How to Gift a Massage

One of my very favorite things to give someone as a present is a MASSAGE!

The gift of massage therapy is always appreciated by friends & family members.

Is a Massage a Good Gift? 

Odds are if you know someone well enough to purchase them such a lovely gift, you will know whether or not he or she likes to get massages! 

It’s a great way to pamper someone special in your life (man or woman) and works for most special occasions:

• Christmas
• Birthday
• Valentine’s Day 
• Mother’s Day 
• Anniversary
• During Pregnancy (as a baby shower gift)
• After Birth (perfect for the new mom who is recovering physically)
• Before a Wedding (as an engagement gift…maybe even a couples massage?!)
• Get Well Gift (as a therapeutic option)

My mom loves massages, so this is my go-to gift for her anytime I’m drawing a blank. My husband likes massages as well, so I have given him one as an anniversary gift. 

How Do You Actually GIVE a Massage Service as a Gift?

It may seem odd to give a service as a present at first, but trust me – this is easy to make look like a real gift!

I have given enough massages as gifts to know two perfect ways to do so.

1. If you got a gift certificate, voucher, or gift card, then I recommend wrapping it up nicely in a gift box to make it seems more “substantial” and like a real gift. Everyone loves receiving a gift box!
2. If you want it to be a super surprise, then consider putting something heavy in the box. I love a little funny aspect to a gift like this!
3. If the massage comes in the form of an account credit, then you can make your own gift certificate to gift. I had to do this last year when I gave my mom one of my Massage Envy credits. They didn’t give me an actual piece of paper…I just had to TELL HER how to redeem the massage. I found a gift certificate template to customize in minutes, then wrapped it up like a gift. Here is the massage gift certificate template I used for this purpose >> Pretty Massage Gift Certificate Template

What About the Expiration Date?

I find that massage gift certificates usually come with specific expiration dates. I would make sure your recipient knows when this is, so he or she can book the massage in time.

If you’re familiar with the spa, it would be a good idea to give hints as to how far ahead of time they should book their massage.

The last thing you want is for their wonderful gift to go to waste!

Tips for Customizing the Massage Gift to Your Recipient

Depending on the recipient, a custom massage may be in order.

• If you know that someone likes a deep tissue massage or a sports-specific therapy session, find out the name of the massage therapist that offers this style at the spa (not all therapists can offer this).
• For someone recovering from illness or injury, consider asking about their limitations first. They may need a chair massage or a specialized treatment instead. Don’t shy away from gifting this to someone in this situation because you never know how this may bless them financially!

What to Write in the Card / Envelope

When in doubt, I always say it’s best to be factual when writing messages in cards to go with gifts.

You don’t have to overthink the wording. Simpler is best when giving gifts; the gift itself is the star of the show after all! 🙂

Here are a few honest, yet thoughtful things to say in writing:

• “We all need a little pampering now and then. I hope you enjoy this massage!” (a good catch-all message for a friend or family member)
• “You work so hard for our family every day. Now it’s your turn to be pampered!” (a good message for Mother’s Day)
• “Merry Christmas! I love you so much!!” (or Happy Valentine’s Day! or Happy Birthday!…you get the idea)
• “Congratulations! Here’s something to help you relax before the big day / you leave for XYZ.” (in case of an upcoming special occasion like a birth or wedding)

Other Great Massage Gifts

If you’d rather give an ITEM instead of a therapy session, you can always give a tangible present.

I have owned BOTH of these items and love them:

• Theracane Knot Releaser 
• Pampering Foot Spa