Have a loved one who does yoga, or wants to do yoga? I compiled 10 amazing gift ideas for someone who does yoga. These gift ideas will hopefully give you some inspiration for the holidays or just a thoughtful any-day-of-the-week present (everyone loves these).
I am a yogi myself so I have a good grasp on gift ideas for a fellow yogi. I included the links to items that I currently own or provide a brand that I am familiar with to give you some guidance.
yoga mat
For the first year of my yoga practice I was on my living room rug with a towel. If your yogi is operating in a similar fashion they need a yoga mat. Or even if they already have a yoga mat maybe it’s time for a new one. Give the gift of variety by getting them a type of mat that is different from the one they have.
My favorite type of material is cork because it offers all the benefits that I want in a mat.
- resistant to bacterial growth
- incredibly durable,
- provides a sturdy grip for your feet
- a great insulator for when you’re practicing on those cold floors
- recyclable!
It is sustainable and environmentally friendly because it is obtained by stripping the bark from Quercus Suber trees. This means no tree has to be knocked down. Learn more about the process of harvesting the cork…here.
This is the etsy shop where my cork yoga mat is from and I love it. This shop offers different thickness and designs as well as the option to personalize it ————–> The Samadhi Initiative
Thin Yoga Mats: these are better for yoga flows that involve a lot of transitions into different poses like ashtanga or vinyasa. Easier to roll up and transport.
Thick Yoga Mats: provides cushion for holding poses for longer lengths of time like Hatha or Restorative Yin Yoga. Also beneficial for someone with sore knees or elbows that could use a little more padding.
PVC, TPE, EVA, NBR: you will probably see these during your shopping experience. They have their pros… good grip, affordable, durable, easy to clean, provides cushion, etc. They are also harsh on the environment and release toxins while they biodegrade, if they biodegrade. If you need an affordable option, this is the route for you. But if you’re able to spend a little more, go for the cork or natural rubber mats. The earth thanks you 🙂
yoga bag
A yoga bag makes carrying your mat easier and more convenient. It also creates a place to keep all your yoga supplies you may need during a class (towel, mat spray, phone/wallet/keys, etc). It keeps your mat clean because it isn’t laying on the floor or in your car vulnerable to bacterias.
I already gave you my spiel on how amazing cork is for a material of choice so it’s no surprise that the bag I have is made of cork. I found it on amazon and it got to me in one day so if you’re on a time crunch this is a great option.
Cork Yoga Bag ——-> sturdy zipper, plenty of space, lightweight, side pockets, sustainable material.
yoga towel
A Yoga Towel is a thin material that is placed on top of a regular yoga mat to improve your grip and prevent slipping.
Another reason is for hygiene purposes when using provided mats at studios. Most studios will have mats that can be used by anyone who didn’t bring their own and usually they’re cleaned regularly. But if the idea of using a mat that someone else has sweated on grosses you out, you can place the yoga towel over the mat for an added layer of protection from someone else’s germs.
I tried my hardest to find the link to the one I have but I couldn’t. There are so many brands though, just read the reviews and you can’t go wrong.
Gaiam Yoga Towels ———-> reliable products, affordable
Manduka Yoga Towels ——–> good quality but a little pricey
Nomadix —–> most are $39.95, lots of different designs
travel yoga mat
This is one of the great gift ideas for a yogi that is not confined to a studio. Yoga can be done anywhere and travel mat makes that easier.
A Yoga Travel Mat is thinner than a regular mat and rolls up in a smaller, more compact way. This is useful when you’re traveling and don’t have the space to bring your usual mat but would like to do yoga while on vacation.
It is also handy to have one for outdoor yoga opportunities. It might be better to use a travel mat for the beach or the park so that you don’t get your regular indoor mat dirty.
Scoria Cork Travel Yoga Mat —–> discovered them while researching. Good reviews. Eco-friendly. Lots of cool designs.
Jade Travel Yoga Mat —–> very thin for packing. Good grip for feet. Durable.
Manduka Travel Yoga Mat ——> always a popular brand. Just a little pricey.
yoga block
If during a pose you are being instructed to touch the ground and you feel just out of reach or only your fingertips are able to touch, then you are in need of a yoga block. Ideally in any such position your hand should be flat to give you a sturdy base. It wasn’t until I was doing my yoga teacher training in India that I really learned how valuable a yoga block is.
They are also really useful to sit on during seated positions to lift your hips up and make the pose more comfortable and/or allow you to go deeper into the stretch. For me, sitting crossed leg on the ground is still really uncomfortable for my lower back. The act of lifting your hips on the block makes sitting more achievable while you continue to grow the muscles that allow you to sit effortlessly on the ground for long periods of time.
Gaiam Cork Yoga Block —–> sustainable cork, affordable.
Manduka Yoga Blocks ——–> variety of types, sustainable cork, ergonomic shapes. A little pricey.
mat spray
Of all my gift ideas this is the only one that can be done DIY.
Over time a yoga mat can accumulate a lot of grossness. Dripping sweat and dirty feet are usually the culprits, but if you’re like me and enjoy outdoor yoga that can add to it as well. Every so often you should give your yoga mat a thorough wash but in between washes a yoga mat spray can be useful.
Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree and eucalyptus have antibacterial properties and add a pleasant smell.
DIY Yoga Mat Cleanser ——-> this is a good recipe if you want to make it homemade. Get creative with the oils to create a unique scent. I love a DIY option because you can control the ingredient list. If you’re going to buy an already made cleaner just read the label and choose one with simple ingredients. There is a lot of close contact with your yoga mat and your face and skin so you want to choose something that won’t be too strong or irritating to breath in and touch your skin.
bolster
A Yoga Bolster is pretty much a big pillow only they maintain their shape better and don’t compress as much. Bolsters are useful during restorative classes like Yin Yoga. Long duration stretching is more comfortable which allows you to rest longer in the pose, extending the benefits.
It can be especially helpful for beginners who need extra padding during poses or would benefit from a little lift in their hips while sitting on the ground. This is a good gift idea for your yogi that already has the other items. A bolster might not be used all the time but it is a great tool to have.
Gaiam Rectangular Bolster ——-> Reliable and affordable brand. Outside is machine washable. Also available on Amazon for faster shipping.
Scoria Natural and Organic Bolster ——> eco-conscious brand, ships plastic free, natural linen, organic filling. Just seems like an overall great brand for those concerned about the environment.
Yoloha Cork Yoga Bolster ——-> made from sustainable cork, light weight, resists odors.
gift card to a local yoga studio
This is one of my favorite gift ideas for a yogi. Studios with monthly memberships can be expensive but a pop in class might not be too bad.
Some studios will offer “drop-in” sessions where instead of committing to a monthly membership you can just pay for a single class. Gift your yogi a few sessions at a local studio where they can experience attending a class and get critiques from certified yoga instructors. Going to a studio is also a fantastic way to meet new friends that have similar interests. The yogi community is a great one!
I think this one is one of the more unique gift ideas.
meditation pillow
In the beginning stages of meditation getting comfortable is one of the hardest parts. It can be really difficult to sit still without fidgeting from discomfort which can then be very distracting.
Comfort is #1 priority and a small pillow can make a huge difference allowing the user to remain comfortable for longer, giving them more mental space to focus on their breathing.
Yes, you can essentially use any pillow for this purpose but buying them a pillow specifically for meditation eliminates the problem of ruining your other pillows and may motivate them to use it more. An actual meditation pillow doesn’t compress down as much as a regular pillow which gives more support to your lower back.
Florensi Meditation Cushion (Amazon) ——-> very affordable, has thousands of great reviews, free and fast shipping
Mindful Zafu Meditation Cushion ———-> etsy website which I love. Removable outer layer for cleaning or adjusting the amount of inner filling. Handmade in India from 100% biodegradable jute. Lots of good reviews, many people say that their cats love it too if you have one lol
Avocado Organic Meditation Pillow ———> not cheap BUT sets a new standard for sustainably manufactured products. High quality, responsibly grown organic cotton from India. Certified Vegan. Great reviews. Women owned company.
books about yoga
If your yogi is also an avid reader you may consider getting them some books about the philosophy and history of yoga. It is a great way to help them dive even deeper into the lifestyle of yoga to understand the mindset from a place of authenticity.
During my yoga teaching in India the teachers recommended many books that speak to the origins of yoga and the original ideas behind living a yogi lifestyle:
Hatha Yoga Pradipika, by Swami Muktibodhananda
The Gheranda Samhita by James Mallinson
yoga clothes
You can really do yoga in anything that’s comfortable and/or athletic. Try to avoid stuff that’s too constrictive or too heavy and watch out for shirts that may fall down when they’re doing upside poses like forward fold or downward dog. Comfort over every thing – the last thing you want during a yoga session is an outfit you have to keep adjusting. Well that, and to fart.
Lululemon, Manduka, Alo Yoga ——–> some of the bigger brands
The Girlfriend Collective ——-> kinda pricey but made from recycled materials
Ruby Love Period Leggings ——> it can be a dreaded time to have your period during yoga especially if you’re around others. These leggings have an extra layer of protection in them to prevent any leaking.
Men’s Yoga Brands ——–> Cariloha (sustainable), Vuori, Alo Yoga
Whether your person is a devoted practitioner or has hinted that they want to start yoga these are great gift ideas. Give the gift of mental and physical health.