• Retirement signifies the end of a long period of service, whether it is retirement from teaching, as an office professional or a military career. It also means a new beginning for the retiree. When it comes time to give a retirement gift, think outside the typical box of briefcases, watches or gift cards. Send the retiring person off with a present that's unique and creative. With a just a bit of brainstorming and some creativity, you can create something memorable.
  
  

Bookmarks

• Encouraging the soon-to-be-retired person to begin the enjoyable hobby of picking up a book is a good idea. Reading can take the place of the daily job in keeping their mind active and churning. If you work in a close-knit office, consider taking a few hours and having each person create a special, hand-crafted bookmark for the retiree. People can place special messages, decorate with clip art or color with highlighters. Cut each bookmark to size, and then place them on laminating sheets. Run the sheets through a laminator to seal and protect the bookmarks. Extra creative folks can then add tassels or clips if preferred. Present the bookmarks in a basket or inside a few books, as a going away gift.
  
  

Hand Stones

• A teacher retiring from a full career in service to students may have some bittersweet thoughts about leaving her classroom. Classroom parents or fellow teachers can help her brighten up with a gift of some hand stones; stepping stones she can place in her garden, walkway or even in the house. Hand stones are created from kits of wet cement. Students pour the kit into a bowl or plate, and then press their hand into the wet cement. After a drying time, they can then decorate the stones, add their names and the date. For teachers who have young children with tiny hands in their classrooms, a few children can decorate a stone together. Older kids can each have their own stone and use craft supplies such as glitter, markers and stickers to personalize their stone for their teacher.
  
  

Knitted Scarf

• If you've got a friend or family member who will be retiring from the military, show your support and gratitude for his service with a hand-crafted knitted scarf. Many colors of yarn are available, including camouflage patterns. Your service member may feel sad for being out of his branch of the military, so choose colors that were associated with his old uniform. Knitting scarves is one of the simplest pieces of knit work to undertake; if you don't know how, a yarn store worker can show you the only two stitches you'll need to know. There are also videos and how-to step-by-steps online. If you're an advanced knitter, you can add in the military branch's logo or slogan, such as the Marines' "Semper Fidelis," and the retiree's name.