One of my department coworkers is set to retire at the end of March and people are starting to plan gifts, party, etc. One of the other department members sent out an email with a generic, "funny retirement" gift and suggested we all go in on it for coworker. Everyone quickly agreed and that was the end of it.

Normally this type of gift would probably be fine but the person retiring is a very thoughtful and caring coworker. I've talked to them a bunch regarding their post-retirement plans and came up with a really nice, sentimental gift idea that compliments their plans nicely. This gift would be more expensive than what the department is planning to do.

WIBTA if I purchased and gave this gift on my own without coworkers chipping in or attaching their names to it?