The lead up to the holidays can feel like an ongoing deluge of competing sales and endless promotions, not to mention pressure. It’s easy to understand why many opt for the ease of ordering from Amazon or other convenient conglomerates.
But rather than getting sucked into big-box mania, we suggest turning to values-driven companies offering sustainable gift options for a more meaningful—and impactful—way of approaching your gifting this season.
Why we love buying from B Corps
Genus is a certified B Corporation, which means that doing good in the world is part of our DNA. B Corp is a title we wear with pride, and one that shows our deep commitment to the planet and to striving toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
We’ve achieved B Corp status by continually meeting the high standards of verified performance, accountability and transparency when it comes to social and environmental good. And we also strive to lift up other B Corp businesses that are benefitting society. As we approach gifting season, a few of our Genus team members have thoughtfully shared their favourite B Corp brands to help you feel good about your gift-giving this year.
When you buy from these B Corps, you’re supporting their efforts to make a positive impact in their communities and around the world. Happy gifting!
1. Athleta
Activewear brand Athleta is on a mission to ignite the potential in girls and women by producing premium, size-inclusive products that use recycled fabrics, sustainable materials and have been made in Fair Trade-certified facilities.
According to our Chief Growth Officer, Shannon Ward, finding workout wear that’s both sustainable and well designed is no easy feat, but Athleta is the perfect marriage of substance and style.
Gift pick: So Toasty Girls Jacket
Stocking stuffer: Cozy Does It Socks
2. TOMS
Our IT Director Virginia Yu loves that footwear brand TOMS uses sustainable Earthwise materials in its products without compromising on style and comfort. TOMS invests one third of its profits in “grassroots good,” which includes partnerships with community organizations that want to drive sustainable change, funding access to mental health resources and cash grants for impact partners.
We bet you didn’t know that they make sunglasses too, with frames made from 100% biodegradable plant-based materials.
Gift pick: Bellini Sunglasses
Stocking stuffer: Waffle Bootie Slipper
3. Spud
As a five-year Spud subscriber, our Head of Wealth Management, Mary Lou Miles, enthusiastically recommends their services for getting organic, healthy food delivered right to your door. “It’s a great gift for professional people or seniors who have difficulty getting to stores,” she says.
From everyday groceries to health and beauty products, Spud offers a huge range of products from local farmers, ranchers, bakers and artisans.
Gift pick: Clever Mocktails
Stocking stuffer: Peppermint Shave Bar
4. Persephone Brewing
Gibsons, BC-based Persephone Brewing is our Chief Sustainability Officer and co-CIO Mike Thiessen’s go-to choice for excellent, sustainably produced craft beer. He recommends hopping on the ferry to visit Persephone’s Sunshine Coast property, which consists of two large growing fields, two apple orchards, two market gardens, two greenhouses, a flock of hens, and, of course, a brewery and restaurant.
Keep your eyes peeled in BC Liquor Stores for the Persephone Dry Irish Stout, a smooth and aromatic choice for the holiday season.
Gift pick: Lunch at Persephone
Stocking Stuffer: Honeycomb Hard Seltzer
5. MadeGood Foods
Our CEO Stephen Au picked MadeGood for its delicious snacks made with whole ingredients. Its status as a certified zero waste business and its dedication to helping children and families have better health and nutrition choices also make it an appealing brand to share with loved ones.
As part of its mandate to “make a real difference,” MadeGood partners with the SickKids Foundation, food banks, non-profits that run relief programs for underserved neighbourhoods, and more. Plus, all of its products are organic, vegan, verified non-GMO, and contain nutrients from vegetables. A truly guilt-free snack.
Gift pick: Variety Packs
Stocking stuffer: Sweet Cinnamon Cookies
6. Mama Earth Organics
At grocery delivery service Mama Earth Organics, you can shop a la carte or set up recurring subscription deliveries. “They work with local farmers and small food producers who put sustainability and biodiversity at the core of their business,” says Genus Head of Eastern Canada Darryl Brown.
Because Mama Earth Organics works with producers who share the company’s values, you know you’re getting products that are helping more than just a business’s bottom line.
Gift pick: Mabel’s Bakery Apple Pie
Stocking stuffer: Kombucha
7. Summerhill Pyramid Winery
Kelowna-based international award-winning winery Summerhill is best known for its massive stone pyramid that sits just behind the winery looking out over Okanagan Lake. But it’s also recognized for its dedication to supporting biodiversity and organic farming.
Client Relationship Manager Jill Bester appreciates Summerhill for its amazing tasting room, restaurant and premium organic wines, but she also loves its mission: a vision of gratitude and abundance for people and planet.
Gift pick: Wine Club Membership
Stocking stuffer: Cipes Brut NV
8. ChopValue
If you’re looking for a truly unique gift, this is it: ChopValue redefines the term “waste” into “resource” by using recycled chopsticks to produce furniture and accessories.
Here’s what our Client Relationship Manager Evelyn Wu has to say about her pick: “They have a great intention: minimizing environmental impact while creating sustainable solutions that are engineered to last.”
Gift pick: Cribbage Board
Stocking stuffer: Zero Gravity Wine Holder
9. Frank & Oak
Canadian clothing brand Frank & Oak is a leader in sustainable fashion, with a focus on recycled materials and fair labour practices.
Marketing Associate Graham Farmer loves Frank & Oak’s range of eco-friendly materials—such as hemp, Seacell and yak wool—and says the brand does a great job of designing fashionable selections that are built to last. He recommends using their Gift Finder Quiz—a fun way to discover something special for that special someone on your list.
Gift pick: Seawool Turtleneck
Stocking stuffer: Merino Wool Beanie
10. Saul Good Gift Co.
Gift giving is simplified with Saul Good Gift Co.’s high-quality gift baskets, which are thoughtfully curated, filled with artisan-made Canadian goods, and packaged “with values and a sprinkle of local charm.”
Client Services Director Batool Tejani loves the intuitive website and excellent customer service, but above all, she likes that this eco-focused brand caters to any occasion.
Gift pick: Holiday Indulgence Gift Basket
Stocking stuffer: Vancouver Special Treats
11. Salt Spring Coffee
Salt Spring Coffee was certified Fair Trade 25 years ago, well before it was an industry buzzword. The company’s values—helping communities, celebrating diversity, making a positive impact in the world—have always been just as important as producing high-quality, organic coffee.
Lisa Zhang, our Head of Equity Investments, says you can’t go wrong with coffee as a gift, and Salt Spring is the best there is.
Gift pick: Chemex Coffeemaker
Stocking stuffer: Roaster’s Pick Subscription
12. Tease
Tease is Canada’s first tea company to become a certified B Corporation, and it earned that title through its values-driven way of doing business.
Portfolio Manager Tiffany Lusher loves the delicious array of teas that come in plastic-free, compostable pyramid sachets with 100% biodegradable packaging. Plus, a portion of every order goes toward supporting community enrichment programs to elevate women founders.
Gift pick: Smart Heated Mug Kit
Stocking stuffer: Coconut Chamomile Bath Soak
Interested in exploring how you can make an impact with your investments too? Talk to a Genus Advisor today.
