Best yoga gifts

December 15, 4:46 PMHouston Yoga ExaminerDarla Magee

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                         warm yoga wishes! 

Mid-december is the time for finishing up those last minute gift purchases.  If you are still shopping i have some great ideas for you.  Many people do yoga, or want to start doing yoga, so yoga themed gifts are not likely to be re-gifted.

There are several good yoga gift ideas such as books, clothes and equipment.  I will spend the next few posts telling you my opinion of the best of the best yoga "stuff" for Christmas.

The obvious idea is a yoga mat.  I say, don't just get any yoga mat-if you know you are buying for a yogi-get the best yoga mat. There are many on the market- and  several are printed with pretty images, some claim to be manufactured "green" .  Then there is Manduka.  

Manduka makes a fine line of high end, high quality yoga sticky mats.  Hands down (and dogs down) these are the best.  They cost a little more but they are durable and with regular light cleaning, will last forever. Which one should you get?  If your yogi practices yoga at home get the Back Mat PRO.  It is cushy but firm and large enough for an active practice.  The only draw back?  It's pretty heavy.  It's not a traveler.  If you are shopping for someone who carries their mat back and forth to a studio for practice- the Manduka PROlite is the way to go.  It's nicely firm and cushion-y, but it' s a few inches shorter and considerablly lighter.  Also, the PROlite , formerly only available in purple is now is available in a  beautiful array of colors.  Lovely and hardworking.  While you are shopping on the website you can pick up a yoga towel, or some mat wipes for stocking stuffers. 

One little yoga insider secret.  All brands of yoga gear are not created equal.  There is no one brand that makes "the best of everything".  The best yoga accessories are all usually made by all different manufacturers. So avoid the temptation to buy your favorite yogi one of those pre-made "yoga kits" with everything you think they might need for their practice.  It's a nice idea, but usually not a good idea.  

Remember, when shopping online buy NOW!  It'll save you a great deal of worry.

Next post:  The best yoga clothes.