Retirement Party

One always brings something to a party.

How about something easy like a gift card to a restaurant or a membership to a museum?

How much should a person spend on a gift card, Greg?

R3, I love Greg's suggestion. I think it depends on how close you are to the honoree. But I think $40 or $50 should do it. Don't go for some 5 star Michelin restaurant. Find out what kind of food he enjoys. For example, if he loves Italian, or Asian, or Middle Eastern, or Mexican. Then find a nice restaurant you think he'd enjoy. Or get him gift card for Amazon so he can get himself something. Or if he golfs, get him some golf stuff. Or tennis stuff.

An urn.

Thanks for the great suggestions. I appreciate it.

Bring him wine or a special bottle of some high end liquor. The guys got my dad Crown Royal. He had high blood pressure but he loved him some Crown Royal. Had stroke and died a year after he retired.

I feel like a retirement party is an “It’s the thought that counts” type of occasion. Something inexpensive, but reflective of the retiree’s interests. Personalized golf balls. A book about sailing.

A gift card seems weird to me. Museum membership is nice, though. If it’s an interest.

Many years ago when my boss retired, we in the department bought him a pair of high-end binoculars, as he was a birder and we knew he'd continue with that. Find out what your cousin's hobby is and buy them something related to it.

A subscription to Datalounge.

When I am invited to a party I always make sure to cum.

Bring a dish of cod and ice cubes.

You must be pretty young if you've never been to a retirement party, OP.

Prepare a song and dance routine.

I’m not, R13. My cousin and I are the same age - 59. I dread going to events like this.

Yes, bring a present but nothing expensive.

If your cousin is an asshole, give him a box of Depends, a case of Ensure, etc. or something even worse that would make him an object of ridicule at the party.

If you cousin is okay and you got on fairly well through the years, give him something nice. You know him, you will figure it out.

R15 Then I'm surprised you never had to go to a work retirement party. But I guess you didn't. I've been to maybe 10.

Just go to your local bakery and pick up a few pastries. It's just a token when you walk in the house; you don't have to buy enough for everyone.

Your cousin does not need a gift other than a card accompanied by a small box of pastries.

[quote] A gift card seems weird to me. Museum membership is nice, though. If it’s an interest.

What I meant specifically was a gift card (certificate) to a nice restaurant—but a restaurant that the recipient will appreciate and enjoy. If someone enjoys dining out, that seems like a very nice gift. And I would likely spend $100 on it.

I didn't mean an Amazon card or an AmEx card.

Another option is a bottle of Champagne. One cannot go wrong with Champagne.

Or, if you know that the recipient enjoys single malt Scotch, you might get a nice bottle of a favorite Scotch.

I remember on my fortieth birthday, a friend gave me a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue and I thought it was such a lovely gift.