The holiday season 2021 is upon us, and that may leave you wondering: What do I get for the yogi in my life?
While going for the generic “yoga mat” or “leggings” may initially sound easy, it can quickly become overwhelming. The number of brands and styles of yoga products on the market is tremendous, and different varieties exist for different ‘target’ groups. For example, yogis practicing hot yoga will often use an entirely different mat from those who practice vinyasa or hatha. Additionally, the way in which your yogi practices yoga will affect the practicality of the gift you select. Experience level, yoga style, and practice location (home or in the studio) will make certain gifts more suitable for some yogis than for others (for example, a home-practitioner likely will not use a yoga mat carrying bag as much as a teacher or avid studio practitioner).
But fear not: this guide is for you! Here are my top 10 picks to gift to the yogi you know – regardless of age, experience, or yoga style!
In This Post:
- Lovejoylightwork OPAL ORACLE CARDS
- Ayurveda (Idiot’s Guides) by Sahara Rose
- Node Cork Yoga Block (Set of 2)
- LEEWADEE Yoga Bolster
- Patagonia Los Gatos 1/4 Zip Fleece
- Hydroflask 24oz Wide Mouth w/ Straw Lid
- Peter Pauper Press Arabesque Journal
- GoMacro Organic Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Protein Pleasure Bars (Pack of 12)
- Yogi Tea Ginger Tea
- Alo Yoga Warrior Mat
1. Lovejoylightwork OPAL ORACLE CARDS
I ran across these oracle cards earlier this year, and they spoke to me immediately. I purchased them right away and was lucky enough to receive one of the first 100 decks produced! Since then these cards have become a staple in my personal practice and when teaching. The cards themselves are very durable and of the highest quality, with gorgeous colours, illustrations, and affirmations that are sure to provide the uplifting guidance your yogi needs whenever he or she turns to a deck of oracle cards!
2. Ayurveda (Idiot’s Guides) by Sahara Rose
Ayurveda is the oldest form of natural medicine, originating in India over 3,000 years ago. With Ayurvedic trainings and schools, the amount of information and material for those curious about it can be terrifyingly overwhelming. This book offers a truly wonderful introduction to Ayurveda for those who are just getting their feet wet, and can serve as an informative reference guide for yogis who have studied Ayurveda before. I fell in love with Ayurveda during my YTT and even had the opportunity to listen to a lecture that Sahara Rose, a renowned expert on Ayurveda, gave to us yoga teacher trainees. Post-YTT, this book was a wonderful way to start my self-study of Ayurveda and I cannot recommend it highly enough for curious yogis. It will also make a wonderful accompaniment if your yogi is soon to embark on Yoga Teacher Training, since some YTTs offer a brief introduction to the subject.
3. Node Cork Yoga Block (Set of 2)
Not only is cork more comfortable than foam when using yoga blocks, but cork also has high antimicrobial properties – perfect for a sweaty yoga session! I absolutely love how these blocks feel (very dense and supportive, yet soft enough for restorative postures and head support) and use them nearly every day. Plus, the cork color is sure to please yogis striving for a minimalist, natural aesthetic!
4. LEEWADEE Yoga Bolster
Yoga bolsters are essential to any yogi’s practice – not only are they great for restorative and yin postures, but they offer support in savasana, child’s pose, supta baddha konasana, and a variety of other low-to-the-ground poses. While the function of a bolster can be mimicked with 2-3 stacked bed pillows, bolsters cannot be entirely replaced by pillows. If your yogi is not convinced of the benefits, or has refrained from treating themselves to a bolster, these gorgeous ones could not make a better gift! The size and support of LEEWADEE’s bolsters are perfect, and they come in a variety of beautiful designs and colours. No matter what style of yoga your yogi practices, he or she will appreciate a bolster!
5. Patagonia Los Gatos 1/4 Zip Fleece
THIS. THING. IS. SO. WARM! Seriously, this fleece is an amazing gift for any yogi who loves to be still for long periods of time (think meditation, savasana, yoga nidra, and restorative/yin practices). The warmth and superior quality of this fleece are sure to make it a favourite immediately. I personally adore the zip feature for savasana and yoga nidra because the zipper allows me to keep my neck free of stimulation from a collar or fabric! Plus, Patagonia is committed to environmental and social responsibility, so your yogi will know he or she is supporting a meaningful cause and sustainable brand while wearing this fleece.
6. Hydroflask 24oz Wide Mouth w/ Straw Lid
Over several years I tried nearly every water bottle on the market looking for one that simply wouldn’t leak. The Hydroflask was my answer. I was gifted one of these bottles three years ago and never turned back. The sturdy stainless steel construction guarantees durability (I’ve dropped mine repeatedly and aside from a small dent, it’s good as new), and its insulation technology keeps drinks cold for hours. It’s also BPA- and Phthalate-free and comes in a variety of sizes, colours, and lids!
7. Peter Pauper Press Arabesque Journal
The quality of this company’s journals is outstanding. If your yogi loves to incorporate journaling into his or her yoga/meditation practice (or wants to begin combining journaling and yoga!), let the beauty of this journal serve as inspiration. The Arabesque journal has a particularly auspicious feel that makes it a sacred experience every time I open mine.
Plus: yoga teacher trainings are well-known as times of intense emotion, reflection, and self-inquiry. If your yogi is embarking on YTT in 2022, surprise them with this journal for the introspective times that lie ahead!
8. GoMacro Organic Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Protein Pleasure Bars (Pack of 12)
I love including organic, plant-based, and natural foods in my diet, but convenience is an inevitable consideration when grabbing a mid-afternoon snack (especially for yogis or yoga teachers who are constantly on the go). No more, though, does your yogi need to compromise between health, taste, and convenience!
These GoMacro bars are organic, gluten-free, vegan, raw, dairy-free, and DELICIOUS! Unlike traditional ultra-processed protein bars, these are made of high-quality, healthy ingredients that still taste amazing. This flavour is my favourite, but GoMacro makes many more delicious varieties!
9. Yogi Tea Ginger Tea
Ginger is well-known for its digestive and general health benefits, and over the past year I’ve made an afternoon cup of ginger tea staple to my diet. This particular ginger tea is my favourite because it includes black pepper, which (though it sounds strange) tastes amazing with ginger!
10. Alo Yoga Warrior Mat
Every yogi has a favourite yoga mat, or one that they use specifically for a certain style of practice. However, if you know someone new to yoga, or a practitioner looking for an excellent all-round general mat, I believe you cannot beat the Alo Yoga Warrior Mat. I made the switch over a year ago and have not looked back since (in fact, my collection of Alo mats has only grown since!). These mats are 5mm thick, which is often considered a perfect in-between thickness suitable for all styles of yoga – not too thick to affect balance, but thick enough to provide padding for the knees and joints in floor-based postures. What really sold me was the non-slip grip of these mats: I love vigorous vinyasa and Ashtanga practices, and was tired of sliding out of down-dog every time on my cheap Target mat. I can say with certainty that this mat solved my slip problems!
The Alo mat also comes in a variety of gorgeous colours, and can easily be wiped clean using water and vinegar. It is also formaldehyde and PVC free, and is made of naturally-sourced rubber. The only downside with this mat is that it is on the heavier side, so if your yogi commutes to the studio you may consider getting a yoga mat bag or carrying strap to accompany this gift.
Which one of these are you getting for your yogi (or treating yourself!) this holiday season? Comment below!
This post is neither sponsored by nor affiliated with any products or companies mentioned. All opinions are my own and all products were purchased.
Great content! Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much! 🙏🏻