Retirement present ideas for young retiree?

[BonnesVacances]

Friend is retiring shortly. They're not at retirement age and have just reached 30 years' service and are leaving their job they've had since leaving school. I'd like to send a small gift. Nothing cheesy or clichéd.

Any ideas? Budget £20-£30, though flexible for the right thing.

What a nice thought, you sound a lovely friend. On a small-ish budget I often think consumables are best, so maybe a nice bottle of sparkling wine (or whatever their favourite tipple is) to toast their retirement? Or flowers if s/he likes them? Or a nice plant for the garden or their windowsill if you wanted something more long-lasting? Or a small hamper of comfort items (nice tea/coffee/hot chocolate, biscuits, maybe a book or smellies) for them to enjoy as they finally get to put their feet up - although the latter really depends on whether they're the sort of person that is planning a really active requirement and might be offended by the suggestion they're ready for their pipe and slippers, in which case maybe a thoughtful token related to their plans for retirement e.g. a clip on bike computer for a cyclist or a really good pair of garden gloves for a gardener?

Having said that what I personally would really like from a friend is a promise of spending some time together, as what worries me about retirement is feeling lonely and socially isolated. So a promise of being taken out for a nice lunch or afternoon tea or a gallery trip or to see a play would be my absolute ideal, but appreciate that may (a) end up costing you more than £20 once you factor in travel and your own ticket or whatever (b) be impractical if you are still working and have other commitments, so just a thought.