The Ultimate Yoga Gift Guide of 2022
With a seemingly never-ending list of options, finding the best yoga gear and accessories is difficult, to say the least. Not only are there tons of options from which to choose, but it’s also hard to sift through the clutter to see what will actually help your practice, what accessories are the longest-lasting, and what’s just for show.
The following list highlights tried and true products that I’ve found to best support my yoga practice, as well as a few “extras” that I like to have in my space for good energy and to promote a tranquil environment. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for the yogi in your life, or the right props and/or accessories to support your own practice, you’re in the right place.
Now, I will say, you don’t technically need these products to have a fruitful practice; you don’t even need a yoga mat. You can practice anywhere, anytime, with (or without) whatever you’ve got. However, I’ve found that having even just a few intentional items around truly helps me drop into my practice and “get in the zone.”
So, in that spirit, take what you need, leave what you don’t, and tell me about your favorite products in the comments!
Yoga Studio Membership/Gift Card
You know I have to start here - Wild Sage Yoga & Wellness (WSYW) is the go-to expert when it comes to online yoga + wellness that's simple, impactful, and flexible enough to fit your yogi’s ever-changing schedule. They specialize in providing practical yoga + wellness classes and tips that are specifically designed to fit busy lifestyles. Give your favorite yogi (or yourself) the gift of yoga on demand via their online monthly membership, Wild Yogi Studio; the studio boasts unlimited access and offers a wide array of classes, instructors, and topics. You can purchase a gift card as a custom amount or gift a subscription or bundle, and your yogi can redeem it anytime.
Yoga Mat
Everyday: My current go-to is the Manduka Pro 6mm Yoga Mat. It’s the perfect thickness for knee support, the grip is unmatched, and it’s easy to clean after practice. Because it’s 6mm, it’s a bit heavier than your average yoga mat, but well worth it, in my opinion.
Travel: When I’m on the move, I always have my Yogo Ultralight Folding Yoga Mat with me. It’s super thin and lightweight at only 2.5lbs, so while it doesn’t have the support of the Manduka Pro, it’s perfect to squeeze into your carryon or tote bag for a quick yoga session on the go. It also has the perfect grip, it’s easy to clean, and it’s made with sustainable tree rubber - win win.
Eco-Friendly: I also absolutely love the RENEW Alentejo Cork Yoga Mat. Made in Portugal by local artisans and made with 100% cotton and cork, it’s perfect for your eco-conscious yogi. It’s also hypoallergenic, lightweight, super grippy, and stands up to hot yoga.
Bolster
Large rectangular: I haven’t found any one particular large bolster to be particularly “superior,” for this style. I use one from Walmart, and truthfully, it’s no different from those you use at your local yoga studio…and it’s half the price. This is the most commonly used bolster in studios; it’s firm, it’s more durable, and it’s great for any yoga practitioner - but especially for those who enjoy a nice restorative class.
Thin rectangular (aka the Lean Bolster): The Gaiam thin bolster is a fantastic choice for a “middle of the road” bolster. It’s not as thick as the large rectangular bolsters, and it’s softer in density for added comfort. This option is perfect to assist the knees or low back, and it’s also wonderful for ankle and wrist support.
Round: This Hugger Mugger round bolster is on the pricier side, but the quality for this type of bolster is, by far, the best I’ve used to date. These bolsters are your best bud when it comes to supporting the natural curves and arches in the body. They’re wonderful aids to open the heartspace, to gently support the spine in supine postures, and to help deepen side and back bends.
Yoga Blocks
Foam: Foam blocks are a great choice for yogis that are looking for a lightweight block that’s softer in nature (which is nice if you’re leaning onto them directly). I recommend the Gaiam Yoga Block here.
Cork: If you’re looking for a more sturdy (and eco-friendly) support system for your practice, cork blocks are the way to go. I’m partial to the Waterglider blocks myself; I find they’re particularly useful to support your weight in standing postures, as well as when holding up a bolster during restorative poses.
Yoga Blanket
My favorite yoga blanket has to be the Jade Yoga and Meditation Blanket made from recycled cotton; it’s perfect for the somatic loving yogi, to cover up during savasana, and it spans the length of a standard sized yoga mat. This Jade blanket also comes in handy when you need a little more support or to help you stay in alignment when in a particular yoga pose. Oh, and it’s machine washable, so, gold star.
Yoga Strap
Clever Yoga holds my heart when it comes to yoga straps. I’ve had mine for almost ten years, and it still looks brand new - I’ve also thrown it in the wash on many occasions with no issue, so again, gold star.
Yoga Mat Bag
I’ve taken many a yoga class in my day, meaning I've sported a yoga mat bag over my shoulder more times than I can count. This ELENTURE Yoga Mat Bag has been my longest standing bag to date, and it still travels with me to class every week. Full disclosure, I did have to sew the strap back on at one point - but that was more of a user error than a flaw with the bag. Also, it has pockets. ‘Nough said.
Mala Beads
When it comes to mala beads, it’s said that the user should select the set that they’re first drawn to (how much truth there is to that, I’m not sure - but I went with it when I selected mine). With that in mind, I hesitate to recommend a particular set, but in case you’re really not sure, I’m very fond of this necklace and this bracelet. Traditionally, mala beads are used during meditation and prayer - though in western yoga, we tend to see them used more often during meditation practice for mantra repetition.
Meditation Cushion
Your avid meditator will love this Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Meditation Cushion made from buckwheat. It’s got the right balance of soft yet firm, and it makes sitting in meditation much more enjoyable, in my humble opinion.
Knee Cushion
If you’re prone to knee discomfort, or you find that your yoga mat doesn’t provide enough cushion to support your knees, getting a cushion you can easily slide under your mat is the way to go. I get lots of use out of my SukhaMat Yoga Knee Pad Cushion - and as an added bonus, I kneel on it when I give my son a bath. Because mom life.
Microfiber Towel
Microfiber towels make a wonderful gift for your hot yoga lovin’ yogi. They’re great for providing added grip during class when you lay them over your yoga mat, and they also work incredibly well to wick sweat. I have a HOEASS Camping Towel set that I’m quite fond of, but I’m sure any brand would do.
Scents
Incense: Supernatural has several incense blends that awaken the senses. I love to light a stick just before my practice to enliven the space, and it really sets the mood for grounding into my practice. Get $25 off your first purchase when you use my referral link!
Essential Oils: For Essential oils, I’m partial to Eden’s Garden. The company is woman owned, their products are made with high quality, sustainable oils, and they’re ethically sourced. I like their products better than some of the more well-know EO companies, and I’ve been using them for years. *Please consult with your health professional before using oils as needed.
Diffuser: This stone Essential Oil diffuser from Vitruvi is just dreamy; it’s definitely a higher-end option when it comes to diffusers, but it fits in with any décor, and I love how it helps to “set the scene,” if you will, for my practice.
*Please note that I am not, in any way, affiliated with any of the products mentioned above unless explicitly stated with a referral link.
