ThisNext Blog

Supporting a loved one’s yoga practice is a sure path to good karma, right? We thought so. And that must mean that gifting your favorite yogi - whether she’s new to the mat or a master of savasana - with planet-friendly gifts such as the Vertical (Doom) Yoga Bag from Ecoist brings double karma points. “This yoga bag is made from a recycled movie billboard,” says ThisNexter ecochica, noting that the bag shown here comes from a billboard for Doom. “So you are actually saving waste from the landfill, plus, Ecoist plants a tree for every bag purchased.” Another lovely find for the conscious consumer, Attapinya’s Brass Silk yoga mat bag (selected by Tammy) is fair trade and handcrafted. And with an equally elegant look, the Deluxe Hibiscus Tote from Wai Lana Yoga - predicted to make for an excellent gift by shopcaster politicalpoet - comes in bright and beautiful colors like turquoise, magenta, gold, and silver.

But with products like the Hands-Free Yoga Mat by Dali Mama there’s no need to invest in a bag. The mat’s “clever design,” as highlighted by amkovacs, includes handwoven sari straps and handles that form a built-in carrying feature. Twice as thick as most yoga mats, the “roll & go” mat is sticky on both sides.

For those who need a little extra help with certain poses, an Indian Rosewood Yoga Block can make for the perfect yoga partner. “This block makes up for the extra inch or two I can’t stretch,” explains Ohsweetheart. “I definitely love that it’s not homely like a lot of the other yoga supplies out there. It’s chic and can double as decoration.”

And for a whole other kind of support, there’s the Energy Muse Flow Necklace from Barefoot Yoga. Each of the necklace’s stones is said to bring about a different effect - carnelian for confidence, crazy lace agate for courage, aventurine for wisdom - that helps get the good vibes flowing to nurture your yoga practice.

When your yogi can’t make it to the studio, DVDs such as the Power Yoga Total Body Workout recommended by slurpinglife can help with building up strength and stamina. That Rodney Yee-led program is best suited to experienced yogis, but beginners and experts alike can benefit from the yoga poses and meditations presented by The Yoga Deck. Featuring 50 cards, each with a different exercise, the deck can let you introduce a little yoga to your work day or help you unwind while traveling.

And to keep the yoga inspiration coming all year-round, go for a subscription to Yoga Journal. One of the newsstand’s best resources for yoga instruction and expert advice, the bimonthly mag delves into many aspects of the yogi lifestyle - from health and food to travel and spirit.

See more of my Gift Guide: For the yoga lover list at ThisNext.