MAIN Entertaining Gift Ideas Zodiac Gift Ideas

Those with even a passing interest astrology seem to know that Geminis can talk a blue streak; Libras love the good life; or that Leos are notorious show-offs!

But with general horoscopes (or their traditional birthstones) and personality traits aside, how does that translate into giving them a birthday or holiday gift that they're sure to appreciate?

Here are some great tips and ideas using their traditional sun signs as a guide to picking out the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones:

• Aries (March 21 and April 19) In fashion, red is the Aries favorite color. However, an Aries taste in clothing usually gravitates toward more to quick pullovers or slip-ons rather than fussy clothes with laces or buttons. Ease and speed is a constant, so don't expect them to sit down to a long novel. At the local book shop, pick out a non-fiction or how-to book - whether its about gardening, hunting, or decorating - as long as it gets to the point! You can also fire the Aries imaginations with collectibles such as antique globes, or replicas of pistols or swords, which are well-suited to those born under this dynamic, warring sign. Aries birthstone: diamond.
  
  
• Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Acquiring the finest in creature comforts is the driving force behind the Bull personality, so shopping for them is usually fun and easy. Just look for a down comforter, a soft cashmere sweater, a fine bottle of wine, box of chocolates, or a gourmet gift basket, all of which are sure to please most Taureans. Those born under this sign also tend to have a natural singing ability, or else music is high is on the list of their favorite pastimes, so a CD collection of their favorite singer or music artist will also be much appreciated. Taurus birthstone: emerald.
  
  
• Gemini (May 21 - June 20) News, communication and curiosity are a prime directive for the Gemini personality who usually loves books, stationary, writing instruments, or a subscription to their favorite newspaper or magazine. Electronics such as cell phones, PDA's, portable USB hard drives, or anything else that allows them to amass information while on the go are also great gifts for the typical Gemini.. Known for packing up to far-flung destinations at a moment's notice, Geminis also love anything to do with travel - ranging from travel reviews and armchair travelogues to an all-expense paid weekend getaway. Gemini birthstone: pearl.
  
  
• Cancer (June 21 - July 22) The natural homebodies of the zodiac, the perfect gift for Cancer can be found at the nearest housewares department, gourmet shop, or bed & bath emporium. Kitchen equipment such as cake mixers, spice racks or cookbooks are well-attuned to the Cancer personality, along with anything in which they can frame their most cherished pictures of kids and family. Gifts that you make yourself - such as candles, crafts, or holiday gift baskets - will also likely be especially appreciated by anyone born under this sentimental birth sign. Cancer birthstone: moonstone.
  
  
• Leo (July 23 - August 22) With a flair for the dramatic and a love of center stage, Leos have a natural attraction to the overly theatrical. Tickets to flashy shows with lots of lights and sequins or simply a night out on the town will be deeply appreciated. Leos, of course, are also natural showmen and therefore bright gold watches, or oversized jewelry, will make the typical Leo beam with pride and happiness. Leos are especially proud of their manes so a fine comb and brush set, or a decorative costume hair clip or beret will help make them feel and look like the stars they truly are! Leo birthstone: diamond or rock crystal
  
  
• Virgo (August 23 - September 22) Neatness and order are what makes most Virgos tick. Therefore anything that cleans and organizes, or helps them feel under control will always please a fussy, detailed-oriented Virgo. Think dustbuster, a robotic vacuum cleaner, or a multi-level closet organizer. In addition, those born under this sign are usually obsessed with proper eating and physical fitness, so a gift basket filled with pure organic foods, health or exercise magazines would greatly please the Virgo's inner health nut.Virgo birthstone: citrine
  
  
• Libra (September 23 - October 22) Born under the sign most associated with equality and harmony, Librans are most attracted to balanced pairs such as candlesticks, bookends, dinner for two, or matching his-and-her gifts. Elegance is also uppermost in the minds of most Librans, and anything coarse or common will likely turn them off. (Hint: to truly satisfy a Libran, forget the fish and chips and go for the lobster and vintage champagne!) Designer silk scarves, books of poetry, classical music CDs, or tickets to the theater or opera are also perfect matches for refined Libran tastes. Libra birthstone: sapphire.
  
  
• Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) Quiet, mysterious and complicated are words that best describe the Scorpio personality. Gift ideas for the typical Scorpio range from ship-in-a-bottle kits to intricate puzzles and brain teasers. Detective and mystery novels, or books that plumb the depths of quantum theory also make ideal gifts for the cosmic-minded Scorpio. Those born under this sign have a spiritual side that tends toward Eastern mysticism, so anything that appeals to their more contemplative natures are also sure to be richly appreciated. Scorpio birthstone: garnet or ruby.
  
  
• Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) Fun loving and charismatic, the typical Sag always wants to "move it, move it" and be at the center of all the action. Whether it's club hopping, a trip to a safari park, or a hot air balloon ride, good gift ideas for this sign usually involve placing them in a group of people with whom they can share exotic experiences. For the ultimate gift, consider tickets to a trip to some distant land, or even a book or DVD about foreign travel, that will help them to satisfy their constant wanderlust and profound desire for new experiences. Sagittarius birthstone: topaz.
  
  
• Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) Don't even try to impress the ever-sensible Capricorn with the latest electronic gadget or trendy new fashions. This down to earth sign will likely more appreciate a matching wool scarf and glove set (in navy blue, please) or a gift card to their favorite office supply store. A business card holder, a fancy desk set, or a wristwatch in a classic design are among other perfect gifts to please a practical Capricorn. Also consider an antique or a period replica like a clock or a sterling silver letter opener - as long as it doubles as something useful! Capricorn birthstone: onyx.
  
  
• Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) Inwardly shy, Aquarians are actually in their element when surrounded by lots of people, so make them happy with gifts they can share. Consider Trivial Pursuit or other board games, multi-player video games, or simply a night out with a gaggle of friends. In fashion, they tend toward bright colors, but conversely will often hold back by matching them to a quiet buttoned-up look. With a natural curiosity about their place in the universe, anything to do with star gazing, telescopes, or astronomy make perfect gifts for the new age Aquarian. Aquarian birthstone: turquoise.
  
  
• Pisces (February 19 - March 20) Dreamy and starry-eyed Pisces love to fantasize, especially about far-off destinations, so travel books and videos (or a even a quick trip to a lakeside resort), are high on the list of things that would thrill them. Incredibly imaginative, Pisces are often shy about their creative pursuits. Nevertheless, they often excel at art, music, woodworking or sculpture, so any related supplies or gifts to do with their creative pursuits would be appreciated (just don't let on to anyone else you gave it to them!) Often drawn to philosophical pursuits, books on Eastern religion or the otherworldy would also appeal to the mystical Pisces. Pisces birthstone: amethyst