Don’t know what to get the yoga lover or beginner yogi in your life? I’ve got you. From props, to mats, clothing, classes and subscriptions here are my recommendations. As much as possible, I’ve tried to include small businesses in this guide.
PROPS
An amazing present for a yoga lover this Christmas is props! Especially over the past year we have got used to using various household items as blocks and pillows but it really is a treat to receive a purpose made prop.
My pick would be a bolster or an eye pillow. You can use a bolster for so many different poses in particular in a yin and meditation practice. Eye pillows are your best friend in savasana they apply gentle pressure across the face to assist you into deep relaxation.
Some options:
Organic Cotton Bolster from Yoga Matters (£42).
Bolster & Eye Pillow Gift Set from Yogi Pod (£58)
YOGA MATS:
A good yoga mat does make a big difference to your yoga practice. Now, it goes without saying that you can absolutely practice yoga without a mat, in fact, I love to practice more restorative classes simply on a rug or carpet as I like the feeling of not being constrained to a rectangular shape… BUT for a more dynamic practice not having your hands slip in down dog is a real help.
My picks:
One Happy Yogi – An Isle of Wight based independent business these mats are beautiful, bio-degradable non-slip and have decent cushioning.
Liforme – A more premium mat that I’m always impressed at the quality. Again non-slip and nicely cushioned. They have a travel mat option which is great for the yogi on the go.
Yoga Matters (£22) – A cheaper, more basic option but does the job. Unsure whether your recipient’s practice is here to stay? This is your one!
Clothing:
It is no secret that I own SEVERAL different options for yoga clothing… Some may say I am a leggings connoisseur. My criteria for yoga clothing is that it is soft and it doesn’t rise up or fall down.
My pick for small independent brands:
A small brand made by a yoga teacher. Their price point is very reasonable the materials are super soft and designed for yoga only. I have bamboo flare trousers (£29) and think they are extremely unique.
Really lovely soft materials, great colours and lovely brand. I have the navy bamboo yoga bra (£32) and it is great.
My go-to leggings:
LULULEMON ALIGN LEGGINGS (£88)
I apologise for this one because of the price tag but they really are the best. My go to leggings for teaching and practicing. The material is incredibly soft and the waist band doesn’t move but you don’t feel constricted.
Notable mentions:
Sweaty Betty, Oysho, Tala, Nike Yoga and Girlfriend Collective.
Yoga Classes:
Olivia Emily Kate Yoga
For Christmas this year I am offering several gifting options. On my website I offer “On Demand Bundles” that are collections of classes of different themes. For example, my Morning Reset (£30) bundle contains 4 different vinyasa flow classes from 30-45 minutes long. To purchase a bundle for someone else simply buy a gift card of that price.
For live classes I offer 5 classes for £25 (a “class pass”). These passes never expire and can be purchased by emailing yoga@oliviaemilykate.com. I run bi-weekly zoom classes on Monday at 6pm and Wednesday 6pm.
I offer 1-1 private classes so if you have that special someone you would like to gift this personalised experience to you email me.
Balance + Glo Yoga and Fitness
If you have a fitness lover/yogi/wellbeing enthusiast that would like everything in one place I would recommend the Balance + Glo Monthly Membership. There is everything (including some of my own yoga classes!) from fitness, yoga, meditation, pilates and breath work from just £22 a month.
They are offering 3 for 2 months membership as a gift this Christmas.
YOGA GIFT WRAPPING
Already got the gift? I design my own yoga pose wrapping paper and gift tags. The wrapping is made up of yoga poses from my own Instagram photos! The wrapping paper is £2.50 and a gift set (2x sheets 2x tags) is £7.
