If you’re planning for retirement soon, prepare to receive some awful gifts, too. While many companies may have a small party with a card and cake, others seem to go out of their way with awful and tone-deaf retirement gifts.
Here’s what Redditors say about the worst retirement gifts they received.
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1. Potluck and plastic pin
“My mom got a potluck and a plastic pin that noted her years of service. This was for a school board,” explains user buttercream73437.
Unless she specifically asked for a potluck, this seems like an odd retirement gift choice. While a pin could have been a nice gift, a plastic pin seems unlikely to wear well or last very long.
A favorite-things basket could’ve been a more personalized gift option. After working with someone for several years, you would likely pick up on their favorite coffee place, books, candy, etc.
Even if the gifts are small, thoughtfulness makes people feel seen and appreciated.
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2. Box of donuts
“10 years and they got a box of donuts to share with an office of nine people,” says one Redditor. This seems like a more appropriate gift for a birthday rather than a retirement.
Food gifts are often appreciated, but not when there is an expectation to share with your co-workers.
Food gifts can be a great choice because they are consumable and won’t just sit on a shelf collecting dust like a paperweight or plaque. A better food gift would be a gift card to a fine-dining restaurant or an extravagant gift basket with towers of treats.
3. Kayak for Derek Jeter
One Redditor shares, “I was at the game where the Rays gave Derek Jeter a kayak. Which isn't so much a terrible gift as a strange one, unless it ties into a hobby of his I'm unaware of.”
Even professional athletes can’t escape bad gifts. As the user said, unless this was to support a specific hobby, the gift feels strange. Gifting someone an item that directly ties to their interests is a great way to show them you care about them.
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“I need something that would be generic enough for someone I don't know, but I've seen plenty of memes about how much teachers hate mugs,” asks user the cooliestone.
It’s true; teachers get a lot of mugs throughout their careers. Users on this thread offered suggestions like a handwritten letter about their personal impact or a book with an inscription. They shared these gifts that had been welcomed and appreciated by other teachers in the past.
5. Vacation for upper management
“Contributing to such an extravagant gift (Airbnb and restaurant gift card) for someone that is in upper management/leadership while I'm nowhere near that level seems unnecessary, especially for someone who is in a position to retire,” explains a Redditor.
The commenters on this thread agree retirement gifts should be paid for by the company — not lower-level employees. If you are close to a retiring colleague, feel free to get them a gift or contribute, but you are not obligated.
6. Broken promises
“I was promised a 401(k) when I was hired 15 years ago, and he never gave it to me. So I've got no retirement other than what I've been able to save,” says one Redditor.
It’s a tough blow not to have any employer-related funds for retirement. However, you should have access to your own retirement accounts and not take your boss’ word for it.
It should be documented in your benefits package and regular account statements. If you’ve been promised retirement benefits, make sure you have written proof.
Companies that offer 401(k) plans often match up to a certain percentage of your wages. Take advantage of this employer benefit to help save for retirement.
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“The $80 bottle of wine given to a recovering alcoholic is probably the worst,” says MrC99.
Hopefully, this was given out of ignorance. Either way, Redditors mention not giving alcohol multiple times because you never know someone’s relationship with substances.
For many people, enjoying a bottle of wine is an experience you share with close friends or loved ones. A less complicated option may be tickets to see a show or a gift certificate for an event center. That way, the person can bring someone special and enjoy a memorable evening together.
Bottom line
In past generations, it was common for people to stay at the same job for decades. The tides have changed, and people are now realizing that your loyalty means very little to most employers.
These types of retirement gifts are proof of that. Rather than hope your company gives you a fantastic retirement gift, take steps today to create your stress-free retirement .
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