Usually, right around Dec. 15 every year, I realize that Christmas is in 10 days and I have nothing for anyone. I vowed that would not be the case this season and actually got the bulk of the Santa Clausing wrapped up this weekend.

The big stuff is, for me, the easiest to knock off the list. I have letters to Santa Claus and requests from nieces and nephews tucked in my pocket. So, I’m feeling confident of Christmas Day smiles as I trot through downtown stores making my purchases.

But, it’s the stocking stuffers that always stump me.

When I was a kid, stockings were packed with pounds of chocolate and candy – and don’t get me wrong that was totally awesome. But, I don’t actually know how my parents coped with the Christmas chocolate-induced crazies.

They make me crazy.

Going for a more healthy holiday take this year, I went on the hunt fora greener version of stocking stuffers and heard that Tina over at Seeds Natural Grocery in Cumberland made stuffing those stockings easy this year. I headed over on Friday to discover that she had a ton of great stuff that I would totally want to find in the sock with my name on it.

Her collections of lovely lip balms and all kinds including cool Love Thy Lips and my favorite Eco-Tints definitely made the top of the list at our house this year, as we all share a love of the balm.

I’ve found major lip balm love this year at other great local stores like Eco-Centric and The Green Room – both in downtown Courtenay. Kristi at Eco-Centric makes her own line of balms – Blossoming Lotus - that are very seasonal and great for your lips.

On that note, I am all over the soothing bath soaps, washes and lotions this year. Tina carries Aroma Force – which I totally love. It smells delicious and can soothe even the most savage beast.

One thing I want to try out this year are these very cool roll-on essential oils that The Green Room is carrying. They have some that are just to smell great. But, there’s also a collection that is focused on health including relaxation, immune enhancement and more. Just the right dash of essential oil to get you through the day.

One thing my parents tucked into stockings along with all of that candy was the annual Christmas toothbrush. There are lots of great, green options this year and I am particularly fond of the Source toothbrushes that Seeds has. They are made from recyclables, packaged well and recyclable themselves.

Scoring some gorgeous beeswax and soy candles this year will make just about anyone smile. Seeds has some gorgeous meditation candles and I know that The Green Room has a full collection of wonderful soy candles to tuck into unsuspecting stockings.

Match that with some great exotic spices from Monsoon Coast and you’ve got a great, unique set.

For folks who are running out of time, but want something unique, green and priced right, Eco-Centric has smartly priced gift packs for family members of all ages and sizes. Everything from cozy undies and socks to gorgeous stone jewelry, books, even dolls. I would definitely check them out.

Coffee, nuts, even kitchen scrubbies (Oh The Green Room has THE cutest eco-friendly scrubbies) are great additions to the stocking. But, for the person on the go, I am always a big fan of reusable bags. Onya bags (available at Seeds) are made from recycled parachute material and are about the most durable sack out there. They are totally guy friendly, with no designs, and come in great colors.

My other fave in the bag department are the fun, whimsical and totally washable (major bonus) Envirosax (get these at The Green Room).

So, head out there to do some local shopping and think green this holiday season as you make those final purchases to hang by the chimney with care.:)

I’d love to hear what you all have scored for stocking stuffers this year. Jump in and let everyone know what you’ve found.