7 Retirement Presents

Gifts by Occasion

Senior couple walking together on a coastal path

These seven gifts are for retirees with a particular hobby or a trip in mind: carving, painting, learning an instrument, working with leather, cooking, chess and travel. Pick the one that matches what they actually enjoy.

Beginner Wood Carving Knife Kit, Basswood Blocks, DIY Craft Set

1 A Beginner Wood Carving Kit

This beginner wood carving kit has nine carving and detail knives, six basswood blocks, templates, a leather strop with polishing compound, cut-resistant gloves, a roll-up case and a manual.

Best for:

Someone retiring who has always wanted to make things with their hands.

Why choose this:

Knives, wood, a strop and gloves come in one kit, so they can start a first carving without shopping for tools.

Good to know:

The listing's piece count varies between photos, so check what's included before ordering. Returns are accepted within 30 days.

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Handmade Watercolor Set, 48 Half Pans in Travel Tin

2 A Tin of 48 Handmade Watercolors

Brighter Day Pigments in Utah makes these 48 watercolor half pans by hand and packs them in a hinged travel tin, including earth tones, fluorescents and shimmering mica colors.

Best for:

A new retiree who wants to start painting, at home or outdoors.

Why choose this:

Forty-eight colors give them plenty to try, and the tin goes wherever they go.

Good to know:

Add paper and a brush if they don't have them yet. The listing accepts returns but doesn't state the window.

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Build-it-Yourself DIY Ukulele Kit

3 A Build-It-Yourself Ukulele Kit

This soprano ukulele kit is laser-cut from birch plywood and comes with every part and four nylon strings. The seller links a build video.

Best for:

Someone retiring who always meant to learn an instrument.

Why choose this:

They build it first, then learn to play it.

Good to know:

Wood glue, sandpaper and a few basic tools aren't included. Returns are accepted within 30 days.

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DIY Craft Kit for Beginners, Leather Wallet

4 A Leather Wallet Kit for a First Leather Project

Everything for a first leather wallet comes in a muslin bag: full-grain leather pieces, waxed thread, two needles, sandpaper, beeswax and a clip, with a link to an instruction video. You choose American Saddle or Cognac and a Minimalist or Tall Minimalist wallet.

Best for:

A new retiree who would enjoy learning leathercraft.

Why choose this:

An afternoon of stitching ends with a wallet they'll carry every day.

Good to know:

Returns are not accepted.

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Cookbook Holder, Tablet Stand, Walnut

5 A Walnut Cookbook Holder

This solid walnut stand holds a cookbook or a tablet upright on the counter. It's about 8.5 x 13 x 7 inches and finished with tung oil and lacquer.

Best for:

Someone retiring who plans to cook more ambitious meals now that weeknights are free.

Why choose this:

Trying new recipes becomes a regular project, with the book open at eye level.

Good to know:

The cookbook isn't included. Returns are accepted within 21 days.

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Handmade Wooden Chess Set, Walnut and Maple

6 A Hand-Carved Walnut and Maple Chess Set

This hand-carved chess set has 32 walnut and maple pieces and a folding board with carved borders that opens to about 19.7 inches. The king stands about 4.65 inches tall.

Best for:

A new retiree who plays chess, or who would like to learn.

Why choose this:

A weekly game with a friend or a grandchild becomes part of the new routine.

Good to know:

It ships from Ukraine and returns are not accepted. The board bag is sold separately.

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Full Grain Leather Duffle Bag, Weekender

7 A Full-Grain Leather Duffle for Trips

This 20 x 11 x 11 inch duffle is made from vegetable-tanned cowhide with YKK zippers, brass hardware and a detachable shoulder strap, in black or brown.

Best for:

Someone retiring with a list of places to visit.

Why choose this:

It's a full-grain leather bag for the trips on their list, and the detachable strap lets them carry it by hand or over the shoulder.

Good to know:

Initials are optional. It ships from Canada, and returns are accepted within 30 days.

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Created with AI assistance.