21 Unexpected, Meaningful, Stress-Reducing, Must-Have Yoga Gifts for Your Loved Ones

This article originally appeared on Yoga Journal

Sure, the end of the year is about showing your loved ones how much they mean to you. But are you showing them how much you understand them? Whether they're into tech, crystals, astrology, self-care, or simply extending that post-practice vibe, you'll find inspiring options among the carefully curated yoga gifts that follow.

21 Unexpected Yet Essential Yoga Gifts

Yoga Gifts For the Person Who Wants to Be More Self-Aware

(Photo: Omala)

Omala Seeds of Intention Mindfulness Prompts

The idea of planting your intentions isn't new, but the ability to observe them take shape is quite novel. That's the idea behind Omala Seeds of Intention Mindfulness Prompts, which are designed by holistic psychologist Dr. Scott Lyons, whose focus is on self-reflection and learning to let go of obstacles. The kit includes a guided journal with mindful prompts and seeded cards. the recipient writes their intentions or desired changes on the cards, plants them in soil, and watches them bloom.

$58 at Omala

7 Days of Mindfulness by Jessica Poundstone Puzzle Set

Depending on one's mindset, completing a 1500-piece puzzle could be debilitatingly overwhelming or profoundly meditative. But a 70-piece puzzle in soothing gradient color schemes? That can center and focus almost anyone in a matter of minutes-- and studies show that focusing on puzzles can deliver many of the same benefits as meditation. Created in partnership with Portland-based visual artist Jessica Poundstone, each mini puzzle--with names such as "Let's Be Totally Free" and "It's Right There For You"--is inspired by color sensation, experiential light, and space art movements. Designed to soothe and inspire, they create moments of focused mindfulness.

$24.99 at Galison

Yoga Gifts For Anyone Who Could Use Some Comfort

The Herbal Zen Shower Steamers

It isn't always easy to turn an everyday shower into a spa-like ritual. But if your person has a Pavlovian response to aromatherapy, the Herbal Zen Shower Steamers might make the perfect post-yoga gifts. They’re formulated and hand-batched in the US by a pharmacist who leans on pure essential oils (with no synthetic fragrances, perfumes, or chemicals) for otherworldly experiences. The Recenter formula is a meditative blend of patchouli, lavender and eucalyptus; Morning Energy is better than a cup of coffee with lemon, rosemary, and peppermint; and Sleepytime is like melatonin in a steamer with lavender and Roman chamomile.

$24.99 at The Herbal Zen

Yellow Leaf Hammocks

Hanging out while camping or back porching becomes exponentially more pleasurable in a hammock. The cocoon-like comfort, familiar to anyone who practices aerial yoga, can easily induce a state that's reminiscent of the most blissful Savasana. Yellow Leaf Hammocks are ethically sourced from women of the hill tribes in Thailand, who weave them by hand. Best sellers include the weatherproof Signature Hammock and the natural Cotton Rope Hammock.

From $179 at Yellow Leaf Hammocks

Green-Beauty Co Spa Kit: Nighttime Self-Care Set

Wanting to empower women with timesaving, non-toxic, affordable beauty routines, Ruchita Acharya launched her own ayurvedic skincare brand with only $200 to her name. Her Nighttime Self-Care Set includes a detoxifying neem soap for facial cleansing, a vitamin A serum containing an extract of Babachi seeds for moisturizing and nourishing, and a kansa wand (an ayurvedic take on a jade roller made from copper, tin, zinc, and wood) for reducing puffiness and boosting circulation.

$85 at Green-Beauty Co

Naot Men's Bliss Slippers

If your person is still working remotely--and sporting that business-shirt-and-tie look on top with yoga-leisure on bottom--or simply wants cozy footwear around the house, Naot delivers in a decidedly non-frou-frou slipper. The brown plaid design perfectly matches the vibe of winter, and anyone who slips them on will feel like they're walking on clouds given the mattress foam padding for extra support. Don't be alarmed by the faux furry material, which is cruelty-free and vegan.

$74.95 at Naot

Rainy Day Box

The holidays aren't happy for everyone. Rainy Day Boxes acknowledges that with its collection of items created to support those going through difficult times. Each of the individually boxed gifts inside are meant to be opened one at a time, whenever you have a hard day, which means a single box could lighten moods over weeks or months.

Choose from themed boxes, including the Women's Original Signature Box, which comes with an Ohana bracelet for a sense of family, shower steamers filled with soothing essential oils, a soy candle with hints of rose and moss to let light in, and a rose quartz heart to encourage emotional healing. The Men's Classic Box contains an hourglass to remember to make time for yourself, a sound machine to promote sleep, a wallet card that's a tangible reminder of strength and power, and a tiger worry stone to channel resilience and protection.

Starting at $56 at Rainy Day Boxes

Thoughtful Gifts For Those Who Appreciate Beauty in the Everyday

Bouqs Flower Subscription

With scientific research supporting the fact that flowers elicit emotions and reduce cortisol levels, it's no surprise that being gifted flowers makes us happy. Bouqs lets you eschew the grocery store bouquet in favor of a farmstand aesthetic of high-quality blooms sourced from eco-friendly farms. Just pick the frequency (weekly, every other week, monthly, or every other month), and customize the bouquet size for a regular dose of happiness. Or, for a less pricey option, simply drop a note over the holidays that your gift will arrive late, and then time the delivery with when that relief is needed.

From $44 a month at Bouqs

TEALEAVES To Your Health & Wellness Gift Box

Tea sippers are accustomed to infusing wellness into their day. These thoughtful blends from TEALEAVES helps them to also bring intrigue through thoughtful blends geared toward balance and restoration. The sustainable teas, which are sourced from women-owned micro-farms that support regenerative agriculture and arrive in fully compostable and recyclable packaging, are crafted by master blenders from truly inspired combinations of ingredients and served at the likes of Ritz-Carlton and the Four Seasons across the world. The exquisitely packaged flavors include antioxidant-rich Passionate Pear, Health & Well Being green tea, and hydrating Harmony herbal blend.

$49 at TEALEAVES

Likha Signature Animal Planters

Show us a plant-lover who doesn't spoil their green babies with prime real estate and pretty pots and containers. Take their leafy collection up a notch with Likha's whimsical planters handwoven by artisans in the Philippines. Each design is crafted from eco-friendly materials, such as natural straw and plant fiber, coco coir, sustainably sourced shells, and recycled wood. With options like a cat, baby fox, triceratops, English bulldog, hedgehog, schnauzer, or hummingbird, the toughest part of this gift will be choosing which shape to give. Honestly, you probably need one for yourself, too.

Starting at $35 at Likha

It's a Sinny Size Bracelets

These handmade pieces feature semi-precious stones--such as Tiger Eye, quartz, and Jasper--and are designed and handcrafted by special-needs adult Sienna "Sinny" Bernal. Not one to be limited by life's circumstances, Bernal launched her jewelry-making business to help her feel some independence from her diagnoses of Primordial Dwarfism, Dandy-Walker, and Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, and hearing challenges. Sinny Size donates 10 percent of profits to a local special needs orphanage.

Starting at $25 at Sinny Size

Alternative Gifts Those Who Are Mystically Minded

Spirit Daughter Zodiac Crystals Kit

Friends with a crystal lover? Know their birth date? These crystal bundles are categorized by zodiac sign and help recipients align their energy to the season. Your crystal-gazing loved one can hold them tight to absorb their powers, set intentions, manifest desires, and shift emotions. There's even a specific kit for navigating retrogrades and another for aligning chakras. Crystals are hand-selected by the Spirit Daughter team, which is led by Jill Wintersteen, YJ's astrology columnist.

$25 at Spirit Daughter

Kaleidadope Astrol-OG: The Deck

Astrology enthusiasts will appreciate this unique and versatile 47-card astrology study guide and oracle deck that can be used in a multitude of ways. The cards are separated into four different categories: The Zodiac, Planets/Cosmos, Aspects, and The Houses. The themes on the card help bring clarity on any aspect of life and also lend insights into current transits, archetypes as zodiac signs, and as a basic study guide for astrology.

$52 at Etsy

Yoga Gifts For the Person Who's All About the Latest Tech

Hyperice Hypersphere Go Massage Ball

It looks a little like a new-age Simon Says, but this portable massage ball is small enough to toss in your yoga bag and powerful enough to bring relief to tight muscles. The gizmo vibrates at any of three speeds and fits in the palm of the hand for easy rolling out or digging into tough-to-reach knots where tension is held. It recharges via USB and is TSA carry on-approved for high-octane travel.

$99 at Hyperice

Sensate Stress-Relieving Device

Navigating life's endless stressors is not easy. But you can help others self-regulate their stress response by gifting this stone-sized, wearable device. The audio app tones the vagus nerve (which regulates the body's fight-or-flight response) through soft vibrations that practically massage the nervous system. According to customers, a 10-minute session with Sensate reduces anxiety, enhances sleep, and increases focus. Whether that's the patented infrasonic technology at work or simply taking time for self-awareness, we'll let you decide.

$299 at Sensate

Edge Theory Labs Portable Iceless Tub and Hot Tub

Ice baths may have started as a recovery mechanism for athletes, but they've become a way of life for some. For the ultimate sensory seeker on your list, this mega-splurge offers all the science-backed benefits of cold immersion therapy, which includes increased energy, enhanced muscle recovery, reduced anxiety, decreased chronic inflammation, and a supported immune system. Thise iceless tub with Bluetooth capabilities allows you to set the temperature from anywhere or schedule it in advance to cool to 27 degrees or heat to 105 degrees. The filtration and sanitation system keeps it clean and ready to use 24/7.

$5,490 at Edge Theory Labs

Yoga Gifts For Those Who Are Practicing Self-Awareness

Chelsea Charles Count Me Healthy Bracelets

Anyone trying to track progress toward a goal--whether that's drinking enough water, pausing for meditation breaks, or tracking yoga sessions--might like the Count Me Healthy bracelets from Chelsea Charles. The moveable beads stay in place until you manually adjust them to signify a goal reached. The lightweight bracelets fit all wrist sizes and their blend of sterling silver, 14k gold, and 18k rose gold plate gorgeously complement athleisure wear as well as a night on the town. No one would ever suspect they're functional and not just fashionable.

Starting at $68 at Chelsea Charles

Skillshare Creative Classes

Whether the person on your list has always wanted to try knitting, flower arranging, playing the guitar, creative writing, running their own YouTube channel, photography, or any number of other creative pursuits, Skillshare probably has a class for it. And with more than 25,000 courses in the database and 8,000-plus teachers who are experts on topics, you're pretty much guaranteed the tutorial will be like having a front-row seat to a master teacher.
Prices vary at Skillshare

Pottery With A Purpose You're My Favorite Pottery Kit

Got a crafty friend? Encourage them to roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and unlock their inner creativity. You're My Favorite Pottery Kit includes enough clay for 1-2 people, plus carving tools, a smoothing sponge, beginner-friendly instructions, even vegan snacks for sustenance. There's a no-kiln-required boxed air-dry clay option or the ceramic clay if your recipient would like the final product to be waterproof or food-safe. (The kit includes access to an interactive map to show studio locations where a kiln can be used for an extra charge).

$80 at Pottery With A Purpose

Aurora Color-Changing Yoga Mat

Remember mood rings? They're back, but in yoga mat form. Omala's Aurora Color-Changing Yoga Mat brings a cool '80s vibe--as well as an unexpected sensory experience--to class. The mat's thermal-responsive material reacts to movement, body temp, and pressure points, resulting in shifting colors that can heighten the connection to the present moment. You can also feel good about the mat being free of BPAs, phthalates, and paraffins.

$130 at Omala

A Gift For That Someone Who Has Everything

TisBest Charity Gift Card

For the person who wants nothing, consider supporting needed change by foregoing yoga gifts and instead allowing them to donate to a charity. Choose an effort that's dear to your loved one or let them choose through a gift card from TisBest, which has directed more than $50 million in donations toward nearly 33,000 charities in the last 15 years. The best part? A shocking 100% of the card value goes to charities, unlike competitor offerings (choose from an instant digital e-card or 100% bio-plastic option). Help someone on your gift list support the causes they're passionate about (they get to choose from over 1.8 million U.S.-registered charities).

From $10 at Tisbest.

About Our Contributor

Jill Schildhouse is an award-winning lifestyle writer and editor based in Phoenix who regularly contributes to Outside, AARP, USA TODAY Reviewed, Insider, U.S. News & World Report, Reader's Digest, Fodor's, Taste of Home, and Southern Living. Her bylines have also appeared in Oprah Daily, People, Health, Cosmo, Women's Health, Men's Health, and Good Housekeeping. Jill has visited 39 countries and is always planning her next adventure; follow her travels on Instagram.

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