Far from being a novel trend, despite its current boost in prominence, Yoga has its roots deep in Hindu spiritual traditions, dating back over 5000 years. Its practice merges meditation, breath command, and a multitude of poses. Yoga presents over 100 distinct styles and aims at fostering relaxation in tandem with more intense exercise. It aids in enhancing flexibility and muscle growth and is beneficial for individuals dealing with challenges such as heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Nonetheless, it is advised that one should seek advice from their medical practitioner prior to commencing yoga practice.
In this article, we will be looking at gifts for yoga lovers. As you will see, there are plenty of cool things out there.
How to Come Up with Yoga Gift Ideas
Yoga is a lifestyle, not just a type of exercise so any gift related to yoga will be appreciated, but make sure to pair it with something thought like a handwritten card or ecard like this. Look on the internet to get good options. Most of the gifts will suit beginners as well as those who have been practising yoga for years. The right clothes are essential, and they need to be comfortable. Look for T-shirts, leggings, socks and a sports bra for women. A mat is needed as is a towel and you might find some good books relating to yoga.
Best Gifts for Yoga Lovers
Everybody who does yoga needs a mat, but you could get overwhelmed by the choices out there. They come in all sorts of material for a start, but you are best avoiding rubber as they can stretch. Latex and PVC can cause allergies, so look for an eco-friendly mat. They don’t need to be as thick as a Pilates mat because yoga is a gentler discipline.
Here is a mat which we think would make a great gift. It is reasonably priced and nevertheless is good value for your money.
1. Balance GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat
This mat will fit all shapes and sizes because it is 71″ long and 24″ wide. Your body will be cushioned from the hard floor as it is ½” high-density foam material. It is double-sided so you can use both sides and it is slip-resistant. It is also resistant to moisture. When you need to wash it, all you have to do is get a bowl of water and some soap. It comes with a 2-year warranty and a free carrying strap. The length of the strap is adjustable, and it has Velcro ends to make it easier to carry. If you are looking for extra thick yoga mats, check out our review here!
The next items you can consider are clothes. T-shirts are essential, but you don’t need to look for T-shirts specially made for yoga. When it comes to tights, however, you need to be more careful. Don’t go to the running section of a sports shop. Tights for running are usually too thin as they are made to keep you cool. Also, they can become see-through once you start stretching and many running leggings have zips which can cause discomfort if you lie on them or roll.
2. Gimmie 10 Foam Roller
This is a spiked massager which might seem a bit extreme, especially for a beginner, but it’s more effective than a smooth roller. For a start, it uses the bumps to penetrate your soft tissue and it gets rid of lactic acid buildups which are harmful. It is just 13″ x 5.25″ diameter so is easily portable. You can take it anywhere. It is very durable and has a triple-grid massage zone. This is great as it works just like a physical therapist’s hands. Why pay for expensive sessions with a therapist when you can do the same yourself.
The foam is medium-density EVA which can soothe all of your body. In addition, it has the ability to reduce cellulite and scar tissue. It can also help with numerous health conditions such as sciatica.
Best Yoga Christmas Present
If you want to treat your yoga-loving friend at Christmas, why not get them this set.
3. BalanceFrom GoYoga 7- Piece Set
This set comprises a yoga mat with a carrying strap, a yoga knee pad, a yoga stretch strap, 2 yoga blocks, a yoga mat towel and a yoga knee pad. They all match in color and you have 7 colors to choose from. You’re bound to find one which will suit your friend.
The mat and knee pad both have non-slip surfaces so help to prevent injuries. They are also easy to clean. All you need is a cloth, soap and water.
The towels are 72” x 24” and 24” x 15” in size and are made of 100% microfiber. They both absorb moisture so you will be sweat-free during your workout.
The mats come in 2 sizes, either a ½” thick mat which is 71” long x 24” wide or a 1/4” mat which is 68” long x 24” wide.
The set is lightweight so is easy to carry around. It also comes with a 2-year warranty which can’t be bad.
Best Yoga Birthday Present
Gift sets are a great idea to give to your friend who enjoys yoga. Here we have another gift set which is a little different to the other one.
4. Yoga Gift Set 6-Piece by Ridgeway Sport
This gift set has 2 yoga blocks, a yoga strap, 2 yoga pads and a bag to carry it all in.
The yoga blocks are made of EVA foam and are great for those just starting yoga. If you’re not quite flexible enough, they will help you to complete some yoga poses. However, they’re not just for beginners as they can help everyone extend their stretches.
The yoga strap, also called a resistance loop band, will help you to reach your limbs with greater ease and will allow you to hold your poses for longer.
The yoga pads are 7.5” in diameter and are made out of eco-friendly material. What is better than helping the environment? The pads are slip-resistant which will help you to avoid accidents.
The carrying bag makes it easy for you to take this wherever you go.
Gifts for a Yoga Teacher
Perhaps you want to give your yoga teachers a gift for Christmas to thank them for their help over the past year. You can always buy them something they use in class like a mat or carrying bag. If they work as yoga teachers all the time, things get worn out so they will need more. Perhaps buy them a fun T-shirt.
A more original gift is a subscription to a yoga or meditation magazine. These journals give a good guide to yoga and meditation as well as health and nutrition. An alternative would be a book on yoga.
Best Yoga Gifts for Her
There is such a choice for yoga accessories out there so you will be spoilt for choice. If she is just beginning yoga classes, she will probably need a lot of items. Buy her a mat or a flexible roller. There are some fancy water bottles for sale so that should go down a treat. Hydration is very important while you are exercising. However, I have chosen some yoga socks as the perfect gift.
5. GMark Yoga Socks for Women
Socks are essential when doing yoga, but ordinary ones don’t fit the bill. Yoga socks need to have grip, so you don’t slip and hurt yourself. These socks have non-slip grips from the toe to the heel.
They come in a pack of six so will last a while. You can buy them in different colors and there are two sizes, small and medium. They are 88% cotton with some elastic and spandex. These socks are breathable, and they absorb moisture quickly so your feet will remain sweat-free. They are both soft and durable and the material makes it easy to wash and dry them.
As well as yoga, these can be worn for Pilates, for hospital stays and just at home.
Best Yoga Gift for Him
Men are usually more difficult to buy for than are women, but when it comes to yoga enthusiasts, this isn’t the case. They too can be given yoga mats, foam rollers, towels, and so on. However, we have found something a little different, a yoga wheel.
6. UpCircleSeven Yoga Wheel
This yoga wheel will help you to achieve poses which are a little more difficult. It releases muscle tension and helps you to do backbends as well as hip and leg stretches. It is extremely strong and durable and can withstand an amazing 550 pounds. It doesn’t flex as cheaper models might do. The wheel is also free of moisture accumulation so is completely sweat resistant.
Our Selection of a Budget Yoga Gifts
There are plenty of good yoga accessories out there which you can buy as a gift if you’re on a budget. Resistance loop bands won’t break the bank nor will T-shirts or carrying straps. Here are a couple of my choices of budget gifts.
7. YogaDirect ¼” Deluxe Extra Thick Yoga Sticky Mat
This yoga mat is extremely economical, but it is very sturdy. It is made of durable foam and has a high-tack surface which makes it slip-resistant. It is 1/4″ thick and 72″ long x 24” wide.
8. Gaiam Easy_Cinch Yoga Mat Sling
It can be difficult carrying around a yoga mat. If you drop it, chances are that it will roll out, so a yoga mat sling is a good choice of gift. This sling is made of very durable nylon. It has strong metal D-rings on both ends which create tension and secures your mat in place. It is 76″ long x 1 ¼” wide so will fit most yoga mats. It is easy to wash by hand.
Conclusion
As can be seen, there is a wide choice of gifts which you can give your yoga lover friend, from mats to foam rollers to yoga socks and much more. If you are feeling really extravagant, splash out on a set of yoga equipment. It’s sure to be appreciated. Yoga isn’t just an activity, it’s a way of life.
