Looking to buy a gift for your yogi friend or family member? Or maybe even a gift to yourself? Well, I've compiled a list of things I love and use as well as things that are on my wishlist to serve as your gift guide this holiday season!
* I am not an affiliate promoter of these products and do not receive compensation for any of your purchases.
I'll break this down into 3 categories (as best I can): yoga props, yoga books, miscellaneous. Let's get shopping!
Yoga Props
Every yoga student and yoga teacher I'm sure has their favorite props they use during class or home practices, so I'll start with the basics and then share some of my other (maybe less traditional) favorites.
Mats
I've already shared the yoga mats that I use, but I'll include links to shop! I currently have three mats and love them all for their various merits. Even though these mats are on the pricier side, it's so worth it to invest in a good mat.
Blocks
Using blocks in your practice or while you're teaching doesn't make you any less advanced or qualified, so prop it up with these different kinds of blocks! The most commonly used blocks are the rectangular ones, but the half moon blocks can be used to up your balancing game!
Alo Yoga Uplifting Yoga Block (sold as singles)
Manduka Cork Yoga Block (sold as a pair) - I confess that I do not actually have a set of these blocks. I can't remember where I got my cord blocks, but they have the golden ratio spiral on them.
Meditation Cushions/ Bolsters
Even if meditation isn't in your yoga practice (which I would recommend reconsidering - future blog post about meditation and pranayama?), cushions and bolsters can be incorporated into your asana practice. They come in various shapes, sizes, and textures. I prefer slightly softer meditation cushions and slightly firmer bolsters.
ANJA Buckwheat Meditation Cushion - this one comes with a cute tote! Who doesn't love a freebie?
Avocado Organic Square Meditation Pillow - I don't personally have any of their products, but I have heard great things!
Straps
I think yoga straps are super underrated. I honestly should use mine more! They are great to help you into a pose and work on flexibility. Surprisingly too, there are quite a few different kinds of straps out there!
Sankuu Multi-loop Strap - I don't actually have one of these, but is totally on my wish list.
Tumaz Yoga Strap - I like that this one comes in three different sizes! I find that the 8' is a good length for the general population, but if you're taller you might like the 10'.
Wheels
I'm learning to love my yoga wheel! It's an amazing prop to have in your practice and also very underrated. They're great for different balances, getting deeper in stretches, exploring dynamic range of motion. Like mats, yoga wheels come in different sizes and textures. I personally have a cork one that I love!
Yoga Books
Know a bookworm yogi? Or maybe you are a bookworm yogi? In any case, here are some books I have read recently, are currently reading, or are on my booklist that I've enjoyed or look forward to reading. Not all are directly related to yoga, but have concepts that yoga integrates. Also, another note, all of these links are through Amazon because it was most convenient for me to link them this way. But by all means, please support local bookstores if you can and if they carry these books!
Yoga and Ayurveda: Self-Healing and Self-Realization by David Frawley
Happiness is an Inside Job: Practicing for a Joyful Life by Sylvia Boorstein
Teaching Yoga: How to Start, Run, and Grow Your Own Yoga Business by Discover Press
The Wim Hof Method: Activate Your Full Human Potential by Wim Hof, Elissa Epel PhD
Sacred Geometry (Conscious Guides): How to use cosmic patterns to power up your life by Jemma Foster
Honestly I could keep going... but I didn't want to give an overwhelming list!
Miscellaneous
As much as I love the first two categories, this one might be a little more fun for me because there's more to yoga or being a yoga teacher than a lot of people think. Your practice is an opportunity to explore your creative and silly side or soothing and musical side! These are some items that I've incorporated into my practice or I find helpful for teaching or hope to learn to use soon! We all have a wishlist, right?
Mat Related Items
From cleaners to hot yoga towels, we can spruce up our mat to better personalize our already personal practice.
Clothing
I don't want to itemize all of the clothing items that I have, so I'll just give links to a few specific items. For brands, I love all things Alo Yoga, Lululemon, and Beyond Yoga. Other brands that I'm hoping to try in the future are Wolven and Waterlust.
Subscriptions
Since becoming a yoga teacher, I have found certain tools that make planning my yoga classes while still being a full time math teacher so much easier.
Spotify Subscription - while there is a free version to use, I love having my premium account so I don't have to worry about ads playing during class or having my skips or plays limited. This is the most worth it to me!
Tummee Subscription - this is a newer subscription I'm exploring (well, coming back to actually). Tummee is a visual sequence building tool that has thousands of already made and planned sequences available if you're in a pinch or looking for some inspiration. It also allows you to build your own sequences with the visuals and add in cueing or any props needed.
The Miscellaneous of the Miscellaneous!
Like I said before, yoga is an amazingly personal practice where you hopefully find space to have fun and laugh and explore. I don't actually have the following items but have heard amazing things about them from other yogis!
Steel Tongue Drum - hopefully learning to play soon!
Incense Holder - there are so many different kinds of these, I just thought this one was beautiful!
I hope you've had a fun shopping experience through this blog post and have found something for a loved one or yourself! I know I certainly have some of these things on my yoga wishlist. And as stressful as the holiday season can be, take a moment to breath, practice self care, and do some yoga!
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