Gift Certificates (buyer's guide)

Sure, moms love massages, but dads, grandparents, and even children love them, too!
A number of my clients are either under 18 or over 50.

Even if you don't know a thing about massage, giving a massage gift certificate can make you look like the best gift-giver around. When in doubt, ask for "one hour Swedish." It's offered in nearly every spa, clinic, and salon that offers massage therapy.

"Short Guide: Selecting a Massage Gift Certificate"

1. Personality
If your special someone has already received a professional massage, there's a good chance they'll enjoy a full-body (60 min) massage or lava stone massage (60-90 min).

If he or she is new to massage, a better selection might be a half-body massage (30 min). This gives your recipient an opportunity to try things out. I let my first-timers know when 30 minutes have passed and give them an opportunity to continue for the full hour, applying the 30-min gift certificate towards the full hour fee.

2. Price
Consider a half-body certificate if your budget is tight. However, if you're really in the mood to provide pampering, consider a package. Prepaying for a combination of treatments that can be used on different days can stretch your gift for a week (for example, a Monday massage and a Thursday sea salt glow).

3. Time
Is he or she always on the go? Slow down! You can often find a great spa package (for example, a massage gift basket with a gift certificate for a half-or full-day pass, brochure, and even beauty products sold at the spa). Also, a half-hour massage is great for on-the-go types who want to squeeze in time to relax during lunch hour.

4. Professionalism
Can you reach the therapist in a timely manner? If he or she massages full-time, often they must return calls between massages (since their phone is silent while during sessions). Be wary of someone who seems forgetful or difficult to reach after a day or two of phone tag.

5. Paper
Ask to see credentials. Does your loved one really like a special type of massage (for example, hot stone)? Is your therapist qualified to perform prenatal massage for the mom-t0-be in your life? Ask if the massage therapist is qualified (nationally certified and/or licensed). Ask about insurance (if not, you may not be protected in an accident).

Checking things out first really makes an impression. By not giving Dad another tie on his birthday, you're his new favorite child. Same goes with a new mom who's up to her ears in diapers.