Holiday Gift Watch: Meow-ditation!

Photos c/o UrbanOutfitters.com

Kid yogis and cat lovers will appreciate these adorable, practical, and calming meditating cat figurine key chains!

Four choices of felines in poses from Warrior to Savasana.

Purr-fect stocking stuffer!

(Meowditation Keychain. $8.00/each at urbanoutfitters.com)

Holiday Gift Watch: An iPhone case worth barking about!

c/o UrbanOutfitters.com

If your young yogi is also a dog lover, you will SCORE with this holiday gift.

Can you think of something more compelling to glimpse at each day? Fits iPhone 6s/6/7/8.

(Pugs Doing Yoga iPhone Case. $36.00 at urbanoutfitters.com) 

Buddy up! Kid-friendly poster teaches yoga basics

c/o MeddyTeddy.com

A fun and fuzzy way to introduce kids to yoga!

This 24 x 36" poster featuring Meddy Teddy bear plush is a great gift for little yogi newbies.

Includes 15 Yoga Poses with Names. Full-color.

($28.95 at MeddyTeddy.com)

Kids Yoga Daily for Yoga Journal: 4 Yogic Ways to Help Kids Navigate Social Cliques

https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/4-yogic-ways-to-help-kids-navigate-social-cliques

Stay connected with yoga kitchen magnets!

c/o BeansnThings

These upcycled bottlecap magnets are perfect gifts for yoga moms or young yogis.

Affix them to the fridge, locker, or any place you need an positive energy reminder!

($9.00/set of 7 bottlecaps at BeansnThings on Etsy)

The 411 on Tween/Teen Yoga!

*Special thanks to Guest Contributor, Sharon Marrama, for this educational nutshell on tween and teen yoga!

c/o Liz Wertz Photography

Tween & Teen Yoga

What Is The Difference, Kids Yoga? Tween Yoga? Teen Yoga?

·        Kid’s yoga classes are an introduction to yoga in its simplest form with fun and games.

·        Tween yoga classes are the first introduction to incorporating setting an intention with a complete sequence of poses-while focusing on breathing, creating a mind and body balance.

·        Teen yoga classes expand on all the above and are the last step before moving on to adults yoga classes.

A tween/teen yoga practice can improve flexibility and strength, as well as...

Get Croaked! New read schools on mindful practices for kids

c/o BuddhaGroove.com

If your child needs help falling asleep, calming down, controlling anger or just becoming more patient or aware in general, check out this kid-friendly guide.

Mindfulness exercises, examples and anecdotes fill the pages, offering practical insights for children ages 5-12. A CD of guided meditation is included.

(Sitting Still Like A Frog: Mindfulness Guidebook for Kids, by Eline Snel. $17.95 at BuddhaGroove.com)

It figures!

Fun and flexible yoga animal figurines make cute gifts for young yogis!

Bend and shape Dog, Fox, Bear, Cat and Kitty for inspirational play.

Needle-felted dolls are approximately 6.5 inches tall.

($24.00/each at Felt4Soul shop on Etsy)

Stay calm and bake on with yoga kitchen tool!

c/o 3DToolingScience

For the yogi who loves to bake -- especially for the kids, these cute cutters come in three yoga pose shapes:

Meditating Yogi, Sitting Yogi and Standing Yogi.

c/o 3DToolingScience

Sizes vary from 1.5 to 4 inches and are biodegradable PLA plastic, which is food-safe. Hand-wash only.

c/o 3DToolingScience

(Yogi Cookie Cutters. $2.75/each from 3DToolingScience shop on Etsy)

Charmed!

c/o sevgijewerly

Gift your young yogi this dainty, 24-karat gold dipped, matte Om pendant.

14-Karat gold filled chain sold separately. Comes in standard 16" or 18" lengths.

($36.00 at sevgijewerly on Etsy)

Yoga yummies!

c/o urbanoutfitters.com

Wish your diet was as nurturing as your yoga practice? It can be. A new yoga-infused cookbook teaches you how to nourish your mind, strengthen your body and bring more balance in to your life -- just like your yoga practice does!

Features over 100 gorgeously photographed gluten free and vegetarian recipes tailored to each of your chakras. Try creating delicious dishes like sweet potato scones and green quinoa burgers, as instructed by author, Kimberly Parsons, a trained naturopath and chef.

Bon Appetit and Namaste :)

(The Yoga Kitchen: Over 100 Vegetarian Recipes to Energize the Body, Balance the Mind & Make for a Happier You, by Kimberly Parson. $24.00 at urbanoutfitters.com)

Word up!

Positive vibes only!

Young yogis will love this sterling silver, Namaste yoga charm.

DIY add to a necklace or bracelet.

($8.29 at lydialayne on Etsy)

Our latest for YogaJournal.com

Kids Yoga Daily for Yoga Journal!

https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/our-kids-are-more-stressed-than-we-realize-meditation

Color and connect with kids yoga coloring book

c/o Amazon.com

While the sun continues to make a strong appearance during this Indian Summer, nab a copy of this kids yoga coloring book and enjoy some creative time outside with your little one. 

Author Sharon Marrama selected the most popular yoga poses for children to decorate in this hand drawn book. Each image is unique and helps kids become more familiarized with the asanas. A great intro-to-yoga find!

(Here Comes the Sun Yoga Coloring Book, $6.50 at Amazon.com)

Share the love!

c/o RUMPUNCHShop

Give the gift of love to yourself and others!

A great yoga mat for the whole family.

The heart symbol is a reminder of the positive energy we all possess.

Eco-conscious, state-of-the-art design on multi-level closed cell foam with soft cushion feel. Non-toxic and latex-free. Measures 74" l x 24" w.

This gift keeps giving! With every purchase, $2.00 is donated to, "The Teen Project," charity.

(Indigo Spirit Live in Love ECO YOGA MAT, $88.00 at RUMPUNCHShop on Etsy).

Top this!

c/o Tripleyum on Etsy

Happy Birthday little yogi!

Planning a yoga-themed birthday party for your kid?

What better way to celebrate your child's special day than with these cute, yoga silhouette cake toppers!

A 12-piece pack includes 3 each of 4 yoga pose styles. Toppers are one-sided. The back exposes wooden pick glued.

(Kids Yoga Cake Toppers. 12-pc set, $5.74 at Tripleyum on Etsy)

My oh My - Mala!

A darling gift for up-in-coming young yogis!

These handmade, double-strung wood Mala bracelets on stretchy, elastic cords are made for kids!

Tassel colors in Mixed Rust and Mixed Green. Wear it well!

(Children's Japa Mala Bracelet $14.00/each on Etsy at VMYogaJewelry)

Cozy and kind fall fashion

Cover your littles in positive, comfy vibes from head to toe. Spiritual Gangster's kids line spreads empowering energy, in wearable, hip style. Sizes 2T to 14.

Shine Your Light Tank, $34.00

SG Varsity Kids Raw Edge Sweatshirt, $68.00

SG Varsity OM Kids Zip Hoodie, $74.00

(Purchase at SpiritualGangster.com)

New kids read about a timeless need

c/o Abrams Young Readers

From the best-selling author/illustrator team who brought us, I Am Yoga, Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds have paired up to create, I Am Peace: a book of mindfulness, their new kids picture book!

As kids head back to school, this read is the perfect companion to help keep them calm, aware of their feelings (and stressors!) and expressive of their needs.

With such mindfulness, a greater sense of peace within and to be shared with others is possible. A guided meditation is included as a tool to keep this practice within reach and just a breath away.

(I Am Peace: a book of mindfulness. Abrams Young Readers, $14.95)

Clear your sleepy head

c/o pbteen.com

This pretty mantra pillow will remind your young one to breathe easy and have a clear-headed night's rest.

The bold-messaged lumbar cushion is a fashionable find to accent a bed or on top a chair of sofa. 

Cotton and polyester fill. Reversed to white.

(ivivva Boucle Breathe Lumbar Pillow. $39.00 on sale at PBteen.com)

Solid sweetness!

Add heart-warming garden décor to your home indoors or out.

Rustic, baby monk on elephant statue captures the human/animal bond. Stands16" high, 18" wide in black and teal color. Weighs about 17 pounds.

(Baby Monk and Elephant Garden Statue. $185.00 at buddhagroove.com)

Time for a Conference Call?

No, not the phone kind.

There is no shortage of yoga-related workshops and conferences today. How do you find which one is a fit for your wants and needs?

c/o Omega Institute Facebook

The Yoga Service Council is a good place to start. The non-profit recently held its sixth annual conference at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York. The three-day gathering focused this year on supporting practice and building community.

As an organization, the YSC aims to maximize the impact of individuals and organizations working to make yoga and mindfulness practices equally accessible to all.

Breakout session highlights included themes on cultivating inner resilience, yoga for underserved populations, trauma-informed approaches to working with youth, and the transformative power of stillness + its role in yoga service.

Beyond lifting and empowering your spirit, Omega’s Hudson Valley grounds are serene and naturally picturesque. The retreat’s wellness center offers a range of services, such as a massage, energy work, henna and soul work, too!

Stroga Yoga? Get the low down on this stroller-based practice for new moms!

c/o Google Images

Grab a stroller and try this popular yoga off-shoot! We've spoken with Ashley Goldberg, owner of kids yoga company, BornYoga for the low down on everything Stroga!

KYD: What is Stroga? (Stroller Yoga)

AG: There are different definitions of Stroga, depending on who you ask and who is teaching. For example, some people would describe a stroga class as a combination of Stroller Walking (outside), followed by a 20-30 minute, gentle yoga class (inside or outside). When practicing Stroga at Born Yoga, the stroller becomes a toll to assist in various standing asanas and balancing postures. Rather than using the wall, we ...

KidsYogaDaily -- Latest for YogaJournal.com!

http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/the-yoga-of-childbirth-3-new-yogi-moms-share-their-birth-stories

Get the look: fun + fresh kids yoga shorts!

A passion for clothes, people and yoga were the passion behind new activewear brand, Bitsy Bottom, which features a line of kids shorts.

Check out the “second skin spandex” colors and styles – versatile for sports, yoga or just lounging around! Sizes Small through Extra Large available.

(Bitsy Bottom Kids Shorts. $30/pair at bitsybottom.com)

What's trending now - yoga camp!

c/o SHINE Yoga Kids

 What’s trending now – yoga camp!

“We’ve noticed more kids asking to do yoga,” says Lauren Chaitoff, founder and co-owner of Yogi Beans, a NY-based yoga-for-kids company which has offered yoga in camps for a decade.

For Pure Yoga, of New York City, “Our mini-retreats are for children ages 3-6,” says Chaitoff. “Various camps will also bring us on-site and the ages there typically range from 2.5 – 10 years.”

Camps operate for one and two weeks at a time, with sessions running for 2.5 hours each.

Typically, campers can expect an exciting yoga adventure in class, followed by a soothing savasana, fun arts and crafts activity, mindful games and calming yoga story, says Chaitoff.

“Kids are asked to pack a light (nut-free) lunch that will be eaten during story time,” says the yoga expert.

Newbies to yoga are welcome, says Chaitoff.

“Every kid is an ideal yoga camper. No experience needed. Just bring your body, mind and heart,” she says.

c/o SHINE Yoga Kids

At SHINE Yoga Kids in New City, NY, yoga summer camp programming for ages 4-12 is in its third year.

“It’s a nice option for kids who are not attending camp and for those who are looking for a healthy, indoor activity for a few hours during the day,” says Amy Hough, owner of SHINE.

Camps here rune for one week each and kids follow a theme-based class, which is approximately an hour.

“We provide organic snacks and water, followed by an activity designed around the theme – either a partner pose, craft, games or team-building activity,” says Hough.

Kids who are looking to keep cool, make new friends and enjoy more of a low-key, non-competitive environment would be happy at yoga camp, says Hough.

“Parents love knowing that their child is gaining all of the incredible benefits of yoga, while having fun in camp,” she says.

Grab-and-go-healthy! Kids will love these snack staples

c/o The Little Kernel

Grab and go healthy!

Kids will love these snack staples!

Add a little pop to your kids school lunch bag! The Little Kernel packs delicious, gluten-free flavor in to its tiny-sized popcorn kernels. Made with 100% olive oil, the munch-worthy treat is also non GMO, dairy-free, kosher and certified whole grain.

Avaialble in flavors like Truffle Sea Salt and Pink Himalayan Salt.

(The Little Kernel. $3.49 at Giant, Marianos, Shop Rite and Sprouts)

Little granola-lovers will enjoy this 100% all natural kind. Each bite of Viki's Granola claims to pack soft, chewy texture and comes in five flavors.

(Viki's Granola. $11.00 for 10 1.5 oz bags at vikisfoods.com or Whole Foods and other major retailers).

Budding beauty!

Gift your little yogi this sterling, wrap-around style, budding lotus and leaf ring.

Ring band is 5" at widest point. Ring sizes 6 through 9. Handcrafted.

(Bud and Leaf Sterling Silver Lotus Ring. $24.00 at buddhagroove.com)

Rock these Spring '17 Girls' Yoga Looks

The rhythm of Spring is in full swing for K-DEER.

The essence of our spring '17 collection, called Havana Rhythm, is a reflection of Havana, Cuba's beauty and bustling vibrancy. We are celebrating the city's movement and expression with sweeping brushstrokes, sharp zig-zags, contrasting bright colors and bold shapes," says founder and CEO, Kristine Deer. In homage to the city, prints are named Cha-Cha, Mambo, Vive Libre and Tropicana.

Color-wise, we are encouraging girls not to be afraid out and wear what makes them feel unique and beautiful. The movement of the prints encourages the K-DEER girl to get up and move, taking care of her mind and body, says Deer.

Spring athleisure style - what's hot now

c/o Onzie

Spring has sprung and so too has design inspiration for this the season's youth athleisure wear!

For Kimberly Swarth, president of Onzie, it's the feminine spirit, which encourages spiritualism, freedom and play that inspired the brand's Spring line.

c/o Onzie

"There's a lot of powerful color and art in this collection, particularly the Tiger Lily, Mantra and Las Lunas prints," she says. "We want youth to be inspired by their mothers and other female mentors in their lives. We hope these mirrored products help to elevate that connection."

The outdoors also inspired the new looks.

c/o Onzie

"We want youth to connect with their bodies as well as the outside world, through the powerful designs they wear. All of our spandex pieces are what we call Free Flow Spandex, and are designed to stretch as they move and play," says Swarth.

Onzie picked up on style trends toward strappy bralettes, paired with drop back tanks this season and their new basic hoodie, made with a super soft triblend fabric, "Is sure to be their favorite piece that they will want to wear every day," says Swarth.

Shine bright like a lotus!

c/o pbteen.com

Yoga glow!

Light up your little yogi’s bedroom or play space with this lotus-inspired sconce. Delicate, dainty and divine!

12” diameter, 10” high. 60 watt bulb required.  6 ft. long cord. Made of sturdy iron frame and cotton linen.  

(Lotus Wall Sconce. $139 at pbteen.com)

4 Yoga Poses to Quell Kids Separation Anxiety

http://www.yogajournal.com/slideshow/mindful-parenting-4-yoga-poses-quell-kids-separation-anxiety/#1

Party favors with purpose!

For yoga-themed birthday parties, little yogis will adore and appreciate these inspirational trinkets as parting gifts...

Handmade Yoga Buttons (1" diameter")
$4.00 for 5 buttons - up to $180 for 500 buttons!

(At analiesnoell on Etsy)

You Are Strong Elephant Charm Bracelet
Bind them with strength. Waxed cotton band comes in a variety of colors at 8" long.

($3.75 each. From SoulSparks on Etsy)

Box or Rocks
These little stone treasures serve as inspirational and positive reinforcement.

($5.25 each at Box of Rocks on Etsy)

A (yoga) leg up!

c/o onzie.com

Loving Onzie’s fresh and flattering line of youth athletic wear.

Leggings and Gypsy Pants from $37-$54. 

Sizes 4-5 through 14/16.

Shop onzie.com

Oodles of joy!

Dive in and go deep.

Say hello with love.

Let a smile spread throughout your heart.

Oodles of simple, inspirational truths line the pages of this adorable, whimsically illustrated picture book.

A pleaser for parents and kids alike.

(Buddha Doodles: Imagine the Possibilities, by Molly Hahn. Andrews McMeel Publishing. $12.99).

Protective party favor!

For your child's next yoga-themed birthday party, consider

these beautiful, handmade key chains, symbolizing

protection, happiness, luck and good fortune. Features

antique brass Hamsa hand with turquoise gemstone.

(Bohemian Earth Designs, $11.95 on Etsy)