With Independence Day on not-too-distant horizon, it only seems right to honor the renowned ‘retirement’ of some of America’s most influential individuals — our Founding Fathers.
Granted, it’s been a couple hundred years — but let’s be honest… they deserve it. Having built an entire nation from the ground up and all.
And when retirement gifts for men are as timeless as the suggestions that follow, there’s no time like the present to celebrate a special occasion. After all, the countless firework displays that light up the sky over the holiday weekend year after year eagerly attest to just that.
So without further ado, let’s explore some of our Founding Father’s best attributes and find each one the most patriotically-perfect present, that commends him on a job well done.
Top Retirement Gifts for Men
The “Father of the Constitution” and America’s Fourth President , James Madison was a highly regarded orator during the operations of the Constitutional Congress. He is credited with writing a paper that was later used extensively in the drafting of the Constitution.
Madison was President during the War of 1812, and had to evacuate the White House and Washington, D.C. just before it was burned to the ground by the British.
That’s why his perfect retirement gift is: Making magical memories on a Moonlight Kayak Tour across the C&O Canal in Potomac, MD.
Since Mr. Madison faced some chaotic circumstances during his time in D.C, what better way to help him turn that frown upside-down. The past is just that—the past. And it turns out our boys did okay where dealing with the Redcoats were concerned. So a tranquil, moonlit paddle sounds like the ideal retirement gift for men like Madison who are ready to start a nice, fresh chapter in life.
This fiery Bostonian was an advocate for Independence from the very beginning, and even helped Thomas Jefferson write his famous Declaration.
He went on to play a key role in negotiating peace with Britain at the end of the Revolutionary War, served two terms as George Washington’s VP, and was President himself for one term. Throughout his service in America’s young democracy, his wife Abigail was by his side and often acted as a key advisor.
That’s why his perfect retirement gift is: a Boston Dinner Cruise.
Because patriotic duty called, John spent many months away from his beloved Abigail, often in Europe on diplomatic missions. Hence why a romantic night out on Boston Harbor, surrounded by twinkling lights, musical entertainment, and delicious food makes the best retirement gift for men who worked as hard as John did.
Hamilton served the historic US of A as the founder of the Federal Reserve, Washington’s chief of staff during the Revolutionary War, and his Secretary of the Treasury. As such, this famed New Yorker is remembered for having more influence on the fiscal and monetary policy of the young nation than anyone else.
He’s also notorious for losing a duel of pistols to President Jefferson’s VP, Aaron Burr, following a long period of furious political opposition to both Burr and John Adams’ political ideas.
That’s why his perfect retirement gift is: the chance to be a real Fighter Pilot For A Day!
Hey, the guy likes a good duel. So it’s a pretty safe bet that the opportunity to duke it out in a dogfight thousands of feet sky-high, complete with laser-‘ammo,’ will hand him the thrill of a lifetime. And offer him some relief that he fought so hard to stand his ground amid his government buddies. So woohooo!, with retirement gifts for men like this out there, fighting the good fight at work is undoubtedly worth it every time!
As one of the most esteemed of our Founding Fathers, the author of the Declaration of Independence, and this great nation’s third President, Thomas Jefferson needs no introduction.
As one of America’s most influential writers and political thinkers, along with his reputation as a devoted Virginian gentleman and farmer, he is known for his genuine fascination with agriculture, knowledge, and science.
That’s why his perfect retirement gift is: an unforgettable Shenandoah Valley Biplane Ride!
Just imagine the look of sheer delight on Jefferson’s face as he looks down over his beloved Virginia from the air. He’d be in utter awe, given the chance to take in the rolling forests, lush rows of fields, and neatly-ordered towns below.
So the ideal retirement gift idea for him is, no doubt, given straight from the cockpit of a contraption engineered right here in America. We’re pretty sure he’d like that, after a lifetime of eager learning and loyal working.
Where does one start when it comes to the tall (and true!) tales of this great American and long-time Philadelphia resident? A long and extremely impressive story made short and sweet, this fine fellow’s accomplishments include (but are not limited to) claims to career fame like: scholar, scientist, diplomat, inventor, newspaper editor, publisher, author, traveler, and the lucky individual who is known as “The First American.”
As a man also passionate about pursuing new ideas and exploring uncharted territory (so to speak), Benjamin Franklin played an infamous role in the discovery of electricity.
That’s why his perfect retirement gift is: a day to burn some serious rubber by racing a Ferrari 458 Italia!
The ultimate performance machine, this sweet set of wheels is built on the most refined principles of engineering and design. Surely this would impress a man of Mr. Franklin’s intellect to no end. And nothing can compare to retirement gifts for men like this one, that send an unmistakable surge of ‘electricity’ through the veins when a remarkable engine is revved!
George Washington comes with one of the most reputable resumes in United States history. He’s not only considered the “Father of Our Country,” but also served as our nation’s very first President and as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. (Talk about ambitious career goals and accomplishments!)
Washington essentially laid the foundation for what U.S. Presidency would look like, by courageously encouraging unity among our country’s young colonies, respectfully observing and enforcing the rule of law, and demonstrating a steadfast loyalty to America from the start.
Once the dust gradually settled —after years of fighting for America’s freedom, and spending two Presidential terms to establish the new Republic— the true desire of George Washington’s heart was simply to return to a quiet life at his beloved Mt. Vernon estate, accompanied by his wife, Martha.
That’s why his perfect retirement gift is: a relaxing Cruise To Mt. Vernon, complete with time to explore the plantation.
While there are plenty of flashy, fancy retirement gifts for men out there, Washington just craved the simple life, having had his fill of legendary adventures. If what we know about Mr. Washington is true, nothing would make him happier in retirement than sharing Memory Lane with others. So if a trip to D.C. is next on your bucket list, make sure to take time to leave the city behind for a bit. Board a luxurious cruise ship, float down the Potomac, and enjoy a wander around Washington’s more serene former stomping grounds.
