To an outsider looking into the windows of a yoga studio, it seems pretty simple. People on mats. But there are many products that yogis use in and outside of the practice that make perfect gifts and make practice all the more memorable and effective. Whether a person practices every day or once a month, having the right equipment allows you to focus on the yoga and leave the worries outside of the studio.

Manduka Travel Mat – $40

Manduka makes some of the strongest and durable yoga mats on the market, but some of their PRO mats can make travel a bit heavy. The eKO SuperLite Travel Mat weighs in at two pounds, and doesn’t need to be rolled up – it can be folded. This is perfect for someone who might want to hike out a ways and do yoga, but doesn’t want to carry a bulky mat. It’s made from sustainably harvested tree rubber and is non-toxic as well, a great addition to the environmentally-friendly yogi’s mat collection.

Bicycle Yoga Roll – $30

Riding a bike with a yoga mat in tow is one of the most frustrating things a person can put themselves through unless they have the right equipment. Trying to dodge traffic while keeping a rolled up mat under one arm, or lodged halfway in a backpack, or even in a carrier over a shoulder – it’s all bad. Instead of getting stressed about losing your mat on the ride to class, the Bicycle Yoga Roll by Anhaica Bagworks is a great idea for anyone who loves to bike to class. The roll clips around the saddle rails and then wraps around your mat, so there’s no stress on the way to or from the yoga studio.

YogaPaws Elite Full Set – $40

For someone who wants to be able to do yoga wherever, whenever, with no mat to be seen, YogaPaws are great. They are basically like putting a mat on your hands and feet, allowing you to practice like normal, without worrying about a mat getting bunched up, squeaking, or getting dirty. These would be great for someone that loves to be outside, or loves to travel, but doesn’t like to carry much. They take away the barrier that can be a yoga mat, and put it on the places that you contact the ground with most. They can also be used with a mat for added traction during a sweaty hot yoga class.

Phoebe Top – $65

Prana is known for making some of the best looking yoga clothes out there, and this top is no different. They tailor a lot of their clothing for yoga, so there’s no restriction of movement, there’s no worry that the top will cover your head in an inversion, and it will stay place in downward dog. Recycled polyester and spandex make this top comfortable and stretchy, perfect for an intense yoga practice.

Salutation Leggings – $85

A good pair of leggings is a staple for any yogi. Lole’s Salutation Legging wicks away sweat, great for a hot yoga class or a regular yin class. They’re thicker, so more insulated naturally but also keep you cool. The stretchy and smooth fabric is extremely comfortable and durable – these won’t be falling apart after a few months. With regular wear, these will last years if taken care of properly.

Yoga Essentials Block – $11

For someone who practices at home, a block can be a great addition to any yoga collection. They serve as a great tool for learning, and using when you need a little support. Most classes and studios will provide blocks, but for something like a hot yoga class – it’s nice to know who’s sweat was on that block. At some point, for every person who practices yoga, a block is going to be a good investment and a useful tool.

CamelBak Groove .75L – $22

Any, and all water bottles are important for someone who practices yoga, but the Groove is nice because it filters the water, so filling up away from home is worry free. CamelBak water bottles are also nice for a yoga practice because instead of taking a break and losing track of your practice to take a drink, if you’re already on the floor, you can take a drink without even moving or tipping back your head and losing balance. The spill-proof bottle is nice too, so when you inevitably knock it over there’s no worries of soaking your – or someone elses – mat.

Mala Beads – $40–200

Mala beads are used for meditation, using each bead as physical representation to repeat a mantra, or an intention. They can be used while meditating or worn any other time, but differ from any other necklace because often they are for a certain purpose, or at least to keep a yogic mindset nearby. Tiny Devotions has many beautiful variations featuring different stones made with different intentions. Sakura Designs makes many using stones and different materials, for a smaller price. Mala Collective has a great selection as well, with necklaces and bracelets available.

Rodney Yee’s Yoga Card Practice Deck – $14

Yoga cards are a great gift for anyone with the slightest interest in yoga. They benefit a beginner who wants to get some practice in before they venture to a class, and they can benefit someone who practices regularly but might have a tougher time getting started on their own at home. Rodney Yee is a wonderful teacher as made evident through his cards, books, videos and writings. The set of 50 cards gives enough explanation that any yogi would feel comfortable practicing at home.

Original YogaSwing – $125

When you’re really tired of doing yoga on a mat – there’s always a swing. Put it in a tree and do yoga outside, put it up in a doorway and use it inside. The YogaSwing, by OmniGym creates an entirely different way to do yoga and to get more comfortable with inversions. They provide information on the website on how to use it, and also offer classes and training for using the swing.

Images courtesy respective companies