Which Games Work Best For A Retirement Party?
Ready to make that retirement party the highlight of someone's entire career?
Look, let's be honest: retirement parties have the potential to be either an unforgettable farewell or three hours of staring awkwardly at beige walls. I've hosted plenty, attended even more, and trust me—I know what works (and what totally tanks).
If you're wondering what kind of retirement games will keep things exciting, fun, and slightly inappropriate (hey, it’s a retirement, not a funeral), then you've stumbled into exactly the right corner of the internet.
Swearing, Laughing, and Slightly Losing Your Mind
Ever played a party game that's so chaotic, hilarious, and a little bit sweary, you find yourself laughing until your sides hurt? That's pretty much every round of F**k. The Game. I originally discovered it when trying to find something genuinely entertaining for a party full of adults who’d seen it all. Now, I’m convinced there’s no better way to farewell a workmate into retirement.
This isn’t just me talking it up—there’s actual science behind swearing and why it feels so great. It’s not just therapeutic; it actually helps bond people together (check out this hilarious guide on the superpowers of swearing). So, why not turn the retirement party into a bonding experience? Nothing says friendship like accidentally yelling obscenities at your old boss!
Old Dogs, New Tricks (and maybe a scratch pack)
Some retirement parties go for traditional (read: boring) trivia games. Let's skip that and head straight for something that wakes the room up. Enter Blurgh, my latest favourite find. It's like F**k. The Game but on steroids, and you can include up to 20 players—which means nobody’s left awkwardly hovering near the chips.
Got a big crowd? Consider tossing in the scratch pack expansion. It keeps things fresh and ensures even your notoriously cranky accounts manager is laughing by the end. After all, retirement is about leaving stress behind, not carrying it into the party!
DIY Decks for the Win
If your retiring colleague has a legendary reputation (whether heroic or horrifying), why not customise the experience? The DIY deck expansion pack lets you personalise the game by creating your own cards. This is your chance to immortalise office inside jokes, memorable disasters, or even that infamous time they sent an email ranting about the boss—to the boss. Good times.
If you're thinking, “Hey, this could go terribly wrong,” you're absolutely right. But that's exactly why it’s brilliant.
But Wait, There's More (Because Why Not?)
Maybe card games alone won't cut it. That's cool—I've been there. There's always room for more activities, like photo booths or memory boards filled with embarrassing snapshots. I recently read another guide that suggested hilarious storytelling games or trivia based entirely on the retiree’s career highlights and lowlights. Perfect for a little friendly roasting!
Remote Retirements—Yes, They’re a Thing
If your crew is scattered, don’t despair. I’ve hosted some fantastic remote retirement parties—complete with hilarious video-chat games. Check out this guide if you need tips on how to successfully host a retirement bash from the comfort of everyone’s lounge rooms. It's surprisingly effective at replicating the chaos of an in-person gathering.
Retirement without Alcohol? Yes, It Exists
Not every retirement party needs booze to get wild (seriously). For those who prefer sober fun, I stumbled across this fantastic resource that's brimming with brilliant game ideas. Because awkward sober silence at parties should be banned by law.
Don’t Forget to Capture the Madness
Whatever games you choose, please, please don’t forget to film the antics. Retirement parties have an uncanny knack for generating viral-worthy moments. Plus, nothing screams "thanks for the memories" like footage of someone shouting the wrong swear word in front of colleagues they've known for decades.
If you're unsure about the specifics of a game, or you're just really bad at reading rules (I relate), the official rules page will sort you out. Or better yet, watch some hilarious videos of people playing and realise that chaos is absolutely the goal.
Need More Help?
If you're still lost (or you've somehow managed to set fire to your DIY deck), feel free to contact me directly. Seriously—I’ve seen it all.
Happy retirement partying, folks! May it be slightly inappropriate, ridiculously fun, and entirely unforgettable.