Be Well Philly Gift Guide: 5 Awesome Holiday Gifts for Yogis

As chosen by owner of Three Queens Yoga, Mariel Freeman.

If you were a regular at our summer yoga series, you’ll remember Mariel Freeman. She’s the owner of Three Queens Yoga in Queen Village (formerly DIG Yoga), and she is the definition of a cool yogi. She is one of those people who can effortlessly take a yoga outfit from class-to-night (I witnessed this happen after one of our yoga series sessions and was astonished). And be warned: Going to a class at her studio is dangerous for your wallet, since the area next to check-in is stocked with all sorts of unique, want-that-now items for the yoga-inclined. So if you’re looking for a gift for the yogi in your life, I can think of no one better to turn to. Below, her top five picks for holiday gifts for yogis this year.

1. Art of Attention, $40.

“This yoga workbook by my favorite beloved yoga teacher, Elena Brower, is designed to inspire and strengthen your practice, contemplation and creativity. It is a beautiful, magical, transformational gift for any yogi.”

2. Lululemon (un)mat, $48, or Manduka eKO SuperLite, $40.

“These are my FAVORITE yoga mats. They both weigh just a little over two pounds and fold up to fit easily in your bag, suitcase or purse! No slipping or sliding on either of these mats, and if you need the extra support, you can just throw it down on top of a studio mat. The Lululemon (un)mat has two practice sides depending on whether you’re hitting a hot or Hatha yoga class. The Manduka eKO SuperLite is made of a natural, biodegradable material, so you won’t make any footprints in landfills. It is the ideal yoga travel mat for people who want to make a commitment to our planet while taking their yoga practice on the road.”

3. Outdoor Voices Activewear for men & women, starting at $55.

“I just found out about this brand and I am in LOVE. I want to marry this apparel company. The designs are gorgeous and the colors are HOT. I’m always checking labels to see where things are made, and I fell madly in love when I saw ‘Made in the USA’ on the leggings. All of the clothing is designed in NYC and responsibly manufactured in Hong Kong, Portugal, and the United States. I’m hoping to have the line at my studio in the new year!”

4. Lotus Abhyanga with Lilavati, the Ayurveda Alchemist and creator of Aromabliss skincare, located right here in Philly, $180.

“Lilavati’s Lotus Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic massage treatment that incorporates her divine Aromabliss products to dislodge physical and emotional tension so that vibrant health can circulate more fully. This is my go-to gift for the beloved yogis in my life. Her products are wonderful!”

5. Yoga Retreat! Price varies.

“Travel-plus-yoga is the ultimate gift. Taking the time to immerse in practice and enjoy a change of scenery is the most nourishing, rejuvenating, and potentially life-changing gift you can give to someone (including yourself!). I’m taking a group to Sedona, AZ this spring to enjoy yoga, horseback riding, hiking, spa treatments, delicious food, and time to just breathe and relax in the fresh air of this desert paradise. What could be better?! An easy way to find out about retreats leaving from Philly is to ask your local studios (or the yogi in your life’s local studio) and favorite instructors if they are planning any.”

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