Retirement is one of life’s most significant milestones, closing an important chapter and moving on to new things. When coworkers, friends, and loved ones recognize the occasion with a gift, sending a thank you note is a polite gesture. However, retirement gifts also pose unique etiquette questions since most people retire only once. Here are some sample thank-you notes for retirement gifts and some guidelines on retirement etiquette.
Retirement Thank-You Notes and Farewell Etiquette
Retirement, retirement parties, and retirement gifts create a few special etiquette questions. Here are a few customary retirement thank-you practices:
Provide Your Contact Information
If you want to keep in touch with coworkers and colleagues, you can provide your personal contact information when you retire. For example, you can include your contact information in notes addressed to individuals, send a group email with your contact information, or post a polite note in a shared space like a break room.
Thank People For Group Gifts
In the workplace, it often happens that a group of people contribute for a single gift. If you know the individuals who contributed to the gift, and there are less than nine of them, send each an individual thank you note. If there were 10 or more contributors, or you don’t know every contributor, send a group-wide thank-you email.
Send a Thank-You Note For Your Retirement Party
If coworkers or colleagues have organized a party for your retirement, it is polite to send a thank-you note for the party. Send a note to the party organizer(s), individually or as a group, following the guidelines above for group gifts.
Send a Letter of Appreciation to Your Boss or Mentor
It is traditional to send a personal letter of appreciation to your boss or mentor upon your retirement. Include a shared memory, express appreciation, and wish them well for the future.
Employer-Given Retirement Gift Etiquette
Some companies recognize long service with retirement gifts. These gifts are often purchased and arranged by HR. If you are unsure who to thank for an employer-given retirement gift, you may want to write a thank you note to the HR department and post it in their work area.
Following these guidelines, here are some sample retirement thank you notes for every situation.
Thank-You Notes For Retirement Gifts
Example 1
Dear (Name of Addressee),
Working with you was one of the best parts of the last 20 years. I am so grateful for the travel guidebook you gave me. I am already planning a long vacation, and the book is full of great ideas. Thank you for all the years of support and camaraderie.
Your friend,
James
Example 2
Dear (Name of Addressee),
I have sincerely enjoyed working with you. Your thoughtfulness and attention to detail have always been appreciated, and this coffee mug truly displays those qualities. I will enjoy it every morning and remember our daily breaks.
Thank you for your kindness,
Mary
Example 3
Dear (Name of Addressee),
Many thanks for the retirement gift. This puzzle book is precisely what I am looking forward to, and it was an incredibly thoughtful gift. I have always enjoyed working with you and hope that we stay in touch in the coming years.
Sincere thanks,
Michael
Example 4
Dear (Name of Addressee),
As I think back on the highlights of my career, working with you will always stand out as one of my fondest memories. I am so grateful for the e-reader you gave me. It’s the perfect gift to help me catch up on my reading, which you know I have been eager to do. Thank you for the thoughtful gift and for making the past few years at work more fun.
Please keep in touch,
Linda
Example 5
Dear (Name of Addressee),
I can’t believe that you took the time to make me a hand-knit scarf for my retirement. It is such a thoughtful gift and just shows what a kind and generous person you are. I love it and will think of you as it keeps me warm in the coming winter.
With deepest appreciation,
David
Example 6
Dear (Name of Addressee),
Over the years, we have celebrated many milestones and accomplishments together. You have always been a great teammate, and your retirement gift is just another example of your incredible style and attention to detail. The journal is a fantastic gift, and I look forward to using it for years to come.
With sincerest thanks,
Barbara
Example 7
Dear (Name of Addressee),
The spa set you gave me is the ideal gift for my first day as a retiree. Thank you for helping me catch up on sleep and relaxation. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness.
With love,
Joseph
Example 8
Dear (Name of Addressee),
It has been a privilege to be your coworker and friend over the years. This chess set is a wonderful retirement gift, and I hope you and I can enjoy a few games in the future. You always know how to keep me sharp.
Deepest gratitude,
Thomas
Example 9
Dear (Name of Addressee),
I would never have imagined receiving a plane ticket on my retirement day! What a generous gift from the best, most thoughtful coworker anyone ever had. I can’t wait to use it, and I will think of you from my vacation spot.
Thank you so very much,
Charles
Example 10
Dear (Name of Addressee),
Over the years, I have appreciated your insight and professionalism in the face of so many challenges. Now that I am retiring, I have a new appreciation for your kindness and generosity. The passport wallet is an incredibly thoughtful gift, and I will surely use it in my upcoming travels. Thank you so much for the thoughtful gift.
Your friend,
Christopher
Example 11
Dear (Name of Addressee),
On my first day of retirement, I made coffee and put on the slippers you gave me. They are so warm and comfortable, and they fit perfectly. I sincerely appreciate your thoughtful gift and will enjoy it for years to come.
Thank you so much,
Nancy
Example 12
Dear (Name of Addressee),
How did you know that a cookbook would be the perfect retirement gift? I had been planning on learning more about food and cooking now that I have time for it, and this book is a fantastic place to begin. Thank you so much for thinking of me and for all the years of fun and collaboration.
Keep in touch,
Daniel
Example 13
Dear (Name of Addressee),
I was simply delighted when I opened your retirement gift and read the hilarious t-shirt. It perfectly captures this new stage in my life and reminds me of how I always appreciated your humor. Thank you so much for the wonderful present!
Your friend,
Lisa
Example 14
Dear (Name of Addressee),
As you know, I have been wondering what I would do with my time now that I’m retired. So I was deeply grateful to receive your gift of a puzzle subscription. Not only will the puzzles keep me busy, but they give me something to look forward to every month. It’s an incredibly thoughtful gift, and I appreciate it so much.
Yours truly,
Matthew
Thank-You Notes for a Group Retirement Gift
Example 15
Dear friends and colleagues,
I was deeply humbled by the thoughtful and generous gift you gave me. The watch is a perfect retirement gift and will always remind me of the many wonderful years working with you. I look forward to staying in touch in the coming years.
With sincere thanks,
Robert
Example 16
Dear friends and colleagues,
You have been the best team members a person could wish for. I am so grateful for the back massager you have given me for my retirement. I am feeling more relaxed already and sincerely appreciate the thoughtful gift.
Your friend,
Patricia
Example 17
Dear friends and colleagues,
What an outstanding send-off you have given me! I am humbled by your generous gift of earbuds. I will use them often and think of you and the great team at work every time I do. Thank you so much for your kindness.
Deepest gratitude,
William
Example 18
Dear friends and colleagues,
I am overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity with my retirement gift. The plaque is a perfect memento of my years as your coworker and friend, and I will treasure it always. Thank you for such a thoughtful gift and for making my last day so special.
Much thanks,
Richard
Example 19
Dear friends and colleagues,
You have made my retirement day one of the best and most memorable days of my life. The wonderful wine rack you have given me is the perfect gift for the next chapter, and I will enjoy it for years. It has been a privilege to work with you, and I wish you all the success you deserve in the future.
With sincere appreciation,
Sarah
Thank-You Notes for Retirement Party
Example 20
Dear friends,
I was so surprised by the lovely retirement party you threw for me last week. It was the perfect way to recognize all the people who have made my time at this company so unforgettable. You made it a truly special occasion, and I am so grateful.
Thank you for the celebration!
Jennifer
Example 21
Dear friends and colleagues,
It was such a pleasure to see you all together one last time. Thank you so much for throwing a wonderful retirement party for me and making it such a special occasion. I will never forget your kindness.
Thank you again,
John
Example 22
Dear friends and colleagues,
It was such a delight to celebrate my retirement with all of you. I am so grateful for your kindness in throwing me a beautiful party, and I will never forget what a pleasure it was to work with the best team in the business. Thank you for sending me off with such a beautiful memory.
Yours truly,
Elizabeth
Example 23
Dear friends and colleagues,
Please accept my deepest gratitude for arranging such an impressive retirement party. It was the ideal way to celebrate the many accomplishments we have achieved together and has given me precious memories that I will treasure forever. It is not easy to leave such a great team, but I hope we can stay in touch.
Deepest thanks,
Susan
Conclusion
These samples and examples will inspire you to write your own personalized after-retirement thank-you notes, along with some guidance for who to thank and how. Retirement is a huge milestone, and expressing your appreciation helps to maintain those important connections.