30+ Retirement Gifts for Dad That Will Leave Him Speechless
The Short Answer Is: The perfect gift for a retiring dad should reflect his interests and newfound free time. Consider a new digital camera, a hobby-related gift, or a travel voucher to kickstart his retirement adventures. A sentimental touch, such as a heartfelt letter or a custom photo album, can make the gift even more special.
After all of those years hard at work, dad is finally retiring. He spent countless years working to provide for you and his family, so the least you can do is find him a meaningful present for his retirement. Now the question becomes what makes a great retirement gift for dad?
The days of a gold watch or a clock to sit on the fireplace mantle are over (thankfully for dad) and now families are looking for unique gifts to celebrate dad’s retirement. Lucky for you, rather than pounding your head against your smartphone and scrolling through site after site, we’ve complied the perfect list of retirement gifts for dad. It’s all about comfort, finding new hobbies, and empowering dad to do more of what he wants now that he has all the time in the world.
Here are our top gifts for retired dads. Happy gift hunting with this list of retirement gift ideas for dad he’ll love!
Best Retirement Gift Ideas for Dads
- Best Retirement Gift for Dads Who Like to Travel: Samsonite Pro Softside Duffel Bag, $186
- Best Retirement Gift for Dads Who Like to Cook: Anova Culinary Sous Vide Nano 3.0, $149
- Best Retirement Gift for Dads Who Like to Read: Amazon Kindle Oasis Reader, $249
- Best Retirement Gift for Dads Who Enjoy the Outdoors: Outdoor Survival Kit, $47
- Best Retirement Gift for Dads With No Hobbies: Heavy Duty Outdoor Yard Hammock, $79
- Best Retirement Gift for Dads Who Don’t Want Anything: Ember Temperature Control Smart Coffee Mug, $120
Flying Drone to Show Off to His Friends
Retirement is all about dad exploring new hobbies, and what better time to keep him occupied than with a brand new drone. Drone flying has become an incredibly popular hobby for folks in retirement, and this one from Holy Stone is simple to operate and is well priced for an introductory drone without so many bells and whistles.
Moccasin Slippers Because Why Not
They might not be New Balances, but the perfect style for any man in retirement is rocking out in moccasin slippers. Doesn’t matter where he’s going — It could be the grocery store to get more paper towels or the hardware store to just got out of the house, dad will be making a retirement fashion statement in these slippers.
Canon Digital Camera Kit to Pick Up Photography
Photography has always been a popular hobby, and is growing for men in retirement. If you dad has always talked about wanting to get into photography, or wish he could take better pictures, this set from Canon will give dad the equipment he needs to take great pictures of the grandkids or to catch that neighbor that keeps taking his newspaper.
Lifetime Subscription to Rosetta Stone
Now that dad is retired, maybe he’ll get to do all of that traveling he’s always talked about. Empower him to take off and feel comfortable no matter where he travels with access to learn new languages. Rosetta Stone offers a package deal where you can buy a membership for life to all of their libraries of languages. He’ll enjoy the challenge of learning something new and confidence speaking with locals.
New Overnight Travel Bag
Perhaps now your dad will want to travel more here in the United States than overseas in retirement. If that’s the case, upgrade his luggage with this stylish overnight duffle bag. It is made from waterproof genuine leather and comes in different color options. Great for weekend getaways or as a carry-on for flights too.
A New Guitar to Learn All Those Songs He Annoyed You With
Maybe dad was a hippie. Maybe he was just really into Steely Dan. Maybe he’s always been an expert air guitar player, but now in retirement has the time to try the real deal. This acoustic guitar set from Donner comes with everything someone learning to play the guitar would need.
Retirement Themed Coffee Mug
If your dad is as much of a coffee junkie as I am, he needs to have a coffee mug to commemorate his retirement. This one holds 14 oz. and has a lid so it’s perfect for retirement coffees on the go.
Kindle Oasis Reader to Start Reading More
If your dad has always talked about wanting to read more, maybe now in retirement he can get into that list of books he’s been keeping. The Kindle from Amazon makes reading any book simple. This one pairs with Audible so if he’s more of an audiobook kind of reader, he can connect via Bluetooth and listen to his books as well.
Beehive Starter Kit to Get Into Beekeeping
Get dad into beekeeping with this gift idea. We have to save the bees! Well someone does … why not your retired dad? This kit comes with everything dad would need to get his new beekeeping hobby started. Of course if you dad is allergic to bees, then totally not the best gift for him. You still want to be in his will, right?
Pickleball Playing Kit So Dad Can Play With Other Retired Folks
Fuel the stereotype of retired people picking up pickleball. Honestly, I’ve never played. But the park I hike regularly at has pickleball courts and there is always a game going on. Keep dad feeling young by picking up a new hobby sport. Hey, with this set for two you can play with him too!
French Easel Painting Set for Dad van Gogh
My wife and I have painted in the past, and I have to say it is a lot of fun. Even if your dad hasn’t been one for the arts, perhaps this set as a retirement gift will open up a creative world he didn’t know he had. If anything it would look great in his home office now that he isn’t working there full time anymore.
Dad’s Very Own Home Brewing Kit
If dad likes to kick one back, perhaps now in retirement he can give beermaking a shot. This Northern Brewer home brewing kit comes with literally all of the instructions and tools he’ll need to make up to five different beers at home. Go in and be his brew buddy helper. You’ll get dibs on being his taste tester!
Star Gazing Telescope
Now that dad is retired, he’ll start to notice the little things that have always been there that maybe he hadn’t noticed before — like the nighttime sky. Star gazing and amateur astronomy is great hobby your retired dad can get in to. It will get him outside, keep his mind active, and is even something the grandkids can get interested in.
Retirement Grilling Apron
It seems appropriate for dad to grill more in retirement. This funny retirement cooking apron makes a statement. It’s a great grilling gift for dad he’ll wear in retirement.
Bread Making Kit
Baking really rose (dad pun) in popularity during the pandemic, and now baking isn’t just something grandma does. If your dad is already in the kitchen cooking something up, perhaps he would enjoy a bread making kit as a retirement gift.
Learn A New Game Like Chess
Seems like in retirement people like to learn a lot of new things. Chess is one of those games that people either learned early in life or learn later in life. If your dad hasn’t played before, but likes board games and strategic thinking, this might be the game for him to pick up.
Take Up Birdwatching With a Smart Camera Bird Feeder
Maybe your now retired dad has always been into nature. You can feed his appetite for nature and wildlife with this cool bird feeder that comes with a camera. Its motion activated camera can capture photos of birds stopping to eat and send them straight to your dad’s phone. It will even notify dad with an app of a new visitor so he watch in real time!
Building LEGOs Isn’t Just For Kids
If your dad like puzzles and building things, why not consider LEGO sets? I’m 37 and I even play with the LEGOs I bought for them. They have a lot of cool sets now that attract older audiences. This one is of the lunar lander, but they have landscapes, city skylines, even the White House!
A Fancy Robe to Wear Literally All The Time
Dad literally has no where to go now. He may just start walking around the house in his underwear. Maybe he already does… Help he man, and your mom, out and give a comfy robe as a retirement gift for dad. King of the castle!
FitBit Smartwatch for Tracking Steps and Workouts
Dad should make his health a priority in retirement. Updating his watch game to a FitBit will make staying healthy fun. Track workouts, sleep schedules, Bluetooth connected so he can take calls, and so much more. If dad doesn’t have a smartwatch already, this makes a great retirement gift for him to start with.
Take to Water in a New Kayak
Kayaking is a great, healthy way to get outdoors and stay fit in retirement. If dad has always enjoyed the water, purchasing a kayak as a retirement gift can be a great idea. Advanced Elements has a wide range of kayaks to choose from, including two-seater kayaks for dad to take someone out on the water with.
Sleep Under the Stars Camping in a New Tent
Retirement is the best time to go camping. No plans, nowhere to be, so why not empower dad to go spend some time in the wild. Coleman has plenty of tent options to choose from and sizes, from two person tents and four person tents.
Develop a Green Thumb With a Bonsai Tree Kit
In retirement dad may want to try growing something. Depending on what state you live in, and what is legal or not (ahem) perhaps starting with a bonsai starter kit is just was dad will appreciate.
Dads Can Do Yoga Too You Know
Sticking with the same theme of keeping dad active in retirement, yoga is a great low contact way to help keep dad in shape. This yoga bundle will give dad everything he needs to start working on his flow, including a mat, blocks, towels, and stretching straps.
Hit The Road On a New Electric Bicycle
Maybe your dad has always been into cycling, but now could use a little more help getting up those hills. If he’s never considered an electric bicycle, it would make the perfect retirement gift for dad. This one from Ancheer has 21 speeds and a battery that can last 40 miles per charge.
Monthly Subscription Box of New Books to Read
Maybe you dad is a reader but he prefers to hold a real book versus a tablet or e-reader. Why not gift him for retirement a monthly book box! A Box of Stories has Light Reads, Fiction, and more to choose from. You can choose the frequency of how often dad get a new box too so it fits your budget.
Cheers to Retirement with a Brand New Cooler
In retirement, dad will probably be out more. Keep things cool and refreshments nearby with a brand new cooler as a retirement gift. The Cobalt from Blue Coolers keeps things chilled for five days, and is far more affordable cooler option than those expensive Yetis.
1001 Fun Things To Do in Retirement Book
Dad will never run out of things to do when retired with this book. It’s the perfect bucket list idea generator to get dad thinking of exciting and challenging things to try in retirement.
Adventure Stainless Steel Flask and Shot Glass Set
If dad enjoys a stiff shot of encouragement, or enjoyment, when trying something new in retirement, keep dad prepared with this retirement gift set from Stanley. This stainless steel shot glass set and flask can go anywhere dad goes in retirement.
