MAIN Party Ideas Gift Ideas Zodiac Gift Ideas

With even a passing interest in astrology, people just seem to get that Geminis love to travel. Also, that Libras love the good life -- and when it comes to Leos... it's all about the bling!

With their traditional birthstones and personality traits it's easy to know what to get them for birthdays, around the holidays, or any special occasion.

Here are some great tips and ideas for picking out the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones based on their zodiac signs:

also see -> Colors, Gemstones & Flowers by Birth Sign

Aries (March 21 and April 19)
Aries birthstone: diamond. Color: red.

What to get a fast moving Aries?

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 it's about gardening, hunting, or cooking - as long as it gets to the point!

In fashion, red is the Aries favorite color. However, their taste in clothing usually gravitates toward more to pullovers or slip-ons rather than fussy clothes with laces or buttons.

Since FIRE is their element, most born under this sign have a natural affinity for cooking gourmet meals, or else rustling up something on the barbecue out back -- so cooking gifts or utensils to make their life easier will also be much appreciated.

You can also fire the Aries imaginations with collectibles and antiques such as globes, or replicas of pistols or swords, which are well-suited to those born under this dynamic, warring sign.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Taurus birthstone: emerald. Color: green.

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.

Since Taurus rules the neck and throat, 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. Therefore, a DVD collection featuring their favorite singer or music artist will also be much appreciated.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Gemini birthstone: pearl. Color: yellow.

News, communication and curiosity are a prime directive for the Gemini personality who usually loves nothing better than a subscription to their favorite newspaper or magazine, or lounging on the beach reading a good book.

In their quest to know everybody and everything, Geminis are also known for packing up to a far-flung destination at a moment's notice. Pick out anything from travelogues to a coffee table book about an exotic locale and a Gemini will be your friend forever!

Electronics such as smart 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.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Cancer birthstone: moonstone. Color: white, silver.

The natural homebodies of the zodiac, the perfect gift for Cancer the Crab can be found at the nearest housewares department, gourmet shop, or bed & bath emporium.

Think spice racks, oven mitts or refrigerator magnets. 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.

Of course, anything in which they can frame their most cherished pictures of kids and family are well attuned to the Crab personality. Books on exploring their family roots or a paid membership to a genealogy site will also naturally set their hearts aflutter.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Leo birthstone: diamond or rock crystal. Color: gold

With a flair for the dramatic and a love of center stage, Leo the Lion has 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 rock stars they truly are!

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Virgo birthstone: citrine. Color: gray, navy blue.

Those born under this sign are usually obsessed with proper eating and physical fitness, so a gift basket filled with pure organic foods, or health and exercise magazines would greatly please the Virgo's inner health nut.

Neatness and order are also what makes most Virgos tick. Therefore anything that cleans, 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.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Libra birthstone: sapphire. Color: blue.

Born under the sign most associated with equality and harmony, the Libra personality is 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 prime rib!)

Designer silk scarves, books of poetry, classical music collections, or tickets to the theater or opera are also perfect matches for refined Libran tastes.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpio birthstone: garnet or ruby. Color: red.

Quiet, mysterious and complicated are words that best describe the Scorpio personality and the perfect gift ideas for them may 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 physics also make ideal gifts for the cosmic-minded Scorpio.

Those born under this sign also have a spiritual side that tends toward Eastern mysticism, and anything that appeals to their more contemplative natures are sure to be richly appreciated.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
Sagittarius birthstone: topaz. Color: red, orange.

Fun loving and charismatic, the typical Sagittarius 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, a paint ball competition, 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 fun and exotic experiences.

For the ultimate gift, consider tickets to a trip to some distant land, or even a book or DVD about world travel that will help them to satisfy their constant wanderlust and profound desire for new experiences.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorn birthstone: onyx. Color: dark green.

Don't even TRY to impress the ever-sensible Capricorn with the latest electronic storage gadgets 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 period replica, like a clock or a sterling silver letter opener - as long as it doubles as something useful!

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarian birthstone: turquoise. Color: aqua.

Aquarians are highly individualistic, which makes them one of the most difficult to predict for astrologers!

In fashion, they tend toward bright colors, but conversely will often match them to a quiet buttoned-up look. Inwardly shy, Aquarians are actually in their element when surrounded by lots of people.

Telescopes, or astronomy gifts are often suggested for new age Aquarians, but that is often just whistling in the dark.

In fact, anything from hi-tech gadgets to a new addition to their quirky Madagascar stamp collection might fit the bill.

Your call! Just keep an eye on what an Aquarian really wants and you can't go half wrong.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces birthstone: amethyst. Color: sea green.

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 anyone else know that you gave it to them!)

Often drawn to philosophical pursuits, books on Eastern religion or the otherworldly would also appeal to the mystical Pisces.

Dreamy and starry-eyed Pisces love to fantasize, especially about far-off destinations, so travel books and videos (or a even a quick weekend getaway), are high on the list of things that would thrill them.

More tips & advice about gifts by zodiac sign around the Web: