An Intentional and Essential Gift Guide for the Budding Herbalist
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Across the board, there’s a draw to more simplicity. Back to basics and nature. Tuning out the noise and chaos and tuning into to what really matters. And with Christmas and the holidays right around the corner, I know I’m feeling the same way about gift giving and receiving… the pull to keep things simple and genuine. Easy on the environment and good for our bodies. With intentionality and purpose at the forefront, I’ve compiled this carefully curated gift guide for the budding herbalist. If you or someone you love is starting their journey with herbs and you need some ideas to get that apothecary going, read on for our simple and intentional herbalist gift guide.
Herbalist gift guide! (Keep scrolling for links and descriptions)
Greenstalk
double boiler
apron
foraging basket
herbal git card
herbal education
tea set
herbal remedy giftcard
encyclopedia
french press
cheesecloths
strainer
funnels
bottles
lids
mortar & Pestle
seeds
infuser
herbs stripping tool
garden scissors
gloves
tea towel
tote
recipe book
tea sampler
1. Greenstalk garden: I’ve talked about my greenstalk before in this article and how much I LOVE it. It’s such an enjoyable gardening experience and makes it possible to protect your herbs from frost and bugs so easily. Watering is a breeze and the planter sizes are just perfect for herbs. I’ve grown a variety of herbs and have even had perennials come back year after year in it. If you know of anyone just starting to grow herbs, needing to grow in a small space or simply needing a convenient option, I truly can’t recommend the greenstalk enough. And if they already have a greenstalk, there’s a variety of accessories to further optimize this vertical garden to be the best it can be! Try the plant supports, frost cover or base!
2. Double boiler: A quality double boiler is a must in any herbalists kitchen. This makes it possible to infuse oils at an appropriate temperature, paving the way for some beautiful balms, salves and oils.
3. Apron: Whether gathering herbs in the garden or protecting your clothing making tinctures and oils, a natural fiber apron is always a welcome accessory for an herbalist.
4. Foraging basket: There’s nothing more frustrating than arriving somewhere where the herbs are plentiful and realizing all you have is a grocery bag. Make sure your herbalist is always ready for a foraging adventure with a beautiful and practical market basket. (over the shoulder, backpack version)
5. Herbal gift card to mountain rose herbs: gift cards get a bad rap for being impersonal and not thoughtful enough, but i can promise you…you will make your herbalists day (or year) by gifting them with a bountiful supply of all the dried herbs, spices and supplies they may need but you don’t know about. it’s a gift that keeps on giving
6. Herbal academy course: Give the gift of education. I know, another gift card, but I promise you I wouldn’t put it on here if I didn’t think it would be a hit. I’ve been learning from herbal academy for years and believe their courses are top notch and a great way to grow as an herbalist with plenty of options based on specific interest.
7. Tea set: Is any apothecary complete without a tea set? Whether you formed your collection by thrifting a mismatched set or buying brand new, theres nothing quite like serving guests a fresh cup of tea poured from something gorgeous.
8. Gift card to earthley: Sometimes an herbalist needs quality products to tide them over whie waiting for their own tinctures to be completed. Earthley has a wide variety of remedies and teas that are sure to fill the gaps when the home apothecary isn’t quite complete.
9. Encyclopedia: Whether learning online, in person or self taught, an herbal encyclopedia is a must for a quick reference guide and reliable information.
10. French Press: a french press is a wonderful way to infuse herbs! i like using a french press over a teapot when infusing herbs that are a little more dense like barks and roots so i can really press them toward the end of steeping and get all their beneficial goodness!
The Essentials - these are more practical items that would be perfect tucked together in a gift basket, on their own as stocking stuffers or wrapped up in smaller thoughtful packages.
11. Cheesecloths: trust me, you’ll need a collection of these and these have held up well for me and done a great job of straining out even the tiniest particles.
12. Strainers: use paired with cheesecloths to keep them from falling into containers, for straining tea, or sifting powdered herbs. (small, medium)
13. Funnels: you’ll need a few sizes; small ones for tinctures and oils and larger ones for mason jars.
14. Labels and bottles: if you’ve got to bottle and label everything, might as well make it look as beautiful and professional as possible!
15. Mason jar lids: Treat yourself to not having to use wax paper on the jar of every remedy you are creating - these bpa free lids are the best - no leaking, no leaching and they looks sleek and professional too (wide mouth, regular mouth). Also, for kicks, this lid has become a favorite of mine - infuse some tea in a mason jar, pop this lid on and boom - no more burnt hands trying to grab a hot jar and makes for an easy iced tea container to pour from in the fridge.
16. Mortar and pestle: a classic and practical addition to any apothecary, give your herbalist the gift of a finely ground herb… the old fashioned way.
17. Herbal seeds: get them ready for spring with these heirloom medicinal herb seeds! With such a huge variety and enough of each to make a mistake or two, i promise you’ll have a happy gardener on your hands!
18. Infuser: perfect for when you don’t want to bother with an entire tea kettle worth of tea, use a simple infuser like this and create a special blend for one directly in your mug.
19. Herb stripping tool: beautiful and functional, this helps keep the woody parts of the herbs out of your remedies and your culinary dishes
20. garden scissors: protect your hands from touch branches, stinging nettles and throny roses with these adorable and very effective clippers!
21. Gloves: gloves are an essential gardening tool and come in so handy whether harvesting or weeding!
22. Tea towel : What a cute way to line a gift basket or have hanging in your apothecary. I love a good informational textile
23. Plant ID tote bag : Another informational textile - it’s got purpose on two levels!
24. Recipe book: Get some good ideas and grow your skills with this herbal tea recipe book - it’s as beautiful as it is functional and you’ll expand your tea making repertoire so much.
25. Tea sampler: sometimes it’s nice to try a bunch of teas to decide what you like! this helps take the guess work out of it and you know you’re left with quality, delicious teas, letting you decide what you truly enjoy.
I hope this list provided some helpful ideas for treating the herbalist, natural wellness enthusiast or holistic health guru in your life! Or maybe you got some ideas for yourself if you’re on this journey too. Thanks for stopping by and as always, feel free to reach out with any questions !
Merry Christmas,
Erin
