12 Retirement Gift Ideas to Celebrate the Next Adventure

You never have to wonder where you got your brave, spontaneous nature from — your dad was taking you backpacking long before you could walk. And your mom? She couldn’t wait to meet you in Spain when you studied abroad. Encourage your parents’ lifelong travel bug with this scratch-off map, giving them the chance to proudly display all the places they’ve been — and the ones they’re going. As they chip away at the gold covering, they’ll reveal a myriad of colors, eventually showing a bold rainbow of their journeys together around the globe.

To buy: amazon.com, $33

When your dad retired, did he head straight from the office to the airport to board a flight to anywhere warmer and slower? Now that he’s up for wherever his margarita and bottle of sunscreen take him, arm him with the right equipment to document every single moment. This entry-level mirrorless Olympus model (one of our picks in this year’s Ultimate Travel Essentials) offers lots of creative control, but it’s easy to use for island hoppers like Dad who can’t stop snapping photos of the beach.

To buy: amazon.com, $799

You don’t know how they did it, but somehow, your parents managed to wrangle three kiddos under the age of 10 through check-in, airport security, boarding, an overnight red-eye, and the coolest corners of the world. Whew. Now that you and your siblings are grown, send your parents on vacation in style. Southwest is consistently ranked one of the best airlines by our World’s Best Awards voters, for its excellent in-flight service and reputation for no hidden fees.

To buy: amazon.com, from $50

It doesn’t have to be five o’ clock anywhere to start sipping on some red, red wine when you’re retired. Though you may be envious of your parents sending you a Snapchat of their vineyard pick of the evening when you’re pulling an all-nighter at the end of the quarter, a gift certificate to Wine.com reminds them that while working days might be a thing of the past, happy hour is forever.

To buy: wine.com, from $25

As the dress shoes shift to the back of the closet post-retirement, there’s room for a cozy new pair of slippers. This unisex pair from Glerups has a leather sole and an upper made from a 100% blend of merino and Gotland wool that’s warm but breathable.

To buy: amazon.com, from $105

Your parents couldn’t be more excited about their upcoming safari trip to Africa. They'll want the best possible view during this once-in-a-lifetime experience spotting incredible wildlife out on the Masai Mara. With this binocular set's image stabilization and 10x magnification, they’ll be able to see clearly far out into the bush from their vehicle.

To buy: amazon.com, $535

Your uncle’s cool, laid-back mindset makes it hard to believe he ever worked long enough to retire, but now that he’s liberated from his 9-to-5, encourage his childlike attitude with a drone. This bad boy features a 120° Wide-angle 720P HD FPV Camera, letting him capture just about anything that piques his curiosity around the world.

To buy: amazon.com, $70

An e-reader perfect for the retiree who wants to finally dig into the reading list they've been building for years. Then new Kindle Oasis features an adjustable warm light, a thin and light ergonomic design, and Audible-compatibility. Plus, it's waterproof, so you can do all the poolside reading you want.

To buy: amazon.com, $280

This set of two leather travel cases from Cuyana is perfect for anyone who loves stay organized while traveling without compromising style. Use the cases for small toiletries, jewelry, or tech items to keep your essentials within reach. You can even add a monogram to make the gift extra personal.

To buy: cuyana.com, $120

This sleek, slim-fit Canada Goose parka is exactly the upgrade your dad needs for his upcoming ski trip. And thanks to super cozy details, you won't have to worry about him staying warm in temperatures as low as -5F. The ribbed lining provides insulation for the face and neck, rib-knit cuffs keep heat in, and a wind- and water-repellent finish keeps the elements at abay.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $775

With time for those less crowded lunch-hour fitness classes and midmorning runs, retirees often find it a lot easier to focus on their health. The Fitbit Versa 2 is the perfect companion for tracking steps, calories, heart rate, and more health stats throughout the day.

To buy: amazon.com, $199

A new bucket list of retirement destinations calls for a new set of luggage (especially if pops is still using his duffel from 1983!). Go big with this gift and opt for one of the best brands available: Tumi. This aluminum spinner is super-durable, offering four wheels for easy airport wheeling and added safety measures approved by the TSA.

To buy: ebags.com, $1,495

While you type and text without a second thought, your parents might not have lost their lust for pen and paper. For a not-so-big gift that’ll fit in their carry-ons or find its home in their RV, consider a classic travel journal. This linen wrapped version includes 86 pages of custom prompts, as well as spots to put photos and mementos.

To buy: amazon.com, $20

A cashmere travel wrap is the ultimate cozy travel accessory, making it the perfect luxe gift for your mom or aunt who always gets cold on airplanes. This wrap from White + Warren comes in tons of colors, but fun stripe will keep her warm (and stylish) throughout her trip. 

To buy: shopbop.com, $375

In search of a simple yet meaningful retirement gift idea? This leather passport cover is the perfect pick for your favorite retiree. It might not seem like such a big gesture, but each and every time they open their passport to go through security or cross a border, they’ll be thinking of you. You can also add a monogram to make the gift extra special.

To buy: leatherology.com, from $60