Once all of the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, they need to be filled. Let’s deviate from the usual toothbrush and pack of playing cards this year, for goodness sake. Here’s my top stocking picks for your earth-minded, sports enthusiast this holiday season.

Possibly one of the best stocking stuffers I’ve ever received, the Therm-a-Rest Compressable Pillow, is a welcome companion on any trip. This compressible headrest squeezes down to 1/5th of its original size and expands instantly, making it perfect for camping, road trips and air travel. The filling of this eco-pillow is actually left over pieces of high-quality foam from Therm-a-Rest’s famous sleeping pads which explains its incredible properties! And if you end up using it every day, as I do, you can always throw it in the washing machine for a good clean. The pillow is available in small, medium and large sizes.

If you have a cyclist on your list, check out Pedro’s Blowout Seat Bag. Made from blownout bicycle tire tubes, the name seems appropriate. Available in three sizes, the small pack actually has room for a collapsible tube, CO2 inflator, tire levers and possibly even a small hex set with some creative packing. Plus, with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty you can rest assured your eco-friendly purchase was made to last. Read more »