Great idea. We had a drawing done of our current home that hangs in our front hall. It’s the ONLY thing both my kids have said they want someday.
Like this. Hand Drawn Bespoke House Sketch Custom Home Illustration New - Etsy
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There are so many good choices on this thread. I think we’re going to go with a gift certificate for a nice restaurant (with great reviews and a beautiful view of the ocean) near her beach home. We’re also getting a group photo framed and signing the mat. I think she’ll love both. Thank you so much for all the great ideas!
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Sounds great. And now I am really curious about the location of this beautiful beach area!
Just thought I’d mention an idea I heard on a podcast this morning - again depending on the person and their activity - gift a piece of Away luggage. Maybe like a non typical size like an overnight bag . Explore premium travel bags<!-- --> | Away: Built for modern travel
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A basket, that is a great idea. My son asked for one a few years go, and his wife bought one.
A friend of mine was gifted on of these as a group gift; what is so special about them?
Technology. Designed by 2 former MIT men.
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Thx for posting that. Cool looking bag and USB option. Nice!
Thank you! That’s a great gift.
Luggage is pretty personal. I’d be a bit hesitant to buy it for another unless it is fully refundable if they already have enough or don’t like it for any reason.
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I agree–the suitcase I bought with the gift card I received at retirement probably would not have been the one picked out by my former co-workers.
Many travelers are pretty picky about their luggage and “system.” It takes a while to select the “perfect” bags to fill requirements, which can be quite specific.
We have cycled through several nice systems in the over 30 years H & I have traveled. We started with large hardside samsonite with two weeks and a handle. We upgraded to soft carryons with wheels and continue to prefer that.
My friend who travels more is flirting with switching to polycarbonate suitcase but still on the fence.
If someone wanted to get me luggage, I’d be grateful for their thoughtfulness but politely prefer to choose my own pieces that meet my needs, much like purses.
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I don’t disagree that luggage can be a personal item. BUT this will be a problem for nearly ANY item when a group insists on getting a tangible gift! Unless you are quite certain that a person needs/wants an item or definitely shops at a certain store to buy a gift card, you’re taking a chance!
I guess make it an AWAY gift certificate! 
Also the suggestion was not for a main piece of luggage but perhaps an alternative piece - like an overnighter or weekend bag.
Final comment - if an employee is retiring and you really don’t know much personal about them to come up with a gift - you probably shouldn’t even be considering buying a tangible gift! As a whole I think “we” are too focused on things and we OVER gift…
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OP here. We had an excellent dinner at a very nice restaurant. It was a lot of fun. We ended up giving her a gift card for a restaurant near her beach home and a group photo that we all signed. She was very happy. Thank you all for the great suggestions.
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Glad it worked out, austinmshauri! Sounds like a perfect send-off!
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I like the idea of the luggage from @abasket (or some other tangible item)… purchased from a local store with very easy return/exchange for other options. More personalized than a gift card, more flexible than a non-returnable gift.