I know I know: you don’t need another gift guide. But sustainable yoga gear is all the rage among today’s yoga lovers. This gift guide for eco-friendly yogis spotlights all the latest, coolest gifts for yogis that make the practice more fun. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or trying to find some nice swag for somebody else, we’ve got you covered.
The below designer-chic yoga products not only look cool, but they’re better for the earth and free of all those crappy plastic materials that you really don’t want to be coming in such close contact with while you sweat and breathe deeply. Make sense?
To that end, some of the products below contain Amazon affiliate links and Etsy Affiliate links for easy shopping. (As an Amazon Affiliate and as an Etsy Affiliate, we may earn from purchases, which is why we work our butts off to personally test everything we write about. These are products that we love and personally use ourselves, and we have not been coerced by any brand into mentioning them. If anything, it’s the opposite. We are fans!)
From Half Moon’s insanely-chic bolsters and meditation cushions to S’well’s artsy water bottles and B Yoga’s durable cork yoga blocks, this gift guide for ethical, sustainability-minded yogis has it all.
Ultimately, yoga is a deeply restorative practice, and the products and props used in that practice are treasures in their own way. We cherish every single item on this list, and we think you will, too.
Enjoy!
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Halfmoon’s Aesthetically-Pleasing Mod Meditation Cushion
These cool, aesthetically pleasing meditation cushions are made in Canada without added flame-retardant chemicals, which adversely impact human health and development.
The cushions are stuffed with 100% buckwheat hulls (rather than plastic beads or cotton, which are both resource-consumptive). The exterior is 100% linen, which is really lovely. As a result, they’re better for both you and the environment. Gorgeous!
We LOVE that Halfmoon’s Mod Meditation Cushions are all-natural, inside and out. Its composition is lovely, as the company uses earthen materials that have a real aesthetic charm. Plus, the limited-edition patterns are always ahh-mazing! (Check out their bolsters, below.)
Most importantly, though, sitting on this cushion is a functional way to ensure that you don’t strain your back or hips when you’re supposed to be focusing on your breath.
Ultimately, whether you’re a seasoned meditator, a stressed-out mom, or just a person who likes to sit on the floor, this meditation cushion is super supportive and stylish. Using it feels like a luxury experience.
Handmade Yoga Eye Pillows
Etsy is such a great place to find handmade yoga eye pillows, and Nana’s Escentuals handmade, flaxseed-filled eye pillows are among the best. We love the incredible variety of colors and patterns– choose from floral prints, painted patterns, geometric wallpaper paper designs, or even dog and plant-themed styles!
All of these eye pillows are 4″ by 9″ and come in scented and unscented versions. Plus, the removable covers are 100% cotton and machine-washable.
Inside is a blend of flaxseed and essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and spearmint. (Research indicates that these scents can help relieve sinus headaches, congestion, and the inflammatory response.)
Best of all, you can use them warm or cold. To chill, place the eye pillow in the freezer for at least an hour. To warm, heat it in the microwave in 10-second intervals until the pillow is warm. Both temperatures– cool and warm– should last for about 30 minutes. (Aka Long enough to bring some much-needed tension relief to overworked eyes, puffy lids, or achy heads.)
Use at the end of a yoga practice for a deeply restorative Shavasana!
Brentwood Home Organic Non-Slip Yoga Mat
So breathable, completely recyclable and biodegradable, and chemical-free! Brentwood Home’s Organic Non-Slip Yoga Mat is one of the few yoga mats on the market that is made without polyurethane foam, PVC, PER, TPE, EVA, synthetic rubbers, or adhesives.
Instead, it’s made from 100% GOTS organic certified cotton and 100% GOTS and FSC-certified natural Dunlop latex. The latter prevents it from slipping across the floor like most other cloth yoga mats. You also don’t have to worry about any plastic particles, VOCs, or off-gassing, as the mat is safe to use on arrival. Perfect!
We love that this organic quilted yoga mat also functions as both a mat and a towel, absorbing sweat that won’t sully the mat because it is fully machine washable.
This mat comes in a wide variety of aesthetically pleasing colors, from seafoam green to dusty rose and lovely lilac and dark navy hues. It’s one of the only GOTS-certified yoga mats on the market, and it looks as luxurious as it feels.
Plus, it’s nice and cushy (5mm thick, in fact!) to protect joints and pressure points for an optimal yoga practice anytime, anywhere.
Ultimately, the plush-yet-breathable finish makes it one of the “coziest” yoga mats on the market, ideal for regular or hot yoga practices, alike.
Halfmoon’s Gorgeous Rectangular Bolsters
Halfmoon’s line of beautiful, rectangular bolsters is so gorgeous and wonderfully well-made.
The bolster is hand-stuffed in Burnaby, Canada, and offers a generous, flat surface ideal for supporting the upper body in chest-opening and subtle back-bending. It’s an essential and comforting tool for practicing restorative yoga poses like Supported Fish and Supported Twist. Taller folks (even those over 6 feet!) really benefit from the extra length on this bolster, as well.
But really: they’re so beautiful! The seasonal Sfumato Bolster, above shown, was part of their “Art of Mindfulness” collection.
The Sfumato painting technique, moreover, softens the transition between colors. The design mimics, according to the brand, “an area beyond what the human eye is focusing on, or the out-of-focus plane” to create “a beautifully blurred and unfocused floral imagery” with a soft spring color palette.
The patterns on these limited edition rectangular bolsters change each season, so grab your preferred style quickly, before it disappears. With Halfmoon bolsters, there’s always something bright and beautiful coming around the corner– but these ones feel special and one-of-a-kind because they are rare.
Asutra Organic Yoga Mat Cleaner
Asutra’s Organic Citrus Yoga Mat Cleaner is the best all-natural yoga mat cleaner on the market today. Serena Williams loves it so much that she is a personal investor in the company.
Because the smell of citrus has a calming effect on the nervous system, this natural yoga mat cleaner has added stress-busting benefits. It’s a subtle way to practice aromatherapy at home or every time you unroll your mat.
The spray comes in a variety of delicious, calming, and/or enlivening scents, from calming lavender to uplifting eucalyptus to mindful lemongrass to soothing rose. They also have a neutral unscented version, for those who can’t tolerate fragrance.
Each naturally-antimicrobial formulation is paraben-free, phosphate-free, and bleach free.
The sanitizing action stems from the brand’s use of essential oils, which naturally rid yoga mats, blocks, and other props of weird odors and germs.
To use this water-based formula, simply spray on your prop of choice and wipe clean with the included microfiber towel. The formula is non-toxic, safe for sensitive skin, and won’t leave a slippery residue. (Thank goodness.)
We love every flavor!
Repose Non-Toxic Cork Yoga Mat (The Best Non-Plastic Yoga Mat, Ever!)
Repose Cork Yoga Mat is a lovely eco-friendly yoga mat made from organic cork and natural rubber, rather than plastic. Ideal for people who don’t want a cloth yoga mat, cork mats are delightfully grippy and won’t slip even during hot yoga.
Etsy has several cork yoga mats with various designs, like botanical prints or moon patterns, but we love this simple, non-descript mat because the cork is organic, production does not require cutting down rubber trees, and no plastics are used in its production or packaging.
Plus, the mat itself is biodegradable and recyclable! As a result, it does not contain any glues, PVC’s, TPE’s or other chemicals like phthalates that have been shown to have a negative effect on overall health (and fertility, specifically).
Most importantly, though, the cork is nice because it doesn’t slip and feels super grippy on the bottom! It’s a perfect soft but stable base for any yoga or pilates practice. And frankly, given how bad plastic yoga mats are for us and the environment, we should really all be using cork yoga mats. They’re awesome! (I love mine.)
S’well’s Chic Stainless Steel Water Bottle
S’well’s reusable stainless steel water bottles are the trendiest plastic-free reusable water bottles around. Forget that old Nalgene: drink your water in sustainable, plastic-free, BPA-free style!
They even have cool marble patterns, for the artistically-inclined.
Meanwhile, for those looking for an insulated metal water bottle, we also like B Yoga’s H20 Water Bottles. They’re elegant and they only come in two stately colors: black and white. However, because of the rubber insulated coating, you have to hand-wash them– so stick to S’well if you’re not up for that. 🙂
Meanwhile, BKR’s glass water bottles are also super cute. This is a great glass option. (<— They come with a colorful silicone outer sheath which makes them less likely to break.)
They’re also dishwasher safe, BPA-free, and we like that they have a narrow mouth so they won’t splash back in your face (like if you’re taking a sip on the subway or trying to drink from it in a moving car).
Natural Cork Yoga Blocks
Cork is naturally anti-microbial, dense and supportive, and less “tippy” than other foam yoga block options on the market. Plus, they don’t use any fake colors and the natural porousness gives each block a firm grip. (Ideal for sweaty or shaky hands!)
As a result, Half Moon’s Natural Cork Yoga Blocks sell out frequently. Made from sustainably-sourced cork, this sturdy, comfortable support is weighted for maximum effectiveness. It also has rounded corners for added ergonomics.
Manduka, meanwhile, also makes Cork Yoga Blocks that are slightly more firm, for people who want an extra-dense block. This block, too, has rounded corners and great stability.
^ This brand also sells a Lean Cork Block that is thinner and lighter than the typical 3-4″ inch blocks that are standard at most yoga studios. If you’re looking for a good, lean, eco-friendly yoga block, this is a great option.
Handmade Macrame Yoga Mat Carrier (Plastic-Free!)
Bringing your own yoga mat to class is only as convenient as your sling. Fortunately, macrame yoga mat carriers are a new trend that’s emerging as a plastic-free, chemical-free way to carry your yoga mat to and from class.
^ Etsy, fortunately, has a number of affordable handmade options. (It’s still the best place to shop for macrame yoga mat carriers, either way.) Still, we like this one the best.
There are also fun “themed” yoga mat carrying straps, like THIS adorable sloth yoga mat carrying strap. (<— So, so cute!)
Ultimately, whether you’re an animal lover or a hippy at heart, Etsy has something for everyone when it comes to slings. And all of them are at a great price point!
Girlfriend Collective Compressive Leggings (Made From 25 Recycled Water Bottles!)
Girlfriend Collective makes amazing yoga pants, shorts, leggings, and tops made from recycled water bottles. For the record, the best way to limit the impact of athleisure clothing on the environment is to buy used or secondhand, but if you must buy new, Girlfriend does a great job.
The brand makes trendy basics for every body and any yoga wardrobe. The products come in a wide variety of simple colors, and due to popular demand, they also make high-support yoga bras for people who need them.
The most popular items in the collection, however, are the compressive leggings. These offer gentle, flattering support that is more accommodating to the female shape than other brands on the market.
And unlike, say, the leggings you get from cheap retail chains, they are much better for the environment, made from on average 25 recycled water bottles each. And importantly, the people who make them earn a living wage. (Thus the price, ha.)
Plus, they come in sizes XXS to 6XL, so every shape and size is available. We love their gorgeous jewel tones and creamy pastel colors, too. For the modern yogini, this brand gets it.
Halfmoon’s Organic Cotton Loop Yoga Strap (6′ or 8′)
Halfmoon’s Loop Yoga Strap is made from 100% organic cotton AND the smart design with a fixed loop end makes it easier to use in many instances without slippage. It’s got a nice, textured weave to ensure a great grip.
Plus, you can cold wash it by hand and hung it to dry. Use it to deepen your leg stretches, correct your alignment, stretch out your shoulders after a long day at work, and extend your reach.
Shop all of Halfmoon’s beautiful yoga straps here. (<— And if these are beyond your price point or if you just want to support small businesses, Etsy also has some great handmade Organic Cotton Yoga Straps, as well!)
Terra Ties’ Plastic-Free Biodegradable Hair Elastics
Cool, no-snag elastics for people who mean business! Terra Ties’ Plastic-Free Biodegradable Hair Elastics are a great earth-friendly option for hair elastics that so many folks with long hair go through quickly.
Even if you aren’t someone who is constantly breaking or losing hair elastics, most people with long hair can seemingly never have enough of them. (But seriously: we all need them.)
Fortunately, Terra Ties don’t have the metal snag or plastic coating that can sometimes get stuck in hair. And, it limits your personal plastic exposure. (Which is better for you, the Earth, and the global water supply as I have repeated throughout this article.)
Manduka Equa Yoga Towel
Manduka’s eQua Yoga Mat Towel is a great natural grip enhancer for sweaty hands. Layer it over your yoga mat for a perfect no-slip grip, or use it as a layer of insulation between you and a plastic mat that you don’t yet have the funds to replace.
I like to put a towel over the plastic yoga mats that I might use at a studio, in order to limit my exposure to any chemicals or off-gassing that can happen when the mat comes in contact with sweat, heat, or cosmetics. (It’s more sanitary that way, as well!)
Old mats that we often rent at studios tend to be a little warn, which makes chemical exposure more likely.
Ultimately, this yoga mat towel is the ideal fix, and it’s great for hot yoga lovers or those who sweat a lot during practice. If you don’t want to lug your own yoga mat to class, bring this thin towel and simply throw it in your bag afterward.
Veja Sneakers (The Perfect Athleisure Shoe)
Amazon now stocks a full line of Veja Sneakers, which is super exciting. The cult-favorite functional Parisian sneaker brand is a beloved staple among trendy urban wellness folks, and the interest is only getting stronger as fashionable, functional footwear takes on a new primacy in global culture.
Veja sneakers incorporate fair-trade cotton and recycled materials, which is why they first took off with vegans and celebrity wellness acolytes like Emma Watson. (Veja has sort of a cult following in Paris.)
Today, they are known for two primary styles: the running shoe style and the ESPLAR trainers. They have a line that is entirely vegan and have done past collaborations with fashion influencers like Rick Owens.
Either shoe is a comfy choice as you walk to and from your yoga studio of choice! Or, you know, the spa.
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Related: The 11 Best Cruelty-Free, All Natural Nail Polish Brands.
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