Buying A Spa Gift Certificate

Spa gift certificates are a great gift idea for many of the biggest holidays. Almost everyone loves to be treated to a luxurious day at the spa. But there are a few things you should know before you buy a spa gift certificate so you don't get burned.

Where can I buy a spa gift certificate?

The easiest solution is to buy SpaFinder gift certificates (Buy Direct) , which can be redeemed at more than 3,500 spas worldwide. SpaFinder gift certificates are transferable and have no expiration date when purchased online.

It's a good last-minute option becuase they let you print out a gift card, and the actual gift certificate arrives a few days later. You can also send an email to announce the spa gift certificate is coming.

If there is one particular spa you want to send your wife, mom or sweetheart to, you can buy as gift certificate directly from the spa. This way you can choose a specific treatment or package instead of a dollar amount.

How much should I give?

The minimum is usually $50 but most people give $100-$150 to make sure the recipient gets one substantial like a massage or facial.

What should I look out for?

Most individuals spas have a one-year expiration date on their spa gift certificates. If an individual spa goes out of business, you're out of luck. Also, just because a spa is listed on SpaFinder's website doesn't mean it accepts the gift certificates. Look at the listing very carefully if there is one spa you have your heart set on.

Should I include a tip on the spa gift certificate?

It's a nice gesture and easy to do when you're buying from an individual spa. Some spas won't allow SpaFinder gift certificates to be put towards a tip. You can always enclosing an extra 15-20% in cash and indicate it is for tips.

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, spa pedicure or waxing.
$75-$125: massage, facial or body treatment.
$125 - $150: Specialty massage like a hot stone massage.
$150-$250 -- Two services at most spas.
$250 and up -- Half and full-day packages

What if she doesn't use the whole amount on spa treatments?

She will get a store credit she can spend on products ranging from nail polish and candles to expensive robes and jewelry. If it's substantial she can come back another time.

Can he get a cash refund?

Spas won't give refunds on gift certificates.

What if I want to buy an expensive overnight stay at the spa as a gift? Can I do that?

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. If you have a particular spa and length of stay in mind, call that spa and ask how much it would cost.

Be sure and check for limitations. Canyon Ranch Lenox in Massachusetts only lets you use up to $500 of SpaFinder gift certificates towards a stay.

You can also buy the gift certificate directly -- and may have to if you want a particular spa that doesn't participate in SpaFinder like Lake Austin Spa Resort.

What happens if they don't use up the entire amount?

Again, the person will get the unused amount as a credit. For maximum flexibility on a large gift, break the amount into several large gift certificates -- four $500 gift certificates instead of one $2,000, for instance.

What if it gets lost?

If SpaFinder gift certificates are lost, it's like losing cash. This is a fairly common policy at spas, but you can check with an individual spa to see if they have a different policy.