Should you bring a gift to a retirement party?

[PrincessShmoo]

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?

I expect any gifts would be from the company. Unless several co-workers go together on a gift. But not any individual gifts.

 

[mrodgers]

The management people get retiring parties. They will tell me don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya. Pretty much what everyone I've seen over 28 years that isn't in management has been told. I've wasted my time at 4 management retirement parties. I am expected to go, but I have absolutely nothing in common with these people. I'm not skipping my rent payment to buy some big money guy who determines my crappy wage a gift.

 

[PollyannaMom]

My favorite gift to give retirees is one of those clocks that tell the day instead of the time:

 

[TLSnell1981]

My favorite gift to give retirees is one of those clocks that tell the day instead of the time:

View attachment 746457

I love it!

 

[_19disnA]

Old thread so I doubt the OP is still around. In general, if a retirement party is for someone you hardly know or rarely interact with, then deciding to attend is the first thing to consider. Attendance is never mandatory. I would talk with co-workers to see what is common practice if for some reason you don't already know. I would expect in most companies, you either pitch in for a group gift or the company pays for it. I highly doubt individuals would each be expected to bring a gift on their own.

 

[DLgal]

It is so funny that this came up today. I was going to ask about this and this thread popped up as a suggestion!

We are hosting a retirement party for my husband in 2 weeks at a Brewery. They asked him if he would like a gift table and he said yes. I was like "Why? Do you expect people to bring you a gift?" He said yes, as though it was obvious. It is a military retirement, so I suppose his departing unit may give him a shadowbox or some other token gift.

 

[nw6675]

OMG I ALWAYS get sucked into the Zombie threads!

Me, too! I wish mobile showed the date of original post in the thread lists.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Me, too! I wish mobile showed the date of original post in the thread lists.

Turning your mobile from portrait view to landscape view will show all the missing information.

 

[nw6675]

Turning your mobile from portrait view to landscape view will show all the missing information.

Thanks, Dan. I need to always try that first!

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

Old thread so I doubt the OP is still around. In general, if a retirement party is for someone you hardly know or rarely interact with, then deciding to attend is the first thing to consider. Attendance is never mandatory. I would talk with co-workers to see what is common practice if for some reason you don't already know. I would expect in most companies, you either pitch in for a group gift or the company pays for it. I highly doubt individuals would each be expected to bring a gift on their own.

I’m still here… lol!!