Spa gift certificates are a great gift idea. Almost everyone loves to be treated to a luxurious spa treatment and it's a great last-minute gift. Here's everything you need to know about spa gift certificates, including where to get them last-minute, how much to spend and what to watch out for.
Where's the best place to buy a spa gift certificate?
The easiest solution is to buy SpaFinder gift certificates (Buy Direct) , which can be redeemed at more than 4,500 spas worldwide. SpaFinder gift certificates are transferable and have no expiration date when purchased online.
SpaFinder gift certificates are a good last-minute option because you can print out a gift card or send an email that says the spa gift certificate is coming. The actual gift certificate with a dollar amount arrives a few days later.
If there is one special spa you have in mind, look carefully at the listing on the SpaFinder website to make sure it accepts SpaFinder gift certificates. If not, buy the gift certificate directly from the spa.
What are the most common amounts for spa gift certificates?
The minimum is usually $50 but give $150 to make sure the recipient gets at least one substantial like a massage or facial. Larger amounts like $300-$500 will let the person get multiple services, on one day or over time.
Many destination spas and resort spas, including Red Mountain Spa in Utah and Miraval in Arizona, accept SpaFinder gift certificates (Buy Direct) . You can buy a substantial dollar amount and let the person pick which spa they want to go to.
For maximum flexibility on a large gift, break the amount into several large gift certificates -- four $500 gift certificates instead of one $2,000 gift certificate, for instance.
If you have a particular spa in mind, contact the spa directly to customize an overnight package.
What spa treatments can you get with a spa gift certificate?
Prices vary depending on the spa, but this is typical:
- $50 - $75: spa manicure, pedicure or waxing.
- $100-$150: massage, facial or body treatment.
- $125 - $175: Specialty massage like a hot stone massage.
- $200-$300 -- Two services at most spas.
- $300 and up -- Half and full-day packages
What are the advantages of spa gift certificates?
They're easy to buy, they have a luxurious pampering image, and you can spend almost any amount, from $50 for a pedicure to thousands of dollars for an overnight stay.
What should I watch out for with spa gift certificates?
Most individual spas have a one-year expiration date on their spa gift certificates. If an individual spa goes out of business or your recipient doesn't use it in time, you may be out of luck. And you can't use it anywhere else.
As with gift cards, losing a spa gift certificate is like losing cash.
Should I include a tip on the spa gift certificate?
It's a nice gesture. Oftentimes recipients assume it's included and unknowingly "stiff" the therapist.
What if the recipient doesn't use the whole amount on spa treatments?
He or she can use it on another occasion or get a store credit.
