People who practise yoga usually know exactly what they like: their mat, their corner and their moment of calm. That's why the best gifts for yoga lovers aren't the flashiest ones, but those that improve that routine or open a new door. If you're wondering what to give someone who does yoga, here are 15 ideas sorted by type: kit for their practice, things for rest, experiences and small touches that are just as welcome.
- How to get it right
- Gifts for their practice
- Gifts for rest and meditation
- Experiences they'll love
- Ideas by profile
- Mistakes to avoid
- Frequently asked questions
How to choose the right gifts for yoga lovers
Three questions will save you from almost every mistake:
- Do they practise at home or go to classes? Someone who practises at home appreciates anything that makes their corner more comfortable; someone who goes to a studio, things that are easy to carry.
- What style do they like? A dynamic class calls for grip and a towel; slower yoga or meditation calls for cushions, blankets and calm.
- What have they already worn out? A threadbare mat or a torn bag says far more than any list.
Gifts for their daily practice
This is what gets used most, so it's where quality shows most.
- A yoga towel to lay on top of the mat. Very practical in classes where you sweat, and easy to wash.
- Blocks and a strap: they help you get into poses without straining and suit both beginners and people who have been practising for years.
- A mat cover or bag, with a handle or strap, if they get to class on foot, by bike or by metro.
- Comfortable clothes to practise in: leggings or a top that moves with the body. Ask for a gift receipt in case the size is wrong.
- A new mat, but only if you know theirs is worn out. Thinner and lighter if they carry it around; thicker if they practise at home on a hard floor.
Gifts for rest and meditation
The end of the session counts too, and this is where some of the most appreciated yoga gifts for women and men come in.
- A meditation cushion for sitting with a straight back without their legs going numb.
- A large, soft blanket to snuggle under during the final relaxation. In winter it's twice as welcome; you'll find more ideas like this in our gifts for people who are always cold.
- A padded eye mask to block out the light during the minutes of rest.
- A nice bottle or flask for water or a herbal tea afterwards.
- A book on yoga or meditation by an author who explains it simply.
Experiences: what they'll love most
If they already have all the kit, a plan with a date almost always hits the mark.
- A workshop in a style they haven't tried: aerial yoga, yin yoga or yoga with live music.
- A class pass at a studio near their home or work. A short pass is better than an annual membership.
- A weekend retreat, ideally one you go on together, with everything already booked by you.
And two small touches that round off any gift:
- If they practise at home with a dog or cat, a reusable pet hair roller to remove hair from dark leggings, the blanket and the cushion. You clean it and use it again, with no sticky paper refills needed.
- A handwritten card offering a session together in the park or on the beach. It costs little and is remembered for a long time.
What to give someone who does yoga, by profile
| If they… | Usually a hit |
|---|---|
| Have just started | Blocks, a strap and a short class pass |
| Practise at home | A meditation cushion and a blanket |
| Go to class every week | A mat bag and a yoga towel |
| Already have everything | A workshop or a weekend retreat |
| Are a yoga teacher | Something for their own rest, not another mat |
Mistakes to avoid
- Replacing their favourite mat. Many people are attached to theirs; ask first.
- Strong smells. Scented candles or aromatic oils only if you know they like them.
- Experiences without a date. If they have to organise them on their own, they end up expiring.
In the end, the best gifts for yoga lovers are the ones that respect the way they practise and make that time a little easier. If you're looking for more ideas, see our gifts for women who have everything or browse our shop.
Frequently asked questions
What should I give a woman who does yoga?
Something that improves her practice, such as a yoga towel or blocks, or that looks after her rest, such as a meditation cushion or a soft blanket. If she already has everything, a workshop in a new style usually goes down better than another object.
What can you give a yoga teacher?
Something for her rather than for her classes: a retreat, a book, a padded eye mask or a nice blanket. She usually prefers to choose her work kit herself.
What should I give someone who is just starting yoga?
Blocks with a strap and a short class pass. That way they can try it out with some help and decide later which mat suits them.
What is an inexpensive yoga gift that still feels special?
A yoga strap, a padded eye mask or a card offering a session together. If it comes with a handwritten note, it shows you've put thought into it.