Retirement is the time when a person reaches the right age [usually 60 and above] to finally bid goodbye to his/her current career. Many companies allow employees to still continue working for them particularly those who hold important positions that are vital for the company's stability. But when it's finally time to bid goodbye to everyone, it's best to celebrate the retiree's camaraderie and achievements.

If you are an invited guest at an upcoming retirement party, you may browse the internet to see which retirement gifts are "in" and ideal for the retiree celebrant. However, you may find a variety of interesting items to giveaway to the retiree, but try to avoid those that would remind him/her of work, career and memories as an employee. The idea is to keep his/her interested about the future as a retiree and not of his/her memories way back in the workplace because this can bring up emotions and sometimes resentment.

Here are the top 5 budget friendly suggestions for retirement gifts:

1. Scrapbook or photo album

You can give either or both of these items simply because retirement is considered a new beginning for a retiree, and a scrapbook and/or album can spark the idea of travels, out-of-towns, beach outings with the family and other events that deserve to be captured on film. If the retiree is a savvy person who loves to use his/her digital SLR camera, a digital version of the humble scrapbook and/or photo album can do the trick. You can easily download programs for these onto CDs and wrap it up for the celebrant. These are very inexpensive and you won't shell out hundreds of dollars.

2. Spa treatment gift certificate

This is an ideal gift for a retiree since it's time to relax after all those years of hard work, headaches, stress and anxiety in the workplace. Look around within your locality or city if spas offer gift vouchers or certificates. You can also ask a package for two if the retiree is married or has a partner so the two of them can enjoy the relaxing spa experience. This gift shouldn't be expensive especially if the local spa is not a branded one; just make sure that the services they offer are tops.

3. Movie or events passes

The idea here is to keep the retiree busy during the first weeks or months in order for him/her to relax and enjoy, and to deviate his/her mind off of the retirement issue. Movie, play, concert or other events passes are great gifts for the retiree celebrant and these don't cost too much. If you opt for movie passes, make sure that you know his/her type of movies and also make it two so his/her partner can go with him/her.

4. DVD and/or CD

If you are a close friend, co-worker or relative of the retiree, and if you know him/her well, it is a great idea to give DVD and/or CD of his/her favorite actors/actresses and/or music artists. Get the latest DVD/CD for the retiree and if you can afford to give at least 2, the better.

5. Throw him/her a picnic or barbecue party

If you are already invited at an upcoming retirement party, then schedule the next party on the coming weekend. Organize it with the entire family and his closest friends and do it outdoors. If someone has a big backyard, then set-up the party there and chip-in with everyone so keep the budget at a minimum. This is a great way to celebrate the retiree and his camaraderie with everyone, and it is a very thoughtful gift that among the guests will be proud of.

You can always give something thoughtful to a retiree even with a limited budget. The key is to think of fun and enjoyable ways to deviate the retiree's mind from the years he/she spent at work. And as much as you can, don't give gifts that will remind him/her about work such as office items, stuff with their company's logo, etc.