If retirement is on the horizon and you’re in search of the very best of the best, top 10 retirement party ideas – you’ve come to the right place!

As of 2018, each day 10,000 people turn 65 which is the standard age for retirement. People tend to feel one of two ways about it: they either want to slip out quietly, unnoticed – or go out with a bang, ready to celebrate. Of course, we think you should take the second route. Retiring is a huge milestone that should be celebrated! It is both an acknowledgment of all the hard work you’ve put in over the decades, as well as a celebration of you entering the next stage of life.

Now that we’ve convinced you to get wild and throw a party… just what does that entail? There are a few things that are important to every retirement party. We’ve put together a list of our top ten retirement party must-haves.

Retirement Party Ideas #1: Pick a Theme

Before you do anything else, you must decide on a theme. By declaring a theme, you set expectations for guests before they even arrive. Depending on what that theme is, they might even dress accordingly! A theme can also help you decide on party decorations. A few of our favorite retirement party themes and decorations include:

• Nostalgia: Throwback to your favorite decade or memories gone by. Choose to theme the party for the decade you started working at the company. If you’re really dedicated to a nostalgia theme, try digging up old company logos or old company products to showcase at the party as decorations.  

• Travel Destinations: Say “Bon Voyage” and celebrate upcoming retirement travel plans. Decorate with travel décor and dishes from different parts of the world.

• Margaritaville: Need we say more? Set up a margarita station in the office or at a great venue and celebrate.

• Casino Night: Card games, red and black decor, cigars, etc.

• Motorcycle: Think leather, bandanas, license plates, and biker babes.

• Old Hollywood: Gold and silver decorations with a glitz and glam vibe. Encourage guests to dress like their favorite stars from years past. This old Hollywood theme is great for a classy retirement party.

• Golf Themed: Great for the employee who always conducts his meetings at the golf course. Hold the party at the golf course, or bring the golf course to the office with a mini golf set up and golf themed food and cake.

• The Office: This hilarious sitcom is a great office retirement party idea. Take some idea from Jim and Dwight to spice up the party, like putting some office supplies in Jell-O.

• Virtual Retirement Party: Whether remote work has become the norm because of COVID or if your company has had remote employees for years now, a virtual retirement party can still be fun. Host the party in a zoom meeting and make sure everyone attending has a great speech planned.

• Get Punny: Think about your company and what the job entails, can you come up with a pun that would make a great theme? For a writer maybe the theme can be A New Chapter. For a construction worker maybe it’s a “No Work Zone.”

• Backyard BBQ: If your co-workers are more like family, a backyard BBQ is a great casual party. You can still add a theme to a BBQ too or stick to some basic summer BBQ decorations like red and white plaid.

Tip 2: Achievement Board

You only retire once, so go ahead, brag a little! Put together a board full of the achievements of your working life. Include past jobs, promotions, important projects, big clients, and milestones. If it was a big deal when it happened, put it on the board! This will be a great talking point for you and your guests.

This is also a super sweet gift for the family of someone retiring to put together and surprise their loved one with. If you want to get really creative, you can also get an achievement cake. Ask a baker to create a tiered cake with your accomplishments on the cake. Retirement themed cakes can be overdone and boring, but an achievement cake is more exciting and more personalized.

Tip 3: Photobook or Photo Board

Your retirement party is a chance to celebrate every moment of the last several decades – big and small! Did you become a parent? Grandparent? Complete degrees and certifications? Go on vacations? Perhaps you have photos of yourself on the job or at your very first job?

Go through all of your old pictures and pull out your favorite memories. You really can’t have too many photos – bring multiple photobooks and boards to your party venue. Your guests will love looking through the photos and reminiscing with you. You can also ask guests to bring a photo they have of you to add to the collection. Have a guestbook set up so you can remember who came to the party. It doesn’t have to be a traditional guestbook, you can get creative.

Some great guestbook ideas include:

• Have each guest write their favorite work memory on a card and have them put the card in a photo album, instead of signing a traditional book.
• Have them bring a photo to put in a photo album.
• Have a book for them write a retirement bucket list item for you to do and commit to fulfilling the list. You may want to add rules for them to abide by, so the list is reasonable and realistic.
• If you are more sentimental, get a photo frame and a photo frame matt and have everyone sign the matt, then take a group photo at the party and put in the frame to hang on the wall.

Tip 4: Retirement Party Games

What party is complete without games? Get your guests involved by planning a game or two to play during the party. A few of our favorites are:

• “Pin the…” Get a lifesize photo of the retiree and fill in the blank! Whatever the retiree enjoys as a hobby -if they love baking, play pin the apron on…, or if they’re a fan of golfing, pin the golf club.
• Personal quiz: Who knows the retiree best? Create a custom quiz and hand out prizes to the winners.
• Two truths and a lie: each player must present two truths about themselves and one lie, players must determine which is the lie.

Tip 5: Speeches, Toasts, and Roasts

A retirement party is not complete without a couple of speeches or comedic roasts. Let guests know ahead of time to come prepared with stories about the person retiring and pass around the microphone – this is sure to get the crowd laughing! Ask special guests who can’t make it to send a short video of them sharing funny moments and favorite memories with the guest of honor to play at the party.

Tip 6: An Awesome Playlist

Your playlist should be full of crowd-pleasers and your own personal favorites – but be sure to throw in some retirement-related music. An extensive list of suggestions can be found here. A few of our favorites: “I Want to Break Free” by Queen, “Takin’ Care of Business” by Bachman Turner Overdrive, and “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles.

7. Food and Drinks

A party is never complete without food and beverages. We recommend serving snack-sized food that can be eaten in a couple of bites. Have a couple of signature cocktails for the night advertised at the bar. What drink is the person retiring known for? For example, if they love a stiff gin and tonic, advertise it as “The Painkiller,” “One Way Ticket to Freedom,” or “(No Longer) Workin’ 9 to 5.”

Retirement Party Cake Ideas

Every Retirement party needs cake. You can contact a local bakery and get a specialty cake make that goes with the theme of the party. You can also do cupcakes or cake pops in place of a large cake, this would prevent you from having to cut and serve the cake.

Retirement Party Ideas Tip 8. Mingling & Socializing

This is a given – be sure to mingle! If you are the guest of honor, make your rounds and take the time to chat with everyone. If you have a sizeable guest list, this can be difficult, so don’t stress too hard about it. A brief chat with each group of guests will do.

As you move along, introduce folks and spark conversation amongst guests so everyone feels included. If you struggle with mingling, try to make sure you have plenty of entertainment at the party, this can take the stress off you, while also ensuring everyone is having a great time. Some great ways to keep yourself meeting with guest are:

• Rent a photobooth and take pictures with each guest as they arrive. This is a great way to spend time with each guest and have photos of the event.
• Host your party at a golf course and take turns riding with guests in golf carts.
• Do a murder mystery dinner so everyone is engaged in the game.
•  If you’re playing games or doing activities, switch up who you’re hanging out with.

9. Retirement Party Gifts

Undoubtedly, people will bring gifts. Be sure to have a designated area for the collection and have a game plan. Will the retiree open them at the party? This is a great way to show thanks to gift-givers right on the spot. Feel free to note on invitations that gifts are not needed if you’d prefer to skip the presents.

In search of the perfect gift for retirement party?

You can either go funny or thoughtful.

• Thoughtful Gift Ideas: Something for their favorite hobbies, cooking lessons, a nice bottle of wine, or an e-reader.
• Funny Gift Ideas: We love this site for funny retirement gifts.
• Bonus! Useful Ideas: Try this list of the Best Retirement Books to help your friend or family member with a helpful present.

10: Retirement Party Favors

While not expected, party favors are always a great way to show that you appreciate your guests. Here are a few of our favorite options:

• A playlist of your favorite retirement-related songs
• Cheers to new beginnings coozies
• Mini liquor or wine bottles with “I don’t give a sip anymore, I’m retired!” tags
• Suitcase favor boxes filled with candy
• Custom guitar bottle opener
• Custom cookies made to match the theme of your party
• Custom cake pops

No matter how you choose to celebrate your retirement, one thing is important. You made it! Take your time and enjoy your party guests. The next chapter in your life is waiting for you!

Further Reading

May we suggest the following reads on retirement!

The post Top 10 Retirement Party Ideas appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

One of the best presents a grandparent can give is access to higher education. A 529 Gift is a great present for your grand-kids, and it is easier than ever to get your contributions in the right place, quickly.

Whether you can give a little, or a lot, every bit helps. College is more expensive than when you were young. In fact, one year of school tuition ranges from $10,000 to $40,000+ for average public to private schools (respectively). So, if you happened to pay your way though, that is great, and it is still possible today. However, more often than not, students leave school with large amounts of debt.

What is a 529 Plan Gift?

First, a 529 is a tax-advantaged college savings account. Officially, the government named these plans – Qualified Tuition Plans. The money in these plans are invested in the market, so your money can grow with interest. Each state has access to different accounts, and there are national ones too.

The tax-advantage to this account is that your after-tax, invested money grows tax-deferred. This is true for both federal and state taxes. Some state accounts also allow you to deduct your contributions from your state income taxes up to a certain amount.

In other words, you cannot deduct your contributions from Federal taxes, but in some states you can. Then, when you withdraw your funds to use at a qualified institution, you do not have to pay taxes on either the principal or the interest. (Withdrawals that are not qualified get hit with a 10% penalty.)

Why a 529 Gift is Wise

Here are our favorite reasons a 529 contribution is a great gift:

• Compound interest makes a 529 Gift – a gift that keeps on giving!
• In 30 states, your gift is deductible on state income taxes.
• Children get too much “stuff” for presents. Giving the experience of learning is very powerful and memorable.
• Saving for college, even through gifts, if a good lesson for kids to learn.
• It helps parents (your kids) keep up with the cost of raising kids!
• The kids themselves are not in charge of these accounts, so you know the money has a better chance of being used properly.

How to Gift a 529 Plan or 529 Contribution

To give a college savings contribution, you will either need to set-up a 529 plan if your grandchild does not have one already, or contribute to an already established account. Here is how you do both.

Setting-Up a New 529 Plan

If your child or grandchild does not already have a 529 Plan, you can set one up for them. You will open the plan up in their name. However, remember, this is a custodial account, so they will not have access to the funds.

To start your process, you can find a list of State 529 Plans here with links to each one.

Contributing to an Existing Plan

First, you can send a check to your grandchild’s 529 Plan Account.

Second, there is a free and convenient service you can use to send money electronically to your grandchild’s account. It is called Ugift, and you can find their website here. You will need your grandchild’s unique Ugift code. You will need your family in charge of this account to give you their code. If they logon to their account, they can see a place to get a Ugift code to share with you.

After you have this code, you can go to the Ugift 529 website and enter the code on their homepage to start your contribution. They have printable certificates if you want to give one, but everything will be do electronically from there.

Conclusions

Giving a 529 Gift is a great present for any occasion. Moreover, it is a gift that can grow with time, and won’t end up at the bottom of the laundry pile in 2 weeks.

Other Articles About Gifting

• Gifts for Seniors
• Gifts for Nursing Home & Assisted Living Residents

The post 529 Gift – The Perfect Grandparent Present appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

When it comes to gift giving, you always want to be thoughtful and helpful. This is especially true when you are shopping for the best gifts for elderly in nursing home. These are also great gifts for seniors in assisted living.

There are our top picks that your friend or family member will appreciate if they are living in a nursing home.

In addition, you can also visit our list of the Best Gifts for Seniors and Grandparents here for even more ideas.

Thoughtful Gifts

Nursing Home Guest Book

Visitors Book: Nursing Home Visitor Guest Book for Logging Name and Date, Floral

Remind your senior family members and friends how much you love them and miss them when you are not around. Leaving names and encouraging notes in their visitor’s book is a small gesture that means a lot.

Scrapbooks & Photo Albums

Making a scrapbook or photo album will also go a long way to comfort your senior. If you family member is just moving into a nursing home, giving them a book with pictures from their old house or neighborhood might make the transition easier.

Framed Photos & Electronic Picture Frames

Pictures of friends and family are good for the heart. You can opt for the traditional frames and photos, collage frames, or even digital frames. The digital frames are great to be able to see multiple photos. However, before you give a digital frame, make sure that your senior or someone at the home can keep it charged and working.

Stationary and Note Cards

There are so many beautiful cards and stationary options out there that it is easy to customize this gift to fit your family member or friend. Make sure to gift this gift with a hand-written note from you too!

Calendars

In addition, calendars are also a highly customizable gift. You can make a calendar yourself with photos of family and friends, or you can buy one in just about any topic your senior is interested in.

Helpful Gifts

Odor Reducing Bathroom Spray

Puracy Natural Room Spray, Lavender & Vanilla Air Freshener, Organic Bathroom Odor Eliminator, Perfume-Free

Your senior will appreciate the ability to keep their bathroom as fresh as possible. Nursing home bathrooms just tend to have smells that linger. This gift will help your senior to ward off embarrassment when having guests visit.

In addition, we found this room-spray very helpful as well in combating odors.

Hygiene Cloths

Ally Rinse-Free Ultra-Thick Adult Bathing Cloths are great for a quick refresh. Baths are often scheduled at a nursing home, so these cloths are helpful in the inbetween times. They are also microwaveable and hypoallergenic.

Robes and Comfortable Cardigans

Help your senior family member or friend find their new favorite robe or sweater! Look for breathable materials that are easily cleaned and laundered.

No Slip Socks and Shoes

Warm comfortable socks with non-slip grips on the bottom are helpful for just about anyone, but especially those in a nursing home. This is their home and they would like to walk around in socks sometimes! However, there is that issue of tiled floors.

In addition, it is important to find the most comfortable shoes that also have sufficient grip. Nursing home residence often have lots of hard surfaces and not a lot of plush carpet around. Consequently, our elders need shoes that support as well as grip.

Lotions and Balms

Nursing homes and assisted living centers can be very dry! Light scented or unscented lotions are good choices, and even better if they are all natural.

Senior Friendly Technology

Clocks with large numbers and radios, music players with simple controls are great gifts for seniors and the elderly. Pre-programming their device or filling an ipod with their favorite music makes the gift thoughtful as well as helpful!

For those that need extra help, we recommend the Simple Music Player – MP3 music box for Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Again, if you need more ideas, make sure to visit our list of the Best Gifts for Seniors and Grandparents!

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Best Gifts for Seniors

Here are the best gifts for seniors! Whether you are looking for a present for a grandparent, elderly parent, senior relative or friend, we have the top and trending gifts listed here!

If you are looking for a gift for a senior that is in a nursing home or assisted living, please see our article on the best gifts for them too!

The Top Gifts for Seniors

1. Best Gifts to Create Memories and Share Love

One of the best ways to create memories and strengthen bonds is through story telling. Letters to my Grandchild is a gift that continues to give – give it to your grandparent and then they can give it back!

The letters come with story ideas and writing prompts for those that need a little inspiration. It also comes with stickers to seal the letters and ideas for when and how to open the letters.

Letters to My Grandchild: Write Now. Read Later. Treasure Forever. (New Grandma Gifts, New Grandparent Gifts, Grandparent Memory Book)

2. Best Senior Gift to Challenge Your Brain & Stay Young!

Grandpa knows, if you don’t use it, you lose it! Challenge your brain, create new neuro-pathways, and keep your mind young with the Games, Puzzles & Trivia.

3. Best Gift to Make Reading Easier & More Enjoyable

Reading can be easy and even more enjoyable for seniors with a little help from the MagniPros 3X Large Ultra Bright LED Page Magnifier with 12 Anti-Glare Dimmable LED. This is the upgrade from your typical magnify glass. It is easy to grip and easy to use.

4. The Best Gift to Keep Mobile and Go Anywhere

Having the freedom to go where you choose and not have to worry about needing support to stand or sit is one of the best gifts you can offer a senior citizen. The Drive Medical Deluxe Folding Cane Seat will give your senior the gift for mobility and safety.

The cane is light enough (1.3 lbs) to walk comfortably with and the chair is comfortable enough for short rests and medium waits. The chair can support up to 250 lbs.

Seniors that love to travel swear by this product to keep them feeling safe in new circumstances.

5. The Gift of Turning Back the Clock

Both men and women over a certain age appreciate the ability to turn back time, even if just a little bit. This is especially true in regards to our skin. That is why TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face, Topical Facial Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E is a great gift for your beautiful senior.

This Vitamin C Serum is a #1 seller, highly rated anti-aging product that provides an advanced antioxidant to stimulate collagen production in the skin.

6. Best Gifts to Stay Fit at Any Age

Now, here is a gift for those needing a gentle way to keep mobile or get back into fitness. The Grow Young Fitness Chair Exercises for Seniors is a very popular program.

The DVD Starter Pack includes Cardio, Core work, Balance and gentle Yoga. It is an easy, safe, effective workout DVD for beginning fitness seniors and the elderly. This starter kit is by Grow Young Fitness.

7. Best Gift for Making Cleaning Easy

The Shark Rocket DuoClean is one of the most “Senior Friendly” Vacuums on the market. It has a very light structure and is under 10 lbs. We like this bagless version with the cord so you don’t have to worry about keeping it charged. Plus, the suction is stronger.

Many seniors have vacuums that are old and heavy. Replacing an old vacuum with a light, effective one might not be a very glamorous present. However, it is a very thoughtful one!

Shark Rocket HV382 DuoClean Ultra-Light Corded (Non-Cordless) Bagless Carpet and Hard Floor with Hand Vacuum, Charcoal

Even More Best Gifts for Seniors / Grandparents

Finally, here is a trending list of hot gifts for seniors. For those of you that need even more inspiration for Grandma or Grandpa:

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