B Corp Gift Guide: 78+ Sustainable Gifts for People & the Planet
- Alyssa Hardbower
- November 15, 2023
- 11 Minute Read
Welcome to the 2023 handbook of holiday gifts from local North Carolina B Corps and beyond! The Southern Energy elves are here to offer advice for environmentally and socially friendly gift options for those on your list. With this nifty guide of 78+ North Carolina B Corp gift choices from 26 B Corps (5 of which are new since last year!), you can feel extra good about your purchases while supporting local businesses that are making a positive impact on people, the planet, and your community.
Gifts For...
Gifts for Caffeine crushers
- Raleigh, NC
- B-Corp Since June 2015
Larry’s is deeply dedicated to protecting the environment and using our resources more responsibly. Whether from their natural lighting, biodiesel van, or supporting Fair Trade farmers, Larry’s is looking out for the world we live in. Larry’s Coffee prides itself on using shade grown, organic coffee, and on pulling out all of the wonderful flavors from those beautiful brown beans.
- Durham, NC
- B-Corp Since September 2020
Since their founding in 1995, Counter Culture has been a relentless pursuit of coffee perfection through a dedication to real environmental, social, and fiscal sustainability and a commitment to creating cutting-edge coffee people. Their Seeds program gives financial grants to producers and producer organizations to implement social and environmental sustainability projects.
Gifts for Health and Happiness
- Brevard, NC
- B-Corp Since June 2015
Gaia founds their work on the principle “do no harm to people, plants, or the planet” and is on a mission to spread the equation “Purity + Integrity = Potency.” They assure all of their herbs are as natural and pure as possible, while also committing to creating quality jobs and supporting social and environmental impact work.
- Liberty, NC
- B-Corp Since September 2021
Green Heffa Farms is a 14.84-acre organic, regenerative farm that works to expand agricultural access for underserved communities and under-represented farmers. Green Heffa carries its mission through its 4Es: Economic Empowerment, Equity, and Education. One of a handful of Certified B Corp farms, they are the first with a Black Woman CEO!
- Cary, NC
- B-Corp Since April 2016
Vital Plan’s mission is to help people overcome chronic health challenges through the use of physician-formulated natural supplements, guided online wellness courses, and personalized coaching and support. Since 2008, Vital Plan has continued to educate, inspire, and empower customers to leverage natural remedies to find their personal path to wellness. All Vital Plan products are manufactured in the USA.
Gifts for Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Raleigh, NC
- B-Corp Since June 2015
From lip balm to awesome outdoor apparel, Murphy’s is your one stop shop when finding a gift for the person who is always answering the call of the mountains. Murphy’s uses all natural products and strives to promote health and wellness. They also donate 2% of their gross revenue to cause based organizations in an effort to change the world both with their products and by giving back as a company.
- Raleigh, NC
- B-Corp Since February 2011
Through Rainwater Solutions’ affordable and safe process, harvesting water has never been easier. Their products allow homeowners to conserve water by using reclaimed rainwater. Rainwater Solutions’ goal of protecting the earth has led to communities all over the United states to develop ways to increase sustainability and protect the environment. Their products are the perfect purchase for the green-thumb conservationists on your list!
- Raleigh, NC
- B-Corp Since September 2020
Leaf & Limb’s vision is to increase the health and population of trees to overcome pressing environmental issues and restore the balance of life on Earth. As a B Corp, they care for trees because they love our planet and their commitment doesn’t stop with tree care services. Meet Project Pando, Leaf & Limb’s volunteer-driven tree farm with a mission to supply free trees!
Gifts for Choosy Chocoholics
- Asheville, NC
- B-Corp Since September 2017
French Broad Chocolates, Asheville’s local chocolate tasting room and factory, is a great treat for every season. Owners Dan and Jael Rattigan have embraced the life of chocolate ambassadors, creating positive and delicious environments along the way. As a certified green restaurant, French Broad Chocolates serves up a double portion of sustainability: they sustain the Earth and the sweet tooth on your list’s appetite for treats this holiday season.
Gifts for Every Homebody
- Durham, NC
- B-Corp Since December 2017
Founded in 2001, Vert & Vogue has become a community favorite in Durham. Creators Nadira and Ryan Hurley are dedicated to helping downtown Durham grow as a shopping and social destination. They offer a wide array of products from home goods to stylish clothes, allowing Vert & Vogue to truly encompass the spirit of the Bull City. Through their work with nonprofits like SEEDS and Urban Ministries of Durham, and their commitment to sustainability shown in their location and use of natural fibers, Vert and Vogue earned the B Corp certification in December, 2017.
- Charlotte, NC
- B-Corp Since April 2019
According to the National Intimate Partner Sexual Violence Survey, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men in the U.S. have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Thread Talk was founded on a mission to provide comfort by selling high-quality blankets and cozy products that fund shelters for other survivors. 10% of all proceeds are donated to domesticshelters.org which has helped to fund critical wish-list items for 2600+ domestic violence shelters nation-wide.
- Asheville, NC
- B-Corp Since May 2021
Established 2009, East Fork crafts durable, North Carolina made ceramics with a vision for social & environmental good baked in. From accessibility, to equity, and working toward more sustainable practices, East Fork’s commitment to using business as a force for good is evident at every turn. Recent initiatives include fundraising with justice-minded organizations in Western North Carolina, hosting community events that amplify the voices of POC, especially queer and gender nonconforming POC, and developing an initiative to reinvest their self-imposed carbon tax into land trusts that secure property for Black farmers while funding regenerative implementation on Black-owned farms.
- Asheville, NC
- B-Corp Since August 2023
Loom Imports is all about discovering and sharing the beauty of handmade products from hidden corners of the world. Working hand-in-hand with incredible artisans globally, Loom Imports aims to connect these creators to shoppers everywhere. Loom Imports teams up with women’s cooperatives and community groups to create special textiles, home decorations, and accessories that tell a story while providing a living wage. They take pride in knowing each artist personally, ensuring every product comes from a place of deep relationship and respect, while helping to develop economic growth in remote communities.
Gifts for Creative Characters
- Morrisville, NC
- B-Corp Since July 2016
A self-publishing company out of Morrisville, Lulu press is one of the most successful independent publishers in North Carolina. In 16 years of business, Lulu has helped creators in over 220 countries have their stories heard. The foundation of Lulu has always centered around finding an easier way to publish and consume content, so what better way to kick off the holiday season than by getting the creative someone on your gift list’s novel published?
- Burlington, NC
- B-Corp Since January 2008
Starting out as a small screen printing company in 1977, TS Designs quickly grew into an automated shirt printing organization. They soon came up with a new beneficial business model focused around People, the Planet, and Profits. TS Designs follows a dirt to shirt supply chain approach for their cotton tees by partnering with local NC cotton farmers. In 2020, their B2C brand, Solid State, launched a 10,000 pounds of cotton project where consumers could invest in a share of NC grown cotton!
- Sanford, NC
- B-Corp Since January 2023
Descalza, which translates to ‘barefoot’ in Spanish, is a unique clothing brand that brings to life the art of handcrafted, tailor-made fashion. A vibrant celebration of roots and identity, Descalza combines the skills of artisans from Latin America with the craftsmanship of local seamstresses in North Carolina. This fusion creates bold pieces that embody the spirit of being from both here and there—’de aquí y de allá.’
Gifts for Sophisticated Spirits
- Pittsboro, NC
- B-Corp Since June 2016
A craft distillery out of Pittsboro, Fair Game Beverage Co. has just what you need to get in the holiday spirit or to get some holiday spirits in you. Focused on staying true to their Southern roots, Fair Game carefully ages their spirits in alembic copper, bringing you the true flavor of the south. They also use fruit from across the South- to create their wines, infusing them with brandy to develop a truly unique and local flavor. Spread cheer this season by creating a holiday spirit kit filled with recipes and the ingredients to “eat, drink, & be merry”. Fair Game beverages can be found at NC ABC stores or at their tasting room in the Chatham Beverage District.
View Recipe
Gather all the ingredients & include the recipe for this delicious drink!
- For Collins, CO & Asheville, NC
- B-Corp Since January 2013
Makers of well-known classics, like Fat Tire Amber Ale, Voodoo Ranger IPA, and more, New Belgium has been brewing beer as a Certified B Corp since 2013. At the core of using business as a force for good, New Belgium believes that business is a human endeavor and that those humans should be central to everything they do. By focusing on “Human-Powered Business” New Belgium is committed to supporting healthy profit balanced with prioritized benefits for people and the planet. In doing so, Fat Tire earned the title of the first certified carbon-neutral beer in the U.S, and New Belgium has plans for a fully carbon-neutral beer portfolio by 2030!
Gifts for Purposeful Parents
- Matthews, NC
- B-Corp Since June 2020
Bella Tunno was launched in 2005 with the purpose of changing lives. A brand with heart – fun and functional baby products that have a greater purpose. The company gives one meal to one child for every product sold. Bella Tunno has given over 4.5 MILLION MEALS to date.
Gifts for Foodie Friends
- Durham, NC
- B-Corp Since June 2022
Firsthand Foods is a woman-owned food hub, that sources livestock from farmers who raise their animals humanely, outdoors on pasture without growth-promoting antibiotics or added hormones. They work closely with their supply chain to make sure farmers are taking care of the land, water, and air in their communities. If you’re local to the Durham area, you can purchase Firsthand Foods meats at these locations, and find them served at these restaurants!
- Chapel Hill, NC
- B-Corp Since May 2017
Seal the Seasons offers “The Farmers Market in your Freezer,” by creating a platform for smaller farms to freeze their produce at the peak of their freshness. Seal the Seasons has also been working with the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services to supply locally sourced frozen produce to smaller retailers throughout The Great North State. They also give back by working with non-profits and other partners that support small farms and healthier food options. Heading to a holiday party? Make and take one of these recipes using Seal the Seasons’ North Carolina Grown products found in the frozen section at a local retailer near you!
- Cornelius, NC
- B-Corp Since April 2023
Launched in 2017, Barbecue has been on a mission to serve up the joy of comfort food with a plant-based twist. Honoring its Carolina heritage, Barvecue proudly operates the world’s largest plant-based smokehouse, where the essence of classic barbecue is reimagined with wholesome ingredients like whole soybeans, local sweet potatoes, and organic apple cider vinegar. As a certified B Corporation, they’re committed to ethical business practices, from sourcing clean ingredients to supporting their community by giving back to non-profits and championing a more sustainable and kinder food system.
Gifts for busy bodies
- Raleigh, NC
- B-Corp Since February 2016
Formerly known as HQ Raleigh, in October 2012, Raleigh Founded was born out of the idea that problem solvers and innovators should work under one roof to help spread change. The impact of this has been tremendous! Raleigh Founded has grown to one of the top options for co-working space in the Triangle, creating a hub for companies, communities, and start-up organizations across the region to create and collaborate. An HQ membership is a great gift for the entrepreneurs, telecommuters, and consultants on your list.
- Raleigh, NC
- B-Corp Since January 2023
The Loading Dock is a vibrant coworking space in the Triangle centered on a mission to build a community of diverse and collaborative work communities that are focused on making a positive impact in the world. With the vision of being a local hub for socially conscious businesses, The Loading Dock leads with the mantra “Do well. Do good. Better Together.” They are committed to creating a supportive environment where leaders are inspired to use business for good, and address complex issues to make the world a more equitable and sustainable place.
- Raleigh, NC
- B-Corp Since December 2021
360 Impact is led by Maria Kingery, our very own co-founder, and chief impact officer! After implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System at Southern Energy Management, Maria untapped a newfound passion in working with leadership teams and unleashing their hidden potential. From that, 360 Impact was created to help entrepreneurial leaders build the right plan and team to achieve their vision and make a lasting impact in the world.
- Raleigh, NC
- B-Corp Since September 2022
Brand Fuel stands out in the world of branded merchandising with an authentic and rebellious spirit that invites companies to be bold and think differently. For over 25 years, they’ve been igniting brands with a mix of creative merchandise that meets their clients’ commitments to social and environmental responsibility. Brand Fuel is not just about providing products, they also craft custom kits, create tailored online stores, and curate brand experiences that leave a lasting impact. It’s where creativity meets corporate conscience, proving that the best brand stories are the ones that dare to stand apart.
staff picks
Check out our other fan-favorite B Corps from beyond NC!
Fungi Perfecti
Recommended by Sara C.
Sachai Tea
Recommended by Robert J.
Jenni's Ice Cream
Recommended by Jamie S.
Radio Flyer
Recommended by Mickey F.
Big Truck
Recommended by Spencer S.
Aveda
Recommended by Katherine K.
West Paw
Recommended by Sophie F.
Gifts for Good
Recommended by Samantha D.
Nisolo
Recommended by Brandon P.
Fishpond
Recommended by Will E.
The Honest Kitchen
Recommended by Sophie F.
Barebones
Recommended by Alyssa H.
Happy Family Organics
Recommended by Will E.
Nutricare - Patch
Recommended by Mike N.
Burton
Recommended by Lindsay B.
Athleta
Recommended by Laurie C.
Dr. Bronner's
Recommended by Jamie S.
Greyston Bakery
Recommended by Alyssa H.
Grove Co.
Recommended by Laurie C.
Bee's Wrap
Recommended by Lindsay B.
Patagonia
Recommended by Laurie C.
Bellroy
Recommended by Will E.
Ben & Jerry's
Recommended by Dave A.
Uncommon Goods
Recommended by Laurie C.
But wait… What does this have to do with a solar power and energy efficiency company?
As a B-Corporation, we strive to lead the change we want to see in the world while treating people, the environment, and all other interactions with respect. We believe that business should be conducted with the goal of benefiting all parties, with the knowledge that we are responsible for future generations.
As you begin making your list this holiday season, it’s a great time to start the routine of casting your “Vote Every Day” by choosing to spend your money with companies you believe in. Learn more about Vote Everyday here!
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North Carolina’s solar power and building performance expert. Founded in 2001, we’ve worked for 20+ years to improve the way people make and use energy.
