Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
Hero Copy
Hero Copy
Megan Charles / Her Campus Media
Culture > Entertainment

The Zodiac Shopper: Holiday Gift Guide

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Akron chapter.

The holiday season is officially upon us and with all the snow, specialty Starbucks drinks, and “All I Want For Christmas” on repeat, holiday shopping is in full swing. With gift guides around every corner of the internet, it can be pretty overwhelming to figure out what to get for your friends and family – especially when you spent the last few months quarantined (aka trapped) with them. One option if you’re stumped is to consider your friend’s zodiac signs. While there is debate over the truth behind astrology, studying the stars for meaning has been practiced for thousands of years. At the very least, checking out horoscopes and sign charts can be a fun and informative way to learn more about yourself and your future. Check out the following ideas for your favorite earth, water, fire, and air signs.

Aries

Those born from March 21 through April 19 fall under the sign of the Ram. Described by Aliza Kelly Faragher for Allure, Aries are daring risk-takers.  One great choice is a gift card to a locally owned clothing store or vintage clothing shop. As a risk-taker, Aries loves to stand out and the perfect satin midi skirt, a bold blouse, or vintage kicks will make you gift-giver of the year.  Another great present for this “dynamic and quick-witted” sign would be a ring light with a stand, so your hard working, working from home friend can have the best quality on their many Zoom conferences. They’ll love that they’ll be glowing in comparison to their fuzzy and dim coworkers.

Taurus

If your friend was born from April 20 to May 20, then they are a Taurus. This earth sign is described in Allure as appreciating “serene, bucolic environments”, and there is no better way to make your friend feel at peace in their space than with a popular Himalayan salt lamp. While there are a wide variety of claims of the supposed health benefits of these salt lamps (and not a lot of scientific proof), these lamps are at the very least beautiful and soothing. Another good choice for your friend born under the Bull would be to try out their green thumb. A succulent (likely not their first) or a fun t-shirt, mug, or canvas bag proclaiming their plant-parent status may be just the thing.

Gemini

Babies born from May 21 to June 20 unfortunately endure the bad rep that comes with being a Gemini. Represented by twins, the sign often has the misnomer of being “two-faced”, but this air sign is better represented by their flexibility, intelligence, and charm. Often busy and stressed, this sign would appreciate either a lap desk, so they could multitask from their bed, or a bathtub try that would let them both relax and type their papers in peace.

Cancer

This sign is known for their moods. Characterized as “emotional and loving”, those born between June 21 and July 22 fall are “cardinal water sign[s].” For these Crabs, a sentimental gift really demonstrates your thoughtfulness and affection. A homemade present such as a framed picture or maybe a t-shirt from their favorite podcast really shows that you listen as well as they do. A weighted blanket (which evidence shows can assist with calming the mind before bed) would be another great choice for this sensitive sign.

Leo

As a proud Leo and friends with many others born between July 23 and August 22, I know how true the stereotypes of extraversion and being the center of attention are. It is true that Lions are all about pride. A great present for this fire sign is a unique accessory that will help them stand out from the pack. Colorful, handmade clay earrings or unique and bold barrettes or scrunchies will help this sign stay on top of the latest trends. Another option is a new Bluetooth speaker whether it be for the shower or in a fun shape to keep their party going all night long.

Virgo

Born from August 23 to September 22,  the Virgo, “represented by the goddess of wheat”, are known for their attention to detail and practicality. This dependable earth sign would likely appreciate a practical gift, as well. A robe, fluffy slippers, or a matching set of silk pajamas would be both considerate and luxurious and definitely useful during this pandemic – a fact a Virgo would appreciate.

 

Libra

Described as both “fixat[ed] on balance and harmony” and “easy-going and sociable”, this air sign will likely appreciate a gift that works on achieving both peace and calm in their home. Libras are born between September 23 and October 22 under the Scales star sign. One option for your loveable Libra friend is a battery power, touch-activated light for their space. These popular lights come in a variety of shapes and sizes from cats to food. Candles are another traditional item that these signs will love that can be made personal by choosing one in a scent they love or represents their sign or home state. 

Scorpio

This water sign is described as being “powerful and passionate” which is fitting for its representation of the scorpion. Born from October 23 to November 21, a great outlet for this sign is the kitchen, where they can put their energy to work. Plus, all the Scorpios in my life love to cook. A fun apron or fancy cookware might be the best way to their heart, and if cooking is not quite their forte, consider a gift card to their favorite restaurant. 

Sagittarius

Those born from November 22 to December 21 are accurately represented by the archer and are described as being on a burning “quest for knowledge.” Your Sagittarius friends’ travel plans may have been limited this year by COVID-19, but your gift doesn’t have to be. A world or state scratch-off map that would allow your friend to chip away at the places they have visited would be a great aspirational piece for their room. A popular autobiography of their favorite academic, inspirational, or political role model would also show how much you know about your favorite fire sign.

Capricorn

Capricorns were born under the sea goat astrological sign which is a combination of both a goat and a fish. Those born from December 22 and January 19 are known for their dual nature of both “practicality” and “ambition”. A great gift for the Capricorn in your life would be business casual clothes, as this earth sign navigates from college to the professional world. In a similar vein, a gorgeous, yet useful business professional purse will help them conquer this next phase of their life with ease.

Aquarius

These winter babies born from January 20 to February 18 are famed for their “humanitarian” nature. Aquarius is represented by the water bearer which relates back to its generous nature. Your Aquarius friends are likely passionate about social justice and would appreciate a t-shirt representing their favorite cause or a subscription to a feminist zine. Another great option are bath products from cult-favorite company Lush, famed for their delicious scents and commitment to ethical consumerism and environmentalism.

Pisces

According to Allure, this water sign, born from February 19 to March 20, is symbolized by two fish in opposing directions which represents the trials and tribulations faced by all the signs in the Zodiac, as well as a dual nature. To bring harmony to your Pisces friends, consider purchasing a diffuser complete with their favorite essential oil (lavender is great for bringing peace) or a yoga mat.

Emily Janikowski, otherwise known as Em, can be found usually lurking in the depths of the Polsky building as a writing tutor, and when she isn't there, she is curled up in bed binge watching Law & Order SVU. Her passion lies in changing the world, and she hopes to accomplish this through majoring in social work.
Madeline Myers is a 2020 graduate of the University of Akron. She has a B.A. English with a minor in Creative Writing. At Her Campus, Madeline enjoys writing movie and TV reviews. Her personal essay “Living Room Saloon” is published in the 2019 issue of The Ashbelt. Madeline grew up in Zanesville, Ohio. She loves quoting comedians, reading James Baldwin, and sipping on grape soda. She fears a future run by robots but looks forward to the day when her stories are read by those outside of her immediate family.