• Balance balls can be used in yoga and help to improve posture.Dougal Waters/Digital Vision/Getty Images
  
  Yoga is the ancient discipline of improving the mind and body through meditation and strict physical exercise. Since there is not a lot of equipment required to practice yoga, it can sometimes be difficult to find gifts for a yoga enthusiast. There are a few things, however, such as mats and comfortable clothing, that although not specifically required, can make yoga much easier and more enjoyable.
  
  

Yoga Mat

• A yoga mat is an important piece of equipment for any practitioner of indoor yoga. The special nonslip materials used to make the mat help with stability when performing yoga exercises and poses. Today, many eco-friendly yoga mats are made from jute--a soft vegetable fiber that can be spun into threads. Standard yoga mats are roughly 180 cm long and 60 cm wide.
  
  

Yoga Block

• Yoga blocks are props that can be used to improve body alignment and make yourself more comfortable when performing specific poses. For example, poses that require you to put one hand on the ground can be made easier by placing your hand on a yoga block instead. The elevated hand position makes it easier to align your body. Most yoga blocks are made from either cork or foam.
  
  

Balance Ball

• Balance balls are mainly used for core exercises that challenge your overall balance and stability. They are also an essential piece of equipment for practicing a specific type of yoga called balance ball yoga. In balance ball yoga, you learn natural movement and increase coordination by performing specific exercises and poses while on top of a balance ball. Balance ball yoga has also proven to be an effective method for improving posture.
  
  

Yoga Clothing

• Due to the wide range of body motion associated with yoga, comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is important. Sweat clothes and leotards are common yoga attire because they are breathable and allow you to move freely in different poses.
  
  

Meditation Cushion

• Meditating often requires you to sit in the same position for an extended period of time. Meditation cushions are intended to help you maintain a relaxed posture while meditating. This, in turn, is supposed to help you clear your mind and focus on your internal state. Some meditation cushions are even infused with herbal aromas as an additional relaxation approach.