By the time people retire, they usually have everything the need and might not want more "stuff." A gift is certainly not required, but if you want to celebrate your friend's retirement you could invite him or her to lunch. That's one possibility.

A gift would be a lovely gesture. Or, how about a celeboratory lunch or dinner?

A number of my friends have retired and it has never dawned on me to get them something.

Even a simple card with a hand written note is a nice gesture.

Lunch, flowers, or if someone you know quite well and are aware of a hobby they hope to spend more time on, something to tie into that.

I have taken some of my friends and neighbors out to lunch to celebrate their new freedom. Never bought a gift.

I would just give them a 'congratulations' card with my best wishes for a wonderful retirement.

A gift is certainly a thoughtful gesture. I received some cards, some gifts and a couple of celebratory meals, all of which were unexpected, and very much appreciated. I don't think there is a rule concerning retirement observations. Doing "something" is just a thoughtful thing to do!

Retirement is a big change in one's life. I agree with those who suggested a lunch. That reinforces the friendship connection and gives the retiree a chance to talk about the change.
It doesn't even have to be a lunch 'out', what is important is the friendship and opportunity to talk.

When I retired, my fellow employees chipped in to get me a Tiffany necklace (very simple, with a tiny diamond chip). One person gave me a gift certificate to a book store. I don't normally give gifts for retirements, but I attend any luncheon or dinner event celebrating them, and I always offer personal congratulations.

My husband retired a couple of years back. We didn't expect or want gifts. We definitely don't want more stuff we have to store--as a matter of fact, we're trying to lighten the load as much as we can. A card is more than enough, but if you do feel you need to do more, take the friend to a nice lunch--something they wouldn't have had the time for when they were working.

Thank you one and all for the responses!

In the other post you started, someone suggested that if your friend is into gardening, that gardening gloves may be a good gift. If that does seem like a good idea, a friend of my wife who worked for years as a landscape architect/professional gardener, has in recent years been running a company (named FoxGlovesInc ) that makes high-quality gardening gloves that fit well and provide both good protection and a good feel for what you are doing.

I don't want to seem like I'm advertising so I'll just say I have a pair that I've used for home renovation and some work outside, and I think they are the best work gloves I've ever used.

As most people have their fill of stuff, to the level of having them almost coming out of their ears, it becomes more difficult to think of relevant things to offer - especially folks who are contemplating downsizing and wondering which of their precious possessions they'll be able to find the heart to part with.

Maybe choose an intangible. I think that a personal connection, like a chat is the main thing ... and lunch along with it would be nice.

For many, a different emphasis related to friends, even a new set of friends, becomes relevant, as the work-related friends fade into the background.

Some discussion of the changes in lifestyle that are ahead may be in order, sensitive to the level of interest that the person has in considering that, and how much thought that s/he may have given to what may lie ahead.

If you know of some recent retirees, some reference to that might be in order, especially if the person hasn't given much thought to what changes may be ahead, or people who are going through it, who might be useful as a resource.

Possibly asking the person whether s/he knows of some recent retirees, to call that situation to mind and maybe help him/her give thought to who might be available as resource persons as s/he settles into the new ways of operation.

If you are familiar with some resources in the library, such as books, videos, seminars, etc. dealing with retirement, just a reference to them might be useful.

Good wishes as you make your plans.

ole joyful