7 Ways to Prepare Your Spa for the Holidays

1. Create Micro-Experience Add-Ons

Not every client has an hour to spare in December. Think 10–15 minute add-ons that feel indulgent but keep you on schedule.

• Heated hand massage with holiday-spiced balm.
• Quick LED glow session while a mask sets.
• Aromatherapy scalp massage clients can tack on without rebooking.

These “little luxuries” keep revenue flowing without clogging your calendar.

2. Rethink Retail Displays as “Grab & Go”

Instead of a crowded shelf, think like a boutique. Pre-wrap a handful of bundles so clients can literally grab a ready-to-gift bag at checkout.

• A “Teacher Thank You” set under $30.
• “Holiday Recovery Kit” with tea, mask, and eye gel patches.

Speed matters when clients are dashing between errands.

3. Use a Two-Tier Scheduling Strategy

Try this simple trick:

• Tier 1: Peak service slots reserved for higher-ticket or loyal clients.
• Tier 2: Shorter services and gift card redemptions reserved for mid-day or off-peak.

This keeps your prime time free for revenue drivers and avoids logjams.

4. Add a Touchpoint Outside the Treatment Room

Clients often only interact with you during service. Surprise them with a small extra touch in the waiting area or checkout zone:

• A seasonal hand treatment sampler–let guests try a dab of a holiday-scented lotion while they check out.
• A “holiday hydration shot” of infused spa water.
• A gratitude board where guests can pin what they’re thankful for.

It creates a festive mood without adding labor inside the treatment room.

5. Turn Gift Cards into Memorable Gifts

Gift cards are a staple, but most spas stop at the plastic card in an envelope. Try layering in creative delivery methods that surprise clients:

• Experience-first gifting: Package a gift card with a small teaser item like an eye pillow, a mini roller, or a sample of your house tea. The gift feels “opened” right away, even before the spa visit.
• Community tie-in: Partner with a local artisan—jewelry maker, ceramicist, or candle brand—and bundle a small keepsake with your card. Guests get a gift that lasts, and you build goodwill with another small business.
• “Surprise upgrade” card: Every tenth gift card sold comes with a sealed envelope that the recipient can open at redemption (free add-on, extended time, or retail goodie). This makes buying feel fun and limited-edition.

6. Prep Your Team Like It’s Show Week

Think of the season like a performance: everything should be prepped backstage.

• Stock “service trays” with all supplies for the day so staff aren’t restocking mid-shift.
• Create a cheat sheet of holiday promos taped at each station so no one forgets to mention them.
• Provide a “reset kit” in the breakroom—eye masks, protein snacks, herbal tea—for staff recovery.

A calm, organized team = a smooth guest experience.

7. Protect Your Own Bandwidth (Strategically)

Instead of just blocking time, think about energy management as much as time management.

• Theme your days: For example, Monday/Tuesday for shorter, express services and retail pickups, Wednesday–Friday for full-length treatments. This avoids energy whiplash from bouncing between service types.
• Automate once, reuse often: Draft your holiday booking reminders, retail posts, and staff messages all at once, then schedule them to release over the season. It’s less draining than constant last-minute communication.
• Holiday trade: Partner with another practitioner (massage, nails, or even a yoga instructor) and set up a swap in early December. Building in a restorative service for yourself ensures you walk into the busiest weeks recharged, not depleted.

The holidays don’t have to feel frantic at your spa. With small but thoughtful adjustments—from grab-and-go gifting to behind-the-scenes prep—you’ll create a season that feels good for both guests and you.

Universal Companies is proud to have a team of experienced spa advisors on staff and welcomes you to consult with our professionals about spa products and supplies, including ingredients, equipment, and retail. Dedicated to the success of spa professionals everywhere, we're grateful to be recognized with multiple industry awards (thank you!) and proud to support the spa industry through mentorship and sponsorship.