I can think of at least three amazing gifts of touch that you can give to someone you love for Valentine’s Day. The cool thing about these gifts is they are appropriate for just about anyone on your list and you can either give them directly yourself or give them in the form of a gift certificate to a local spa, salon or holistic practitioner.
Can you guess what I’m thinking? If you guessed the gift of a massage then you would be right on the money for the first one I had in mind. This can be delivered in many different ways. Pressed for time but want to find a memorable and meaningful way to say “I Love You” or “Thank You”? Give them a gift certificate for a 1-hour massage. Who amongst us couldn’t use a good massage every now and then? And how much more enjoyable would it be if it was given to you as a gift?
If you have a massage therapist then send them to yours. If not, ask people you know for referrals or contact a local spa. Better yet, turn into an experiential gift of time, where you go to the spa and get massages at the same time, then take a leisurely lunch or dinner right afterwards and savor the experience together!
Even if you don’t have the funds to splurge on a spa spree or gift certificate you can still deliver the goods yourself. This is an excellent way to do it if you prefer to give a gift of a more personal nature. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy or professional. You can give them a simple neck and shoulder massage, a hand massage, a foot massage, or better yet, all the above. Applying gentle pressure to tight muscles always provides relief and will be greatly appreciated even if it’s not done in an expert manner.
To take the experience to the next level, incorporate a little aromatherapy into the massage experience. You can light an aromatherapy candle or use an electric oil diffuser to create a warm, relaxing atmosphere. For even greater benefits add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or orange to relax, rosemary, lemon or grapefruit to stimulate) to a tablespoon of carrier oil (olive, jojoba, safflower, sesame, or coconut) and use it as your massage oil. I recommend our Certified Organic Aromatherapy Body Oil, which comes with the essential oils already blended in a base of organic jojoba oil, which is hydrating and protective of the skin. It’s also absorbed very quickly into the skin so it isn’t messy to work with and won’t permanently stain clothing or sheets. The aluminum treatment pump lets you control the amount you need so you don’t overdo it. Just be sure to use scents that you know the person likes. If you’re not sure then ask beforehand.
For a romantic couples massage, try a blend that includes sensual or earthy essential oils like ylang ylang, patchouli, vetiver, lime, lemongrass, bergamot or other citrus fruit, rose or rose geranium, cedarwood, sandalwood, or vanilla.
Picking up the phone and calling someone you love on a special occasion like Valentine’s Day makes perfect sense if they live far away or you’re not able to see them in person. But this year for Valentine’s Day, why not reach out and touch someone for real? Whether you celebrate this occasion with a romantic partner or by connecting with other people you love, the gift of touch can have a far more profound effect than the simple gesture of a phone call.
