1Manduka PRO yoga mat, 6mm
The Manduka PRO is the mat a lot of yoga teachers end up with. It's 6mm thick for cushioning, made in Germany from OEKO-TEX certified PVC, and its closed-cell surface keeps sweat out and wipes clean. Manduka backs it with a lifetime guarantee.
Pros
- 6mm of cushioning.
- Closed-cell surface wipes clean.
- Lifetime guarantee.
Cons
- Heavy at 3.4kg to carry to class.
- Grips best after a breaking-in period.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Manduka product page ↗
2Sweaty Bands Wicked headband, 1 inch, black
Hair falling in their face in downward dog is a familiar yoga problem, and this headband fixes it. Sweaty Bands are lined with velvet that grips the hair, so they stay put through inversions and sweaty flows without constant adjusting. The 1-inch black version is plain enough to go with any kit.
Pros
- Velvet lining stops it slipping.
- Comfortable for long classes.
- Plain black goes with anything.
Cons
- Pricey for a headband.
- One size may feel tight for some.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Sweaty Bands product page ↗
3Gaiam yoga block and strap set
This set is a good start for anyone building up a home practice. There's an EVA foam block with bevelled edges and a 6ft strap with metal D-rings, which helps in stretches where their hands can't meet.
Pros
- Block and strap in one set.
- Light foam block, easy to carry.
Cons
- Foam is softer than cork.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Gaiam product page ↗
4Manduka eQua yoga hand towel
Hot yoga and fast flows mean sweaty hands. Manduka's eQua hand towel is soft microfibre that soaks up sweat and dries quickly, and it adds grip laid over the top of any mat.
Pros
- Absorbent and quick-drying.
- Adds grip on any mat.
Cons
- Hand towel size, so it won't cover a full mat.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Manduka product page ↗
5Gaiam zafu meditation cushion
A zafu lifts the hips for sitting meditation, which takes the strain off knees and back. Gaiam's is filled with organic buckwheat hulls that shape to the body, and they can add or remove fill through a zip. The suede-feel cover comes off for the wash.
Pros
- Adjustable buckwheat fill.
- Removable, washable cover.
- Carry handle.
Cons
- Weighs 4lb, so it's one for home.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Gaiam product page ↗
What to buy someone who loves yoga
Most people who practise regularly already own a mat, so props and upgrades make easier presents. The best gifts for yoga lovers help them go deeper in a pose or practise more comfortably. Check whether they do hot yoga, gentle flows or meditation. Blocks, straps and towels suit almost every style.
How we picked these gifts for yoga lovers
We picked each product for what yoga lovers enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.
