How do you turn a home meditation or yoga practice into a consistent habit, rather than a sporadic act prompted by a "SELF-CARE TIME!" post on social media? We’ve all been there—rolling out the yoga mat once in a while and vowing to be better. But if you want the long-term benefits of yoga and meditation, consistency is key.
As a converted night owl who now cherishes her morning meditation, I’ve learned that willpower only gets you so far. What really works for me? Two things:
- creating a comfortable space where you actually enjoy zen-ing out. A safe, peaceful, intimate space—even if it’s the privacy of your car!
- building a practice that draws you back.
When your practice space feels like a sanctuary, you'll keep coming back, day after day.
After years of experimenting, I’ve realized that you don’t actually need much to create a yoga or meditation sanctuary at home. As a minimalist and a fan of Marie Kondo’s “spark joy” principle, I focus on adding only those items that bring me joy and enhance my practice.
In this article, I’m sharing my favorite product finds that make my home meditation and yoga practice enjoyable and consistent. As the holiday season approaches, look to this as a go-to gift guide for the wellness enthusiasts in your life—or a nice treat for yourself! (#9 will change your yoga practice forever)
Cozy Essentials to create a personal Yoga and Meditation Sanctuary
Ways to Experience the Flow through Your Five Senses:
1. The Sense of Hearing
2. The Sense of Sight
3. The Sense of Smell
4. The Sense of Touch
5. The Sense of Taste
Tibetan Singing Bowl
A sound bath that grounds with resonant tones
I love ringing my brass Tibetan Singing Bowl before and after yoga, at the start of a new workday, or whenever there’s something to celebrate. Sometimes, I even give it a strike when my plants could use a good vibration (more research needed on the effect - the one next to it has noticeably grown!). Honestly, there are countless reasons to sound your gong throughout the day for a positive, mindful boost.
I’ve heard yoga teachers and sound bath practitioners say, “Your first singing bowl needs to find you.” Well, this one found me on Amazon. It has a soothing tone that lingers and a satisfying weight in the palm of my hand—plus, it’s practically indestructible if dropped. It also fits nicely in my backpack for outdoor meditations.
Tip: As a rule of thumb, the bigger the bowl, the lower the sound it produces, due to heavier mass and slower vibrations. This one is 5 inches. Choose your size based on your preferred tone.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones for Meditation, Gym & Sleep
to Block Out Distractions...
In meditation, sometimes hearing less is more. Creating a quiet space is essential for tuning in to what’s happening inside, especially in the early stages. If you’re like me and live in a busy environment, the serenity of a meditation temple can feel out of reach. Investing in Bose QuietComfort headphones was a game-changer for me, thanks to their exceptional noise cancellation and audio quality. Every time I put them on, it feels like stepping into a personal soundproof bubble.
The sound quality is crisp and clear, perfect for sound baths and guided meditations. I appreciate how comfortable they are—after an hour-long session, my ears and head don’t feel fatigued. Plus, the battery life is impressive; I’ve gone up to 14 days of daily meditations without needing to recharge.
These wireless headphones are also a lifesaver on planes; I love using them for body scan meditations during long flights. They’re great for virtual group meditations, conference calls, and even for running!
Pros:
- Superb noise cancellation
- Comfortable for long listening sessions
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Premium price point
- Leather may start to flake after three years
Yoga Lamp to Turn any Room into Yoga Studio
A recent discovery, this little yoga lamp creates just the right atmosphere for meditation or yoga, giving off an earthy, yoga studio vibe. If you're looking for a lamp to read 'Games of Thrones' by, this isn't it. But for setting the relaxed mood during your evening stretch or meditation? Absolutely yes!
Pros:
- Warm, eye-friendly illumination
- Highly energy-efficient
- Excellent as a night light
Cons:
- Smaller size than some may expect
- USB charging only
- 3D effect is most striking when switched on; looks as a 2D acrylic piece when off.
Himalayan salt lamp to Purify and Soothe Any Space
I've had a Himalayan salt lamp for several years now, and didn't need to replace the light bulb even once. I got it as a gift - it is incredible how durable it is! The adjustable brightness feature is a nice touch, allowing to customize the ambiance to suit your mood.
I also appreciate its supposed air-purifying properties, though I mostly love the calming ambiance it creates in my space with its warm, natural amber glow.
Pros:
- Great for setting the stage for meditation, yoga or deep stretch
- Long-lasting durability
- Claims to improve air quality and sleep through release of negative ions
- Great as a gift
Cons:
- Potential health benefits are debatable and need more scientific backing
- Fragile: can be damaged if knocked over or exposed to moisture
Breathing Buddha to Guide Calm Breaths
I’ve found the perfect gift for my friend’s 10-year-old daughter who likes to meditate—and one for myself too! This genius tool is a great intro to meditation for both kids and adults. It uses calming, color-changing lights to guide you through evidence-based breathing patterns.
The Breathing Buddha makes it SO much easier to follow than mentally counting - very helpful for anyone struggling with distractions during meditation (which is basically everyone).
The simplicity of its design is mentally freeing - just follow the colors: green for inhalation, purple for holding, and blue for exhalation.
Pros:
- Easy visual guidance for breathing exercises
- Helps with building meditation habit
- Long battery life
- Great for kids!
Cons:
- The Laughing Buddha design may not suit all tastes; more subtle options like pebbles available
- Limited breathing patterns
- Brightness control could be more intuitive
SMELL
Saje Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser
For a healthier, nature-inspired practice at home...
When my old diffuser quit, I almost replaced it with another generic option from Amazon. But after learning that ultrasonic diffusers create a finer mist, reduce allergens and better prevent mold buildup (a big deal for someone allergy-prone like me), I decided to try the ultrasonic diffuser from Saje.
After using it for almost a year, I’m glad I made the switch! It's a cold air diffuser meaning it maintains all the properties of essential oils unlike heat-based diffusers. Ultrasonic vibrations create fine cool mist and release negative ions that reduce dust and other allergens in the air, super helpful!
So far I’ve been loving the whisper-quiet operation and gentle mist, helping me drop deeper into meditation or drift off to sleep. Sometimes I like to lower my face into the mist to feel a cooling sensation of hydration on the skin, like standing near a waterfall or the crashing waves at the beach.
Pros
- Waterfall-fresh atmosphere: creates a refreshing feeling similar to being near water in nature
- Compact & Cordless with USB charging—perfect for travel
- Reduces allergens, doubles as a humidifier
- Heatless: Uses less oil and preserves all the goodness in essential oil
Cons
- Pricier than regular diffusers
- Still requires regular cleaning to prevent mold buildup unlike waterless systems
Best Essential Oils for Meditation
Some of my favorite essential oil pairings I’ve tried for yoga & meditation at home: Saje Rain Forest (deep, woody, earthy), Saje Liquid Sunshine ( great for mornings - uplifting, joyful) and DoTERRA Breathe (relaxing - great for night time).
Do you have a favorite essential oil blend? Please share in the comments.
Cosmic Birthday Candle with Daily Zodiac Affirmations
to Set an Intentional Mood...
If you're unsure what to gift a meditator, you can't go wrong with a high-quality eco-friendly candle. The Cosmic Birthday Candle takes it to the next level, thanks to its personalized astrological concept.
Each of the 365 soy candles is tailored to your birthdate’s cosmic signature, complete with your Zodiac sign embossed on the lid and a character reading. The daily affirmations are curated by astrologist, which adds a mindful, personal touch and helps create more of a ritual around meditation.
Pro-Tip from Marlin, a San Diego-based Spa Salon owner: Trim the wick by about half an inch before lighting the new candle to extend burn time and longevity.
DoTerra On Guard Oil Blend for Immune-Supporting Aromatherapy
One of my all-time favorites, even with the higher price tag. It’s so pure that it’s food-grade, meaning you can safely apply it to your skin or take it internally to give your immune system a natural boost.
The name “On Guard” couldn’t be more fitting—to me it feels like a guardian angel in a bottle or sometimes a bodyguard - depends on the day! Anxiety? Germs? Mood swings? The blend of Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary is both soothing, elevating and protective. Just a few drops in the diffuser fills my home with tranquil serenity with a touch of warm spice. Comes as a roll on as well.
Saje Peppermint Halo Roll-On
to Relieve Tension and get into the body...
This handy multitasker surprised me with unexpected benefits! I first heard about peppermint roll-ons for headaches from my sister-in-law, who struggles with migraines. It didn’t take long to realize that this essential oil blend is great not just for headache relief but also as a centering anchor in meditation and yoga.
It’s a smell you can literally feel: the scent of peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary is grounding and cleansing, and the oil creates a cooling, tingling sensation on the skin that helps get out of the head and get into the body. And if I happen to start my practice with a headache, by the end of it - the headache is often gone. Win-win.
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I like to bring it on flights (it’s TSA-friendly) for my personal “halo” of calm.
Heated Blanket for Heated Yoga at Home
The Best Savasana Upgrade You'll Make This Year!
If you take just one thing from this article, let it be this: a heated blanket that will bring next-level calm to your Savasana.
I initially started using a heated blanket to warm up the bed during cold winter months, but then it hit me—why not use it for my own version of heated yoga on crispy mornings? This plush soft blanket became my secret Savasana sanctuary. I've never felt more blissful and so totally and unapologetically relaxed in Savasana!
Fair warning: makes it very easy to drift off into the most luxurious post-yoga nap. It’s wonderfully therapeutic though, so be sure to set an extra alarm after yoga. Or practice at night right before bed for a good night sleep.
Pros:
- Low maintenance & machine washable
- Auto-shutoff
Cons:
- Attracts pets
- A serious risk of getting too comfortable—unexpected naps may occur. Alarm strongly advised!
Nodpod Weighted Blanket
to help evening wind down...
There's another type of Savasana upgrade I highly recommend, and this one comes with some weight. Backed by research on Deep Touch Pressure Therapy (DTP), weighted blankets mimic the sensation of being hugged, releasing neurochemicals that relax the nervous system and improve sleep quality.
Typical gravity blankets weigh between 10-20 lbs, but if you're looking for a compact, travel-friendly option, the Nodpod Weighted Blanket might be just what you need. At 6.5 pounds, it's much lighter yet still provides the perfect balance of comfort without feeling too heavy. However, if you're after full-body coverage, this blanket might feel a bit too small.
The included weighted eye mask makes the experience even more immersive, applying gentle pressure over the eyes while blocking out light and distractions. This combo is perfect for relaxation, especially during Savasana or Yoga Nidra-style meditation.
Pros:
- Perfect balance of pressure without being too heavy
- Portable zen in breathable, eco-friendly fabric
- Enhances meditation or Savasana
Cons:
- May feel too small for full-body coverage
Rishi Chamomile Medley Tea for Cozy Unwind Anytime
The Rishi Chamomile Tea became a daily ritual to look forward to during a recent silent meditation retreat.
10 days - 10 hours of meditation per day - 10 tea sachets.
Whether it was the heightened awareness from deep meditation or just the tea itself, this was the best chamomile tea I've ever tasted.
Each morning after meditation, I’d brew a single sachet—just one sachet was enough to infuse 32 oz of water, which was a pleasant surprise. With a steaming cup in hand, I’d sit quietly outdoors, watching the desert life unfold.
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The retreat itself was very spartan, but the fragrant blend of Croatian chamomile, Portuguese lemon verbena, lemongrass, and spearmint created a little moment of down-to-earth luxury.
Hand-Blended Loose Tea Sampler
to Slowdown and Discover New Flavors...
One of my favorite ways to create a wellness ritual—after a yoga or meditation session—is to add a warm cup of tea to the experience. During my years living in China, I learned that, according to Chinese medicine, drinking warm liquids is better for digestion and overall health, making tea the perfect complement to the benefits of mind-body practices.
This hand-blended Loose Tea Sampler is a perfect introduction to the Way of Tea. The tea blends are an invitation to slow down and enjoy each sip (Hello, Porch Sippin' Pecan! ☕) I also appreciate that the set comes with helpful tips on how to steep the teas to perfection.
Check out these practical gift ideas that any yogi or meditator will appreciate:
- Sustainable, eco-friendly, enjoyable yoga mats
- Best meditation cushions for all levels
- Good reads on mindfulness & meditation curated by mindfulness coaches
Bottom Line on Little Luxuries & Gifts for Yoga and Meditation
"The big secret is... you don't need anything at all!" Ally Ubiparipovic, the founder of Sattva Yoga Spa, shared her principle for creating a zen ambiance at their studio. And I agree. In fact, the less clutter, the better. Just as meditation and yoga help declutter the mind, why clutter your space?
However, the right prop can transform your practice, sprinkling in a little bit of magic that makes you genuinely look forward to your daily wellness routine. With practice comes mastery.
When choosing your tools, consider Marie Kondo's "spark joy" principle: when you see or touch an item that brings you joy, your body responds in a certain way. So, what’s your version of a “little luxury” for yoga or meditation these days? Whether it’s something small or quirky, I’d love to hear about it—please share in the comments!
