Unique Retirement Gifts from the Best Monthly Subscriptions

Updated by Timothy Paradis

Celebrating a person’s retirement is a meaningful way to honor their years of dedication, hard work, and professional achievements.

If you’re struggling to find retirement gift boxes for a relative or colleague, don’t worry: Cratejoy’s retirement gift basket ideas take the guesswork out of finding the perfect present! Our guide will help you select something perfect!

The Best Retirement Gift Boxes

My Garden Box

My Garden Box

From $56.25 per box
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My Garden Box is perfect for any gardener or grower looking to learn about new plants. Each box includes a live plant, illustrated instructions for growing, and gardening tips. Receiving this box each month would make a great family activity or something mindful for anyone to dig into. They’ll also receive a cute planter, ensuring that they can either take their plant outside or let it find its home inside.

Shipping: Typically ship mid-month. Printable gift note downloads available. Due to state agricultural regulations and shipping restrictions, we CANNOT ship to AZ, AK, HI, or PR.

“Great subscription box!! This turned out to be my favorite of several different subscriptions of various types (self-care, books, tea, games, cocktails, etc.) Every box has been surprisingly delightful. All the plants have held up and are growing terrifically. Highly recommend!” — Mary W.

Finders Seekers Mysteries

Finders Seekers Mysteries

From $26.40 per box
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Solve puzzles while traveling the world with this thrilling escape room game! Finders Seekers is the perfect gift for puzzle solvers and mystery fans who loves a challenge! Enjoy this game with the family or venture off and uncover complex clues with a single use mystery game inclusive of hands-on and online gameplay.

Shipping: We ship on the 23rd of each month, for all orders placed by the 21st. All subsequent games will ship by the 23rd of each month. For last-minute gifts, we provide a fun PDF gift message that you can personalize and email or print. Shipping is $6 within the US, Canada shipping: $7.95.

“I have been getting Finders Seekers boxes for over a year, and I cannot lie, I'm obsessed. The mysteries are a lot of fun, and they are so much fun to do with friends, especially those that haven't done something like this before. Occasionally, the puzzles are evil (I'm looking at you, Paris box!), but the fact that after a year they can still challenge me is a good thing.” - Rachel C.

Monthly Premier Paletteful Pack

Monthly Premier Paletteful Pack

From $39.90 per box
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Paletteful Packs brings artists open-ended creativity! These monthly gift sets include a curated selection of top-quality art supplies and materials.

Shipping: Orders placed by the 30/31st will ship on the 1st. All boxes ship on the 1st of each month.

“I bought this for my teen who has taken 3 years of art. There was so much in the box!! Supplies are well worth the price, copiac markers in our set and good quality paper. We have now ordered 3 month subscription. Looking forward to creating new art pieces with supplies. Satisfied momma.” – Michelle T.

Scribbler Box Subscription

Scribbler Box Subscription

From $29.99 per box
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Encourage the would-be writer in your family with Scribbler! This unique subscription box—founded and run by two best-selling novelists—includes not only an autographed book of the month, but an exclusive writer's guide on different elements of craft, tips from publishing pros, and special goodies for writers.

Shipping: Order today and your first box will ship immediately! Then, your next box will on the 21st. All boxes ship via USPS.

“Each monthly delivery of this box is like Christmas morning! There are so many goodies in each box - treats like coffee/tea/hot chocolate, snacks, a journal or notepad or book of writing prompts, pens and stickers and pins and writer’s favorite things. But most important is the monthly novel (with signed bookplate), an inside look at the Publishing Process and an Exclusive Writing Passport penned by each month’s author. Keep up the GREAT WORK LADIES!!!!!” – Courtney D.

Craftsman Crate

Craftsman Crate

From $30.77 per box
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If you have any guys in your life who like to spend time doing hands-on creative projects, then they won't be able to get enough of the Craftsman Crate. Every month, this subscription box arrives with new activities—from woodcarving to mosaic-making—and real tools to complete them. There are also clear, easy-to-understand instructions that outline each project’s construction process so everyone from beginners to experienced builders can create the item with ease.

Shipping: Orders placed after 12/18 will ship by January 15th. All orders come with a printable card you can give your recipient. Subscriptions automatically renew. Cancel anytime.

“My 11-year-old son got a subscription to Craftman Crate for Christmas and he really enjoys it. He's been introduced to basket-weaving, leatherworking, glass-etching, globe creation, and more. It was a great gift that was a little outside the box for him.” — K.B.

Explore Local Box Monthly

Explore Local Box Monthly

From $45.00 per box
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Take a tasty trip to a new town without leaving the house, thanks to the Explore Local box. Each month, this subscription service spotlights a different U.S. city. They’ll receive a curated selection of artisanal snacks and locally-made treats from that region, along with a beautiful watercolor map and fun facts. It’s a neat way to discover small businesses and local artisans, and it’s the perfect spring subscription box for people who love to travel. With the Explore Local Box, they can sample a little taste of a whole new place.

Shipping: Your first box ships within 3 days of purchase. All subsequent boxes ship the first week of the month. Order by the 14th to receive this month's box.

"GREAT GIFT, GREAT BOX. They support small businesses all around the country and choose the very best locally made items for each month. 10/10 reommend!" - Gene E.

Vintage Craft Supplies Box

Vintage Craft Supplies Box

From $30.08 per box
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Fans of scrapbooks, planners, and journals with a goth or vintage flair will be charmed by the delightfully unusual paper products in these monthly craft kits for adults. Take scrapbooking, bullet journaling, or letter writing skills to creative and beautiful new levels with the stickers, stamps, washi tape, note cards, and other goodies that arrive in each month’s themed box. Every subscription box features 10 to 15 thoughtfully curated stickers and paper goods that are carefully packaged for unboxing enjoyment. They'll love using your mystery items and unique ephemera as well as collecting them.

Shipping: US Shipping via USPS First-Class Mail (5-7 days) International Shipping includes tracking (1-3 weeks)

"I’ve had this subscription for about a year now and I love it. There’s always a diverse selection of items and it makes it easier on someone who may be new to journaling (which I was when I first subscribed) or veterans alike who want kits and curated themes to help with inspiration or to just give them plenty of stock to choose from when that moment of creativity strikes!" - Tarita W.

TheraBox | Self Care Box

TheraBox | Self Care Box

From $34.99 per box
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Therabox is a monthly gift box that can help any woman welcome more happiness into her day-to-day life. Thoughtfully curated by therapists who aspire to spread delight, each box features 5-7 treats that have been intentionally selected to help calm the mind and inspire joy, including organic skincare and bath products, aromatherapy, journals, teas and #goodvibesonly.

Shipping: ✨ Reserve your “RADIANT” TheraBox today with over $231+ worth of wellness goodies self care treats to get you glowing from head to toe! ✨ Reserve now and your box will ship between 24th-29th of May.

"I’m always amazed at the size and quality of the products I receive each month. They’re not the small sample sizes many subscription boxes send you. The products are always amazing and things I would never think to buy for myself but end up loving!" - Lauren M.

Shaker & Spoon Cocktail Club

Shaker & Spoon Cocktail Club

From $49.91 per box
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Mix things up by giving them a craft cocktail subscription box. Each month, subscribers will get three unique and tasty cocktail recipes, along with everything needed (minus the liquor) to whip up 12 delicious drinks. Every Shaker & Spoon box focuses on a specific liquor, so they’ll be able to make the most of their home bar. Whether they’re celebrating a special occasion, getting together with friends, or just building their bartender expertise, this monthly box will have subscribers raising a glass in delight.

Shipping: The Bourbon Legend Box is slated to ship the week of May 6th. **IF YOU NEED A BOX SOONER, WRITE TO US by clicking the CONTACT SELLER button (bottom of the page) and we’ll hook you up with a different box from our vault!**

"Gave this as a gift and got to try some of the cocktails. The cachaca box was really fun! Really interesting combinations and usually some ingredients leftover for another batch of cocktails." - Leyna M.

Gift Ideas for Retirement Parties

While engraved plaques, custom art, or monogrammed accessories are popular gift ideas for retirement parties, they can actually feel impersonal. Remember: You want these items to suit their personality and lifestyle – not take up unnecessary space in their home.

For Writers & Readers

If the retiree has mentioned honing their writing skills or writing a memoir, the Scribbler Gift Box is designed especially for this kind of recipient. Each monthly delivery includes themed gifts, writing tips from bestselling authors, and even a live chat with

Now that they’ve got ample time on their hands, book subscriptions are an excellent retirement gift basket idea. With genres like whodunits, romance, and fantasy, there’s something for everyone to choose from.

For Budding Artists

It’s never too late to learn a new skill, and art is the perfect medium to prove it. After all, Grandma Moses didn’t start painting until her 70s! Cratejoy has amassed a collection of high-quality arts and crafts subscription boxes for all levels.

For Travel Lovers

If you’ve seen photos – or heard stories – of their adventures, consider a great retirement gift basket like the Explore Local Box . Each month, this company focuses on a new American city, providing an exceptional food tour of artisanal, locally-made products. For a more adventurous spirit, the Wordy Traveler creates a new adventure with two books, snacks, and handicrafts every quarter. From Spain’s tapas to woolen Irish socks, inspire your favorite retiree to get out their passport!

Get the Best Retirement Gift Boxes at Cratejoy

We pride ourselves on working with some of the world’s best gift subscription makers. With exceptional products and hand-curated collections, you’re sure to find the best retirement gifts box for your dad, mom, friend, colleague, and much more!