This message was posted on December 4, 2025 by Charlotte Bell. </p><div>
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Starting a new class of any kind can be intimidating. We never know what awaits us. Many questions arise: will it be too challenging, or too easy? Will I like the teacher? Will I feel comfortable? And on and on.
Starting a yoga class is no different. There is such a wide variety of yoga styles that it is difficult to know what to choose. In addition, it is one thing to start in a beginners class where everyone is on the same page. On the other hand, if you decide to take a continuous lesson, you may certainly feel at sea at first.
Having your own mat, along with other suitable props, can help you feel a little more at home. If someone on your list is thinking about starting a yoga class, giving them the basics can be a thoughtful gift.
How to put together a yoga gift package for beginners
Start by having a conversation with your friend. Find out what type of yoga class they are considering taking. Once they know where and with whom they want to practice, you can contact the studio or teacher and find out what resources your friend needs. If they don’t yet know where or how they want to practice, here are some yoga gift ideas for beginners:
- Yoga food: This is the most basic tool. Although many studios have mats that you can borrow or rent, it is very nice to have your own mats. Some studio-owned mats are less than pristine. And it’s just nice to have a mat that you can use both in the studio and at home. Check out the mats at this link for some good basic mat options.
- Yoga mat carrier: A mat carrier that you can sling over your shoulder makes transporting your mat to and from a studio a lot easier. The most basic carrier is a Tapas Simple Sling, a harness with straps and Velcro closures. It comes in five fun designs. Mat bags are also a great way to transport your mat. Not only do they make them easier to carry, but they also add some protection to the mat. They also offer pockets to carry small valuables such as keys, cell phones and wallets. Here are two suggestions: Batik Yoga Mat Bag and Uinta Mat Bag.
- Yoga blocks: Depending on the flexibility of your new friend, at least one yoga block can be a good addition to the yoga gift package for beginners. (Some poses require two blocks.) Yoga blocks can provide support in different poses. Although most studios have their own yoga blocks, it is nice to have your own. If you would like to see some options for using blocks, click this link, Using Yoga Blocks. This link suggests some good choices for beginning yogis.
- Yoga strap: Yoga straps are another basic tool for yoga practice. Like all yoga props, they can be essential for beginners, but there are plenty of ways experienced yogis can use them to create more integrity in their poses. Here you will find a link to some articles on the use of yoga straps.
- Eye pillow: An eye pillow is a nice luxurious gift to give to a friend, whether he/she practices yoga or not. Of course they are perfect for restorative yoga and Savasana, but also for other moments. Eye pillows come in three fillings: plastic beads, linseed and linseed with lavender.
- Yoga support: If the yoga newbie on your list plans to practice a calmer, more relaxing style of yoga, such as restorative yoga, a yoga bolster is a thoughtful gift. Hugger Mugger yoga cushions are known for their stability, durability and comfort. They’re handmade right here in our Salt Lake City factory and are available in solid or patterned fabrics. Here is a whole series of posts on how to use yoga bolsters.
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<strong class="author-name">About Charlotte Bell</strong>
Charlotte Bell discovered yoga in 1982 and began teaching in 1986. Charlotte is the author of Mindful Yoga, Mindful Life: A Guide for Everyday Practice and Yoga for Meditators, both published by Rodmell Press. Her third book is titled Hip-Healthy Asana: The Yoga Practitioner's Guide to Protecting the Hips and Avoiding SI Joint Pain (Shambhala Publications). She writes a monthly column for CATALYST Magazine and is an editor for Yoga U Online. Charlotte is a founding member of GreenTREE Yoga, a nonprofit organization that brings yoga to underserved populations. A lifelong musician, Charlotte plays oboe and English horn in the Salt Lake Symphony and folk sextet Red Rock Rondo, whose DVD won two Emmy Awards.
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