Retirement Party Ideas: How to Celebrate In and Out of the Office
April 4, 2023
Get Co-Workers Involved
A good retirement party requires advanced planning. In the weeks beforehand, alert co-workers and get them involved in the preparation. For example, you could plan a potluck-style meal and have each person bring in a different item. Also, consider designing a custom retirement card and passing it around the office for people to sign. Another option is to have a book at the party that people can write well wishes in.
It’s also important to think about the retirement gift. Personalized items make great retirement gifts for men and women alike. A custom photo book with career highlights, pictures and personal messages is one possibility. If you’re having problems thinking of a fitting present, consider the individual’s interests. Do they have a favorite hobby you can support with a gift? Also consider arranging a group gift and invite co-workers to contribute if they can. You can also celebrate the retiree’s achievements and service with an award such as a custom plaque.
Also, prepare when it comes to what the actual party will entail. If you want to make the occasion truly memorable, you probably want activities beyond cutting a cake. For example, you can create a slideshow to commemorate the retiree. Have co-workers, bosses and employees share their favorite photos and put them together. Each person can then say a few words if they want.
Games can also help make for an entertaining retirement party. You could use an easel pad or whiteboard to create a personalized version of Pictionary using images related to the company and retiree, for example, or play a “caption this” contest with work-related photos. Invite everyone to write down a funny caption for each image on a slip of paper and read the funniest ones aloud.
Other retirement party games or traditions revolve around parting with symbols of the 9-to-5 culture. “Cut the tie” (cutting the retiree’s tie) and “smash the clock” are two favorites. You can get an old alarm clock and wrap it in a pillowcase or trash bag. Then, when the retiree smashes it, all the pieces are contained.