How to pick a present for someone based on their zodiac sign

Gifting can be tricky, especially when you're on the hunt for something truly special for your giftee. But whether you're shopping for a birthday, anniversary or "just because" present, looking into their astrological sun sign can give you some helpful hints.

In astrology, the sun is thought to rule over our identity, ego and spirit. That's why people born during the same period — and thus, under the same sun sign — are believed to share personality quirks and traits. 

Read on for ideas and insights to help you figure out what your loved one might like to receive. And remember: it really is the thought that counts!

Aries

Bold Aries are known for their no-nonsense nature. Ruled by ambitious Mars, this cardinal fire sign is efficient and loves to lead the charge. As such, people born with an Aries sun tend to enjoy gifts that help them perform at their best. So if you're shopping for a ram, you could impress them with a gift that appeals to their minimalist sensibility and desire to stay active, like a new yoga mat or a crisp sunhat. A generous-sized beach blanket would also be a welcome reminder of warmer days to come. Feel like getting a bit creative? A personalized scavenger hunt could pique their competitive nature — and win you some bonus points. 

Taurus

If you have a Taurus in your life, you probably already know that these extremely discerning people can be a bit picky when it comes to gifts. Ruled by sensual Venus, individuals born under this fixed earth sign adore luxury. However, you don't have to break the bank to find something that appeals to their senses. Consider their innate need for comfort and hunt down something that will bring real flair to their space, like a quirky lamp or original piece of art. If they don't have room for something new, you could treat them to an immersive experience, like a concert or a trip to an exciting exhibit at a museum or gallery. They'll be delighted to share their opinions and knowledge with you — and that's their favourite kind of present after all, isn't it? 

Gemini

Quick-thinking Geminis often have to work hard to really concentrate. These mutable air signs are ruled by speedy Mercury, who's known to scatter their thoughts as he zips through the zodiac. A practical day planner, white noise machine or a beautifully scented candle could help your favourite Gemini to stay focused and be more mindful. This sign is also said to rule our hands and arms, so a piece of jewelry like a ring or bracelet could be a welcome surprise as well. Prefer to go the sentimental route? You're sure to hit it out of the park by curating a playlist of songs that hold special memories for them.

Cancer

How do you out-gift a professional gifter? Known for their generosity and creativity, Cancers can be intimidating to shop for. But consider that while these cardinal water signs are usually pretty in tune with their feelings, they can sometimes forget to take the necessary time to themselves to recalibrate. Treating them to cosy slippers, noise-cancelling headphones or a meal subscription box could be an excellent way to help the Cancer in your life put themselves first. You don't have to bust out the big bucks to please these sensitive people, either. A small act of kindness, like baking a batch of their favourite cookies, will surely go a long way, too. 

Leo

Leos absolutely love the spotlight, so if you're searching for the right gift for one of these firecrackers, finding something that matches their exuberant spirit will be key. You could appeal to their inner showman with a tech accessory like a face-tracking phone mount, which will allow them to go hands-free as they cycle through all their video calls. Or, if your Leo has been aching to show off their vibrant personality to a larger audience, you could sign them up for an improv class or take them out for a night of karaoke. Making those memories together will be a precious gift all on its own.

Virgo

Virgos pride themselves on their ability to stay organized. As a result, these detail-oriented people often have their hands in a few different activities throughout the day, so a clever gadget that'll make their lives easier — like a cooking tool that speeds up their dinner prep — will be a true gem in their eyes. You also can't fail by upgrading their cutting boards, knives, storage containers or other kitchen staples. On the less practical side of the spectrum, out-of-the-box ideas can also be a welcome surprise to these mutable earth signs. If you'd like to take a unique swing at their gift, try creating a time capsule that you can continue to revisit and add to together for years to come. 

Libra

Libras are known for their refined tastes and love of beautiful things like art, jewelry and flowers. However, it can be difficult for these cardinal air signs to tell people exactly what they want — it's often hard enough for them to make that decision in the first place! So if you're stumped on what to give a Libra, ask yourself: have they been dropping any hints lately? If you'd prefer to take the guesswork out of the equation, you could always opt for something that'll help elevate their alone time, like a bath bomb or a gua sha tool. You don't need to be the world's best artist to amaze your Libra, either. Even "bad" drawings can be great gifts; just amp up the presentation with a frame that matches their personal style. 

Scorpio

Secretive, sensual and shrewd, Scorpios have a reputation for being one of the most mysterious signs of the zodiac, which can make finding the ideal gift for them feel like an impossible task. But it may help to keep in mind that these fixed water signs, ruled by transformative Pluto and ambitious Mars, love to strategize and plan for the future. You could appeal to their innate love of problem-solving with a cool new puzzle or an escape room experience. Or, if you're feeling crafty and have the time to devote to it, you could put together a personalized trivia game based on your shared interests and memories. Your sensitive Scorpio is sure to cherish it as much as they'll enjoy playing — err, winning — the game. 

Sagittarius

Sagitarrians are often hard to pin down, which can make it a challenge to figure out what they really want. It may help to remember that this mutable fire sign is all about filling their life with new experiences. Of course, a trip to a dream destination is the ultimate prize for a Sagittarius, but an upgrade to their travel gear, like a new suitcase, will surely be appreciated, too. You could also expand their horizons by picking up a book they've been eyeing. Want to go the DIY route? Sagittarians find joy in reflecting on the places they've already visited, so putting together a photo album (physical or digital) of memories could be a fantastic way to show your love.

Capricorn

Hardworking Capricorns are laser-focused on achieving their dreams, so they can sometimes forget to properly care for themselves. Compiling a package of their favourite snacks and a few joyful goodies that bring out their inner child could be a great way to show them you care. Since people born under this cardinal earth sign value practicality and items of quality, they also tend to be attracted to gifts that hold historical value, making thoughtful vintage finds a real gem in their eyes. Or perhaps, if your Capricorn is the kind of person who has everything, naming a star after them could be the right grand gesture to really capture their attention.

Aquarius

People born under an Aquarius sun are known for being future-minded and a little eccentric, which means that they tend to gravitate toward unexpected gifts that really capture their attention. Help your favourite Aquarian get experimental in their space with a colourful LED light that they can use for an impromptu dance party or while winding down in the bath. These fixed air signs also prefer to put others first, so making a donation to a charity close to their heart could be a beautiful way to celebrate their selfless and thoughtful nature. Or, for something sweet, simple and completely free, you could give them a box full of hand-written compliments that's bursting with all the things you love about them. 

Pisces

When picking out something special for a Pisces, consider how you might be able to bring their fantasies to life. Ruled by dreamy Neptune, people born under this mutable water sign are known for enjoying all things otherworldly. By treating them to a virtual reality experience — whether that be via their own pair of goggles, a trip to the VR arcade or an app that turns their smartphone into a headset — you could offer them an escape into an entirely different world. If technology isn't their thing, perhaps your Piscean would enjoy an essential oil diffuser that'll transport them elsewhere with scents of far-flung places. For a more sentimental option, you could exercise your filmmaking chops to charm their sensitive side with a sweet, personalized video. 

Bryanna Collier is an astrology and fashion writer. Her work focuses on astrology, personal style, and how the two intersect. Follow her work at The Star Crossed.