The Outdoor Enthusiast
By Kimberly Bird

Have some friends and family on your list who would choose sleeping under the stars over luxuriating at a 5-star resort and spa? These are the people who seem to shrivel up before your eyes if you keep them inside too long. They often fit in more adventure before work than most people do all year. But bike chain picture frames and snowboard benches just don’t cut it anymore. How are you going to really wow the outdoor lovers on your list this year?

Good Eating
An inexpensive but extremely useful gift is a utensil set from Gaiam.com made from sustainable bamboo. It’s great for camping, picnics or, eating on the go. The spoon, fork, knife, and chopsticks fit neatly into a washable cotton carrying case that is sewn by a women’s refugee cooperative in Thailand. Weighing in at just 3.2 oz and rolling up into a tiny bundle, the utensil set keeps messes—and plastics—to a minimum.

Gift: Bamboo Utensil Set
Cost: $22.00
Where to Buy: Gaiam

All-in-One Clean
Small bottles of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap are the perfect stocking stuffer for the outdoor lover on your list. Not only is the soap biodegradable, but the list of its uses is so enormous that even in the backest of back country, outdoors enthusiasts will be able to clean their hair, bodies, teeth, clothes, dishes, or dog. An added bonus: the label makes a great read if you’ve left your book at home.

Gift: Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap
Cost: About $3-$8
Where to Buy: Amazon

Bring the Outside In
Sure, a book isn’t a natural choice for someone who loves spending their life outside, but with a stunning photograph and a simple, environment-friendly action for every day of the year, 365 Ways to Save the Earth by Philipe Boursellier is sure to inspire. The nature enthusiast will find new ideas for outdoor adventures, as well as suggestions that will help them to protect the planet they love.

Gift: 365 Ways to Save the Earth Philippe Boursellier
Cost: $29.99
Buy It At Lime!

Big Adventure
Want a gift that registers 8.0 on the “wow” scale? Go straight for the experience gift. Natural Habitat Adventure offers small-group nature adventures and is certified as a World Wildlife Federation “official conservation travel provider.” The trip choices are endless and include wildlife safaris in Africa, the Galapagos Islands, Alaska, New Zealand, and Yellowstone. If you can, do a carbon offset for the trip through MyClimate and Natural Habitat will split the offset cost it with you!

Gift: Natural Habitat Adventure
Cost: From about $2,000 for a Canyonlands, Utah trip to over $12,000 for one of the African trips
Where to Buy: Natural Habitat Adventure