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SupportingQualitative research· Peer-reviewed

Appearance-related possessions and the transition to retired life

Ceballos, C., & Hodges, N. (2022). International Journal of Consumer Studies, 46(6), 2367–2382. DOI: 10.1111/ijcs.12792.

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Summary

Research on appearance-related possessions during the transition to retirement found that people can reinterpret objects and routines as they move from a working identity into retired life -- evidence about a life transition and identity change, not a ranking of retirement gift ideas.

Key findings

  • People reinterpret appearance-related objects and daily routines during the transition into retired life.

GiftNav takeaway

A better starting question than "what do retirees like" is what this specific person is keeping, starting, or leaving behind as they retire.

Limitations & cautions

Studies identity and possessions during retirement transition broadly, not gift-giving specifically.

Themes

Used in these research topics

Last reviewed September 14, 2026.

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