You’ve planned the theme, sent out the invitations, prepared the party menu, and found an amazing venue to host all the guests for your friend’s retirement party.
All your hard work is finally coming to fruition. Now, don’t forget the retirement party favors!
Help the retiree show appreciation to all of his or her colleagues that have stuck it out through the years.
Nothing brings a smile to people’s faces then a simple party favor. It’s a small token of appreciation that speaks a thousand words of gratitude.
But what should kind of retirement party favors should you get? Should you make your own? What if you’ve already run your budget dry after accounting for everything else?
Continue on for tips and tricks for planning the perfect party favors and a list of ideas to get those creative juices going.
What to Consider When Choosing Retirement Party Favors
Retirement party favors can range from the most extravagant gift baskets to simple little trinkets and mementos.
Just keep in mind that it’s the thought that counts more than anything.
The party favor serves as a souvenir of this milestone in the retiree’s life. So, it still takes some careful consideration on the part of the party planner to make them worthwhile.
Size of Group / Number of Guests
Plan ahead of time for how many guests you expect to arrive at the retirement party. This will help you divide your remaining budget among each guest.
And remember, you want to plan to have one party favor for each guest (plus some extra). No one likes to be left out! 😉
Budget
You should set aside a small portion of your budget early on for party favors.
Once everything else has been bought and accounted for, then whatever’s extra can be added to the party favor budget for some nicer mementos.
Or if you go over budget, then you might have to get creative with either some DIY party favors or ordering simple trinkets in bulk online.
Theme or Color Scheme of Party
Always do your best to integrate the retirement party theme or colors into everything you do. This includes the party favors.
When you do this, you can keep the party looking uniform and reinforce the theme for your guests.
Time Constraints
Above all, consider your time. You already have a lot on your plate already as the designated party planner, so you don’t want to spend hours (or even days) putting together some DIY retirement party favors.
Instead, consider buying the favors in bulk at a party store or online, and then adding a small customization to make them personal. And get some helpers if you can.
Presentation/ Packaging
Of course, all party favors should be presented in style. You want them to mesh with the party theme and décor.
Be prepared to include some simple packaging or find a way to creatively incorporate them into the party décor.
How to Customize Your Retirement Party Favors
Remember how we mentioned that everyone feels more appreciated when there’s a personal touch involved in the retirement party favors? Well, it’s true!
This doesn’t mean that you have to make all the party favors yourself (though if you do, more power to you! 😎 ).
In fact, you can organize to have all the party favors bought in bulk online or at your nearest party store. Often times these outlets will give you customization options to help make the party favors more personal without putting in all the work yourself.
Or, you can enlist some helpers to wrap party favors with a specific intention, attach a customized tag or label, or even include a meaningful message from the retiree. All of these customization options will add a more polished look or make the party favors feel extra special!
List of Retirement Party Favor Ideas for Any Retirement Party
Now, you have all the tools you need to properly prepare your retirement party favors. Take a look at our list of retirement party favor ideas to see what clicks for the retirement party you’re planning.
Practical Retirement Party Favors
Cheap but just as meaningful. The party guests will love having a party favor that they can use in their everyday life.
- Monogram Notebook
- Keychain / Key Ring
- Match Boxes
- Bookmark
- Magnetic Notepad for Fridge
- Sunglasses
- Hand Fan
- Luggage Tag
- Passport Holder
- Deck of Playing Cards
A Gardener’s Favorite Retirement Party Favors
Going green at this retirement party? Let everyone join in with any of these green-thumb party favors for their home and gardens!
- Mini Succulent Plant
- Flower Seed Pack
- Mini Cactus
- Gardening Gloves
- Small Potted Plant or Flower
- Individually Packaged Single Carnation
- Citronella Candle
- Garden Lanterns

Retirement Party Favor Ideas for the Cooks in the Office
They say the fastest way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. We couldn’t agree more! Any of these retirement party favors are perfect for cooks, grillers, and bakers alike.
- Spices, Seasonings or Rubs
- Salt & Pepper Shakers
- Tea Towel
- Measuring Spoons
- Tea Infuser
- Coffee Mug or Tea Cup
- Kitchen Hand Soap Bottle
- Cookie Cutters
- Wine Bottle Stopper
- Cheeseboard and Spreader
- Wine Glass
- Bottle Opener
- Fridge Magnets
- Coasters
Cozy Home-Living and Decorative Retirement Party Favors
Add a new little trinket for everyone to remember this party by using decorative pieces that’ll sit right there in their home. These can even be implemented in the party décor to kill two birds with one stone!
- Picture Frame
- Candle
- Votive Candle Holder
- Trinket Dish
- Decorative Keepsake
- Hanging Ornament
Edible Retirement Party Favor Treats, Sweets and Everything in Between
Treat the retiree’s guests to something extra special with any of these edible party favor ideas. They’ll be cherished as they warm their bellies and soothe those late-night cravings!
- Soup Ingredients in a Mason Jar
- Mini Jams
- Assorted Pastry Favors
- Color-Coordinated M&M Candies
- Mini Bottles of Champagne (“Sip Sip Hooray!”)
- Hersey Kisses
- Mini Cupcakes
- Macaroons
- Jar of Candies
- Lollipops
- Lemon Drops (“Thanks for dropping by”)
- Mini Loaf Bread
- Small Jar of Honey (“Thank you for Bee-ing here” / “To Sweet New Bee-ginnings!”)
- Coffee Beans (“Thanks A Latte”)
- Tea Bag Packets
- Fortune Cookies (“So Fortune-ate to have you attend”)
- Mini Homemade Pie (“A Sweet Thank You”/ “You’re as Sweet as Pie! Thanks for Stopping by!”)
- Hot Chocolate
- Container of Mints
- Popcorn (“Thanks for Popping by!”)
- Mini Bottle of Wine
- Chocolate Covered Spoons
Pamper the Guests with These Leisure Retirement Party Favor Ideas
Share some of the retiree’s new leisurely life with any of these pamper packages. Even the little comforts will make a great addition to another stressful day.
- Scented Body Scrub
- Bath Loofah
- Bubble Bath
- Manicure Set
- Pedicure Kit
- Mini Hand Lotion
- Lip Balm
- Bath Bomb
- Mini Hand Sanitizer
- Face Mask
- Lip Gloss
- Stress Reliever Ball
- Scented Soaps
- Slippers
Great Packaging Options for Your Retirement Party Favors
Now, you don’t want to spoil the surprise for the party guests too soon. That’s why you’ll need to conceal them in any of these classic party favor packages.
Just make sure when you choose the package that it makes sense with the theme and that it actually fits the party favor. Also, it should cost no more than the party favors themselves unless you’re trying to do something unique and exciting where the packaging is just as special as the party favor.
- “Chinese Take Out” Box Style
- Muslin Bags
- Mason Jars or Mini Mason Jars
- Cellophane Bags
- Clear Plastic Box
- Brown Paper Lunch Bags
- Mini Tin
- Glass Jar
- Mini Woven Basket
- Clear Candy Tubes
- Small Gift Boxes or Bags from a Dollar Store or Crafting Store
- Clear Makeup Bag or Pencil Case
Adding a Personal Touch to Your Retirement Party Favors
And finally, it’s time to add that personal touch to show some thought and effort went into the party favor. Even something as simple as a personalized tag or label can dynamically improve the visual appeal of the party favors, drawing everyone’s eyes once they enter the room!
- Custom or Regular Stickers
- Self-Stick Rhinestones or Jewels
- Ribbon
- Curling Ribbon
- Twine / Jute String
- Washi Tape
- Die-Cut Shapes
Sound the Party Horns!
You’re Just Returning the Favor! As the retiree’s party planner extraordinaire, it’s your job to make the guests feel as welcomed as the guest of honor.Party Planning Solutions has prepared this list and tips to ensure that everyone leaves happy and appreciated while making your job that much easier!
pin these 70+ retirement party favors for later!