Holistic Holiday Gift Recommendations from ACHS Faculty

As the holiday season approaches, it’s a time for thoughtful gifting that promotes well-being and holistic health. This year, the faculty at American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) are sharing some of their favorite gift ideas, perfect for anyone looking to offer a meaningful, health-conscious gift. From aromatherapy-related accessories to herbal wellness teas, these unique recommendations are sure to inspire you this season!

Jacqui McGrath’s Recommendations

Jacqui McGrath, ND is a professor in the Herbal Studies Department at ACHS. She considers it her mission to help her patients and students reconnect to their true nature so that they can be instruments for the change they want to see in the world. Here are Jacqui’s 2024 gift ideas:

• Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Deck
  For those who appreciate flower essences and energy medicine, Jacqui suggests the Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Deck. This beautifully illustrated deck celebrates the spirit medicine of flowers, making it a soulful and uplifting gift. It’s a thoughtful way to infuse someone’s holiday season with the gentle messages of plant wisdom.
  Gift Idea Link: Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle Deck
• Handcrafted Herbal Scented Soaps
  Handcrafted soaps are another wonderful option, especially from the Oregon Soap Company, which offers organic and natural soaps with a variety of heavenly scents. These make for beautiful, eco-friendly stocking stuffers.
  Gift Idea Link: Oregon Soap Company Bar Soaps
• Homemade Herbal Eye Pillows & Aromatherapy Spritz
  Jacqui also recommends homemade gifts, like herbal eye pillows filled with lavender and rice or personalized aromatherapy blends in atomizer bottles. Both are inexpensive, creative gifts that bring comfort and relaxation. You can find premium-quality ingredients to create eye pillows and personalized blends at the Apothecary Shoppe. 

Amanda Lattin’s Picks

Amanda Lattin, BA, MAT, Dip. Aroma. MH, RA is the Dean of Aromatherapy at ACHS. Amanda has had a passion for growing and using nutritional and medicinal plants since she was a child. In addition to teaching and acting as Dean, she also runs an Aromatherapy and Herbal Consulting practice. Here are Amanda’s gift ideas:

• Aroma Sphere Diffuser
  This quiet diffuser can disperse essential oil up to 100 square feet in any space. It is compact, aesthetically pleasing, and comes in white, grey, or teal.
  Gift Idea Link: Aroma Sphere Diffuser
• Scent Trekker Diffuser
  This compact diffuser is perfect for confined spaces. The gentle mist output makes it both convenient and personal. Take it on the road or to your office!
  Gift Idea Link: Scent Trekker Diffuser
• Assortment of Essential Oils
  Be sure to include some essential oils with your diffuser gift to get your giftee started! Amanda recommends these top oils:
  Cardamom Elettaria cardamomum, Peppermint Mentha x piperita, Balsam Fir Abies balsamea, Lavender Lavandula angustifolia, Grapefruit Citrus paradisi

Lori Holdren’s Gift Ideas

Lori Holdren, BS, MA, PhD is the Dean of General Education at ACHS. Lori has an extensive background in mathematics with experience in course coordination, curriculum assessment and evaluation, program planning and review, leadership, and accreditation. Here are her holiday gift recommendations!

• ACHS Bliss Candle
  This candle is made with pure essential oils of Patchouli, Cedarwood, and notes of Bergamot. It uses 100% natural soy wax, and is hand-made with sustainability in mind.
  Gift Idea Link: ACHS Bliss Candle
• Holiday-Scented Essential Oils
  Diffusing holiday-scented oils can really set a warm and cozy mood for your holiday gatherings, and the blends offered by the Apothecary Shoppe make a great gift!
  Gift Idea Link: Holiday Ambience Blend and Festive Spice Blend

Margaret LaPierre’s Gift Idea

Margaret LaPierre, BS, HHP, CERT. AROMA., LME, LEI is an assistant professor in the Aromatherapy Department at ACHS. She has a long history in the herbal industry, where she and her husband ran a successful natural bath and body product business. 

• Personal Aromatherapy Inhalers
  With cold and flu season coinciding with the holidays, Margaret loves to create personal aromatherapy inhalers for her friends and family. These small, portable inhalers can be used to discreetly benefit from essential oils that help support immunity and wellness. You can find a colorful assortment of inhalers at the Apothecary Shoppe!
  Gift Idea Link: Aromatherapy Inhalers

Dana Dragone’s Picks

Dana Dragone, BS, MS, RD, DCN is an assistant professor in the Aromatherapy Department at ACHS. She has a passion for all things health and wellness. She has dedicated her life to educating herself and others on how to heal through food and holistic methods. Check out her holiday gift picks:

• Ultrasonic Diffuser
  Dana suggests an ultrasonic diffuser as a modern take on aromatherapy. These diffusers use ultrasonic waves to disperse essential oils into the air without heat, preserving the therapeutic properties of the oils. This is an ideal gift for anyone who loves to create a calming atmosphere at home.
  Gift Idea Link: Ultrasonic Diffuser
• Aromatherapy Jewelry
  For on-the-go aromatherapy, Dana recommends aromatherapy jewelry, like lava stone necklaces. These stylish pieces allow the wearer to enjoy the benefits of essential oils wherever they are simply by adding a few drops to the lava stone beads. The Apothecary Shoppe offers a wide range of premium-quality, sustainable-sourced essential oils to pair with the jewelry.
  Gift Idea Link: Essential Oil Necklace
• Shower Steamer Tray
  For a spa-like shower experience, a shower steamer tray is an innovative gift that extends the life of aromatherapy steamers, making every shower feel luxurious and relaxing.
  Gift Idea Link: Shower Steamer Tray

Judith Thompson’s Holiday Picks

Judith Thompson, ND is the Dean of Herbal Medicine at ACHS. Dr. Thompson specializes in herbs, homeopathy, and mind-body stress management with a focus on women's and children's health.

• Herbal Tea Blends
  Judith enjoys creating custom herbal tea blends for the holidays. One of her favorite combinations includes holy basil, chamomile, rose petals, and lemon myrtle, all of which make for a beautiful, flavorful, and relaxing tea. You can package these blends in Press and Brew tea bags for an extra touch. Check out the Apothecary Shoppe’s carefully curated herbal tea products.
• Cinnamon Sticks & Fenugreek Tea
  Cinnamon sticks make a festive holiday gift, and for those looking to reduce sugar intake, Judith recommends fenugreek seeds as a mildly sweet alternative for tea.
• The Herbal Apothecary Book
  If you’re looking for a gift for someone new to herbalism, The Herbal Apothecary by JJ Pursell is an excellent choice. This book offers a comprehensive guide to 100 medicinal herbs, including how to grow and use them in various herbal preparations.
  Gift Idea Link: The Herbal Apothecary
• ACHS Ceramic Mug
  Judith also highlights the ACHS Ceramic Mug as a simple yet meaningful gift for any tea lover. Its pottery-like glaze finish and artisan bottom impart a sophisticated feel, while its comfortable, easy grip ensures convenient everyday use. It’s a perfect companion to those herbal tea blends!
  Gift Idea Link: ACHS Ceramic Mug

At the Apothecary Shoppe, you'll find a diverse selection of holistic health holiday gifts that are perfect for supporting wellness and self-care during the festive season. From premium essential oils and handcrafted herbal blends to wellness kits and eco-friendly lifestyle products, the shop offers something for everyone. 

With the thoughtful recommendations from ACHS faculty and the range of Apothecary Shoppe products, you’ll be ready to spread love, wellness, and a sense of care this holiday season!