Reddit mentions: The best boxing strike pads

If you want to actually throw power punches, I would recommend you both take boxing classes and get a heavy bag and at least some hand wraps. Otherwise, you're likely to mess up your hands and wrists. The downside with that solution is that it would cost money and time, both of which you've said that you don't want to invest in.

There are other alternatives like stand-up bags, but that's also costly and you would be able to easily knock them down unless you're a very small or weak puncher.

You could possibly wall mounted bag but that's inadvisable unless you have a strong brick/cement wall or you have a place where you don't mind shaking off pieces of the drywall.

Your original solution with hand-held pads might still work if you're willing to take a few boxing pointers, but most people don't know how to hold pads or punch properly.

Are you just holding them still or are you trying to tap down onto their strike? Having really shifty kicking pads can be rather annoying.

The only first-hand experience I have with Thai Pads are these: http://www.amazon.com/Contender-Fight-Sports-Thai-Pads/dp/B006CUD8MY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450692371&sr=8-1&keywords=contender+thai+pad

Nothing premium, but the straps can allow for one to get a decently snug fit if a partner helps them out.

Might want to go with Thai-style pads rather than focus mitts. I've seen them as cheap as $30 on MMAHQ.com (a deal-a-day website like Woot but for gear).

Generally, they're easier to hold but not quite as satisfying to hit. They don't give as much "pop" as mitts and the holder can't shift them quite as quickly. Since you guys are just looking for the basics, I'd consider picking up Bas' workout - it's made for heavy bag but with a partner you'd quickly pick up where to hold for each other and when to switch the pads up (for knees and kicks), and the DVD would at least get you some help with the form of the strikes. Plus it's Bas, he's goddamn hilarious.

Fairtex Thai Pads -Amazon

I’ve used a number of Thai pads and these are the best I’ve used. Lightweight but tough enough to stand up to holding kicks for one of my guys who’s a 210lb fighter

https://www.amazon.com/Fairtex-Kickboxing-Training-Curved-Standard/dp/B006CV6W6M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524184839&sr=8-3&keywords=fairtex+thai+pads

i highly recommend these thai pads

Might not be relevant to you if you plan to practice alone, but I do Muay Thai kickboxing together with my fiancé and we have a home set up in addition to our gym membership. We have a 9'x6' mat that we got from Amazon, and a Blastmaster, in addition to all of our equipment that we bring to the gym (gloves, shin guards, wraps, etc). We plan to get these pads soon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006CUD8MY/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1524698693&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=thai+pads&dpPl=1&dpID=51SpRjovEqL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0084WQVI6/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1524698741&sr=8-13&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=body+shield+mma

Found some answers to my own question, grappling dummy, wing chun wooden dummy, or wall punching pads (makiwara), or stand alone heavy bag, or hojo undo