Do you know if he has a tablet? I know of 3 people who got a tablet upon retirement and absolutely love them. They all had never owned one and probably would not have bought themselves one. But every one of them are now very much enjoying their new tablet. One lady uses the kindle app on hers and reads a lot of books she often tells me how much she love reading it and she has a whole library right in her hand.

You don't have to spend a lot of money any more there are excellent android tablets available in the $100 range, I would definitely go with a 10 inch size for easier reading and viewing.

With a gardening hobby there's so much information at hand with a tablet.

I love to garden and one of the most thoughtful gifts I received was a quality set of gardening tools. Mine are from this brand.

He may already have a nice set. However, if he's been using what you'd find at a big box store, a more professional brand will make all the difference.

The best retirement gift I received was a fistful of eBay gift cards. I normally don't like to get or receive gift cards; however, the person tasked with buying the group gift knew of my (then) love of buying vintage pottery on eBay. I had so much fun! Every eBay purchase I made, I thought of my coworkers. While I'm not suggesting eBay cards, one to businesses catering to his love of gardening or fish allows him to spend money on himself at what is always an uncertain spending period right after a retirement, and to select items he needs/wants for his hobbies, or that pricey fish he always coveted. You could attach the certificate to a related, fun item, like a knee stool for gardening. And, DH's retirement watch is in a drawer.

Can DH talk to his wife, on the QT? I love my iPad , which was a surprise one Christmas.

But, there just might be something he is coveting that has to do with his two hobbies. It's also hard to make suggestions without a budget.

I know it's so cliche, but if not watches, maybe a nice desk clock...everyone who left our department always got one. I don't think I really remember any of mine...more the giver. Like my secy who gave me lovely earrings.

When my boss retired, we got him a Bose radio.

How about a few gift certificate memberships (for two if he has a mate) to local state parks? Some have concerts, kayaks, native plant tours and all sorts of things.

If talking to a wife or SO would be possible, I think that might be a good idea. Both of his hobbies involve living things that are easy to spend money on but require planning to make any additions at the right time and to ensure they fit in. They both hve tools and equipment and books that he might enjoy, but it might be hard to get something meaningful without knowing what he has or if there is something he wants. You might also find out if he plans to downsize and some of those things might change in a big way during retirement.

Is there some career accomplishment it might be nice to commemorate? When one of my bosses retired, he received a sculpture that was relevant to his work with a small plaque that commemorated his many years of government service.

I love the idea of gift cards or a tablet. When my father retired as VP of a banking corporation, he got a very nice watch, a very nice clock with an engraved message on it and some large, expensive, silver something from what I remember. I think he wore the watch occasionally, but it really was all a waste of money in my opinion. When Dad retired, they sold their big home in Michigan, downsized and moved to Florida. By the time someone reaches retirement age, they most likely have a lot of everything they need. The last thing I'd want would be more stuff I had to find places for. Heck, I already feel that way (LOL)! That's why gift cards, especially to someplace generic like Amazon, might be great. I also agree that talking with his wife or SO would be a good idea. He may already have a tablet, favorite gardening tools and fishing paraphernalia. Or not.

I'd say either the gift cards for gardening supplies or for his fish hobby... or, perhaps, if you know where he likes to dine out and the type of food -- a gift certificate to one or two of his favorite restaurants. I know when I retire next year, I'm planning on downsizing, and I won't need another clock. I have a perfectly wonderful watch already. With a watch, he already has one, or he doesn't want one.

The tablet would be a great idea, assuming he doesn't have one already. (This is where checking with a wife/SO would come in handy.)

If you have an especially nice gardening center/nursery in your area (not a big box store), I'd look into a gift card from there. Maybe shop for a nice pair of garden gloves (always need new ones) a pair of garden pruners (always need nice and new ones), some little plant labels or something similar, put in a basket with the gift card and present to him.

For a 'big' birthday my friends gave me an orchid, tickets to Longwood Gardens and a gift card to a great restaurant. I'm near Philadelphia and we're fortunate to have Longwood Gardens - over 1,000 acres of gardens, meadows, topiary and huge conservatories filled with stunning displays. They also have seasonal displays that change so there's always something new to see.

Do you have any horticultural gardens near you?

I really like the tablet idea too.

I think he will go with a gift card to the local nursery. The retiree really does have all the "stuff" he need/wants. I personally wasn't sure if the card was appropriate, but it sounds like it is based on the feedback here. I got hung up on the notion that it wasn't personal/ sentimental, but if an engraved watch will sit in a drawer, what good is that...?

Thanks for your insights!

Something he can show off would be nice. Could you get something with the company name on it he can put in the fish tank? Like a ship, or sunken treasure? Besides the gift cards. Check out an engraving place near you, or maybe online?

travel madazine subscription related to planes, trains, auto, rv, boat, assuming he and spouse have interest in any of these