Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
It’s always a strange time in your life when a parent retires. It marks the end of a chapter and the start of an exciting new time. Hopefully, retiring will mean that you can spend a lot more time with them. Retirement today is a much different experience from what it was even 50 years ago. People are living longer and healthier lives, so can experience a much more active and fulfilling retirement that they can enjoy after a lifetime of work.
So, when your Dad retires, how are you going to mark the occasion? You’re probably going to have a party but we’ve come up with some great ideas to inspire you.
Turn his garden into a golf lover’s dream
If your Dad’s a keen golfer, the chances are he’s looking forward to spending much more time on the golf course when he’s retired. He’s probably also received a lot of golf-related retirement presents too.
Why not do one better than a golf club and arrange for a putting green installation right in his back garden? Its all-weather surface means he can practice in all but the worst conditions and perfect that putt. He’ll be impressing his friends when he gets back on the course.
Help him recreate a happy memory
Has your Dad ever spoken of a trip he took when he was younger or a favorite gig he went to? Try and think back and see if it’s something you can recreate for him. It could be tickets to a reunion concert or a trip away to a place he hasn’t been to for years.
Create a scrapbook
Retirement is a time for reflection. Why not celebrate this new chapter of life by documenting the old one. Create a scrapbook full of memories for your Dad. Include as many pictures and nostalgic items that you can find.
Get family members and friends to write personal notes which you can also place at the end of the book. As a nice touch, get a second, blank scrapbook that your Dad can fill up with new memories he’s about to make.
Help him find a new hobby
If your Dad’s like most people, he probably had a list of things he’s always wanted to try, but never had the time. Now is the perfect opportunity to try some of them. Whether it’s learning a new language, building a kit car, taking cooking classes, find a way to make this a reality for him. Retirement is a great time to learn new things and you’ll be giving him the ideal opportunity to do them.
Takeaways
Finding the right retirement present for someone can be tricky. It can be even more difficult when you’re trying to choose something for your Dad. You know your Dad best, so you’ll be able to judge what type of present to get him, whether it should be sentimental or humorous.
Whatever you decide, it should still be thoughtful and be a fitting way to mark the occasion. He’s sure to love it.
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