Ah - I love to give gifts - not just in December, but year-round. One of my favorite hunts is to find a present appropriate for my recipient’s Sun Sign. That way, my gift will not likely evaporate or become old hat (unless it is an old hat) when the new year rolls around. I know pretty much 99% of us are on a budget, so here are 12 gift ideas, reasonably priced and fun to find, each relating to a Zodiac sign. The gift/s should cost in the $15 range - or less. (How do I know? I’m a veteran on the internet where I sell old hats).
1. ARIES: A lovely red candle, without an overpowering, spice aroma - because Aries is all about fire, and a candle is all about light and serenity (something all Aries needs and appreciates).If you shop the sales, you should be able to find a great candle for a bargain price. Aries will respond immediately to the thoughtfulness of this gift - male or female. But if the recipient is a male, purchase a less-flowery/more masculine candle, candle holder and/or scent.
2. TAURUS: A political book about someone Taurus appreciates. Perhaps a book about Harry Truman ( a Taurus)or even Ulysses S. Grant (also a Taurus). Given the fact that 2008 is the Year of Politics, coupled with the fact that homebody Taurus relishes curling up with a good book, you won’t miss with this gift idea. Female Taurus might like to read about some of the recent women candidates - or those, from history, who marched to assure women got the vote or shattered the glass ceiling. Check any number of internet sites for great prices on these books.
3. GEMINI: A writing journal to contain Gemini’s creative writing. Gemini is one of the best signs at communicating - especially the written word -so a journal chosen to reflect a specific personality (Asian-inspired or vintagey, for example)will show Gemini you appreciate his/her talent with words. You might note that Geminis Bob Dylan, Cole Porter, Ian Fleming and Francois Sagan all knew how to work the words - and a brand new journal, purchased on sale,of course, is just the place to start.This gift works for male or female - but the cover you choose will reflect the gender.
4. CANCER: A wallet to show you believe in Cancer’s ability to earn money in the days ahead. Cancer may be among the most vulnerable, sensitive signs to the current economic problems, but no other sign responds to a vote of confidence as much as Cancer. Like everything else, wallets are on sale - so go on line or find a great one at the Mall. If you’re feeling flush, be certain to add a crisp, brand new bill. Wallets work for both genders - although, of course, the material, fabric, brand-name will differ according to the recipient.
5. LEO: Vanity Fair. Not the magazine, but an upscale beauty product for him or for her. Female Leos will adore and appreciate some wonderful accessory or name product to enhance or adorn her great head of hair. I am thinking of fine combs,cute headbands or jeweled barrettes…. Male Leo will also appreciate some vanity - so scout around for a great leather manicure set or special cosmetic gift box set (try for a brand he will appreciate).Check department stores - but also internet sites for great values from great brand names.
6.VIRGO: Cookbook. Moosewood or any other good cookbook geared to healthy eating, like hearty soups. The Earth mother/father sign likes to nurture with food and spend some of that Virgo nervous energy by cooking. You can find a wonderful vintage cookbook on the auction sites - or great healthy cookbooks on sale - again within your price range. If you have money left over to spend, add a great ladle or a slotted spoon. Everybody cooks these days - men and women. No worry about the gender here.
7. Libra: Vintage costume jewelry/Picture frames. Go internet auction shopping - or shop a local antique mall. All with great bargain prices on amazing vintage costume jewelry. You’ll want something tasteful and elegant to please the fem Libra (so look for a signed piece) and avoid the gee-gaws. Your male Libra is likely to appreciate an elegant picture frame (wood, mosaic, mirrored) that you can also find on the internet or one of the dandy home stores, now offering sales galore. I’ve seen some amazing, expensive pieces selling for a fraction of their value: $15 is not out of line for a $50 piece, these days.
8. Scorpio: Modern Puzzles,Deck of Cards. Tickle the fancy of this intense sign with a puzzle or a lovely deck of playing cards. I’ve never met a Scorpio who didn’t like to play games, especially cards, and there are some beautiful, fancy or vintage (unused) playing cards that will delight your favorite Scorp - male or female. No jigsaw puzzles, here - but some of the more confounding, mind-bending puzzles you can find on the internet or in specialty stores. Scorpios love a challenge & a mystery - so even the latest hot game book is a good choice here, if you get stuck.
9. Sagittarius: Dreamy coffee-table art book. Look for Parrish or Angels or any dream-related content. Sag loves to dream and enjoys the whimsy of art - so a book full of fabulous Parrish posters or paintings - or even William Wegman’s dogs dressed up like Cinderella will cheer and inspire both male and female Sags. You can find reasonably price art books on any number or sites - or in some book stores, in the mark-down section. This is a great time to buy great art books at bargain prices.
10. Capricorn: Upscale desk accessories. Business-as-usual Capricorns will appreciate business-related, but personal gifts - from fine leather card cases to a new Cross pen or pencil. Find them all on sale to please your goal-oriented Cap - if you’re lucky with sales, combine the pen with the pencil and a monogrammed note pad. This is gift that practical-minded Capricorn will cherish long after the wrapping paper is trashed.
11. Aquarius: Great socks. I’m not kidding. The most upscale socks you can find for him or for her - made of cashmere, even - or the finest wool. The more expensive the brand, the better. No one gives socks as gifts anymore, so your lovely, hand-knit or logo pattern socks will stand out in the Aquarius memory for years to come. Aquarius appreciates the best of the best, so hunt around for bargains. No common brands, please - go for the European designers and shop for them, close-outs or samples on internet auction sites. Great socks will definitely bring your favorite Aquarius down to earth, and keep him/her toasty warm this winter.
12. Pisces: Art supplies. A drawing pad and drawing pencils. Put together a nice set of high-quality art products that you found on the internet - you might include a drawing pad or blank book and some drawing pencils or fine-lined pens. Dreamy, creative Pisces will put these to use year-round - inspired by the he likes of fellow Pisces, Michelangelo and Renoir. I treasure the art created by my favorite Pisces. This is a good karma gift - what comes around goes around….
All 12 of the recommended gift categories, designed for each sign, can be purchased for $15 and under (or maybe a bit over) if you treasure hunt. You can do so much to personalize - especially in terms of color, patterns and wrapping. There is no better year to find great bargains. You don’t need to wait until black Friday or after Christmas — the mark-downs are fabulous NOW, as we speak. My psi tells me some of the better prices may be had sooner - rather than later. So if you see something that is too good to pass, don’t. Happy Holidays
