Gifts for Yoga Lovers

Regular practitioners usually start on a thin, slippery mat and a pair of foam blocks, and keep them far too long. The best gifts are the better mat, the props that make restorative practice comfortable at home, and a book that goes beyond the poses.

Under $25 7 ideas

  1. Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block

    A dense, stable block that does not squish under weight like the cheap ones. Most people need a pair for restorative poses.

    MandukaStocking stuffer

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  2. Gaiam Cotton Yoga Strap

    A simple D-ring strap that helps with hamstring stretches and binds. Small, cheap, and used every session.

    GaiamStocking stuffer

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  3. ToeSox Grip Full Toe Bellarina Socks

    Grip socks for barre, Pilates and chilly studio floors. A fun stocking stuffer for anyone who goes to class.

    ToeSoxStocking stuffer

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  4. Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar

    The classic illustrated guide to the poses and their alignment. Many teachers still learn from it.

    B.K.S. IyengarBook

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  5. The Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele

    A gentle, readable look at yoga's ethical guidelines. Suits the student who has started to wonder what the practice is for.

    Deborah AdeleBook

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  6. The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V. Desikachar

    A thoughtful guide to building a personal practice, from the son of Krishnamacharya. Good for a home practitioner.

    T.K.V. DesikacharBook

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  7. Manduka Cork Yoga Block

    A heavier, firmer block than foam, with a warm natural feel. For someone who has outgrown the squishy ones.

    Manduka

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Under $50 5 ideas

  1. Yoga Anatomy, Third Edition

    Detailed anatomical drawings of what each pose does to muscles and joints. A favorite with teachers in training.

    Leslie Kaminoff and Amy MatthewsBook

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  2. Manduka Yogitoes Yoga Mat Towel

    A towel with silicone nubs that grips the mat and gets grippier when wet. Essential for hot yoga.

    Manduka

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  3. Gaiam Premium 6mm Print Yoga Mat

    A thick, cushioned mat in a lot of prints, kind to knees during floor work. A good upgrade from a thin starter mat.

    Gaiam

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  4. UpCircleSeven Yoga Wheel

    A padded wheel for backbends and opening the chest and shoulders. Fun for students working on deeper poses.

    UpCircleSeven

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  5. Florensi Meditation Cushion

    A buckwheat-filled cushion that lifts the hips, so sitting to meditate is more comfortable. The cover comes off to wash.

    Florensi

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Under $100 3 ideas

  1. Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster

    A firm cotton bolster for restorative and yin yoga. Turns a living room floor into a proper studio setup.

    Hugger Mugger

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  2. Manduka eKO Lite Yoga Mat 4mm

    A natural rubber mat with excellent grip that is light enough to carry to class. A big step up from PVC mats.

    Manduka

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  3. Hugger Mugger Zafu Meditation Cushion

    A classic round zafu for daily meditation, sturdy and well sewn. For students who sit after practice.

    Hugger Mugger

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$100 and up 3 ideas

  1. Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 6mm

    The dense, heavy mat many teachers use, with a lifetime guarantee. It lasts for years of daily practice.

    Manduka

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  2. Liforme Original Yoga Mat

    A grippy mat with printed alignment markers that help with placement. Comes in its own carry bag.

    Liforme

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  3. JadeYoga Harmony Mat

    Natural rubber with exceptional grip, loved by people whose hands slip on other mats. Made in the USA.

    JadeYoga

    See it on Amazon