The season of gift giving is upon us, and with it comes the perpetually stressful task of picking the perfect present for each name on your list. Need a little help? Check out these creative gift ideas to get someone based on their zodiac sign.
Though it's currently experiencing a resurgence in pop culture, astrology has been around for millennia and its basic tenet — looking to the sky for guidance — has been a practice since humans were, well, humans. In ancient Mesopotamia, Babylonians mapped out the sky and began to chart Jupiter's annual trek through the 12 zodiac constellations. They noted the characteristics of babies born "beneath" each sign, and used the sky as a divination practice.
The Ancient Greeks then took up the mantle of astrology around 600 B.C., refining it and adding shape to the still-recognizable practice we engage in today. Following the collapse of Alexandria around the 7th century, the Islamic Empire adopted astrology, maintaining and expanding it. By the time the European Renaissance rolled around, astrology was already considered an ancient practice.
It was around this time period when the split between astrology and astronomy happened. For centuries, the two schools of thought had collectively fallen under the umbrella of "astrology" — it was a divination practice, sure, but it was also considered a science. But as science continued to move forward, certain practitioners could no longer abide by the "as above, so below" premise of astrology. Hence the rift and the continued, uh, tension.
Today, astrology has become increasingly popular among younger generations. Major news outlets have found a way of connecting to readers through their signs. So, is astrology "real"? That's not really the right question. What astrology fosters is a curiosity about others — their actions, their history, their motivations. It encourages people to look, honestly, at themselves. And also it's so, so useful when you're trying to figure out what to get someone as a gift for the holidays.
Aries (March 21 — April 19)
Instant Pot, $100, Amazon
Aries are first in the astrology calendar and aim to be first in, like, everything else. Energetic and organized, they love crossing things off their to-do list and hate delays. Enter the Instant Pot, a super trendy, 7-in-1 pressure cooker that shaves literal hours off cooking times perfect for an Aries who loves hosting on a schedule.
Taurus (April 20 — May 20)
Chanasya Faux Fur Blanket, $28, Amazon
Practical and grounded, a Taurus gains pleasure from material items — tangible things they can touch and feel and enjoy in the moment. Get your Taurus a super plush, super ~high end~ throw blanket. Offer to cuddle during a movie marathon.
Gemini (May 21 — June 20)
Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood, $18, Amazon
For the hyper-intellectual Gemini, buying them one of the best-reviewed books of the year (like Patricia Lockwood's divine memoir, Priestdaddy) will satisfy both their intense curiosity and love of chatting — just prepare yourself for hearing about the book for the next, like, six months.
Leo (July 23 — Aug. 22)
LuMee Duo iPhone Case, $70, Amazon
Is there anything more perfectly dramatic, perfectly self-confident, and perfectly Leo than an iPhone case with built-in selfie lighting? No. There is not.
Cancer (June 21 — July 22)
Canson Art Book Hardbound, $21, Amazon
Cancers can struggle with opening up to others because of their empathy and their intense sensitivity — they hate getting hurt. A high-quality sketchbook will fulfill a Cancer's creative streak, while helping them sort through some emotions.
Virgo (Aug. 23 — Sep. 22)
Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover Medium Journal, $20, Amazon
Uh, if the Virgo in your life isn't bullet journaling, then what are they doing? Hardworking and detail-oriented, Virgos are the Queens of Lists. The Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover journal is consistently listed as one of the best journals in which to bullet. Throw in some really high-quality pens, too.
Libra (Sep. 23 — Oct. 22)
Magic Hour Astrology Love Ritual Candle, $30, Etsy
Libras are ruled by Venus, the planet of love — and if there's one thing they love more than love, it's ~aesthetics.~ This love ritual candle will be the perfect addition to their altar (and yes, they probably do have an altar).
Scorpio (Oct. 23 — Nov. 21)
Handmade Ouija Board, $28, Etsy
Spooky, mysterious Scorpios love secrets — they love having their own and, uh, revealing others. A handmade ouija board will help them tap into their true witchy sensibilities. (Just make sure they know the proper way to use it!)
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 — Dec. 21)
ClassPass, $75 for five monthly classes, ClassPass.com
Sagittarius are endless enthusiastic and love physical freedom — so why not get them a ClassPass, which allows them to work out all over their city for a flat fee? They won't feel boxed in and they'll work out at least a little of that excess energy — just be aware that they might try to drag you along to a spin class.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 — Jan. 19)
Kala Learn To Play Starter Kit, $60, Amazon
Capricorns are responsible and self-disciplined, and they possess the ability to manage their lives (and everybody else's life) well. Their secret love? Music. Buy your Capricorn an instrument — ukuleles are relatively inexpensive and easy to learn — and they'll be serenading you in no time.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 — Feb. 18)
Teaching My Mother How To Give Birth by Warsan Shire, $7, Amazon
Eccentric Aquarians are able to see the endless possibilities the world can offer. Poetry, which blends genres, art forms and voices is the perfect medium for them. A contemporary poet like Warsan Shire (whose words also graced several Beyoncé songs within her last album) will satisfy their love of deep thinking.
Pisces (Feb. 19 — March 20)
Lomography Diana+ Film Camera, $44, B&H Photo
Film cameras often offer an element of surprise — you never quite know how the photo will turn out until you develop your roll. As a water sign, Pisces are deeply artistic and empathic — they'll love the ritual of loading film, playing with the shot and relying on the element of chance.
