Do you know one of the main reasons why women do not go to spas? Or why they don't go to spas more often? Guilt.

Many women fit into this category. Come to think of it, my brother (who is raising two beautiful daughters on his own) does also. Regularly sacrificing time and money for their children's welfare, many parents feel that spending $100 on themselves for a massage, or a relaxing spa treatment, is a major step. Even a manicure or pedicure can seem like a splurge when the other option is to do it yourself.

One in three new spa visitors come in with gift certificates. And "the guilt factor" is one of the key reasons that these certificates are so popular! It is easier for almost anyone these days to use a certificate, or gift-card, instead of being convinced to spend their own money on such a treat. Although many treatments are health enhancing, spas still have that pampering stereotype for many people.

So without wanting to shamelessly trumpet Dharma day spa gift cards - which, of course, I think are great gifts - I would like people to understand that when they give the gift of spa to someone who deserves a break, they are giving more than just the service. They are giving the "giftee" a chance to enjoy a spa treatment without feeling guilty.

I guess you know what my brother is getting for the holidays this year.

Hint. It is EXTREMELY difficult to select a perfect spa treatment for someone. Rather than trying to figure out if you should buy someone a Shiatsu massage, a Four Layer Facial, or a hot stone pedicure, you will ultimately be better off buying them a spa gift certificate in denominations of $50, $100, $200, etc. and leave the decision making up to them. Trust me on this!

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