In partnership with Apothékary. Editor’s Note: We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
There’s nothing like the time leading up to the holidays to dysregulate your nervous system quicker than Santa can say ho ho ho.
Unlike everyone's favorite North Pole resident, I don’t have a team of elves managing my gift list. I simply have a long, totally disorganized list spread across my notes app, ChatGPT and post-its. First, there’s cousin Tom bringing his new girlfriend to dinner (what do you get someone you’ve never met?). Then there’s that White Elephant exchange with the Kindergarten moms I only ever wave to at drop-off. And, the list goes on and on.
The holidays are bright, but the mental (and physical) load of gift giving? Not always so much. This year, instead of white-knuckling my way through the endless lists and requests, I’m reaching for Apothékary’s Now & Zen Mini Set to get through my list with just a few clicks.
Their new trio of herbal tinctures makes the perfect thoughtful gift – for your bestie, your Secret Santa, your mother-in-law, or honestly, yourself. Here’s why you’ll want to add it to your cart before it inevitably sells out.
We like
- Opportunity to try three limited-edition flavors, all featuring Japanese botanicals, in one very giftable box.
- Gift set comes with recipe cards with dosage recommendations and benefits, as well as a special gold stir mixing spoon.
- Beautiful gift box with the option to include a limited-edition Keiko Furoshiki wrapping cloth that can be used as gift wrap, a carrying tote or accessory year-round
- Built-in dropper that makes taking your daily dose easy
- Third-party tested and certified organic
- Sugar-free and alcohol-free after extraction
- Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO and never tested on animals
We don't like
- Like most supplements, results can vary from person to person
- Cannot customize the products in the gift set; though if I’m being honest, these three won’t disappoint.
The Chill Gift Everyone Actually Wants
As someone constantly juggling carpools, snack refills on the hour, and a browser full of “gift ideas they won’t hate” I was skeptical that a few drops could make a difference. Spoiler: they can.
If you’ve ever felt like your holiday to-do list just keeps getting longer, the Now & Zen gift box was made for you – and for the equally overextended people on your gift list. Each formula is designed to help support your physical and emotional wellbeing, and give your body a little extra support when it’s running on fumes (aka the holidays).
What I love most about this gift set is that there’s an option to add a Keiko Furoshiki gift wrap, exclusive to this limited-edition set. It’s truly a no-hassle gift you know they’ll love.
What’s in the Set
Whether they're sober-curious or new to herbs and wellness, Now & Zen is the perfect sampler. Think of it as a starter kit for calm without any alcohol: beautifully packaged and ready to gift (even if that gift is to yourself). Bonus: the herbal drops in the set are limited-editions made of Japanese botanicals, making them an even more meaningful and unique gift.
It’s the kind of present that works for just about anyone on your list: your friend who’s sober curious, the teacher who deserves hazard pay for her patience, your partner who patiently absorbs your pre-holiday meltdowns, or your neighbor who kindly pretends not to notice your screaming children during witching hour.
Inside, you’ll find three all-natural mini herbal drops, each powered by Japanese botanicals and formulated to bring balance back to your body and mind. Whether you need to unwind, reset, or recharge, there’s a blend in here with your (or their) name on it.
Rosé-Tinted Glasses® With Cherry Blossom
What it does: Made with Schisandra Berry to support a healthy stress response and Lion’s Mane Mushroom to support cognition and mental focus, Rosé-Tinted Glasses® with Cherry Blossom support emotional well-being, calm, and skin health from within.*
Backed by results: 82% of participants found their mood improved when they took Rosé-tinted glasses for one month.
Tastes like: Tart strawberries, floral and sweet
Take The Edge Off® With Yuzu
What it does: Formulated with Passionflower to support relaxation and stress relief, as well as Skullcap to help ease occasional tension. Take The Edge Off® with Yuzu helps manage occasional stress and physical tension, and supports natural sleep rhythms.*
Backed by results: 95% of participants reported that "Take the Edge Off" was helpful in dealing with stressful moments.
Tastes like: Herby and sweet with a touch of citrus
Wine Down™ With Japanese Maple Leaf
What it does: Inside you’ll find California Poppy to help ease occasional discomfort and Blue Vervain to support relaxation, comfort, and restful sleep.
Backed by results: 97% of participants reported drinking less after using Wine Down™ for two weeks.
Tastes like: Earthy, full-bodied, dark berries.
Each limited-edition blend serves a purpose, from soothing frazzled nerves to sharpening focus – tiny drops of balance in an otherwise chaotic season.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
One of my biggest pet peeves about gift-giving is knowing the present I spent time (and money) choosing will end up forgotten in a drawer by January. This is not that gift.
And, I can confidently say this because I’m an Apothékary fan myself. They make integrating a new wellness routine incredibly easy, even during the busy holiday season. And, sure the herbal drops taste great, but Apothékary has backed up their claims with results meaning that their specific formulas are delivering what they say they will.
This means that 97% of users reported drinking less after just two weeks of using Wine Down™, while over 60% of participants saw improved sleep quality within 8 weeks of using Wine Down™.
Whether you’re gifting a little calm to your sober-curious best friend, the fellow mom who you’ve only waved hello to across the playground, or yourself, Apothékary’s Now & Zen Mini Set brings exactly what the season usually lacks: peace, presence, and permission to slow down.
Give the gift of mindful rituals this holiday season.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This (or these) product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, and prevent any disease.
