Your Conscious Christmas Gift Guide at Stretch!

In case you've been hiding under a bush and have missed the tinsel, fairy lights and candy canes slowly invading, it's safe to say that it's officially 'Christmas-time'! The sound of Christmas Carols blaring in shopping centres is enough to fill many of us with dread, and each year we're bombarded with news reports letting us know how many billions of dollars Australian's spend at this time of year (with a huge percentage being unwanted, re-gifted or simply going to waste). 

As yogis we think that being extra conscious at Christmas time can only be a good thing, which is why we've come up with this guide which includes presents to help you be more conscious this year (and a few things that we think will simply make you feel great!).

1. Skip the gifts and donate to charity
In case you haven't heard this year we're running a toy donation appeal for The Smith Family at both studios so you can give to less fortunate children. They've got a great guide for toys to give and you can simply pop them under either studios Christmas tree up until December 12th. We guarantee warm and fuzzy feelings!
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2. Give an experience rather than a 'thing'
Let's be honest - we all have enough 'stuff'. And while pretty things are nice, experiences are the things that last a lifetime! We're a little biased and think that the Yoga Courses at Stretch make the perfect gift, but anything that doesn't contribute to landfill can only be a good thing.

Oh and P.S. - we also do Gift Vouchers too! 

3. Jade Eco Mats
Ok ok... we know we just said that you shouldn't necessarily give things... BUT if those things are awesome, eco-friendly AND encourage someone to be healthy and active then we think that's certainly an exception! We've been stocking Jade Eco Mats since we first opened and think they're definitely one of the best mats out there. Made from sustainably sourced natural rubber these guys get extra points for planting a tree each time a mat is purchased! They're also the grippy-est (it's a word) mats we've come across which at this time of year (aka Sweatcember) is definitely needed!

4. And Yellow Willow mats...
The option for those that like some extra prettiness in their yoga mats, Australian made Yellow Willow yoga matsare also made from sustainable rubber AND you can put them in the washing machine (rather than throwing them out once they get too dirty!). We like that they're a little furry too - so nice in savasana!

5. Organic bolsters
We actually think that a bolster may be the perfect gift! It's decorative, functional and doesn't talk back like a boyfriend does (am-I-right!). If you've seen the patterned beauties in the studio it's good to realise that again, not only are these bad boys Australian made BUT they also have an organic cotton cover and organic stuffing. Win-win!

6. Spend time, not money
However you want to interpret this one you really can't go wrong! Bake a cake, make a present or simply do something nice for someone else. The best things in life are free - and spending time showing someone else that they're important is surely the most conscious thing we can do!

However you decide to spend your money this Christmas we hope that it's one filled with love, laughter, good food (and drinks!) and good health. Remember, we're open at Holland Park and the CBD all across the Christmas season for that extra little bit of zen!