The best retirement gifts

Retirement gifts get bought by committee, which is why so many of them end up in a cupboard. The ones that work are either useful, personal or shared.

Here's what we'd pick, and how much to put in the envelope.

Best gifts from the team

• A large card everyone signs - genuinely the most kept item of the day.
• A candle or coaster set from the whole department rather than individual presents.
• A keepsake print marking the years of service.
• Something for the hobby they've talked about for a decade.

Best gifts from family

• A framed print for the room they'll finally have time to sit in.
• Something consumable for the first week - retirement starts slowly.
• A card with one specific memory rather than a generic well done.

How much to put in the collection

• £5 to £10 per person for a colleague you work near.
• £10 to £20 for someone on your immediate team.
• £20 or more only if you've worked together for years - never let the amount be visible.
• Organisers: set the amount publicly so nobody has to guess.

Shop retirement cards

How to write it so it lands

• Get the card round the office a week early - someone is always on annual leave.
• Write what they were like to work with, not just congratulations.

Where to shop next

• Retirement card messages
• How much to give to a work leaving collection
• Retirement speech ideas
• Best birthday cards for mum
• Best birthday cards for dad
• Best 60th birthday gifts
• Best 50th birthday gifts
• Retirement party decorations
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas
• All guides

Frequently asked questions

What is a good retirement gift from a whole office?

One decent keepsake plus a large card everyone signs. Multiple small gifts get left in the office; the card goes home.

How much should each person put in?

£5 to £10 per person is the standard UK office amount, more for a close teammate. Our leaving collection guide covers the awkward cases.