As a yogi, unwrapping yoga gloves or incense is about as exciting as finding a pack of socks under the tree. It just falls flat.
[See: 7 Non-Offensive Gift Ideas to Nudge Someone Toward Healthy Behaviors.]
I don’t blame you, though, if you’ve fallen into this gift-giving trap. Buying gifts for a yoga practitioner is challenging. There are as many different yoga gifts as there are yogis. So instead of guessing what the yogi in your life might like, start by having a casual conversation about what makes him or her passionate about the practice. Then, shop more skillfully by considering these ideas for seven types of yogis:
1. The Beginner
Every new practitioner should have certain props. A high-quality yoga mat helps yogis focus by preventing sliding and awkwardly adjusting during the practice. Lululemon, Jade and Manduka make mats that have longevity and are comfortable to do yoga on.
Along with a good mat, two blocks, a strap and a yoga blanket are very helpful for any yogi looking to align his or her poses and advance safely. Gaiam yoga blocks and straps are great. Lululemon also sells all the yoga props you need, along with comfortable (yet stylish) yoga clothes that will last. A gift card to Lululemon is very useful if you are looking for quality gear. You can also find all of these tools on each company’s website or on Amazon.
2. The Technical Yogi
Choose a gift that provides strategies for aligning your loved one’s poses correctly. Any books by Darren Rhodes are very actionable and helpful. His “Yoga Resource” book features 360 poses with pictures of each pose and full instructions on how to do them. “Light On Yoga” by B.K.S. Iyengar is a classic and still very relevant. “Yoga Anatomy” by Leslie Kaminoff is also a valuable tool for any yogi who is interested in becoming more knowledgeable about the practice.
[See: These Books Can Actually Transform Your Health.]
Steer away from certain yoga texts like the “Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” and “Bhagavad Gita.” Unless the recipient is in a yoga teacher training program, these books are very difficult to consume on their own. They are meant to be read and discussed in a group.
3. The Studio Loyalist
Many yoga students are committed to one studio. If your loved one practices regularly, consider a gift certificate to his or her favorite studio. Call or check the studio’s website to see if they sell gift cards; if not, you can purchase a membership.
4. The Goal Setter
Ask the yogi you are shopping for what he or she is working on. Then, research local studios and look into workshops that offer the specific tools your loved one wants to learn. For example, if your pal is looking to work on inversions or arm balances, often studios will offer workshops that teach those specific skills. Sometimes, yogis are just interested in learning more and deepening their practice. Find out who some of your yogi’s instructors are, and look them up online by name and location. Teachers usually have a website where they will post upcoming events and courses. If the recipient loves a certain teacher, chances are good that he or she will be happy with any deepening studies with that person.
5. The Admirer
There is nothing more helpful and efficient than working one-on-one with a skillful teacher. While private lessons are more expensive than many other yoga-related gifts, they are well worth it. A private session is very informative and geared to the goals of the student. The value a yogi receives through one private lesson has the potential to shift the trajectory of his or her practice entirely. To book a private lesson, contact the instructor through his or her website or via the studio. Teachers are usually thrilled to teach students one-on-one. It gives them the opportunity to work in depth with students, and pays well enough to ensure they’ll show up excited to offer their best teachings.
6. The Busy Yogi
While yoga is always better when you are physically with a teacher watching over you, convenience often hinders people from practicing as often as they’d like. If the yogi you are buying for lives in a rural area or has a busy schedule, consider investing in online yoga classes. Yogaglo and Yoga International both provide quality classes at very affordable prices. You can purchase memberships directly from their websites. You will get immediate access to an archive of different classes that range from basics to advanced, and in all different styles to choose from.
[See: 11 Healthy Holiday Gifts.]
7. The Yoga Partner
Many yoga practitioners want to share the practice with their loved ones, so scheduling a class with your yogi makes a great gift — especially if you’ve been asked to join in the past. Making the time to show interest in what your pal loves will be memorable. After class,enjoy a meal together and make it a point to be supportive and discuss the class.
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Gift Ideas for Every Type of Yogi on Your List originally appeared on usnews.com
