- Personalized gifts remind the recipient of all the years of hard work and dedication. Engraved flower vases and glassware are tasteful for retiring mothers. A silver picture frame engraved with the mother's initials or dates of service with a picture of her co-workers is another personalized gift. An engraved bracelet, watch or pendant are other choices for retiring mothers.
- A mother with a sense of humor will enjoy a gift that reflects her personality. Gag gifts, such as T-shirts and accessories featuring "over the hill" jokes or retirement survival kits work well for those who like funny gifts. A retirement joke book, "Work Sucks" lollipop, and retirement crying towel are other joke gifts for retirement. However, if you choose an inexpensive gag gift, you may want to supplement it with a real gift, too.
- A retiring mother who was a CEO, the head of a company, or just a truly hard-worker deserves an extravagant gift. One-of-a-kind jewelry, art work or tickets to the Opera or theater would work. A flight voucher to anywhere in the world or a luxury travel package for the mother and her family are great gifts for travelers. For the mother who has everything, a ticket on Virgin Galactic, which charters flights to outer space, would be extravagant. Another fantasy gift would be a luxury car of the mother's choice.
- Gift baskets are good for mothers who have a specific interest or hobby. You can fill a large basket with different items from one theme. Mothers who enjoy food and cooking would enjoy a basket of fine food and wine. Hard-to-find spices, cooking utensils and pots would also work. Mothers who like beauty products should receive a spa basket, with lotions, facial creams and a robe with slippers. Retiring mothers who enjoy reading would like a basket of New York Times bestsellers with some magazine subscriptions and a book light.