Are you looking for last-minute Pilates gifts? Look no further than this guide. The items on this list are curated by a Pilates teacher and have been recommended (and gifted!) by many Pilates instructors to their students. This list has gift ideas for anyone from a Pilates nerd to a complete Pilates rookie.
Table of Contents
The Original Pilates Journal & Lesson Planner by Alana Wilbur
Perfect gift for any Pilates teacher or apprentice. This beautiful Pilates journal was created by a Pilates teacher for Pilates teachers. It can be used to create lesson plans and jot down notes about each class or client. Alana Wilbur, the creator of the Original Pilates Journal, shared her reason for creating this beautiful planner in an interview for PilatesBridge:
“Kathy Grant would write down absolutely every class and had notebooks and binders of old classes. If Kathy Grant was doing this, then it was a good idea for me to do it as well and create a journal that other Pilates teachers could use as well for their lesson plans.” – Alana Wilbur
Best for: Pilates teachers and apprentices
Hair Ties
These cute BOHO hair ties provide a strong hold and can be worn as stylish bracelets in between sessions. They are easy grab-n-go fitness accessories that any woman with longer hair would appreciate. Perfect stocking stuffer or a client gift.
Best for: Pilates students and teachers, stocking stuffer
Magic Circle
Who doesn’t love the Ring of Fire? Actually, many Pilates students have a love-hate relationship with the Magic Circle but it’s a perfect addition to any Pilates-at-home workout zone. Any Pilates workout can be spiced up with a Magic Circle. This Pilates Ring is studio-quality which means that it will last for a long time without breaking.
Best for: Pilates students, at-home Pilates use
Pilates Loops
These budget-friendly Personal Pilates loops are padded and can make a great gift for anyone looking for a more hygienic alternative to studio loops.
Best for: Pilates students or studio clients
Pilates Reformer Towel
Comfort meets hygiene in this Reformer Mat. The mat is a perfect gift for any Pilates reformer lover. The mat will stay in place on the Reformer no matter the exercise. It comes with a convenient carrying case and can be machine-washed. It’s a touch of luxury that any Pilates lover would enjoy.
Best for: Pilates students, in-studio Pilates classes
Mini Exercise ball (9″)
The mini ball (sometimes called the Overball) can be used to gently release tight muscles, provide support for the neck, imporve knee alignment, and deliver a killer core workout. This is a true multi-tasker that is one of my favorite props at the studio. The ball can be easily deflated and inflated which makes it another perfect addition for at-home Pilates workouts.
Best for: Pilates students, at-home Pilates use
Pilates Grip Socks
One can never have too many grip socks Put several styles together to create a unique gift “sock basket” that will help them keep their grip on the Reformer, mat and on their New Year resolutions.
Best for: Pilates students and studio clients.
Dry Brushing Body Brush
Here is a Pilates gift idea directly from Joseph Pilates himself.
“The use of a good stiff brush […] stimulates circulation, thoroughly cleans OUT the pores of the skin, and removes dead skin too. The pores of your skin must “breathe” – they cannot do so unless they are kept open and freed from clogging.
The correct technique to use in accomplishing this highly desirable result is to use only a good stiff brush (no handle) since this type of brush forces us to twist, squirm and contort ourselves in every conceivable way in our attempts to reach every portion of our body which are otherwise comparatively easy to reach with a handle brush.”~ Joseph Pilates, Return to Life through Contrology
Best for: Pilates students, Pilates teachers, stocking stuffer
Wrist Support Gloves
Many people struggle with wrist pain when performing weight-bearing exercises on wrists (examples can include any exercises on all hands and knees, planks, pushups, Reformer exercises like knee stretches, Elephant, and more.) Wrist-support gloves provide padding under the palm and wrist support to eliminate the pain and make all of these exercise more comfortable.
Best for: Pilates students
Pilates Nerd Products
From wine glasses to cute tanks, Pilates Nerd has all the cutest and most unique Pilates gifts. If you have a Pilates Nerd in your life, then you are guaranteed to find the perfect gift there.
Best for: Pilates students, Pilates teachers
Foot Fitness Kit
Who likes to exercise their feet? Honestly, not many people think about their feet unless they start having problems. Pilates teachers know that healthy posture and healthy body is built from the ground up – from your feet! This kit is loved by many Pilates instructors and has been gifted and sold in many studios. The kit includes soft toe spreaders to gently improve toe alignement, a small foot massage ball to release tight muscles, and a toe exerciser to strengthen foot muscles. Healthy and fit feet do not only look good, they help the entire body feel better. BONUS: it comes in a nice gift box ready to be wrapped and gifted.
Best for: Pilates students
Pilates Arc
Pilates Arc is a contemporary version of the Pilates mini-barrell. It can be used to open up tight spots in the spine, provide support during core training and improve overall mobility. This prop does wonders for anyone who sits for long periods of time and needs to open up the shoulders and chest.
Best for: Pilates students, Pilates teachers in training
Pilates MOTR
Pilates MOTR is a bit of a splurge but it’s nothing compared to the cost of a Pilates Reformer. MOTR allows you to have a challenging Reformer-inspired workout at home but it takes far less space and can be easily stored out of sight when not in use. I would recommend this gift to anyone who is NOT a novice with Pilates and loves adding variety to their Pilates Workouts.
Best for: Pilates students, at-home Pilates use
Bangles Wrist & Ankle Weights
These 1-pound weights are a stylish way to add extra resistance to a Pilates workout or daily walks. These weights look cute, are comfortable to wear and provide endless possibilities for workouts.
Best for: Pilates students
Pilates Loops with Handles
Personal Pilates loops with handles are great for people who have arthritis in their hands or struggle with carpal tunnel. Neoprene handles are gentle on palms and can help maintain wrist alignment during Reformer exercises like the Hundred, Rowing and more.
Best for: Pilates students or studio clients
Sore Muscle Essential Oil Blend Roll-On
This essential oil blend is great for soothing sore muscles and encouraging the feeling of calm. The roll-on applicator makes it easy to apply the oil blend or carry it with you during the day.
Best for: Pilates students and teachers, stocking stuffer
Personalized Pilates Ornaments
These ornaments are a cute and unique Pilates gift for clients or teachers. The ornaments are flat (not 3D) and can be personalized with a name or special message.
Best for: Pilates teachers, Pilates students
Best Pilates Books as Gifts
Pilates Anatomy by Rael Isakowitz and Karren Clippinger
A Pilates teacher simply can’t have too many anatomy books. This beautifully illustrated Pilates anatomy book shows each muscle used during Pilates mat exercises and provides clear execution instructions.
Best for: Pilates teachers and teachers in training, Pilates students
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Do you need a gift for someone who is just starting an exercise or any other health habit? Atomic Habits by James Clear is the essential manual to developing better habits. The book is fun to read and is full of valuable advice on habit-forming
Best for: Pilates students
Caged Lion: Joseph Pilates and His Legacy
This is an interesting read for anyone who is interested in the history of Pilates as a method and Joseph Pilates as a person. John Howard Steel brings Joseph Pilates and his eponymous exercise regime to life from his unique perspective as a student, friend, and confidant. Joe’s influence profoundly changed Steel’s life; in turn, Steel was crucial for the survival of the Pilates Method and Joe’s legacy.
Best for: Pilates students, Pilates teachers
Spinal Asymmetry and Scoliosis: Movement and Function Solutions for the Spine, Ribcage and Pelvis by Dr Suzanne Clements Martin
This book is the essential guide to working with scoliotic clients written by a physical therapist and a Pilates teacher with decades of experience. This book will be a valuable addition to any Pilates teacher’s toolbox.
Best for: Pilates teachers
Exercise the Safe Way with The Better Back: Pilates for Osteoporosis by Erica Walters
This book provides a comprehensive guide to practicing Pilates at home for anyone diagnosed with osteoporosis. The book includes Pilates exercises, a bone-healthy eating guide and healthy lifestyle habits to help improve bone density. If you are a Pilates teacher, give this book to your clients who were diagnosed with osteoporosis to help support their healthy lifestyle between the in-studio sessions.
Best for: Pilates students and Studio clients
Science of Pilates: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your Practice by Tracy Ward
This anatomy book combines Pilates anatomy with physiology, provides tips for alignment and proper execution. The illustrations feature color-coding to highlight how the muscles, ligaments, and joints engage, stretch, and relax to perform each exercise.
Best for: new Pilates teachers or teachers in training, Pilates anatomy nerds.
Return to Life Through Contrology by Joseph Pilates
What can be a better gift to a Pilates enthusiast than a book by Joseph Pilates himself? The book covers the original 34 Pilates mat exercises as well as the principles of the Contrology method and healthy lifestyle that Joseph Pilates introduced to his students. The expanded edition of the book introduces additional commentary and explanation of what has transpired since the original 1945 work.
Best for: anyone interested in Pilates.
Best Pilates Gift Ideas as shared by Pilates Teachers
“I love gift season. I usually buy and nicely package gifts for all of my clients (about 90 people). These are either cookies or chocolate-covered pretzels. I also have purchased caramel apples in the past. This year I am putting out a basket of combined treats and have included mini wine bottles displayed in an “advent calendar”, and granola squares from Beautiful Day. This organization employs refugees to make their products and engage in the sale and all of their products.
The best gifts I have received are gift certificates to my favorite places. These are very meaningful because they took the time to go out of their way to purchase a gift from a place that I mentioned during classes and sessions.”
Arice Mackintosh, owner of Core and More Pilates studio in Wilbraham, MA
“Here is a list of some items that I have given a studio thank-you holiday gifts
1.) Toe sox (the usual gift)
2.) Pilates books ( Caged Lion by John Steel and Joe Pilates’ Return to Life through Contrology book)
3.) Triad ball (Balanced Body)
4.) Therabands with my logo on it (red and green in a cute bag)
5.) Essential oil blends for sore muscles.
6.) Immunity tea
8.) Toe separators”
Kristin Mann, owner of Mankind Pilates in Ridgewood, NJ.
We have the best, most generous, and creative clients at our Pilates studio. They often surprise us with thoughtful treats and gifts that everyone can enjoy.
One client gives us a beautifully artistic box of truffles every year—almost too gorgeous to eat! Check them out here.
Another client had customized t-shirts made for each of us through Etsy. You can see them here.
One thoughtful client gifted us all leggings from her company, Aerie. Take a look at them here.
We also received personalized apparatus ornaments that we absolutely loved!
One unforgettable gift was a Theragun Pro, given by a client who knew how much I loved it every time he mentioned it. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving!
For thank-you notes, I love ordering holiday cards from Pilatay—they’re festive and perfect for the season.
If you’re shopping for the Pilates lover on your list, you can’t go wrong with a gift certificate to their favorite studio or some stylish new workout gear. The current favorite brand among our clients is Vuori—it’s comfortable and chic!
We’ve also compiled some easy-to-buy Amazon holiday gift ideas for Pilates enthusiasts, which you can find here.
Of course, the greatest gift is our clients’ continued practice and support. We truly cherish the time we share with them all year round.
Mo Wolfe, owner of Evolution Pilates in Port Washington NY.
“I got this card last Christmas and taped it on my mirror in my bathroom to read every day.”
Julie H
I give socks every year that I purchase wholesale. Clients love and after 5 years clients I give a free sesh gift certificate. Some of my clients give me a cash tip and have been very generous. Also, I enjoy the baked goods that some of my clients make.
Stacy Hood, owner of Pilates 4 Everybody in Weston FL.
Mini towel for your forehead for practice on the tummy.
Suus Pelzer, owner of Pilates Pas