"When asked what gift he wanted for his birthday, the yogi replied: "I wish no gifts, only presence."

January 15, 2008 4:10 PM

Yoga-centric gift giving: My sister is opening her own yoga studio and wellness center next month in South Carolina!

It's been a long difficult process for her. I would like to get her a gift (maybe to be used in the studio) that is appropriate for such a business. I live in Arizona, and although I plan to be there for the grand-opening in February, I won't be there long, so offering any of my services is not possible. My budget is quite small - probably no more than $100.00. I was thinking of getting a lot of yoga and chant books that she can keep at the studio and start a "library" there. But, I'd like some more ideas if you have any. Thank you!

posted by Sassyfras to Grab Bag (9 answers total)

I think a couple of nice water pitchers would be awesome. She can have them in strategic areas with slices of lemon or orange in them. Yum! I have one of these and they are great. And plastic! No worry of it breaking :)
posted by spec80 at 4:27 PM on January 15, 2008

i got my sister a 'money tree' when she started her business and she not only loved it as a good luck charm, but it was also beautiful decoratively! they look like this: http://www.ftd.com/congratulations-pcg/braided-money-tree/occasion-congratulations/p118/
posted by boygirlparty at 5:25 PM on January 15, 2008

oops, here's the html link for the lazy: here ya go
posted by boygirlparty at 5:25 PM on January 15, 2008

A piece of art for the studio wall / waiting room?

A small fountain for the waiting room (if there is one)?

Don't discount something unrelated ...

If it's been a 'long difficult process' perhaps she'd enjoy a massage or a day at the spa to help relieve the stress?
posted by valleys at 5:53 PM on January 15, 2008

A nice pair of cymbals or a small gong, for use during relaxation/guided meditation.

Or you could get 10 yoga blocks if you find a good price on them, so that she has some for her classes (of course, if she's trying to sell blocks and other equipment as a side business she might not want to provide any for free).
posted by anaelith at 6:10 PM on January 15, 2008

How about a small tibetan singing bowl? More practical ideas: Incense, small unscented votive candles, a humidifier, some cd's or an ipod for class mixes.
posted by engling at 7:48 PM on January 15, 2008

I think a plant of some sort, something like a mock orange, that looks pretty and is capable of growing large-ish in a pot but not overwhelming. Something that can grow as her studio grows. My old studio had a beautiful plant that I frequently used as a focal point during practice.
posted by LunaticFringe at 6:36 AM on January 16, 2008

Yoga toes
posted by jcruelty at 11:31 AM on January 16, 2008

A mini-fridge in which to store cold bottles of water to sell to students who have forgotten to bring theirs.

Or, if you want to be more eco-friendly, a Sparkletts dispenser.
posted by chicainthecity at 1:24 PM on January 16, 2008