I've had half of a good idea - help me have the rest of it!!

What about an "experience" of some kind? Family took DH tank driving for his last big birthday....he had a fabulous day!!

When I retired from the nursing home, the staff there bought me gardening stuff,xand a voucher for the local craft shop. Probably not your husband's idea of a retirement gift! What are his hobbies? Could you buy him something to do with that? We bought my Dad an electronic keyboard with loads of gizmos thinking that he might learn to play it. I think it came out mostly for the grandchildren!

How about a Pullman dining experience, I'm sure he would like to share his gift with you. We have been on the Orient Express and the BlueBell line, both were excellent. Memories last longer than a watch. The Norther Bell runs from Birmingham.

Would he appreciate a first edition of a book..
My friend is a massive Dickens fan she was given first edition of one of his books on retirement by her colleagues. I know it wasn't massively expensive but was beautifully wrapped and presented.

Early December would be an ideal time to visit Norway see the Northern Lights and enjoy their Christmas markets. Other activities such as dog-sledding would help to make this a fabulous winter break.

Is there something he has always wanted to do but never really had the time/equipment for. A friend was bought a piano when she retired, she hadn't played since she was a child but loved the chance to try again, some musical instrument? or if he likes art, painting equipment and maybe a painting holiday, or photography-same. There are always golf clubs of course! Friend's husband has flying lesson!

I just bought him a camera for his birthday and he has booked 4 trips away to go to jazz concerts.

Is it that you want something your DH can keep, and look at, even it it's a bit 'jokey'? I don't know in what branch of the NHS he worked, but maybe something to do with that?

I'm sure you can commission a figurine or small painting for a reasonable price.

A piece of antique silver.

What are his interests ?

My DH is also retiring in December on his 60th birthday does not want to go away till spring
I am going to buy him the gold iPad Pro.....has laptop and iPad but feel he will enjoy this as it's a good size yet portable

Stop buying him stuff kittylester

My preference would be something that would either last and become an heirloom or an experience. Laptops etc seem to mundane.

Buy yourself one of these, he will love it.

He'd love it if I looked like that wb

Ana, I really want to get him something to keep and you might have planted a seed of an idea!! Thank you.

What about a new chair kittylester?

Here's just the thing:

uk.pinterest.com/pin/452259987550609834/

It might seem a bit far fetched but have you thought of nominating him for an OBE or MBE? Sounds as though he has devoted his life to the NHS and therefore the welfare of all of us. This is exactly the kind of person who deserves such an honour.

Brilliant, Jalima! That was sort of where Ana had nudged me!

I had vaguely thought about that Granny23 but he would say he was only doing his job and he was paid for it.

Seen your photo Kitty, you would look fabulous.

I know I've said this before, but we tend to buy a (twinned) toilet to mark special occasions. The Wonderful Man bought me one for our Pearl Wedding Anniversary. (I did ask him for it!)

You get a framed photo of 'your' toilet and you can write an inscription.
www.toilettwinning.org/gift-box

We all bought my OH a mandolin. He is a violinist and the fingering is the same and he has really enjoyed it - I would not say he plays brilliantly, but he does enjoy it.

Twinned toilet

Could you commission a personalized caricature from a photo to include a background scene based on aspects of his work? We did this for several leavers from the Hospital where I worked. They were clever and funny and done by a local artist, which nowadays would be rather pricey. A site like this offers a cheaper alternative.
www.tctoons.com/