◍ Retirement Presents; 5 Of Our Favourites

They’ve spent so many years grafting and working hard and now it’s finally time for them to enjoy life. They will finally get the chance to do all the things that they have never had time to do. It truly is a celebration of a new chapter and new start to life, they may be ready to take on adventures, plan exciting travels, take things slower or just be around family. Whatever they decide to do it is their time and a very exciting time ahead for them.

Retirement currently can start at any age, whether you, your family member or a friend is retiring early or at the exact age it is still a good excuse to celebrate the momentous occasion. Why not throw them a retirement party, or a we will miss you dinner, or perhaps a simple gathering of friends and family to mark this important occasion.

Retirement for some can be a blessing and a curse, especially because there is the unknown of what to do next. Encourage yourself or your loved ones to make plans to help transition into retirement life. For example, have a holiday booked, have a staycation with family or arrange to have a few friends over intermittently that way you/they stay busy and the thought of retirement doesn’t become daunting.

It's good to have a retirement plan, but how do you plan for a loved ones retirement? Well the first step is to celebrate! DEMI+CO have collected five of our best retirement gifts so you can help your loved ones celebrate their new lives of rest and relaxation with style and sentiment. 

1. Bronn Magnetic Link Copper Bracelet This robust copper silver plated bracelet is ideal for the robust retiree, a strong link design makes this bracelet perfect for the retired hobbyist who needs a reliable link and a reliable look. 

2. Saturn Magnetic Link Copper Bracelet Like the Bronn this bracelet is strong sturdy linked copper, but the oxidised affect gives it definition perfect for the stylish retiree who wants to make a statement, assuming that statement is "I'm too cool for work!" 

3. Nova Copper Bracelet This bracelet is the best retirement gift for the active retiree, the narrow links with feathered detail are visually sunning whilst the strong clasp will keep it secure during any sporty activities. 

4. Sentient Magnetic Copper Bracelet For a classic, sleek, masculine look the Sentient bracelet sports large copper links reminiscent of armour that are oxidised to add colour and depth. 

5. Xtreme Copper Bracelet Alternating wide and narrow copper links give this bracelet an iconic look for both professional life and post-professional life, ideal as a pick me up gift to spur the soon to be retiree past the finish line.

Tips on how to enjoy retirement

• Take days out and lunches with my friends and family – these will be some of the best memories created for everyone
• Go on outings with grandchildren – Some of the best childhood memories for most people is hanging out and getting spoilt by their grandparents
• Use your free bus pass to go anywhere- the freedom to literally travel and go anywhere you want to by bus for free how liberating is that!
• Fly by the seat of your pants and do whatever you choose – yes anything and everything the choice is yours!
• Cook and craft- spoil yourself learn new techniques and spend time honing your skills
• Hang out at the library – pour yourself in to a novel
• Do gentle yoga – embrace the calm and tranquillity
• Live every day as if it were an adventure! No more alarm clocks and no restrictions just enjoyment!
• Learn new things, meet new people and see new places, with no one to tell where to go or what to do, throw caution to the wind!
• Go to the gym or the cinema at any time – morning, noon or night, whenever you fancy really
• Read and write as much as you want, no one to answer to so why not curl up and enjoy a book or two
• Volunteer at a retirement home – giving back is one of the most rewarding ways and adds a bit of routine to your life
• Have lunch and movie dates with friends – hang out with your fellow retirees or meet ex colleagues, friends or family for lunch they may have to head back to the office but you can be as leisurely as you want
• Explore your spirituality – from meditating, reiki, to religious traditions
• Take an art class or any new classes that take your pick!
• Learn how to do origami
• Go shopping – fun shopping not food shopping, indulge in a new item or two or revamp your wardrobe no more office wear!
• Get started on that travel bucket list – what better time than to start now
• Take a gap year – why not take the plunge go visit all the places you’ve wanted to visit in style!

Hobbies to take up during retirement

Why not see if your local college, school, library, community centre or senior citizen centre offers any of these classes below. The local library, leisure centre and newspaper may have a wealth of information on classes, clubs and groups that you can join or be apart of.

1. Crochet
2. Arts and crafts
3. Gardening
4. Swimming
5. Walking
6. Get a pet
7. Golfing
8. Dancing
9. Cards/board games
10. Travelling
11. Fishing
12. Knitting
13. Blogging
14. Pottery
15. Restoring furniture
16. Fundraising
17. Animal care
18. Volunteer
19. Poetry
20. Biking
21. Baking
22. Camping
23. Music

How to throw a unique retirement party

- Pick a nostalgic theme – 50’s, 60’s or 70’s or go glam with Hollywood or how about a theme based on the activity that the retiree will look forward during retirement e.g. pool/beach party

- Plan a fitting cake around the theme – go retro or theme it to their favourite hobbies e.g. knitting, travelling, sky dive or bungee!

- Party Invites – make sure they match the theme

- Pick a playlist with relevant tunes for the retirement and mix in their favourite tunes too

- Cater accordingly – try and select drinks and nibbles according to the theme – if you are going for a Hollywood theme then go all out with sushi, prosecco and mini sliders or if your going for a 70’s theme old fashioned cocktails, prawn vol au vents and cheese and pineapple sticks would work great

- Slideshow and speeches – a necessary addition for a good send off, seeing pictures and having friends, family or colleagues talk about your accomplishments is going to be the highlight

-Games – no party can be called a party if there are no games. How about a retirement quiz, a retirement pin the handle on the suitcase or a game of bingo 

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