Unless a person has specifically told you they want a massage, here are some important things to know and do before making your purchase.
Have they had a massage before? Gifting a massage to a person who has not had a massage before comes with a checklist of things to do first.
ask them if they've had a massage before
if they say yes, maybe there's a specific place they would prefer to get a gift certificate/card from. Maybe they have a membership and don't need it.
if they say yes, maybe they've had a really bad/traumatic experience with massage and don't want one ever again. That's private information.
if they say no, maybe pick something else as a gift. Its important to let a person choose what they want to do with their body. You could always ask them a few questions, but if they're against it, don't pressure them(or pry too deep) and move on. Even if you love massage, not everyone does and you need to respect a person's boundaries.
gently ask how they feel about massage
they might think its stupid/pointless/hippie/etc, and that's ok.
they might have heard "horror stories" about a friend's bad experience.
ask if they're comfortable with it. Be careful here, don't ask questions they dont want to answer because...
they might be insecure about their body, or
they might not be aware of what actually happens in a massage because in media its portrayed as sexual, a lot. (although, they can get a fully clothed massage until they're comfortable)
or, massage might not be something they can get due to health reasons, so don't pry.
If someone tells you no, give it up, and don't judge them.
Another question to ask yourself, is it appropriate for you to be giving a massage as a gift to a specific person? We could deep dive this, but ultimately, you know if its appropriate or not. Behave. Don't cause problems in a person's relationship because you're gifting a massage. Don't buy them for 1 employee but not the rest(that'll become a whole HR thing.) Don't expect favors or special treatment after gifting a massage. Giving a massage as a gift can be completely inappropriate if given by the wrong person.
Its important to consider why you are giving a person a gift. While this can be for a million reasons, make sure its a gift the receiver wants, and not something you want. Just because you love massage, doesn't mean its the right choice for everyone. You don't have anything to prove. You might think that they need a massage, but its ultimately up to that person to get one. And, unpopular opinion, no one "needs" a massage. --obviously I am pro-massage!
Alternative: Gift them a visa gift card(or something,) mention massage as an idea maybe provide a location for them to try, and then give them space to use their gift card as they choose. Don't continuously ask a person if they "went and got that massage" because its invading their privacy. If its your partner, definitely be sensitive to their desires. I've had a lot of uncomfortable clients get a massage because their partner bought them a massage they didn't want. (One guy came in, told me to take the hour to rest, and went to the coffee shop next door.) Its not for everyone.
BUT, if you know someone loves massage, its an amazing gift to receive! It can be such a special gift for some people. Just make sure to buy them a massage from a place they either already go to, or a place they can specify what they want. (and include the tip, don't send them empty handed!) Read more about tipping here.
I hope this information was helpful in some way, if you have any thoughts or comments, leave them below!
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