Looking for a Pilates gift that feels thoughtful but stays under $50? Good news: most of the gear people actually use for Pilates at home is small, light and affordable. Below are gift ideas grouped by budget, plus a few tips so it arrives on time and gets used after the wrapping paper is gone.
Full disclosure: Pilamie sells some of the items on this list (we link to them). The rest are general ideas you can find from many brands.
Under $20: stocking stuffers
1. Grip socks
Non-slip socks are the accessory Pilates fans wear out fastest. They help on wood floors at home and many studios require them. Pick a fun color and you are done.
2. A set of loop resistance bands
Small fabric or latex loops add resistance to bridges, clams and side-lying leg work. Look for a set with several levels so she can progress. Want ideas for using them? Our free 28-day Pilates plan uses bands in most sessions.
3. A pedal resistance band
A foot pedal band turns the mat into a mini rowing station: sit down, hook your feet in and pull. Most are light enough to fit in a stocking or a gym bag. Look for padded handles and a sturdy foot bar.
$20 to $35: useful upgrades
4. A mini Pilates ball
A soft 9 to 10 inch ball supports the lower back in curl-ups and adds a squeeze to bridges. It is one of the cheapest ways to make home workouts feel like a class. See four mini ball exercises to include with the gift.
5. A Pilates ring
The ring (or magic circle) adds light resistance for inner thighs, glutes, chest and arms. Padded grips on both sides make it comfortable. Pair it with our five beginner ring exercises.
6. A non-slip exercise mat
If she practices on a hard floor, a mat is the gift she will use every single session. Look for one around 72 x 24 in and at least 5 mm thick, with grip on both sides. Skip this one if she already owns a good mat.
7. A Pilates bar
A foam-covered bar with resistance bands brings reformer-style pulls and presses to the living room. Check that the bands clip on securely and that the bar is long enough for her shoulder width.
$35 to $50: the complete gift
8. A home Pilates kit with a plan
The most common problem with fitness gifts is not the gear. It is not knowing what to do with it. A kit that comes with a plan solves both. Our Home Pilates Kit is $49.99 and includes:
- A Pilates ring with padded grips (about 15 in)
- A 9.8 in exercise ball with inflation straw
- Five loop resistance bands, extra-light to extra-heavy
- A long flat resistance band (59 in) and a figure-8 band
- A 6 ft stretching strap and an arm and inner-thigh toner
- Two pairs of non-slip grip socks
- A drawstring carry bag and a printed user guide
Every kit comes with our 28-Day Pilates Challenge PDF: four weeks of 15 to 25 minute sessions that use each piece, with easier and harder options. The download link arrives in the order confirmation email, so if you are buying for someone else, forward it to them with a note.
9. A studio class, with a bit of gear
If she loves group classes, a drop-in class at her favorite studio plus a pair of grip socks can fit this budget. Prices vary a lot by city, so check the studio's rates and policies before you buy.
Quick guide: which gift for which person
- Total beginner: a kit with a plan, so nothing is missing and she knows how to start.
- Already takes classes: grip socks, a ring or a ball for practice at home.
- Small apartment: bands, a ring and a bag. Skip bulky items.
- Loves strength work: a Pilates bar or a pedal band.
Timing, shipping and returns
Pilamie orders ship free with tracking within the US. Orders are processed in 1 to 3 business days and usually arrive 3 to 7 business days after dispatch. Around the holidays carriers get busy, so we suggest ordering at least two weeks before you need it. You can enter the recipient's address at checkout.
The kit ships as one package, so everything arrives together. Unused items can be returned within 30 days; see our refund policy for details.