Quality will also affect the strength of the result (possible causing more potent effects), lower the DC, and potentially provide bonuses on certain rolls.

I already talked to the DM about it prior and we're actually going to be using the expanded Artisan Tool rules from "Xanathar's Guide".

Tools have more specific applications than skills.  The History skill applies to any event in the past.  A tool such as a Forgery Kit is used to make fake objects and little else.  Thus, why would a character who has the opportunity to acquire on or the other want to gain a tool proficiency instead of proficiency in a skill?

Advantage
If the use of a tool and the use of a skill both apply to a check, and a character is proficient with both, consider allowing the character to make the check with Advantage... The benefit is often expressed as additional insight which translates into an increased chance that the check will be a success.

Added Benefit
In addition, consider giving characters who have both relevant skill and tool proficiency an added benefit on a successful check.  This benefit might be in the form of more detailed information or could simulate the effect of a different sort of successful check.  For example, a character proficient with Mason's Tools makes a successful Wisdom (Perception) check to find a secret door in a stone wall.  Not only does the character notice the door, but you decide that the tool proficiency entitles the character to an automatic success on an Intelligence (Investigation) check to determine how to open the door.

Proficiency with an Herbalist Kit allows you to identify plants and safely collect their useful elements.

Components
An herbalism kit includes pouches to store herbs, clippers, and leather gloves for collecting plants, a mortar and pestle, and several glass jars.

Arcana
Your knowledge of the nature and uses of herbs can add insight to your magical studies that deal with plants and your attempts to identify potions.

Investigation
When you inspect an area overgrown with plants, your proficiency can help you pick out details and clues that others might miss.

Medicine
Your mastery of herbalism improves your ability to treat illnesses and wounds by augmenting your methods of care with medicinal plants.

Nature and Survival
When you travel in the wild, your skill in herbalism makes it easier to identify plants and spot sources of food that others might overlook.

Identify Plants
You can identify most plants with a quick inspection of their appearance and smell.

Herbalist Kit Skill Checks
Find Plants - DC 15
Identify Poison - DC 20