As an investor, you already know you can put your money to work to accomplish great things: financial goals, of course, but also support for the kind of change you’d like to see in the world.
Turns out you can do the same with the gifts you give this holiday season by choosing to support B Corp-certified businesses.
Spending your hard-earned money on a brand that is deeply committed to social and environmental impact is something you can truly feel good about. That’s why, every year, we ask our team members to recommend their favourite B Corp gift picks. The 12 businesses on our 2024 list are loaded with fun and functional gift ideas. Happy gifting!
Why We Love B Corps
As a certified B Corporation (recently re-certified with a higher score!), we have a deep appreciation for businesses that weave their values into the foundation of their operations with the goal of making the world a better place.
To obtain official B Corp status, a brand has to go through a rigorous process of proving its high social and environmental performance, plus its transparency as a business. Genus is proud to be one of the businesses leading the global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.
Our 2024 B Corp Holiday Gift Picks
During the holidays—when feverish consumerism can run rampant—it’s refreshing to put some of the focus back on sustainability. Take a peek at these brands that put people and the planet before profit, and pick some amazing gifts for the people in your life.
1. Skipper Otto
Portfolio Manager and Genus Partner Mary Lou Miles picked online seafood vendor Skipper Otto because it’s “using business as a force of good.” It also sells the most incredible wild, local, sustainable fish.
Skipper Otto is an online community of independent fishing families who are committed to delivering fair prices and Ocean Wise products to customers across Canada—without the middlemen. After becoming a member, you can buy fresh fish online and have it delivered to a local pick-up spot, whether you live in Red Deer, Regina or Windsor.
“By providing your loved ones with subscriptions to Skipper Otto, you are giving them an opportunity to have great-quality fish delivered to their local grocery stores across Canada, not just in BC.”
Mary Lou’s gift pick: Skipper Otto Gift Membership
2. Memobottle
How could a reusable water bottle possibly be innovative when so many already exist? If that’s what you’re thinking, you have to check out memobottle, the slim, space-saving flat water bottle that was designed for ultimate portability.
Genus CEO Stephen Au loves the functional design, but ultimately picked memobottle for its support of water.org and the impact the brand is making by reducing single-use water-bottle waste.
“It’s been a personal challenge to keep hydrated. This product encourages the healthy habit of drinking more water while reducing the devastating effect of single-use plastic bottles. It’s also functional for packing the daily bag!”
Stephen’s gift pick: A5 memobottle
3. Righteous Gelato
Righteous Gelato has been crusading to make the world a better place since day one, when the brand launched with one tiny batch freezer. Genus Portfolio Manager Grant Conroy is a big fan of its “people first, profits second” motto and the brand’s focus on giving back to local communities.
The company’s Giving Gang dedicates more than 1,000 volunteer hours each year toward reducing poverty and food insecurity, creating opportunities for kids and youth, ending domestic violence, and investing in grassroots organizations that support local communities. And did we mention their products are mind-blowingly delicious?
“Whether it’s a host gift or something for a friend, giving someone gelato is a tangible gift and an experience rolled into one.”
Grant’s gift pick: Mint Chocolate Stracciatella Gelato
4. Salt Spring Coffee
Client Relationship Manager and Genus Partner Jill Bester is a major fan of local brand Salt Spring Coffee: “I’m an island girl supporting an island company!”
Salt Spring has been a staple in the BC coffee scene since its inception in the ’90s, when the brand set out to support the sustainable coffee growers of the world and bring high-quality coffee to its Vancouver Island community.
Salt Spring Coffee is now proud to be Canada’s first Regenerative Organic Certified® coffee, setting the highest standard in the world for soil health, ecosystem preservation, and farmworker fairness. The brand is laser focused on its long-term direct trade partnerships and is helping communities flourish on both sides—from where the crops are grown to where the coffee is consumed.
“Who doesn’t need a few cups of coffee each day? Salt Spring makes a great holiday gift and helps change the world for the better.”
Jill’s gift pick: Laid Back Coffee Subscriptions
5. Patagonia
Patagonia is a household name in the adventuring community, earning its solid-gold reputation not only for its outstanding products, but also for its commitment to environmental sustainability, ethical practices and social responsibility.
Genus Marketing Lead Graham Farmer loves that Patagonia donates a percentage of its profits to environmental causes, uses recycled materials in its products, and advocates for protecting the planet. Shopping with Patagonia translates into support for broader sustainability efforts and is an investment in high-quality products and a business that is engaged in positive change.
“Their transparency and efforts toward fair labour make them a trusted brand for conscious consumers. The Nano Puff Jacket is made from 100% recycled polyester, aligning with Patagonia’s eco-friendly mission. It’s a meaningful gift for someone who values sustainability and outdoor adventure.”
Graham’s gift pick: Anything made with Nano Puff insulation
6. Frank and Oak
If you’re tired of fast fashion and its troubling repercussions, sustainable Canadian fashion brand Frank and Oak is a breath of fresh air.
Genus Director of Client Services Batool Tejani loves its mix of timeless classics and trendy pieces, and particularly appreciates the minimalist colour palettes, patterns and cuts. The brand has been on a mission to marry innovation with eco-friendly processes since its launch in 2012, and is now a leader in the sustainable fashion market.
“The high-quality fabrics allow for a long-lasting wardrobe with pieces that can easily be transitioned from season to season. Frank and Oak is a great pick for any fashion lover with so many versatile and effortless pieces to choose from.”
Batool’s gift pick: Donegal Wool Beanie
7. Mini A Ture
Genus Head of Equity Investments Lisa Zhang picked kids’ clothing brand Mini A Ture for its responsible approach to creating beautiful, timeless clothing that exemplifies true craftsmanship.
All of Mini A Ture’s clothes are made from certified organic or recycled materials and are free from any identified harmful chemicals or endocrine disruptors. The brand originated in Denmark, where having well-designed and hardy outerwear is imperative for everyday living, so you can be sure that their designs are well equipped to withstand the elements.
“I love the brand because of its cute designs and use of reliable materials. The brand feels strongly responsible for future generations and they do their best to work with nature.”
Lisa’s gift pick: Matadel Teddyfleece Jumpsuit
8. Partake Brewing
Sober curiosity is having a big moment, and it’s a boon for anyone who doesn’t drink alcohol. Partake Brewing is at the forefront of the non-alcoholic beer movement as a purveyor of high-quality beverages that mirror the depth of flavour found in traditional favourites such as hoppy IPAs, malty ales, and easy-drinking pilsners.
Genus Portfolio Manager Tiffany Lusher picked Partake because they’re one of North America’s first non-alcoholic craft breweries, but they’re also committed to the environment and community, as evidenced by their B Corp business status.
“Partake offers a wide variety of non-alcoholic beer to meet everyone’s taste and every occasion. In addition to their regular offers, they have limited editions that vary by the season.”
Tiffany’s gift pick: Create Your Own Custom Pack
9. Kotn
Genus Sustainable Investment Analyst James Dick is a fan of Kotn first and foremost for its durable, high-quality clothing and home products. But he also admires the brand’s dedication to transparency and its continued investment in jobs, infrastructure, systems and educational opportunities within the communities it partners with.
Fun (and amazing) fact: To date, Kotn has funded 10 primary schools and constructed seven.
“With Kotn, not only are you buying a great product, but you are also supporting sustainable fashion and poverty alleviation. Their products are unmatched in quality, providing both a positive impact and a great look that I know will last for a long time.”
James’s gift pick: Hammam Towel
10. Elate Beauty
Elate Beauty is a vegan cosmetics brand from Victoria, BC, which just happens to be Genus’ Chief Growth Officer Shannon Ward’s hometown. But that’s not the only reason she loves them. As a champion for diversity, Elate has a founding mission of helping people create and define their own definition of beauty.
The brand is dedicated to low-waste practices and overall sustainability, which includes using ethical ingredients, engaging in responsible marketing, and providing an innovative recycling program for its customers.
“Elate products are great gifts for the make-up lover in your life who wants to make sustainable choices and support local businesses. The foundation provides just the right amount of coverage and I feel good knowing that I’m putting quality ingredients on my skin.”
Shannon’s gift pick: Refresh foundation | Magnetic Palette
11. Ettitude
Ettitude is innovating in the home goods space with its patented CleanBamboo® fibres, which are 100% toxin-free and organic. Director of IT Virginia Yu loves this brand because of its incredibly soft, hypoallergenic fabrics and dedication to sustainability. By producing its signature fabric in an eco-friendly closed-loop system, Ettitude reuses water up to 200 times and recycles 98% of it.
“Many people compare Ettitude’s bamboo fabric to the feeling of silk. But it has even better breathability and moisture-wicking properties, making it ideal for hot sleepers.”
Virginia’s gift pick: Sateen eye mask
12. Saponetti
Genus Associate Client Relationship Manager Darryl Brown’s pick for sustainable gift-giving is Saponetti, a purveyor of refillable household and personal care products that are sourced from environmentally friendly and sustainable suppliers.
Saponetti originated as a one-stop shop for daily needs that drastically reduces single-use plastic waste. Now, they support their community members who are aspiring to live a zero-waste lifestyle with a bricks-and-mortar refill station and online shop of sustainable goods.
“I trust them. I know that so much thought has been put into their entire supply chain from how their products are produced and how they arrive at your home using zero-emissions delivery providers. Their products are from high-quality, non-toxic producers that you may not see at the national grocery chains. And everything smells amazing!”
Darryl’s gift pick: Saponetti Essentials Orange Zest Hand & Body Soap
