Food/gift ideas for a retirement party?

In my neck of the woods, retirement parties are not gift-giving affairs. Pick out a nice card and call it done.

What to take is not a big deal. When in your circumstance, I used to take a plate of broccoli florets, some bites of cauliflower and a dip, usually curried mayo (mayo with curry powder, enough to make it sing). It provides a nosh for the interlude between arrival and dinner, and is usually gone by the time you want to leave. Blanching the veggies is optional.

dont forget some alcoholic beverages.

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when i go to invited events 3 hours is my limit...2 if they have act together

id get some seed package gloves towel and wrap up..

id make an easy salad...shredded carrot and raisins or 3 bean

Mini Scones [savoury or sweet], paired with a little pot of cream & jam or some cream cheese & chopped chives.

Gifts ;- maybe a nice cup / mug & coaster set.

A small scrap book / memory book [it could be signed with colleagues small memories / stories]?.   

Gazpacho, a wonderful cold soup full of fresh vegetables, quick and easy.

You can get your pot the next day.

What I want, but am too cheap to buy, is a WEEK CLOCK.

A covered dish is just another way of saying it's a pot-luck.   You can take whatever you want even if it's just a bowl of guacamole.   If you don't want to stay horribly long, take your dish in a disposable container you can leave there.   It's less conspicuous than taking your dish off the table early.

Usually there will be food, short ceremony with some speeches/toasts and then cake/dessert.   Just like with a wedding reception, you can leave after the toasts/cake.

As far as gift goes, often there is a whip 'round at work.   Meaning someone collects a few bucks from anyone who wants to pitch in and then money is pooled and one gift purchased.    If that's not the case, a nice card with the flowers you mention is sufficient.   IMO by the time someone gets to retirement age they probably don't want/need more stuff. 

Make a cold tortellini salad, boil the pasta, put in foil pan, mix in a can of chopped up black olives (and you could add chopped red roasted peppers), olive oil, parmesan cheese, a little oregano, and you are done.