Just outside of Grand Rapids, on the bus line between the Grand Valley campuses, sits Moondrop Herbals Cottage of Natural Elements. This cozy botanical marketplace awakens the senses in an environment where visitors can cultivate a relationship with natural elements through a bevy of healing botanicals, dried herbs and spices, organic teas, essential oils and natural skin care products made in-house with simple, earth friendly ingredients.

“The cottage offers products for the body, mind and spirit,” says owner, Linda Snow, adding that there have been many recent additions to the cottage’s inventory, including delightful gift ideas.

For the Mind, there is an expanded book section, including instructional texts on herbs, essential oils, skin care and spirituality practices such as Ayurveda, yoga, numerology and more. There is also a brand new section of fiction.

For the Body, the cottage continues to offer small-batch products to consume and to provide a variety of benefits for the skin. Snow is available to assist with selections for personal use or for gifts in this area.

Items in the Spirit category are especially popular with gift shoppers. Snow points out that aromatherapy, crystals, singing bowls, statuary and a beautiful collection of spiritual art made by local artisans delight shoppers and gift recipients.

“We have all kinds of gorgeous things. Our smudge bowls and incense burners, for example, are artful soapstone with etchings. Local artisans create prayer bowls, alter pieces, journals and many other unique gifts,” says Snow. “I also offer personal shopping for people who can’t come to the store. I communicate with the shopper with photos and recommendations. Items selected can be picked up at the store or shipped to the customer or gift recipient.”

Current hours for walk-in customers is Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with additional times available by advance appointment. See ad page 16.