No matter how well you know someone, you may end up scratching your head when the holidays come around. That’s because gift-giving isn’t as easy as it seems—especially in this pandemic-laden year. Our advice? Let the stars guide you on this one, and shop based on the best gifts for each astrological sign.
“Your sun sign [which you know as your sign] shows who you are, and it’s a wonderful filter that can be used to understand what you like, what inspires you, and what gets you excited about life,” says astrologer Sandy Sitron. “So, it’s a great place to look to discover great gift ideas.” In other words, knowing someone’s astrological aura makes browsing virtual and IRL shelves much easier, because there are certainly gifts that match each element of the zodiac.
And if you want something even more personal in selecting the best gifts for each astrological sign, buying based on their moon and Venus signs may score you extra brownie points. (To figure out someone’s different signs, you can obtain a birth chart here.)
“If you know your gift recipient’s moon or Venus signs, those are excellent places to look for deeper astrological inspiration,” says Sitron. “The moon sign will show you how your recipient feels—use this to pick a gift that will hit close to their heart. The Venus sign shows what the person appreciates, which is my favorite place to look for a great gift idea.”
Rounded up below is your star-inspired shopping cheat sheet to help you snag the best gifts for each astrological sign. Because, well, it’s been a year, and everyone could use some extra love.
Keep reading for the best gifts for each astrological sign, according to an astrologer and, well, the universe.
Aries: New tech gadgets or athleisure
Aries is one of the signs that loves new things—new technology, new hobbies, new experiences. They aren’t afraid to be an early technology adopter, so go ahead and get them the newest gadget. They’d also love an outfit that matches their favorite sport or workout. We love Outdoor Voices Rec Kits, which can be customized to whatever colors fit their fancy (but we recommend red as a nod to Aries’ ruling planet Mars).
Shop Now: Outdoor Voices Rec Kit, $98
Taurus: A chunky sweater, a fancy tea, a good bottle of wine, or a beauty product
Taurus is the sensualist of the zodiac, so they want to feel really good in their skin. They’re ruled by Venus, the goddess of beauty, so an earthy beauty product will also make them feel special. Otherwise, the best gifts for them are things that will help them feel cozy, well-fed and soothed—in other words, nesting essentials. Think a good bottle of vino, delicious food, and soft-to-the-touch clothing. Silky, satin-y pieces are fair game, but this alpaca sweater will make them feel really snuggled.
Shop Now: Everlane The Oversized Alpaca Crew, $95
Gemini: A phone or phone accessories, a cool magazine/news/movie subscription, or a creative nail kit
Gemini loves to be constantly amused and informed. They want to stay up-to-date on everything that’s going on, so news, and movie subscriptions are perfect gifts. Geminis love to talk, and they talk with their hands—which is why any on-trend nail kit is always appreciated. To that end, they’re in constant communication with their large networks of friends, so a phone or phone accessory is always useful. Consider this Gemini phone case from Valfré.
Shop Now: Valfre Gemini Wonderland Clear Phone Case, $28
Cancer: Cookbooks, home decor items, or a moon calendar
Cancer loves to have a cozy home zone. They want to be able to retreat from the stress of the outside world when it strikes their fancy. They’re ruled by the moon (and have the mood swings to match that), so staying in tune with the moon cycles with a calendar is key for them. Their number-one priority is nurturing themselves and their inner circle, so home decor, including cookbooks, to help create that environment is great. We have one great selection in mind:
Shop Now: Well+Good: 100 Healthy Recipes and Advice for Better Living, $28
Leo: Gold, extravagant fashion, or hair tools
Spotlight-loving Leo loves gold anything: jewelry, makeup, even temporary tattoos. This fire sign is perfectly comfortable stealing the stage fashion-wise, so statement pieces will do the trick. Leo rules the hair (think: lion’s mane), so hair tools and products are also always appreciated. This blow-dry brush by Revlon is widely beloved for drying and volumizing in half the time a typical blowout may take.
Shop Now: Revlon Pro Collection Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer, $30
Virgo: Organizers, turquoise stones or jewelry, or a cleansing oil
Virgo is down to try anything that will make their life more efficient. They appreciate things others might consider as boring gifts, like organizer bins, natural-cleaning supplies, and candles. Earthy Virgo does like to look fresh and put together, and appreciates natural beauty finds, like a cleansing oil. If you want to gift them jewelry, the natural healing properties of turquoise keep them balanced and grounded.
Shop Now: Mara Chia + Moringa Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil, $58
Libra: Candles, high-quality soap, or a style upgrade
Libra is fashionable, so go for something on-trend if you’re opting for garments. Libra also loves the fluffy, pretty, romantic stuff, so beautifully packaged soap or designer candles are also a win. This wax Diptyque medallion can be slipped in a drawer for a classic, rose aroma that’ll delight this sign.
Shop Now: Diptyque Roses Scented Oval, $55
Scorpio: Sex toys, lingerie, or a self-development workshop
Sultry Scorpio wants to go deeper—into the mysteries of the body, the world, and the universe. They appreciate sexy gifts, so toys and lingerie (underwear subscription time!) are great. Crystal sex toys are even better, as they meld Scorpio’s interests in both healing and sex (think: a rose quartz or amethyst Chakrub). Find out what personal-development courses or workshops they are interested in, as these would also help them on their journey to get self-actualized.
Shop Now: Chakrubs Amethyst Yoni Egg, $60
Sagittarius: Luggage, cameras and philosophical books
This sign wants to understand the world. Give any Sag a nice set of luggage and an HD camera, and they’re off wanderlusting, documenting their journey all the way. That said, since most of us are more homebound during these pandemic times, leaning into the Sagittarius penchant for learning can be a good idea.Take them on a spiritual journey with a book or collection of writings; they love to be inspired.
Shop Now: Numerology with Tantra, Ayurveda, and Astrology: A Key to Human Behavior, $14
Capricorn: A day planner, leather goods, or a designer watch
Capricorn is the most practical and productive of all of the signs. That said, they have two different speeds when it comes to gifts: basic/useful or top-of-the-line. They love items that can help them get ahead and look chic while doing it. For instance, they’ll be equally happy with a designer watch as they will a day planner. This day planner by Papier screams Capricorn. While all of the brand’s designs are cute, this classic look is traditional without being fussy. Get their initials on there for an extra personal touch.
Shop Now: Papier Pine Green Le Moderne, $55
Aquarius: A telescope, a Bluetooth tracker for her keys, or an astrology reading
Aquarius is an innovator. They do well when they can get some perspective—a telescope will remind them that the universe is vast. They can also be a little distracted, so a Bluetooth tracker for their keys and other essentials is also a great idea. And since Aquarius is the sign that rules astrology, consider gifting them a natal-chart reading or even a customized astrology candle. This air sign loves to learn and explore, so gifting an Aquarius tools for a DIY project will get their creative wheels turning.
Shop Now: Aquarius Birthdate Candle, $38
Pisces: Records, incense, silky pajamas, or a donation in her name
Pisces is an altruistic sign, so a donation in their name will make their heart sing and help them feel connected. Compassionate Pisces loves to lounge and openly feel all of their feelings. Get them set up with some records, aromatic essential oils, and silky PJs. This Soma robe, which will wrap Pisces up like the mystic they are, is a great choice.
Shop Now: Soma Sensual Silk Kimono Robe, $198
Originally published December 12, 2016; updated November 20, 2020. With reporting from Rachel Lapidos.
Oh hi! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cult-fave wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content. Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly.