Cast Away the Plaques - Different Retirement Gifts of Appreciation are In

Handing retiring employees a stack of retirement plaques, shaking their hand and waving them out the door is so last century. Today, long-serving employees want retirement gifts that can be used, enjoyed and truly express an employer's appreciation for their years of service.

So, if you're still handing out retirement plaques, it's time to stop. People don't want a wall ornament that reminds them of work - they want experiences or items they'll actually use. Read on for some fantastic retirement gift ideas.

The Traditional Retirement Watch

Admittedly, the classic retirement watch isn't the most creative idea, but it is a gift that you know your employee will use. By giving a long-serving employee a high-quality watch, you're extending to them a great thank you gift for their years of loyal service.

Remember, when giving a watch as a retirement gift, it's critical that you don't choose something too inexpensive. Nothing communicates lack of gratitude like a watch that stops ticking after a few weeks.

An Experience

These days, retirees are mobile. They're traveling, moving or exploring, and the last thing they want is more "junk." Instead, give the gift of an unforgettable experience.

An Alaskan cruise, a weekend spent learning how to drive a race car, an all-inclusive vacation down south, a week touring the foothills of Italy, a night out at an incredible restaurant, a weekend spa retreat, a series of flight lessons - these are all great retirement gifts for the retiree on the go.

Golf or Country Club Membership

For many retirees, golf is a beloved activity that fills their days. If you know a long-time employee loves to golf, an annual membership to a nearby club is a great means of expressing your thanks and keep them living an active lifestyle.

the Gifts You Should Avoid

A good rule of thumb is to avoid giving anything that's emblazoned with the company logo. A loyal employee may love working for the company and be sad to go, but the last thing anyone wants to do in their retirement is stare at a complete set of placemats branded with the company slogan.

Next, avoid anything that's work related. This includes ink blotters, desk clocks, pen sets or anything else that focuses on the office and the work done there. This is about the future of retirement, not holding onto the past.

Last but not least, avoid high cost gifts or discuss them with the employee beforehand. The IRS has restrictions in place that will actually tax certain presents above a certain monetary value, counting them as "bonuses" rather than gifts. And though retirement plaques may be awful, at least they'll never be taxed.

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