Retirement is a true achievement--the traditional route is to honor a retiree's lifelong working accomplishments with a gift. If you know a woman or man who is retiring soon, you don't want to miss this chance to send your congratulations to him or her as you express your admiration of (or, in the case of an employee gift, appreciation for) all the hard work they've done over the years.

See some spectacular ideas for retirement presents for both women and men, whether they're your mom, dad, corporate employee or colleague. These suggestions run the gamut of budgets--from the truly luxurious to the cheapest options, from elegant executive gifts and retirement gift baskets to novelty gag gifts that will bring laughter to retirement parties. Also find examples of eloquent retirement plaques and books whose sayings capturing the essence of what retirement is all about.

When an employee retires from the job, it's a truly special occasion. In a professional corporate or business environment, you want to give a retiring employee a gift that's equally special. Here you'll find suitable gift ideas--from the very personalized to the most elegant going-away gifts designed to help you show your employee appreciation for his or her hard work.

A funny gag gift can be a wonderful way to add an element of levity to what can be a sad occasion--the losing of a great colleague and the closing of a successful career.

Check out the pretend Retirement Office Hours sign--it will definitely make your retiree smirk and bring home the fact that she or he at last is free to abandon schedules The same is true for the gag clocks. Time is definitely a different experience in the world of post-retirement.

And the humor of the book, The Joy of Not Working, will delight the recipient--who will read it and let the reality of what retirement means sink happily in.

Gift baskets are always fun to receive. There's always something in the basket that sparks delight. And, as it happens, they're also quite memorable. (If you've ever received one, don't you remember the occasion vividly?)

So a retirement gift basket is perfect for almost anybody who's retiring. Present it to them on their last day of work or during the party. The gift basket will mark the day as the bridge between the end of their career and the beginning of their retirement.

I've selected some retirement gift baskets that have particular eye appeal. Some are perfect for retirement parties, such as the party hat retirement cookie gift basket. Others are just yummy, festive and fun, with goodies the retiree will savor and enjoy for a long time. Don't be surprised to get an "I wish I'd retired sooner!" response to the gift basket, either.

And for some truly gourmet treats, see the Luxury Gifts section of this article for suggestions for delicous, edible retirement gifts. If expense is no object, these elegant answers to gift baskets will stun and thrill him or her.

Retirement gifts don't have to be boring and "the same old thing." If you're planning a retirement party in a professional setting or with friends and family, your retiree will love getting a novelty retirement gift that shows you recognize that they're special.

From a retirement fund cash box to a gift basket themed for racing fans, you can give an unusual gift that is still tasteful and appropriate for retirement parties.

Traditionally, retirement gifts have been elegant objects crafted of quality materials and chosen to commemmorate a long career.

If a VIP or executive is retiring, consider exquisite crystal, precision clocks, bookends, and statuettes that can be displayed on a mantle or wall.

Each of these decorative objects is gender-neutral and appropriate in most decorating schemes.

Since they are fairly sober and serious gifts, you might think of presenting a gag gift first...and then one of these beautiful pieces as the pièce de résistance.

A perfect corporate retirement gift idea, personalized objects such as picture frames, plaques, mugs, textiles, pens and other business gifts are appropriate commemorative gifts with which to present an employee or staff member upon retirement.

These gifts are classy, easy to order, and not too expensive. When personalized with their name, the gifts become thoughtful gestures suitable for colleagues, family members, or friends who are retiring.