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Retirement Gift Ideas

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These gifts can be of the congratulatory variety (great job on a lifetime achievement) or the gag-variety (make fun of the old man or old woman). I prefer the former but if you like the latter, that's here too.

Scrapbooks or photo albums are wonderful but for those of you looking for gifts you can get quickly, here are my favorite last minute retirement gift ideas for men or women:

1. Relaxation.

   Now that they've got the time to get that massage or manicure, a spa gift certificate is an especially good gift. Easy to get, too-- run down to the nearest nail salon for a quick manicure certificate, or have one sent via SpaFinder.com. I think I saw some gift certificates from them at Costco too.

2. Golf Lessons (or photography or pottery or....)

   If they never had time to learn it, here's their chance. Call a golf course near them (or whatever hobby you think they might like) and ask about lessons. They will most likely take a credit card payment over the phone and send a gift certificate for you.

3. Wine or Beer of the Month.

   Now they have time to enjoy a good glass of cabernet or pint of beer. Hook them up with a month club or hand-select a few good bottles and present it with a coffee table wine book from Target or Barnes & Noble.

4. A Musical Instrument.

   My dad always loved music but never had time to play. After he retired, it occurred to him: Hey I know how to play piano!

   He got a keyboard from Costco that doesn't take much room and the quality is really very good. I like Costco for last minute gifts because their return policy is very good; if your giftee isn't impressed, they can always take it back.

5. Really Comfy Slippers.

   They'll need equipment for all that lounging. A pair of super luxe slippers are critical.

6. The Snuggie.

   You must have seen the infomercials for these blanket-robes by now. People think they are either fabulous or ridiculous. Either way, it makes a funny retirement gift.

7. Luggage.

   Now that they'll have time to travel, they might appreciate a new suitcase or totebag. You can pick up a nice one at the mall, Costco, or Target. Or if it's not too last minute and you can wait a couple weeks, have a bag made up with a favorite photo from CostcoPhotoCenter.com.

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