Something That Resonates
Coworkers represent a weird relationship in your life. They’re your daytime friends, but often you never see them outside work. Sometimes, though, your coworkers become your closest real-life friends. Regardless of how close you are, the relationship that develops from shared difficulties and victories at work is special.
When a coworker is retiring, you may never see them again. Even if you are friends outside work, they’re going to be “out of the loop” going forward. As they say, out of sight, out of mind. Some psychologists have indicated a “monkey zone” of influence: we only nurture around 100 relationships. Ex-coworkers aren’t often among them.
It’s a bittersweet thing; we weren’t meant to spend 40 hours a week shuffling digital files at a desk, yet so many of us do. So maybe your coworker has escaped, and that’s the sweet part, but you don’t see them, and they don’t see you; that’s where things get bitter.
Even so, a few wisely-purchased retirement gift can do much to express your care, and help your departing coworkers feel appreciated. Depending on your relationship, such options may even help you maintain your connection with coworkers on their way out for years to come. Whatever your situation, here are some retirement gift tips.
- Something Fun and Civilly Priced
Joke gifts, massive pastries such as a cake in the shape of a cubicle, pizza parties, scavenger hunts—these are some fine ideas for a retirement party theme. A party is a gift, even if it is an ephemeral one, and if no one is planning anything for your retiring coworker friend, just handling this aspect of their send-off soiree can be worthwhile.
Of course, there are lava lamps, poker sets, power tools, foreign treats like Japanese snack food, and the like. The key here is, that you don’t want to spend too little or too much. Five years ago, you wouldn’t want to spend more than $50; these days, anything up to $100 is probably okay.
Here are a few more ideas in this vein to help you find the best retirement gift. Be sure to take into account your coworker’s preferences. The more thought you put into a gift, the better it will be appreciated; though, do keep that in mind if your retiring coworker is someone single and there’s chemistry between you and that person.
While someone who has retired, regardless of their tenure with a company, is unlikely to cause internal strife through a romantic relationship, it may be that they have more interest in you than you do in them. Accordingly, fun and civilly-priced gifts are in order, just be sure not to outbuy the close associates of your departing work comrade.
- Something Commemorative and Appreciative
Maybe go “nineties” with a laser-engraved sculpture carved from a crystal that shows your coworker in that famous group photo where they had a funny hat and a smile. Maybe get them a little placard with a humorous message on it; something that says: “John Retiree, Leisure Broker”. Perhaps you don’t know them well and just get a funny card.
The idea of something commemorative and appreciative is to show your legitimate respect for the person without getting too “saccharine” about it. Unless, of course, you and this particular coworker have an extremely close relationship. Otherwise, you’re looking to demonstrate recognition, not pull their heartstrings.
Especially when the coworker in question is known for going above and beyond in a way that stands out, you want to help them as well as the team remembers that. Before educational practices changed, the smartest student in the class would “set the curve” for the rest. Well, coworkers still do that today, and recognizing as much is worth it.
- A Grand Gesture to Warm Their Heart and Inspire Them
This was touched on in point one: actually managing the going away party is a fine tactic. Maybe you organize a mural in their honor to be painted in the company cafeteria. Do something they would like, and that is inspiring. Remember: it’s about you making them feel good, not you doing something people associate with you specifically.The closer you were to the person who is retiring, the more appropriate such grand gestures are. Remember: there’s a time and place for everything, and you don’t want to come off the wrong way. Still, sometimes the company should have recognized your coworker more than they did, and you can fill the gap.
Gifts That Reflect the Care You Have For a Departing Coworker
Grand gestures, commemorative gifts, appreciative gifts, and something fun at a “civilized” price (one that’s neither too high nor too low) represent fine gifts for departing coworkers. Mix and match, at minimum hopefully these ideas help inspire you.
