posted by ebean
The ultimate yoga-enthusiast gift guide
1.
Yoga mat bag
It’s classic. But make sure they don’t already own, like 10. Try to make it eco-friendly, or handmade, organic, etc. (Try visiting
etsy for some really cool stuff that you won’t find at your local Target.) You’ll get extra points if it the bag has pockets for their clothes, keys, and other belongings.
Saka bags are really fab, but they are made in China:(.
2.
An eco-friendly yoga mat
Again, make sure they don’t already have one! Try
harmony or
manduka. You’ll get extra points if you offer to donate their old mat to charity for them. Contact organizations like
bent on learning, homeless shelters, or your local animal shelter.
3.
A gift certificate to a clothing store
Try
Etsy,
Amazon,
lululemon,
prana, gaiam,
hyde,
hard tail, or
be present. You might think your taste is impeccable, but your gift recipient is practicing yoga. Although honesty is encouraged, they are likely to tell you that they love whatever you got them. Do them the favor and let them pick something they really like.
4. A private lesson
…with their favorite instructor. Do the research!
5.
A class pack
…at their favorite yoga studio or a workshop. You get points if you are going to attend the class/es/workshop with them. Here is a list of some
events happening this February in NY…
6. A mat cover
Either a “
mysore rug” or
Yogitoes. If they live in the city and don’t want to haul their mat, they might be using studio rentals. I don’t want to begin about that…Just believe me when I say that you really want them to cover that mat! The rug/yogitoes are light and convenient to use. If you know they aren’t into that, maybe get them some
mat wipes…
7. An eco-friendly water bottle
I have seen these great metal bottles (Sigg, Klean Kanteen, Earthlust) at wholefoods… While you are at whole foods, you could also get a gift set of all organic, paraben free products from companies like
Pangaea organics….
8. A subscription to a yoga-ish magazine
9.
Yoga/India movie
Check yoga journal’s website for ideas. Try Iyengar’s Estes Park Video if your person is into Iyengar and they already have a subscription to yoga journal. If they practice ashtanga, go to
ashtanga.com and get them maybe “ashtanga, ny”, “guru”, or “sharath’s primary series” video. You could also get them something that is all about India. There’s that movie, “Water”. OR you could go for a documentary like
yoga unveiled,
naked in the ashes, or
yoga inc.
10. Books
So either think BIG like a coffee table book for pictures, information, or philosophy. If you are buying for an ashtangi, try the
Mysore book, or maybe
ashtanga Yoga As it Is. There’s also
Light on Life or anything by Pema Chodron.
Shantaram is really great. I’d say
Eat, Pray Love, but EVERYONE has read that… Think about what they are into and what makes sense for them. Oh! A cookbook from an ashram or retreat center would be great!
11. Massage
12. Ayurvedic consultation, nutrition consultation, going green advisor, palm reader, etc.
13. a haircut or other service from an organic salon.
14. eye pillow
not everyone will want this. but it is nice to have your own for savasana.
15. Donate
make a donation in their name to a charity.
16. Healthy Restaurant
A gift certificate or date to a healthy restaurant or an Indian restaurant. PS-you aren’t allowed to complain if you don’t like it.
17. Yoga vacation
Get them frequent flier miles, a ticket, or maybe the fees to take that dream yoga vacation. You get points if you go with them.
18. Yoga Date
Take them to a class, take the class with them (that is important), buy them something from the boutique if they want, take them out to tea/dessert/smoothies/a meal.
19. Food
Baked goods/home cooked meal. always nice!
20. A pedicure
Hope this helps! But really, what’s best is to just spend time with them and maybe pretend you are interested next time they want to tell you about downward dog.
Elephantbeans 