My parents are retiring in the next couple of weeks. I have no idea what to do for them but I want to do something nice. They do NOT want a party under any circumstances, that is what they told me a long time ago. I have thought about taking them out to dinner but what about a gift? Do you give your own parents a gift for retirement? My dad is a dentist and they have been running their own small business for as long as I can remember. It is not like they are part of a huge company that would have a party for them. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!
I have no idea of the financial situation. But I gather from you that they work together in their business. Now they get to retire, stop being business partners and reconnect as couple again, how awesome! How about sending them on a second honeymoon? It doesn't have to be Paris, maybe a 3-day cruise to acapulco? Or a weekend in wine country?
A nice dinner out would be great. They probably do not want gifts and probably don't need any more "stuff", but what about a series of lessons? Have they always wanted to learn about wine pairings, golf/tennis lessons, cooking classes, etc? When I turned 30 I really really didn't want any gifts b/c I didn't "need" anything, but absolutely love to cook. So my husband reached out to my family and they all chipped in for a series of classes at the Culinary Institute of America (NY). It was amazing and way better than a piece of jewelry or another sweater!
I would say dinner and a small gift. What are their hobbies? Travel, golf, wine, etc? Get them a book on the subject of their hobby. If they want to go to Europe, then maybe a book on Europe travel, or golf courses in a certain part of the country or whatever they enjoy doing. Or, how about a nice bottle of champagne and some nice flowers. I'd probably keep it simple.
Since they will have a lot of time on their hands a magazine subscription would be a good idea. Get their favorite magazine or a new one they have never seen but may be interesting to them. What about a Netflix membership so they can watch movies? Also, a membership to a club such as golf club or tennis, or the Y would be a good idea to get them out there with other retired people to socialize. Yeah, dinner is great but it only lasts one short night, while these other ideas will last longer and keep them busy in their retirement.
Hi,
Depending on your budget what about a cruise? My mom and step father always love cruises. If that is not in your budget, what about an overnight stay (all expenses paid) at a really nice resort locally? If they live in AZ what about the Westin Kierland in Scottsdale? I stayed there with my husband on a get-a-way and it was AMAZING?
Hope these ideas help!
Congratulations to them!
What about getting them a gift involving their hobbies or interests outside of the practice? If they golf, their are all kiinds of things to get them there or bowl or whatever. Or perhaps encourage them to pick up some hobby like golf or bowling.
I love dinner out too.
Dinner is nice and a nice gift. You could always get them a gift card to an airline that they fly often. They may have travel plans now that they will have time with the retirement.
Send them to a nice B&B for a weekend!
J.,
If your folks don't want a party they probably to want or expect gifts either. Inviting them out to a nice dinner if a fine idea, but I wouldn't say the occasion is for their retirement.
I am about to semi-retire, which means that I may be leaving my full time job (which requires a full time person) to work at another company. I enjoy some of the people I work with and actually don't care for a few. So I have said I don't want a party or any fuss when I leave. I say this because a couple of my co-workers are very loud, constantly trying to talk over each other and talk about very private matters in public. My theory, I don't break bread with people that annoy me or socialize with people who I have absolutely nothing in common.
Blessings......
