The Honest Guide to Buying a Massage Gift Certificate

Massage therapy gift certificates are wonderful. However, there are some scenarios where they are really, really not the best choice.  And because nobody in this industry is going to say that out loud, here we are.

DO Buy a Massage Gift Certificate for:

The New Parent

Specifically referring to the one who just birthed a human being (or more than one) and is running on negative sleep hours, crumbs, cold coffee, and still taking care of everyone else at the same time. A gift certificate for a postpartum massage is one of the rare gifts that is about them, and not the baby(ies). That part matters more than you think.

The Caregiver

You know them. They've probably even quietly helped you while they were swamped in all the caretaking needs of others. The person taking care of a parent (or both parents), a sick partner, a kid with complex needs, whoever it is, they're used to being last on the list. They probably won't book this for themselves. That's exactly why it works as a gift.

*A note on Caregivers: Being a caregiver or a parent (new or not) is HARD. And I totally understand that even something like leaving for time to take care of themselves can be scary with the "what ifs" that flood in. If that is you or who you are gifting to, have them call to schedule! My office is set up in a way to be accommodating. There is a lobby that isn't shared with other businesses or therapists, shelves that are anchored to the wall, books, a TV with Netflix, Disney, whatever to watch, and there is even a weird little window from the waiting room to the treatment room (don't panic... it has a curtain). Phones aren't prohibited, so if you need to answer it, do it. Need to bring them with you? Okay. Not a problem. We'll figure out what works. The point is that needing a plan isn't a reason to skip it.

Someone who has actually said they want a massage

Kinda can't be any more obvious. That's a low bar... don't let it hit you in the shins. They just have to have said it out loud at some point. "I really need a massage" counts. That's your green light.

The Person that already gets massages

They know what they're doing, they like it, you're just covering the cost. Straightforward.

DON'T Buy a Massage Gift Certificate for:

Someone who hasn't mentioned wanting one

I know this one isn't always obvious. If you have to talk someone into wanting a massage, that's your first sign. Just because you love massages, doesn't mean they will. Save it for someone who's already on board.

Someone who wants aggressive, painful, no-pain-no-gain work

That's a legitimate preference and also not what happens here. Sending someone who wants to be punished to a therapist who won't do that helps nobody. Know your recipient.

(Side note on that... know who you're purchasing from as well)

Someone who's touch-averse

Even if you think they'd come around once they tried it. Especially then, actually. Let people opt into touch on their own terms. Please do not try to push them to get over it. I will help them plot revenge if you do. Not everyone likes to be touched, and you know what??? That's totally okay.

As an office party gift

You know... the white elephant style gift exchanges. This is going to be a nope, because you genuinely have no idea who's ending up with it.

The person you've already booked an appointment for

Well-meaning. Also, very do not. See below.

One more thing:

Buy the certificate. Not the appointment.

Let them book it themselves, on their timeline, when they're ready. Surprising someone with a massage appointment they didn't agree to attend is well-meaning and also not great. Some people - women especially - have a whole routine before a massage. Give them that.

There's also an intake form. You don't fill it out - they do. Because you *probably don't know everything your partner knows about their own body, and that's fine, but it's a good reason to let them handle the booking themselves.

For the record: unshaved legs, unwashed hair, the fact that it's been a long week - none of that registers on my end. The routine is for them, not for me. But it's still theirs to have.

The certificate doesn't expire. There's no rush. Hand it over and let them take it from there.

*Probably is an understatement. No offense intended.

If you have a receiver on the green light / DO list, here is a link to digital or physical gift certificates (Of course I added it... it would be weird if I didn't).

Gift Certificates

Okay, go make good choices! Take care. -Jamie