The long years of dedication to work and workplace comradery have come to its end.
Your coworker is finally retiring. The plan? Send them off with a bang but first, you need retirement party ideas that will blow their socks off!
How do you create a memorable farewell for someone that’s always been there?
Throw a Retirement Party
It’s both a joy and sadness to see someone take their final bow when you’ve worked with them for many years. Their time at work was every bit of their being and this major milestone deserves (nay, needs!) a proper send-off.
Here are five retirement party ideas to create a heartfelt goodbye:
1. Theme-ing (via Their Position)
Set a party theme using their work, position, and industry as a basis. Else, set it to one of their favorite activities. Try a theme aligned to their next journey in life by incorporating what they’ll be doing or where they’re off to.
It creates a work-life story for them to recount the good and bad times.
Consider taking the party elsewhere such as their favorite lunchtime spot or at a favorite past time event. You could also theme through dress-up, too!
2. Stories & Media
Recount the times by taking turns to share favorite stories of the individual. Start with the newest members and end with seniority. The new to old sharing will shape an arcing story that’s bound to be fun and emotional.
Include media from over the years to go along with the stories:
- Accomplishments and launches
- Candid shots and after-hour clips
- Personal wins and life events
Always include the family for personal support. They’ll also provide tons of media the office won’t have to go into these slideshows.
Compile the media and make a fantastic video farewell message using photos, videos, and music. Burn the media to a DVD so they have it to hold onto.
3. Retirement “Shower”
We celebrate weddings and baby announcements with gifts so why not do the same but with a retirement?!
The gifts could help ease the transition into retirement or stand as a reminder of the good times they had with coworkers. Items like framed photos, vacation packages, gadgets, or something made by the team are all great options.
Keep a tab on things they talk about and base the gifts on those thoughts. Else, talk with their friends & family for great gift ideas.
4. A Roast
Set up a stage and host a roast of the retiree.
- Recount stories and mishaps
- Take a jab at their character
- Snicker at their choice in retirement
There’s a lot you can work with when writing a roast. Keep it tame to avoid any conflict but have fun and get a laugh. It’s a great twist on the typical speech one gives during these parties.
5. Bring on the games
Set the office on passive mode and get together to celebrate with fun games.
The best retirement party ideas are similar to a good BBQ: bring in great food and fun games & activity.
These activities could include:
- Lawn games
- “Smash the clock”
- Trivia
- Dance competition
- Karaoke
Find a way to include their hobbies with the games for added fun and personality.
To Surprise or Not
A surprise party for the retiree adds a memorable dimension to the send-off.
Treating their last day as if it were any other then rolling out the party is both amusing and shocking. A great way to say “from here on out it’s a fun-filled adventure”.
Though, they may not be a fan of surprises. Check first.
You can integrate the surprise aspect to any of these retirement party ideas. Poll your coworkers and see what they have to say.
Need to Bring Retirement Party Ideas to Life? Start Here
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Take a look at our store for balloons, napkins, wristbands, and more. Our party supplies are sure to add extra excitement and a lasting memory.
