The Perfect Gift Guide For Each Zodiac Sign

Are you a gifter or a drifter? Some signs pounce on the opportunity to wrap things in paper and ribbons (ahem, Leo). Others freeze like a possum in headlights at the idea of shopping on demand (Capricorn rising raises hand). What if they don’t like it? What if you get a reputation as a bad gifter? What do they even like? Before you throw in the towel and send a generic gift card, we’ve got guidelines to make your shopping easier. Read on.

* Aries

Aries are the influencers and innovators among us. As the first sign of the zodiac, they love to be the first ones to premier a cutting-edge style or gadget. When selecting a gift for these true originals think limited edition, customized and even one-of-a-kind. Treat Aries to a top from an indie label designer or get their name engraved on the back of a watch or necklace. Since Aries rules the head, they’d happily rock a statement chapeau or a colorful pair of headphones. You could also personalize the gift with a symbol that is meaningful to them. The more future-forward Aries can be gadget geeks and daredevils.

* Taurus

Understated elegance is the hallmark of Taurean taste. Regale them with quality goods that are built to last. Just skip the trendy numbers or anything that edges near the kitsch category. Plastic is so NOT fantastic with this crew. As an earth sign they appreciate natural materials, like stone and reclaimed wood and delicately tooled leather. Fine aromas too, so a luxe scented candle or fragrance always goes over well. Taurus are associated with the neck and throat, so stuff their stockings with a decadent cashmere scarf or tiny, twinkling charm necklace. They’re also homebodies so they’ll appreciate anything that helps them entertain in style.

* Gemini

Let’s give them something to talk about! That could surely be the Gemini motto. As the zodiac’s effusive communicator, this sign craves a gift that doubles as a conversation piece. Does the designer have a fascinating backstory? Were the goods sourced from a far-flung corner of the world and crafted by the finest makers in the region? Give a Gemini something that arouses people’s curiosity—this social sign loves talking to strangers and they’ll consider the icebreaker a triple bonus. Friends are everything to a Gemini and their mobile phones and cameras are never far from reach. Help these gadget freaks deck out their devices with custom covers—if they’re not into wild colors, pick unusual textures like faux fur, embossed leather and snakeskin. Geminis rule the hands and wrists: A set of stacked rings, beaded bracelets or a statement watch only makes their dramatic gesturing more fun to watch.

* Cancer

‘Tis the season to be a Cancer, a time to tuck away in a cozy shell with our nearest and dearest close by. This family-oriented sign adores an intimate gathering—give them first dibs on hosting for the holidays: always a win-win. Then, bless their nests with classic accoutrements that will stand the test of time, like a cashmere throw for their couch-cuddling, a bedside reading lamp (they love their literature!) or a set of copper-bottomed pans if they’re the epicurean types (many are). Cancer governs the chest area so they might appreciate a tie with a cool graphic pattern, a long pendant necklace or a jacket with a shearling collar to keep them all bundled up.

* Leo

Proud, regal Leos are also big kids at heart. While they adore the finer things in life, they’ll take their luxury with a playful twist and a liberal sprinkling of fairy dust. Leos are the life of the party, whether they’re sashaying down the step-and-repeat or hosting the soiree of the century. They’ll always appreciate fun going-out clothes or chic, colorful serveware—not to mention a pair of tickets to the theater or a live concert or DJ set. If your Leo has accomplished a major milestone, turn the photos and press clippings of their journey into a bound, hardcover scrapbook. Or have one of their awards professionally framed to hang in their offices. Lights, camera, action! The lens loves a Leo so treat your lion to a photo shoot or upgrade their phones to a model with a great front-facing lens for premium selfies.

* Virgo

The devil is in the details when it comes to curating for a Virgo. Forget generic. This sign notices everything and has an appreciation for the handcrafted, sartorial and unique. Quality is a must, as Virgos can be perfectionists. But they also have a sense of humor! A hint of cutesy and kitsch will go over well, as long as it’s done in a savvy way. (Now you know what to do with that set of 50s tiki glasses.) As an earth sign, Virgos appreciate natural materials and have an affinity for objects in pure, “virginal” white, like cotton tees and undyed wool sweaters, or crisp linens in taupes and grays. Crafty Virgos love making things by hand. Wrap up a DIY kit and they’ll be entertained for hours. They also love analog toys like vintage film cameras and real deal typewriters. Ruled by raconteur Mercury, presents that have a history behind them give chatty Virgos even more to talk about.

* Libra

Libra is the astrological aesthete so their presents have gotta be pretty. They can’t help themselves—they are ruled by romantic, artistic Venus. Stimulate their senses with an aromatic candle, gorgeous art print, colorful crossbody bag or luxury brand apparel. These are the zodiac’s Material Girls and Guys and their tastes tend towards the impeccable. Creative Libras would enjoy art supplies or ingredients to help them prepare a decadent feast. Are their tastes a tad too rich for your budget? As the sign that rules justice, make a charitable donation in their name. Be sure to add a sampler of artisanal chocolates too—the Libra sweet tooth is unparalleled. Libras have keen minds and are big literature nerds. A gift certificate to a bookstore—or even an oversized coffeetable art book—would make this sign swoon.

* Scorpio

Paint it black! It’s “all noir, all the time” for simmering, mystical Scorpios. Reach for leather jackets, nail polish, shoes and accessories in this smoldering hue when shopping for Scorpio. Style-wise, think understated, with a sexy twist like lace or sheer panels. They also treasure one-of-a-kind pieces, rare finds, and indie labels that make them stand out from the pack. This 007 sign knows that the eyes are the windows to the soul, and they only show theirs selectively. Gift them a pair of high-end sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat for their undercover missions—or their daily, under-the-radar coffee runs. Private Scorpios treasure time at home and their abodes are always well appointed. If you can figure out their rarified style, a throw pillow, scented candle or Moroccan tea set might be just the thing.

* Sagittarius

Globetrotting Sagittarians are always on the move, whether they’re bouncing around the local scene or exploring far-flung corners of the world. Help them travel in style with a chic passport holder, luggage set or an oversized tote bag that holds their gym clothes, work materials and evening gear all at once. (They might be out from dawn to dusk!) How can you make their commutes more fun? From headphones to tablets to upgrades to their car stereos, they’ll appreciate new ways to edify themselves on the go. As the cultural ambassadors of the zodiac, they love anything with an international flair, like embroidered throw pillows, tunic tops, or jewelry with ancient, meaningful symbols. Sagittarians love to learn so gift them a beautiful book—even a cookbook or cooking class since they are ruled by the planet Jupiter, god of the feast. These truth-seekers are always down to grow and improve.

* Capricorn

Quality over quantity is the Capricorn rule of thumb. Skip the tiny stocking stuffers and save up for one big gift—you might even pool funds with friends and relatives to pull it off. Since their careers largely define them, they’ll appreciate a high end “tool” that is appropriate for their industry like a camera bag or a skillfully designed (and useful!) object that gives them instant office cred…and inspires a little envy too, as they are the sign of status. A haute business card holder, mahogany leather chair or luxe pen will also wow. Just opt for understated elegance instead of bling. As an earth sign, Capricorn leans towards healthy living and would appreciate a nice blender or juicer to keep them vital and radiant. Rumor has it Caps age in reverse! If you’re buying for a Capricorn who is over 35, you’ll have an easier time pulling from the fun category. Treat this athletic sign to sports equipment, especially skis or hiking/rock climbing gear or a great SLR for recording the magic moments of those vacations they’ve worked so hard to finally enjoy.

* Aquarius

Sharing is caring for team-spirited Aquarius it’s just more fun if their friends can play along! Opt for interactive gifts like a bartop mixology set, a block of concert tickets or even a weekend rental of a ski house on airbnb where they can enjoy an athletic getaway with their squad. As the zodiac’s techies, digital devices go over well: video game consoles, tablets, DJ equipment or anything to customize their devices. Humanitarians, you might also donate to one of their pet causes in their name. Originality catches the Aquarius eye and you’ll score points for appealing to their wacky senses of humor. Nothing wrong with dropping a light up hat with kitten ears or a unicorn beer koozie in the Aquarius stocking. If it brings the laughs when they put it on display they’ll rock it regularly. They have a serious side too so reach for books on philosophy, metaphysics, or anything sci-fi.

* Pisces

Why yes they do believe in magic. Gift shopping for a Pisces can be a fantastic voyage within itself. This sign leans toward the dreamy, ethereal and otherworldly and you might find yourself floating into a crystal store or a heavenly spa to pick up their presents. Anything that transports Pisces will be a hit, whether you’re gifting them dinner at their favorite oyster bar, scented bath products (always good for a water sign) or even a weekend yoga and meditation retreat. Music is major for this sign. Create playlists for your Pisces and wrap up a pair of noise-cancelling headphones so they can flow through their days in a sonic bliss bubble. Since Pisces rule the feet, they know that the shoes make the outfit. Spring for chunky-soled sandals, chic ankle boots or sophisticated slippers in their size.