:
Unless they specifically put "no gifts, please" on the invitation, I would say "yes." Gift cards have become pretty popular (perhaps a restaurant, round of golf, things like that). Just my opinion.

I agree. I gave a greeting card only to a person who specifically didn't want gifts. To another person I gave an ticket/passport holder because I knew she was going to do some traveling.

pommom · ‎03-10-2010

On 2/16/2015 missy1 said:
Get a gift for retiring? That is a gift, in itself. A card, maybe a bottle of wine if they drink.

Retirement is, indeed, a gift in itself; however, some of the gifts I received have a lot of sentimental value because a few of my co-workers devoted a lot of time to personalizing them.

If your face brightens when you meet a friend, you have struck gold. - unknown

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

Unless stated 'no gifts' I think it appropriate to bring something 'consumable" such as a gift card for a restaurant, a gift of food or wine appropriate to the person, or a pretty floral arrangement.

I am thinking that most people in this phase of life aren't looking to accumulate any more stuff, and anything that can be used up would be appreciated.

mercyMe · ‎05-23-2012

Apparently it is!

I showed up empty handed at a restaurant for the retirement party (the retiree's husband invited us and said "no gifts" .... and we had to pay our own bill). Everyone except me brought a gift. Awkward!!!! Therefore, I had a bouquet of flowers delivered to her house on her official "last day." Lesson learned.