Find the Perfect Retirement Gift for Him Article

By C. Thomas Wetherald

Unlike women, who prefer lifetime membership at spas or having a ticket in a trip across the world, men simply have different tastes when it comes to retirement gifts. Unlike the opposite sex, who wants to be pampered and to be bathed by luxury, men simply want something that affirms their virility.

They want nothing more than to be a young and energetic young man again, where they can play sports all day and eat anything they want without thinking of the health risks associated with it. So to speak, a good retirement gift must make them almost relive those moments.

Tips

When it comes to sports, nothing says “still playable by old people” other than the century-old sport, golf. So gifts like personalized golf sets (if he’s left handed, give a customized golf set for left-handed men), monogrammed golf balls and gloves are perfect gifts not only to encourage him to be active once again, it also helps when it contributes to his declining health.

If golf sets are a tad too expensive, you may opt for squash or tennis racquets along with customized polo shirts with the family logo (if they have one). What is important is that you rekindle the sports loving gent inside of him. These kind of gifts always work—has anyone heard of a man who doesn’t watch ESPN or isn’t addicted to Monday night Football or Friday night Basketball?

A good alternative to sports-related gifts are expensive alcohol. The brands don’t have to be too extravagant. A huge bottle of J&B or the commonplace Blue Label Johnnie Walker may suffice. It is always good to let him remember the good old times in the bar where he and his friends can do no better than drink the night away. But giving these kinds of gifts doesn’t mean you’re promoting that again, most men have a wine or alcohol collection stored away in a cabinet, or for the true aficionado, cabinets.

Or it could be as simple as planning a retirement/”bachelor” party for him, where he could simply have a good time with friends, chatting and drinking the night away and enjoying their other company at the gentlemen’s club.

No matter what your gift may be, make sure that is true to the fact that it’ll make the retiree feel as young as possible.

Alternatives

With these general guidelines, it doesn’t necessarily mean that one should forsake personalized gifts. One should always take into account the personality and interests of the retiree. If he loves to read about current events and blogs about it in the internet, then probably a lifetime subscription to The Economist or The Wall Street Journal will be a perfect fit for him. One mustn’t forget that very important and universal rule: suit the gift to his tastes.

Conclusion

Making retirees forget about everything about their age and the limitations that come with it must the premise behind your gift-giving decisions to these retirees. Once you find the perfect blend wherein you mix sports, leisure and fun, then rest assured that you have found the best gift possible for him.

If that cannot be achieved, then simply follow a rule that has stood the test of time: discover his interest, and give a gift related to that. In the end, it’s all about knowing what the person wants and giving it to him.