Should you bring a gift to a retirement party?

[DisneyFan32WI]

My husband was invited to a co-worker's retirement party. Is it customary to bring a gift? If so, what ideas do you have?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My dh does not. However he is at a large corporation and people are always retiring.

 

[minnie mum]

Does the company or his closest group of co workers not do a group gift? Many of DHs closest co workers and friends, as well as DH himself, have retired in the last few years. Individual gifts were definitely not customary.

 

[aristocatz]

I agree-find out if there is a group gift. If not, you might want to consider organizing one. We always do a group gift at my work when someone retires. Typically a gift card or gift card & flowers.

 

[sam_gordon]

One of my coworkers recently retired. The company had a reception for him but no one brought gifts. The company gave him a gift on his last day of work.

 

[srferson]

My husband was invited to a co-worker's retirement party. Is it customary to bring a gift? If so, what ideas do you have?

An office party or a party hosted by the retiree in his home?

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

It is at the local legion hall. My husband works third shift, and the man retiring worked 1st shift. The place has about 25 people total. It sounds like the first shift guys pitched in to buy him something, but that's about it.

 

[wilkeliza]

If your hubby doesn't actually know the retiree then I feel like there is no obligation to buy him a gift. This seems especially true since they worked different shifts.

 

[shoney]

I would bring a gift card or cash or see if I could get in on the group thing.
I wouldn't go empty handed.

I know in the industry where my husband works, it is customary for co-worker to organize the party. Guesst pay per head. If the place charges $25, then they pad it and charge $40 and the balance goes to the retiree. Then, there is a cash bar. In that case, gifts are not given.

Are there other 3rd shift workers going....can they get together for a group gift?

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

Oh, let me clarify...my husband has worked at the same place for over 20 years, and it is small. Even though they didn't work the same shift, they still knew each other well. The event is this evening. I don't know if we should bring a card, gift certificate to a local restaurant, a more personal gift, or simply nothing at all. I don't think dinner is served since it is at 7:00 and there is no mention of food or drinks on the invitation.

 

[shoney]

Oh, let me clarify...my husband has worked at the same place for over 20 years, and it is small. Even though they didn't work the same shift, they still knew each other well. The event is this evening. I don't know if we should bring a card, gift certificate to a local restaurant, a more personal gift, or simply nothing at all. I don't think dinner is served since it is at 7:00 and there is no mention of food or drinks on the invitation.

I would bring a gift card.

As far as food, 7pm is a standard start time for a party and food is always served. YMMV.

 

[ronandannette]

I'd have your DH either see if the guys on his shift can get in on the group gift that's already going or organize a group gift from his shift.

 

[bethy]

I would not go to an event empty handed, period. Unless maybe it's during the day at the workplace and fully sponsored by the workplace. Personally I'd bring a nice bottle of wine, or a fun gift card with a note that it can be used to buy something fun for his new life. Or I'd go in on the group gift but still bring a personal card wishing him well.

 

[Kitty 34]

My teachers (the many I subbed for over the years) gave me cash and Hello Kitty pajama pants and some rum. They know what I like!

 

[cedricandsophie]

I agree with others. I would never go to a party without a gift. A nice bottle of wine or gift card to a local restaurant is always good. I can't imagine a party at 7 that doesn't serve dinner or heavy appetizers with either a cash bar or open bar. When I retired 10 years ago after 30 years as a consultant I got to invite up to 100 people for dinner and drinks. Most firms dont do that any more

 

[LuvOrlando]

Oh, let me clarify...my husband has worked at the same place for over 20 years, and it is small. Even though they didn't work the same shift, they still knew each other well. The event is this evening. I don't know if we should bring a card, gift certificate to a local restaurant, a more personal gift, or simply nothing at all. I don't think dinner is served since it is at 7:00 and there is no mention of food or drinks on the invitation.

A gift card in an envelope would be the perfect sort of gift you can hold back if you end up feeling awkward about gifting, but can put in the retirees hand while leaving if you feel that is the right move.

It is also ok to send a gift to be delivered to this person's home to avoid embarrassment to yourself, the recipient and other attendees and just make a private note of the fact you are sending something. Some nice gifts for relaxation time we have sent for the holidays that would also work might be breakfast gift baskets from Stonewall Kitchen to enjoy the new work free mornings, a gift certificate for Cigars International if they enjoy that or maybe a gift certificate for a nice high end brunch spot even if you just cover one person's plate or something a little bit on the luxury side.

 

[focusondisney]

Zombie thread from 2015, bumped up with a sales pitch.

 

[gmi3804]

I never bring a gift TO a party. Because the last thing partygivers want to do is round up a bunch of crap to have to take home. I always send in advance, or shortly after the event.

 

[TLSnell1981]

It is at the local legion hall. My husband works third shift, and the man retiring worked 1st shift. The place has about 25 people total. It sounds like the first shift guys pitched in to buy him something, but that's about it.

I would probably bring a small gift i.e. a bottle of wine, something for a barbecue/grill, sports theme. It would definitely help to find out what the gentleman enjoys. Although your DH shouldn't feel obligated to buy anything but it's what I would do

 

[TLSnell1981]

Zombie thread from 2015, bumped up with a sales pitch.

OMG I ALWAYS get sucked into the Zombie threads!