If someone who loves yoga is on your Christmas gift list, it's easy to find an ideal gift to place under her tree or in her Christmas stocking. A coupon for a favorite yoga studio makes a good gift. You'll also find plenty of inspiring gift ideas online, in catalogs and at your local sporting goods shop. For a natural touch, wrap your yoga Christmas present in plantable flower-seed paper and decorate with fresh holly.
Yoga Mat
A yoga mat makes a useful gift for those who attend yoga class regularly, or for someone who is thinking about starting. Look for a good thickness, about 1/4 inch, for comfort and nonslip support. Although PVC is a durable mat material and comes in affordable price range, the phthalate causes health and environmental concerns. For more eco-friendly choices, look for natural ingredients such as rubber, jute or TPE, thermoplastic elastomer. Include a mat-cleaning spray in a festive holiday scent such as peppermint.
Yoga Clothing
All you need to wear for yoga practice are a stretchy pair of pants and a tank top. Some yoga clothing is so versatile, you can wear it almost any time. Fabric choices include cotton, hemp, bamboo and various blends. Black seems to the pants color of choice, but you can also get creative with brighter colors and fun designs, especially around the holidays. Look for either capri or full length yoga pants and a matching tank top. For some extra holiday warmth, consider an après-practice sweatshirt, sweater or shawl and comfy, festive Christmas socks.
Yoga DVDs
You'll find DVDs to suit all levels of yoga practice, including beginner, intermediate and advanced, as well as specialized styles. Yoga DVDs present prenatal classes; vinyasa for a flowing workout; power yoga for the more athletic; and slower, more meditative stress-releasing sessions. Many of these DVDs are filmed in warm, tropical locations, an inspiring reprieve from the chill of winter. For a high-priced gift, consider chipping in with family or friends for a stress-relieving winter yoga retreat in a warm climate.
Yoga Touches
Yoga accessories can fit into any Christmas-shopping budget. Water bottles come in handy during and after class. A carryall can be used for more than just carting yoga clothes back and forth. Look for special holiday collections of fair-trade jewelry created with natural materials by inspired artists from around the world. Essential oils help set the tone for a relaxing or vigorous practice. Holiday scents include peppermint and pine, which are both very uplifting.
For the Home
Your favorite yogi may also appreciate some at-home touches -- perhaps a statue of a favorite deity, a meditation cushion, a special piece of art or a good book about yoga. Yoga props, such as blocks, a strap, eye pillow and a bolster, are perfect for practice at home, and so are holiday-scented candles in balsam, bayberry, cedar or cinnamon. Give a "home retreat" holiday basket filled with essential oils, an aromatherapy diffuser, candles, a lavender eye pillow and a meditative CD to help set intentions for the new year.
