5 Christmas Massage Gift Ideas Approved By A Massage Therapist
Looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, co-worker, friend, or acquaintance? Here are some great Christmas massage gift ideas from a massage therapist that are surely going to be a hit this holiday season. Everyone loves relaxing, especially when it involves self-care, and these gifts can bring much-needed joy to just about anyone. We could all use a little more touch and joy after these past couple of years. Right? And, best of all, these gifts will give your hands a break.
Whether you are shopping for Christmas or just want to surprise your hardworking mom, these gift ideas from a massage therapist are a great way to show your love or appreciation.
The links in this article are affiliate links. They are all products I have owned or reviewed in the past. I hope you or your gift recipient enjoy them as much as I do.
Christmas presents laid on a white wooden table background
1. Gift Certificate for a Massage
A simple gift that can make someone’s day. Imagine a relaxing massage after a long day of work, it’s just perfection. If you don’t know a massage therapist, there are several ways to nail down the perfect one! Asking your friends is a surefire way of reaching a therapist that’s tried and trusted. You can also check out online reviews as well, most of them are trustworthy. The best way in my opinion is to go to the massage therapist yourself, after all, you can trust your own judgment.
Be on the lookout for deals as well, many massage therapists have coupons or sales going on. Schools also offer reduced prices for student massages if you are looking to get a good deal. Keeping an eye or ear out for good deals is always great, who knows you can book a double massage for the same price!
2. Massage Gun
A massage gun that can be used anytime? Yes, please! With hundreds of massage guns to choose from, you might get confused about which one to pick, this is why I picked them for you.
Theragun
The Theragun Prime is on the expensive side, but it’s made by a well-known company and can last for a long time. The QX65 motor is a proprietary brushless one that provides deep muscle treatment while remaining surprisingly quiet. The gun also comes with a Lithium-ion battery that provides around 2 hours of massage time, it’s quite a leap from other massage guns I’ve used. Theragun Prime also comes with a 5-speed range and an LED screen that displays the status of the device. What I really love is the ergonomic grip that enables you to grab the gun anyway you like, this makes long self-massage sessions a breeze on your hands.
Cryotex Massage Gun
Want a good massage gun on a budget? The Cryotex Massage Gun is a perfect gift! It is affordable and comes with 6 massage heads to help fight against body soreness. It is a great gift for the elderly and athletes alike. I loved the included 6 massage heads that target a different muscle group, combine those with 20-speed levels, and you can customize your massages with ease. The deep tissue massage gun is quiet yet powerful. The gun comes with a lithium-ion battery that lasts around 3-6 hours depending on your speed settings, it also has an LED indicator, so you don’t need to worry about it running out mid-massage.
3. Tens Unit Muscle Stimulator Machine
This electric muscle massager may feel like magic, but it is actually science! The massage can stimulate muscles and sensory nerves, relaxing your body and giving pain management. There are 20 different modes including kneading, hammering, and shiatsu. You can even set up separate modes like acupuncture or tapping. A great gift idea for someone that is in regular pain due to work conditions (long office hours in a seat) or a sportsperson that needs relief after strenuous activities.
The Tens Unit Muscle Stimulator Machine comes with self-sticking pads that can be used up to 45 times. The device also has a 12-month warranty, so you know the company is confident in its product. Overall, it’s a neat gift that is budget-friendly and shows that you care about the well-being of your loved ones.
4. Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow
Zyllion Shiatsu is a massage pillow that helps in relieving sore muscles and stiffness, but that’s not why I’m recommending it. The main reason is how amazingly comfortable it is! I thought it would be a bit uncomfortable to lay on, but I was pleasantly surprised to experience how comfortable it was. You can place it under your head, behind your back, and even under the calves. The pillow also comes with a car adapter, so you can enjoy massages on long drives as well. The only downside is that it needs a power outlet to work, but that’s a small price to pay for the superb relaxation of tightened muscles.
The Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow has a large motor that delivers high-intensity muscle-soothing action. There are 6 lightbulbs inside it for better and efficient heat transfer. The pillow is made with 100% vegan leather that is soft and comfortable to touch and most importantly, pretty easy to clean.
5. Cloud Shiatsu Foot Massager
I don’t know about you, but I feel amazing when I get a foot massage after a long day. Cloud Shiatsu Foot Massager makes it easier to get a foot massage daily at home, and it is super convenient. The foot, leg, and ankle massager is great for blood flow and reducing inflammation. You can even place your calves in the massager for faster muscle recovery and pain relief. The Cloud Shiatsu Foot Massager comes with three different levels of intensity, I recommend starting off with the gentle one and gradually increasing it according to your needs. There are also 5 modes for comfort that include rolling massage, sway function, heat therapy, compression therapy, and a quiet mode.
If you have someone in your life that stands for long periods of time or has to walk around work, this foot massager would be heaven-sent for them. While it is a bit pricey, the experience and relaxation it will provide are worth every penny. Sometimes they offer 50% off coupons on this item on Amazon. So keep an eye out for those this holiday season.
Have Your Own Christmas Massage Gift Idea?
These were a few gift ideas from a massage therapist. Hopefully, one of these gifts will enhance the lives of your loved ones positively. If you have any more suggestions or require my recommendations, feel free to drop a comment below! And also, stay tuned for upcoming Valentine’s Day gift ideas.
Recover Fun Plus Massage Gun Review
Everywhere you look right now, someone is selling a percussion massage gun. The choices available today are overwhelming. Do I buy the $400, $150, or the $35 dollar one? There are ones will three speeds and twenty attachments. Many look the same and it can be tricky for consumers to choose one that is right for them.
Which one do you really need? Which is best for you? Today, I am going to share one that may fit your health and budget needs.
Recover Fun sent me a new massage gun to try, their Recover Fun Plus massage gun. Recover fun massage gun had some different features that looked interesting, so I agreed to check it out and provide my honest review.
A reminder, this is the “Plus” version, which is an upgraded version of the Recoverfun percussion massage devices family,
The “Plus” has a longer stroke length, more power, a larger battery capacity, and a sturdier metal shell compared to the Recover fun T5. Are these upgrades worth it?
[Read More…]
Music In the Massage Room
Hi Everyone! As with anything in the massage community, there always seems to be a fair amount of misinformation spread between colleagues. After my post about some of my favorite tunes to play in the massage room, Mik from TunePocket contacted me about writing a post about legally playing music in a business location for commercial purposes, such as a massage room or spa. I am not a lawyer, and Mik says he isn’t either, but this is an area he knows a lot more about than I do. So, here are some things he wanted to share with our community.
When it comes to using music for commercial purposes, many business owners feel confused. In this post, I will explain what you need to legally play music in your place of business.
Can I play any music in my place of business, massage room, or spa?
If you use music to support or enhance any commercial activity, like a spa or a massage, there is a good chance you may need a special music license. These licenses are called “music performance licenses” and you can get one from one of the performance rights organizations (PROs), like BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC.
Do I always need to get the license?
Even if you legally purchased all the music you use (or have a paid subscription to a streaming service like Spotify or Apply Music), playing music in your place of business still may require the performance license.
The reason for this is that any music you purchase or stream from a music store is owned by someone (a musician, a record label, and so on).
When you use their music to help your business and presumably to make more money that’s considered commercial use. That’s why the copyright law dictates that the music owners must be compensated if you use their music commercially.
As with any law, it’s best to follow the rules. The fines for violating copyright laws are notoriously steep and may range from $750 to $150,000 per infraction.
At this point, you probably think that you should stop using music for good. Here is some good news. The US copyright law provides exceptions that can help small entrepreneurs.
You may not need the performance license if your place of business satisfies any of the following conditions:
1. The music is played quietly in an area designated exclusively for the employees.
2. The music is only played through a small radio or television (like those people use at home) and the broadcaster determines which music is played.
3. Your place of business is below 2,000 sq. feet.
4. You don’t charge any admission fees to let people enter your establishment.
(Source: The Palo Alto Legal Bar Association)
Disclaimer: Please note I’m not a lawyer and this can not be considered legal advice. Consult a qualified legal professional in your area to make sure you qualify for any of the above exemptions.
Is there any music I can legally play in my massage room without a license?
Don’t feel like paying a lawyer for a consultation? There is still music you can safely use without having to worry about the license.
1. Music that isn’t under copyright. In the United States, music published before 1926, is generally considered public domain.
2. Music created by musicians and composers who are not affiliated with a PRO. PROs can only collect royalties on behalf of their members.
At TunePocket we offer a large collection of relaxing royalty-free music created by non-affiliated composers. That music will work great as background music during a massage or in a spa without the need to purchase any additional licenses.
About the author
Hi, I’m Mik, a music composer at TunePocket, a great place to get music for all kinds of commercial use. I will be happy to answer your questions. Contact Mik here or via TunePocket’s contact form.
Naipo Cordless Handheld Massager Review
NAIPO contacted me again about reviewing another one of their products. This time, I asked them to choose one, and they send me their Naipo Cordless Handheld Massager.
I am always honest about what I like and do not like about a massage product. But, also, I understand that there are tools I do not like that may be perfect for someone else. Here are some details about the Naipo Cordless Handheld Massager and some things I liked and did not like.
What is it?
This is a cordless percussion massage tool, but it is not a percussion massage gun. And it is not trying to be one. Percussion massage guns are incredibly powerful massage tools. If you are looking for something like a massage gun, but with less intensity, this may be the massage tool you are looking for.
More about percussion massage tools
Like a massage gun, this product uses percussion to massage an area. Percussion means that the tool will hit or strike the body. The massage heads do not go round and round, meaning this tool will not knead your muscles. If you are looking for something that will knead, check this excellent product by NAIPO, the oPillow. It is honestly one of my favorite massage tools.
What I liked
First of all, this tool is incredibly easy to use. Pick an attachment and press the power button. Done.
5 Unique Attachments
The attachments are atypical of a percussion massage gun. There is a curved attachment for forearms or calves, a prong attachment for knee massage, one for specific “trigger” points, and two more multipurpose massage attachments.
Different Modes
This tool does not just use steady percussion, but a few different pulse modes. And each mode has Different speeds
Automatic shut-off
I appreciate this feature because I have a tendency to leave massage tools on too long and overwork an area and regret it the next day. You can over-massage an area, and it isn’t fun.
Long Handle
This is one of the best things about this tool. The 15-inch handle allows for a person to massage difficult areas to reach. If you have shoulder/arm mobility issues, you may be able to reach all areas of the back yourself. If you have ever tried to massage gun your own back or between your shoulder blades, you know it feels awkward and is actually really difficult to do.
The handle is also about half the diameter of my massage guns, making it handheld massager easier to grasp.
Light
This tool is lighter than a massage gun, weighing 800g or 1.7 lbs.
Gentle
The handheld massager is gentle enough that you can safely use on the neck, unlike massage guns.
Quiet
It is much quieter than a percussion massage gun.
What can it be used for?
- Back pain
- Shoulder/neck pain
- Leg/knee pain
- Foot pain
- Arm pain
What I did not like
There was only one thing. It is not a massage gun and that is what I kept comparing it to. I prefer the deeper pressure of a massage gun or the oPillow.
But this tool is not all about me. I understand not everyone wants or prefers a massage tool that makes them feel like they got worked over by a power tool.
This massage tool is absolutely more appropriate for many people that do not prefer intense pressure and would make an excellent gift for those who prefer less pressure. For example, I gave this to my 70+-year-old mom and she loved it. I checked out the reviews on Amazon and there were over 3000 reviews, and they were very positive.
Conclusion
So, if you are looking for something less powerful than a massage gun, or a gift for someone special, check the NAIPO handheld massage tool out (affiliate link). The price is lower than most massage guns. Currently, it is $36, or less with a coupon)
If talked you out of this tool and into something with more pressure, here is NAIPO’s percussion massage gun (affiliate link).
TENS Unit Massager Review
You may have used one at physical therapy, your chiropractor, or even your massage therapist’s office. You may be surprised to know that anyone can buy their own personal TENS unit for use at home. With the 2020 pandemic I have focused on reviewing massage tools anyone can use at home, such as the very popular percussion massage guns. Another massage tool that most people can safely and easily use at home for pain relief is a TENS unit massager.
Thank you to AUVON who sent me a free sample of their TENS massager. In today’s review, I will talk about the benefits of owning a personal TENS unit with a few more details on AUVON’s specific TENS unit.
What is a TENS Unit? How does a TENS unit work?
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is the use of electric current produced by a small, battery-operated device to stimulate the nerves (which causes the muscles to contract and relax) for therapeutic purposes. You may also see a TENS unit generically called an Electronic Muscle Stimulation, or EMS, machine. They are different, but the AUVON does have TENS and EMS modes.
Why use one?
- Pain relief
- Relaxation
Those two benefits are enough for most people want their own. Pain relief and pain management is one of the most common reasons for health care visits. TENS untis have helped many get the relief they need.
For a small size (similar to a smartphone), the AUVON delivers an electrical stimulus to the muscles that can be gentle or strong and therapeutic. Here a few more things I like about the AUVON TENS unit.
[Read More…]
Eye Massager Review
This past year, with so many transitioning to online school, online jobs, and Zoom calls with family friends- our eyes have worked overtime and suffered. They are staring at screens more than ever. An eye massager might just be what you need to keep your eyes relax.
Your eyes have several muscles that surround them. They make finely detailed movements all day and night. And they are often neglected and difficult to relax. You cannot use typical massage tools on them or percussion massage guns . They really need their own special tool that is gentle and relaxing.
Not only have I worked as a massage therapist in a dimly lit room for years, but I also work online when I am not in the massage room. I have seen my eye doctor previously about having “tired eyes” or “eye fatigue”. While new prescription eyeglasses have relieved much of that complaint, I am always looking for additional ways to relax my eyes at the end of the day.
NBRelax was kind enough to send me a free sample of one of their products. I choose the eye massager for all of the reasons above. It has been a tough year on my eyes too. Here is what I thought about it.
RubBall: Vibrating Massage Ball
As I opened every Christmas guide this year, there was something I had never seen before- massage guns, so many massage guns (my most recent reviews are here and here). But, there was something else in the ads- a self-care tool that has recently gained popularity, the vibrating massage ball.
RubBall was kind enough to send me a sample. They quickly shipped me one and I have been using it over the last month. Like all other reviews, I ask family, friends, and clients to give it a try and provide feedback on things I may have missed. Here is what we liked and how you can make the most of this massage tool.
