Thoughtful Gifts for Yoga Lovers: Calm Ideas at Every Budget

The best gifts for someone who loves yoga are the ones that make their practice a little easier or their evenings a little calmer. They don’t need to be expensive, and they shouldn’t add clutter.

Before you choose, think about three things: where they practice (at home, at a studio or both), what kind of practice they enjoy (energetic or slow and restful) and what they already own. Most people who practice regularly already have a mat they like, so a mat is only a good gift if you know exactly what they want.

Price bands below are approximate and in US dollars.

Under $25

A Japanese incense sampler. A set of several scents is a gentle way to try something new; look for low-smoke varieties.
A ceramic incense holder, ideally handmade, which looks beautiful even when it isn’t in use.
A cork yoga block. Cork is firm, grippy and pleasant to the touch, and most people can use a second block.
A cotton yoga strap with a metal or D-ring buckle.
A linen eye pillow, filled with flaxseed, for the final rest or for sleep.
A small practice journal, for noting routines, breathing exercises or how practice felt.

$25 to $75

A buckwheat zafu, the classic round meditation cushion. Our zafu and zabuton guide explains what to look for.
A yoga bolster, for anyone who loves restorative or yin yoga.
A matcha starter set with a bowl, a bamboo whisk and a scoop: a slow ritual in itself.
A paper floor or table lamp that gives a soft, warm glow, inspired by Japanese lanterns.
A soft wrap or blanket in wool or a wool blend, for warmth during meditation and the final rest.
A mat sling or carrying strap for anyone who takes their mat to a studio or the park.

$75 and up

A premium mat, in natural rubber or with a PU surface, if you know their preferences.
A wooden kneeling bench for meditation, ideally in solid wood with a cushioned top.
A zafu and zabuton set, a complete meditation seat.
A tatami mat or large floor cushion to create a dedicated corner. See our guide to creating a Japandi meditation corner.
A class pass for their favorite local studio.

Gifts that don’t add clutter

Time: a voucher for a morning when you look after the kids or the chores while they practice
An experience: a class pass, a workshop, or a day at a spa or bathhouse
Something consumable: good tea, incense or a candle, which gets used up rather than stored

What to check before you buy

Latex allergies. Many mats and blocks contain natural rubber.
Scent sensitivity. Incense, candles and scented eye pillows aren’t for everyone.
Their space. A large bolster or floor cushion needs a place to live.
Returns. Choose shops with easy returns or include a gift receipt, especially for mats and clothing.

Wrapping it simply

For a gift that fits the spirit of a calm practice, skip glossy paper and try furoshiki, the Japanese technique of wrapping gifts in a square of cloth. The cloth becomes part of the gift and can be used again.