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Gift Guides

Urban Blog | Gift Guides

Skincare advice flooding your feed? Us too. To get to the bottom of it all, we’ve called for help from facialist expert Latticia Morapedi. 

Three skincare myths, debunked

Can massage really make you less stressed? In this detailed guide we look at the science behind it.

The benefits of a stress relief massage

If you dread that time of the month, one of these massages might be able to help ease your symptoms

Can massage ease period pain?

There’s nothing better than playing football on a proper pitch, so if you’re planning a kickabout in London be sure to make use of one of the city’s many parks. Most of these green spaces have their own pitches inside them, so you can practise your skills in a professional size playing field.

Best London parks to play football in

Can getting a massage before or after the marathon really make a difference to your marathon performance? Our go-to massage expert has the answers.

Why massage should be part of your London marathon training plan

London's best deep tissue massages are plentiful and can be found near you in London's best spas, at iconic hotels and even delivered to you in the comfort of your home. Here are our five favourite places to book a deep tissue massage in London.

The best deep tissue massages in London

Whether your skin’s looking a tad dull and needs a bit of rejuvenation, or you have a skin concern that’s been bothering you for years, a targeted facial can help. London is home to lots of professionals who are passionate about skincare and skin health. Here's our top picks.

The best facials in London

Over the course of nine months, a pregnant person's body adapts in incredible ways to support growing life. Here are some of the less talked about transformations and how specialist pregnancy treatments can help.

Six surprising ways your body changes during pregnancy

20 non-baby things your new mum friend will love (and actually use), suggested by another mum.

The best gifts for new mums

From pregnancy self-care and postnatal recovery, to the first few years for new mums, we look at six simple ways to look after yourself while navigating the ups and downs of motherhood.

Maternal mental health tips

A dreamy full-body massage using essential oils that promote sleep.

Sleep massage

A grounding, full-body treatment using relaxing essential oils.

De-stress massage

Our take on Swedish massage, full of techniques to free up tension and help you relax.

Urban classic

A gentle massagae to rebalance vital systems of the body.

Manual lymphatic drainage

A powerful full-body massage to ease tension, aches and stiffness.

Deep tissue massage

A full-body treatment tailored to your recovery needs.

Postnatal massage

TikTok health advice can be a bit of a Wild West. We asked our in-house massage expert to take us for a scroll to debunk the most common myths.

3 spine health myths, debunked

Discover the top 10 benefits of sports massage in this detailed guide from Urban. We discuss blood flow, sleep, stress levels and much more.

The top 10 benefits of sports massage

Climbing is a highly-demanding sport that calls for your whole body to be used, so it’s likely to take its toll. How can a massage help? Let's find out.

Four of the best massages for climbing enthusiasts

Let's chat all things back pain. Because a whopping 80% of us will feel it at some point in our lives – here's the best massages to tackle it.

The four best massages for back pain

The massage equivalent of a cup of coffee.

Energising massage

Discover your deepest stretch ever as an expert does the hard work for you.

Assisted stretching

Advanced massage techniques and exercises to get you back to your best.

Injury/pain management

Massage has been a central part of Chinese medicine for thousands of years, with records stretching back as far as the 2nd century BCE. Unlike deep tissue or sports massage, which focus on releasing tight muscular knots by targeting blood flow to the area, Chinese massage techniques also aim to promote overall health by easing the flow of energy, or “qi”, around the body.

What is Chinese massage?

Discover what a Thai massage is in this detailed guide where we discuss everything from the history of this ancient practice, to the various benefits of this type of massage.

What is a Thai massage?

Let's de-bunk the benefits of lymphatic drainage to see if it's right for you.

What is a lymphatic drainage massage or detox massage?

Alongside helping hands glide over skin, some massage oils offer plenty of health benefits you might find surprising. Try these five oils to get some extra goodness out of your treatment. 

The five best massage oils to try

Foot massage combines techniques from different traditions to help relax and improve health by pressing on foot nerves. It can make you feel better, boost blood flow, and lower stress

What is foot massage?

A gentle, nurturing massage for when you need a little self-care.

Relaxing massage

A calming treatment using acupressure on the feet and lower legs.

Reflexology foot massage

Ease post-exercise aches and prevent injury with a qualified pro.

Sports massage

A deeply soothing treatment for tired mums-to-be, suitable from the second trimester.

Pregnancy massage

Are creativity and wellbeing connected? Jessie Cohen, Urban's graphic designer, certainly thinks so. Queen of prints, pottery and painting miniatures, Jessie shares how her creative hobbies help her reset after a busy day. 

I started painting miniatures after work, and my mental health has never felt better

Urban’s in-house graphic designer, Jessie Cohen, reveals how the structure of a 9-to-5 role actually supports - rather than stifles - her creativity.

I thought working a 9-5 would hinder my creativity – turns out, it actually helps

We sat down with photographer Sonny to talk about life after his accident, capturing some of the world’s biggest musicians and how Urban helps him stay on top form.

Life after amputation – photographer Sonny on adapting to a new normal with Urban

Not all massages are created equal. Discover the best type for each part of your cycle, according to menstrual health coach Destiny.

The best massage for each phase of your menstrual cycle

We spoke with Joanna Brown about the pivotal moments in her career journey, the lessons she's learned and her advice for others forging their own path.

I wanted to be a bus driver - now I'm COO

Whether you're pumping iron at the gym or mastering your yoga flow, this gift guide is full of smart, stylish finds to help power your fitness journey. 

Feel-good health and fitness upgrades to power your 2025 routine

A clothed Thai massage (without oil) performed on a traditional roll-up floor mattress.

Thai yoga massage

A specialised massage to get lymph flow moving again, especially after cosmetic surgery.

Brazilian lymphatic drainage

The perfect pick-me-up – enjoy a 45-minute massage focusing on two areas of your choice.

Express massage

A blood-flow boosting treatment to help minimise the appearance of cellulite.

Sculpting massage

A relaxing massage can be a great way to set the tone for a better night's sleep, but which is best? From classic Swedish to new-age CBD, we explore the pros and cons.

The best massage for a good night's sleep

Learn more about the ancient healing practice of hand reflexology with this handy guide. 

Give yourself a hand massage

Burnout can creep up silently. Our team reflects on the warning signs and the things that help ward it off.

How our team keeps burnout at bay

Meet the women leading Urban

Safe at home: A guide to booking mobile services safely

How this new Mum finds balance with Urban

How we’d spend a relaxing weekend in Birmingham

13 indoor things you’ll actually want to do when it’s raining in Birmingham (again)

Our favourite wellbeing activities in Birmingham

Where to go for a relaxing walk in Birmingham

From training to the table: Why sports massage has become a non-negotiable in my routine 

How a TMJ massage can help you smile again

The essential apps for city life

Our favourite hidden gems in Manchester

Where to go for a relaxing walk in Manchester

Our guide to a relaxing weekend in Manchester

The best things to do in Glasgow to relax

The best places to walk in Edinburgh

Hidden gems in Edinburgh: A wellness-seeker's guide

Unique things to do in Edinburgh – our 14 top picks

How to spend a relaxing weekend in Edinburgh

The best hidden gems in Glasgow – our 11 favourites

10 unique things to do in Glasgow

Unique things to do in Manchester for a trip with a twist

From Amna to Shiatsu: What is Japanese massage?

Mental benefits of massage: How it can boost your wellbeing

Perimenopause: Everything you need to know and how massage can help

Finding sanctuary in cycling – charity founder Ben’s journey through grief

Massage for grief – finding comfort in difficult times

Crick in the neck? Better call Paul

How massage helps this climber reach new heights

How weekly osteopathy gave me my life back – in the studio with disabled artist Charlotte

The overthinker’s guide to a home massage

When monthly massage is a non-negotiable: the menstrual coach doing city life her way

Different types of lymphatic drainage massage – manual vs Brazilian vs sculpting

Meet the Urban beauty pros

How often should you get a massage? The ultimate guide

15 different kinds of massage

How often should you use retinol? Here’s everything you need to know

Do pores open and close? Let’s put this beauty myth to bed

Ollie Jones chats about life behind the handlebars

How to reduce knee pain when cycling with massage

Tennis elbow and massage: The ultimate guide

Physiotherapy and osteopathy – what’s the difference?

Can you get a massage when you're sick?

Lymphatic drainage and anti-cellulite massage – what’s the difference? 

Customer story: Penny & Rozalia

14 unique Valentine's Day Gifts

Lunar New Year gift ideas

Five great stretches to do at your desk

How to reduce DOMS

 Make better mental health a priority with online counselling

Up your swimming game outside the pool

The best massage for sciatica pain relief

Skincare the Urban team is loving

A runner's guide to massage

The best gifts for busy people

Best beauty gifts for Christmas

Christmas gifts for Dad 

Christmas fitness gift ideas

Unique Christmas gifts for Mums

I tried assisted stretching - here's what I thought

The Urban fitness handbook

Massage for PMS

Burn bright, not out – Urban pros on how to avoid burnout

How stress affects your gut health

How to give yourself a face massage

Give your sore calves a treat with a leg massage

How can massage help to relieve back pain?

Five things a reflexology massage therapist can tell

Discover how menstrual health coach Destiny uses Urban massages and creative self-care to live intentionally, blending wellness and joy into her everyday.

In honour of Random Acts of Kindness Day, we’re putting the spotlight on just one of the many inspiring client stories we’re privileged to play a part of each day. Meet Penny, and hear why Rozalia decided to make her day in December…

We caught up with adventure cyclist and cycling club HospoFixed Founder Ollie Jones about his 10-year love for cycling, go-to recovery methods and top training tips.

While we're known for massages, did you know we also partner with some of London's best beauty pros? We got to know 10 of our top rated pros over brunch.

Tired of the same old itinerary? This guide's for you. Explore the most unique things to do in Glasgow, from at-home treatments to vintage arcades, discover the city’s most quirky and unusual experiences.

Uncover 11 of the best hidden gems in Glasgow, from secret gardens to historic treasures.

Can massage benefit your mental health? Yep, in many ways. From better sleep to an overall sense of wellbeing, let’s explore how massage can help your mind unwind.

Uncover Edinburgh's hidden hotspots for a trip you won't forget – here's our favourites...

Craving a pretty walk or bored of the same route? If you're in Edinburgh, you're pretty lucky...

Discover how to spend a relaxing weekend in Edinburgh, from calming walks to an at-home spa experience. Here’s our team’s favourite way to relax in the capital.

Make your trip to Edinburgh even more memorable with our unique activity suggestions...

A traditional Thai massage using oil to help de-stress, stretch muscles and energise.

Thai massage (with oil)

Get your step count up with our pick of Manchester’s most relaxing walks – from pretty parks to 4-hour hikes, there’s something for every level of walker.

Take a breather with us and enjoy a relaxing weekend in Manchester – from creative classes to canal strolls, we've got 11 activities to choose from. End the day with an Urban home massage, of course.

Discover unique things to do in Manchester, from secret bars to canal cruises and pottery classes, finished with a relaxing at-home massage to unwind.

Find something new to do in Manchester with our pick of the best hidden gems. From Britain’s oldest library to at-home massage, discover your next favourite secret.

Grief can feel all-consuming - physically and emotionally. Learn how a simple massage can provide a moment of solace during difficult times.

We sat down with ceramist Charlotte and her Urban pro Fabio in Charlotte's East London studio to talk about life with EDS, advocating for disability acceptance and how Urban truly made a difference.

A long-lasting mani including cut and file, cuticle work and gel polish.

Gel manicure

Extra TLC for the hands and nails, with a classic polish finish.

Classic manicure

The ultimate pampering pedicured, finished with classic polish.

Classic pedicure

Classic polish for fingers and toes, with added indulgence – a scrub, mask and massage.

Classic mani-pedi

A long-lasting pedicure to keep you walking tall and feeling great.

Gel pedicure

The ultimate confidence builder – long-lasting polish on fingers and toes.

Gel mani-pedi

We sat down with Yousra, a commercial director and mum living in Clapham, to talk about how she carves out time for herself in the midst of work and motherhood.

The effects of massage therapy tend to be cumulative, but you may also feel relief from your very first appointment.

From Thai to deep tissue, different kinds of massages impact the body in unique ways. The right type for you will depend on your health, needs and preferences.

We caught up with some of the guys from the Urban team to find out about their beauty regimes, what types of products they like to use and if there’s any Urban treatments they love or really want to try, but haven’t yet…

From struggling with personal loss to finally finding peace, Ben’s on a mission to bring the same comfort to others in pain. For World Mental Health Day, we caught up with him to chat about the creation of his charity, The New Normal, and discovered how cycling became his saviour during his darkest time.

Discover how often you should get a massage in this guide where we discuss a range of massage treatments, including deep tissue and sports massage.

Often confused, but really very different. Let's compare lymphatic drainage and anti-cellulite massages

Same, same. But different. Here’s the low-down on the subtle differences between osteopathy and physiotherapy. 

Find out how this swimmer is using massage to boost performance and aid recovery.