Eco friendly yoga mat
Crafted from renewable or recycled materials, this mat appeals to environmentally conscious individuals seeking a durable and responsible practice surface.
Sport & Fitness
Yoga & pilates mats
6 kinds worth knowing, 9 picks, and what to check before you buy.
A mat is one of the few fitness gifts that gets used almost every day. It suits a partner, sister or friend who already goes to classes, streams workouts at home, or keeps saying they want to start. What gets used is a mat that fits their practice: grippy for flowing yoga, cushioned for floor-based pilates, and easy to carry if they head to a studio. Many shoppers look for an eco friendly yoga mat made from natural materials, while others want a thick pilates mat for comfort on hard floors. Think about where they practise and how they get there, then choose the surface, thickness and size to match.
Kind 1 of 6
Mats made from natural materials
These mats use materials like natural rubber, cork or jute instead of standard PVC. They suit someone who cares about what their gear is made of and practises regularly enough to notice the feel of the surface. Natural rubber usually grips well but can be heavy and has a smell at first that fades over a few weeks. Before buying, check what the mat is actually made of rather than relying on a green-sounding label, and whether the person has a latex sensitivity, since many natural rubber mats contain latex.
Kind 2 of 6
A mat they would not buy themselves
A premium mat is an upgrade for someone who practises often and has been making do with a thin, slippery starter mat. The difference shows up in grip when hands get sweaty, a surface that stays put on the floor, and material that holds its shape for years. Some include alignment lines that help with hand and foot placement. Check the weight if they carry it to class, whether the grip works dry or damp for their style of yoga, and how the surface should be cleaned.
Alignment guide yoga practice mat
Featuring printed lines or markers, this mat helps practitioners improve their posture and hand-foot placement, enhancing their yoga technique.
High-grip hot yoga and sweat mat
Engineered to provide exceptional traction even when wet, this mat ensures stability and prevents slipping during intense, sweaty hot yoga sessions.
Kind 3 of 6
Thicker mats for pilates and floor work
Pilates involves a lot of lying, rolling and kneeling, so a thicker, softer mat feels more comfortable than a thin yoga mat on a hardwood or tile floor. These also work well for stretching, core workouts and general exercise at home. The trade-off is stability: very soft mats can feel wobbly in standing balance poses. Look at the thickness and density together, since a firm, dense mat stays comfortable without sinking. Also check whether it rolls up or needs flat storage.
Extra-thick pilates and floor mat
Offering superior cushioning, this mat provides comfort and joint protection for Pilates, core work, and rehabilitation exercises.
All-purpose yoga and exercise mat
This versatile mat supports various yoga styles and floor exercises, suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
Kind 4 of 6
Extra-wide mats for more room
Standard mats can feel narrow for taller people or anyone with broad shoulders, and hands or feet often end up on the floor during wide stances. An extra-wide or extra-long mat gives more space for stretching and home workouts that move side to side. It suits someone with a dedicated spot at home more than a studio-goer, since larger mats are bulkier to carry and may not fit a class row. Check the exact dimensions against their height and the floor space they have.
Extra-long and wide exercise mat
Providing extended length and width, this mat offers ample space for taller individuals or those who prefer more room to move during their yoga or Pilates practice.
Kind 5 of 6
Cork and other renewable surfaces
Cork mats are a popular sustainable choice, harvested from bark that grows back. The surface tends to get grippier as it gets damp, which suits people who sweat during practice, and it resists odours well. Cork usually sits on a natural rubber or other backing, so check what the base layer is made of too. These suit someone who values long-lasting gear and a warm, natural feel. Cork can feel less cushioned, so pair it with thickness if they do a lot of kneeling.
Natural cork surface yoga mat
This unique mat offers a naturally antimicrobial, non-slip surface that becomes even grippier with moisture, perfect for a hygienic and stable practice.
Kind 6 of 6
Foldable mats for travel and small spaces
A foldable mat packs flat into a suitcase or tote, which suits someone who travels, practises at hotels, or lives in a small apartment without room for a rolled mat. Travel versions are thin and light, so they work well layered over a hotel rug or on top of a studio mat. Thicker foldable pilates mats are better for home use but take up more room. Check the folded size and weight, and whether creases lie flat when opened.
Lightweight foldable travel yoga mat
Designed for portability, this compact mat allows practitioners to maintain their routine wherever they go, from vacations to studio classes.
How to choose yoga & pilates mats as a gift
- Find out whether they do yoga, pilates or general workouts, since each style suits a different thickness and surface.
- If they carry a mat to class, keep weight and rolled size in mind as much as comfort.
- Ask casually about the floor they practise on; thin mats feel very different on hardwood than on carpet.
- Choose neutral or muted colours unless you know their taste, since a mat stays in view for years.
- Check care instructions, as some natural surfaces should not be soaked or left in direct sun.
Usually safe to skip
- Very thin, bargain-style mats usually disappoint someone who already practises, because they slip and wear out quickly.
- Ultra-soft, extra-thick mats are a poor fit for dedicated yoga, since balance poses feel unstable on them.
- Loud patterns or novelty prints often miss, because the person will see the mat every day.
Questions people ask about yoga & pilates mats
- What thickness of mat is best for a gift?
- For yoga, a medium-thickness mat balances comfort and stability. For pilates or floor workouts on hard floors, a thicker, dense mat is more comfortable. If they travel, a thin foldable mat is the practical pick.
- Is a cork or natural rubber mat better?
- Natural rubber tends to grip well and feel cushioned, but it can be heavy and may contain latex. Cork grips better when damp and resists odours, though it often feels firmer. Choose based on how much they sweat and how they carry their mat.
- Can a yoga mat be used for pilates?
- Yes, but many people find a standard yoga mat too thin for pilates, which involves lots of rolling and lying on the back. A thicker mat, or a thin mat layered over a softer one, is usually more comfortable.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All yoga & pilates mats picks
Showing 1–9 of 9