Wish your colleague a fond farewell with a thoughtful retirement gift

Is your friend at work heading on to the golden pastures of retirement? Why not give them a big send-off and thank them for all their hard work with a thoughtful retirement gift?

Whether they enjoy a tipple or love to get out and about on adventures, here are some retirement gift ideas to spark some inspiration. These are guaranteed to make your colleague feel valued and special and gift them the luxury they deserve for their retirement.

How to choose the perfect retirement gift for your colleague or employee

Depending on your relationship with your colleague, you may want to invest a little bit more for their retirement gift. But whatever your friendship level with your coworker, a retirement gift is always a thoughtful gesture, and even a little token of appreciation can go a long way when it comes to gift-giving.

Make it personal

Your colleague is bound to appreciate a gift personal to them. Whether that’s a flavour or colour you know they will enjoy or a personalised Simply Thanks Message Box with their gift. Have they previously mentioned a restaurant they’d love to go to or a type of chocolate they can’t get enough of? Take note of their preferences and use this to guide your purchase.

At Hotel Chocolat, our products can be gift wrapped at checkout, or even added to a bespoke hamper. Why not add a personalised message? Your colleague is sure to appreciate a few thoughtful words.

Consider their hobbies

Figure out their interests and hobbies. Perhaps they are an avid golfer or have a keen interest in music. Is your colleague is passionate about home decor? You could present them with an elegant (and beautifully aromatic) Cacao & Vanilla Candle.

Find out if they have any retirement plans

Your colleague might be looking forward to starting a new course or pottering in the garden. Or perhaps they are planning on travelling abroad during their retirement. You can use this knowledge to find a gift that will bring them joy in their next stage of life.

If they’re planning a big trip, for instance, you could get them a sophisticated luggage tag or a quirky Honey Pod Soap to keep them feeling fresh on their travels.

For those who are retiring and want to spend more time with their families, you might consider a gift they can share and enjoy with loved ones. From board games and boxes of chocolates to restaurant gift cards, give them the gift of special family connections.

Those who adore cacao might enjoy the opportunity to visit our Rabot Restaurant in London’s Borough Market. With a Restaurant Gift Card, they can visit at a time that best suits them and their loved ones.

Retirement gift ideas

Once you’ve established your colleague’s hobbies, interests and post-retirement plans. It’s time to choose a gift!

Here at Hotel Chocolat, we have plenty of gift options to suit every retiree. Rest assured, whatever your budget, we have the perfect gift at Hotel Chocolat with the seal of luxury approval.

Pamper time

Now that your colleague has the time to relax, why not invest in a gift that promises a bit of self-care? We also have a wide range of beauty gifts made with botanical ingredients that are kind to skin and the planet.

From invigorating Sugar and Sour Orange Body Scrub that’s perfect for rinsing away the day after an afternoon of gardening to an opulent Argan and Cacao Body Butter that will leave their skin feeling silky-smooth and supple, there are plenty of gifts to explore.

Or how about our classic Rabot Lip Balm? This product is an all-around crowd-pleaser. Available in a range of flavours from Coconut, Honey and Peach, a little lip balm is a cute extra addition to a larger retirement gift, or in accompaniment with a chocolate selection box.

An exciting trip or experience

For the active retiree, the gift of an experience is sure to go down a treat! Whether it’s go-karting, an escape room or a craft workshop, an experience gift will provide your colleague with memories to treasure.

Searching for a retirement gift for a chocolate devotee? Our Bean to Bar Experience is an unmissable chance to witness the process from cocoa bean to chocolate bar. Hosted by our master chocolatiers, this experience will give your giftee an insight into tempering and allow them to make their very own chocolate bar. They’ll also get to enjoy a glass of prosecco, 10% off in-store on the day, and a goody bag to take home with them.

The gift of barista-grade coffee at home

Now that your retiring coworker can’t enjoy the office coffee machine anymore, maybe it’s time to treat them to an upgraded coffee experience they can indulge in every day?

Hotel Chocolat’s The Podster is the ultimate retirement gift. This innovative machine delivers barista-grade coffee in the comfort of your own home. The Podster is a luxurious indulgence on demand. The perfect treat for those slower, relaxed mornings. And for those who aren’t into coffee? Take a look at our hot chocolate sachets.

A luxurious tipple

Nothing says ‘perfect send-off’ than a tipple – whether it’s a bottle of bubbly for a toast at the office after hours or a spirit they can share with a loved one at home. For something truly decadent, we suggest our Salted Caramel Velvetised Chocolate Cream. With its smooth texture and notes of dulce de leche, it’s a treat for the taste senses.

A personalised chocolate subscription

Perhaps the most thoughtful gift, nothing conveys value more than a personalised chocolate subscription. Choose from our range of choices, including a ‘Build A Box’ option that allows you to specifically tailor your colleague’s tastes to a chocolate box perfectly suited to their sweet tooth.

We also offer coffee refill and hot chocolate delivery subscriptions. This could be a great additional gift on top of The Podster or The Velvetiser. What better way to say ‘Happy Retirement’ than a year’s supply of refills for your colleague’s shiny new machine?

Retirement gifts from Hotel Chocolat

Explore our full range of retirement gifts and treat your colleague or employee to a memorable present. From The Velvetiser to Espresso Martini Velvetised Cream, beauty products to candles, there’s something to suit every taste.