A retirement present for Mum?

mytimetoshine2012

Morning all,

My Mum retires at the end of this week and I was wondering if I or the family should get her a gift? If so ...what type of thing would you suggest?

I have no idea what is normally done in these circumstances so any help, ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks MTTS

MrsManda

I don't think a present would be expected from family though there's nothing stopping you from buying one. We didn't get anything when my FIL retired and he'd have found it very weird if we had.

Is she happy to be retiring - is this something to celebrate or is it something she'd rather not be doing?

If she's happy to be retiring then perhaps going out for a family meal to celebrate would be nice idea or if there's something she's planning on doing once retired you could get her a present related to that.
For example if she's planning on taking up gardening then some tools, gardening gloves or a kneeling cushion may be a good idea idea.

mytimetoshine2012

Thanks MrsManda. Yes I wasn't sure what people normally did. I like your idea of getting something related to a hobby after the event...that's a brilliant idea! . But To my Dad's :eek: all of my Mum's plans seem to involve shopping so far, she hasn't got beyond the idea of being free in the day when the shops aren't busy! :rotfl::rotfl:Oh dear! perhaps I can pay for a day out later in the year or something when she is either bored or has run out of money (or both!)

She is happy to be retiring I think, although she says she is a bit wobbly about it -

MTTS

Gigglepig

I think it sounds like a wonderful idea to get her a present, this is a big milestone after all and I'm sure she'll appreciate the thought. A day out for the two of you later in the year may be nice, or something relating to a new hobby :-)

VfM4meplse

I agree, a day out or experience would be a good idea. Would she really need or want a non-consumable gift? I'm just assuming that when someone gets to retirement age, their material needs will have been more or less fulfilled and they certainly wouldn't want anything else cluttering up their home.

Pistachio

I bought my mum an olive tree (small!) when she retired which went down well. Google "tree my door "and they can deliver a sapling of your choice. I've bought these for a few people eg. for a new baby, much better than just flowers which get thrown away.

mytimetoshine2012

Gigglepig wrote: »

I think it sounds like a wonderful idea to get her a present, this is a big milestone after all and I'm sure she'll appreciate the thought. A day out for the two of you later in the year may be nice, or something relating to a new hobby :-)

VfM4meplse wrote: »

I agree, a day out or experience would be a good idea. Would she really need or want a non-consumable gift? I'm just assuming that when someone gets to retirement age, their material needs will have been more or less fulfilled and they certainly wouldn't want anything else cluttering up their home.

Pistachio wrote: »

I bought my mum an olive tree (small!) when she retired which went down well. Google "tree my door "and they can deliver a sapling of your choice. I've bought these for a few people eg. for a new baby, much better than just flowers which get thrown away.

Thanks everyone, it is really nice to get different perspectives.
I agree that it is a big milestone for her Gigglepig which is why I would like to mark it in some way or other. I seem to be on my own though because my siblings have flatly refused to help :mad:.

I know what you mean VfM4meplse, you would think so but my Mum is always buying things that she 'needs' and I think shopping will be her main source of entertainment until either Dad gets :mad::mad::mad: or she runs out of money!! I am hoping that she will find a good hobby of some type.

The tree idea is brilliant too, Pistachio such a lovely idea. I have never heard of it before. I will have a look and see what types they do..

Lots for me to think about there.....:)

pukkamum

We bought my mum a playstation 3 when she retired and she loves it!
She now has something to do when it is too cold or wet to go out (she has the move fitness game also) and she plays on-line with our kids!

Plans_all_plans

Personally I'd never even think to buy my dad a present when he retires! But, seeing as you'd like to, I'd go for an experience, rather than a present. Something like an afternoon tea for 2 at a fancy hotel/Harvey Nicks. You can get this from around £40 for two depedning on what part of the country you're in.

pinetree

Hi do they have a garden, as a pair of sun loungers might be nice, for the summer

shays_mum

Depends how many people are contributing but a party/short break somewhere?