If you're an employer who is about to see one of your best staff members retire, you should know that it can be difficult to watch him or her leave - especially if the individual has been with the company for an extended period of time. However, there are a couple of retirement gifts you can take into consideration to show your gratitude for all of your employee's hard work. Presents can range from watches to personalized pens, but you might want to think outside of the box in order to find a creative present that shows your true appreciation.

A Commemorative Plaque or Trophy

If the staff member who's retiring has been with the company for years, show your gratitude with a personalized plaque to honor his or her work with the business. This may include a picture of the employee at the office or a certificate with the person's name and position. In addition to signing it yourself, you might want to have other colleagues do the same as a token of their personal appreciation.

A Parting Gift Basket

As a going-away gift, many businesses give their retiring employees a basket full of treats and goodies that they can use once they're relaxing and unwinding. If you want to add a personal touch, think about including a picture frame or two with photos of colleagues from the office that act as keepsakes. You may even want to talk to your staff to see if they have any other business gifts to contribute to the basket.

A Gift Card

When all else fails, you might want to think about keeping it simple with a gift card. This is an especially good idea if the employee retiring has been with the company for a shorter period of time, or if you're unfamiliar with his or her personal tastes.

To add a personal touch, include a card with the gift certificate that expresses your gratitude for the individual's time with the business. Also, consider spending a little extra to give the recipient something he or she can use more than once. Whether you're purchasing your present at a retail store or a popular restaurant, the recipient is bound to appreciate the gesture.