Author: Hanna Marcus

Known best for their generosity, Leos are fabulous gift-givers who are always quick to share their open hearts and giving natures. With a flair for the dramatic, a tendency to be flashy, and an inventive spirit that can’t be tamed, these signs — aptly represented by a lion and two halves of a heart — can be tough to shop for.

The trick is getting to know what makes a Leo tick and then using that knowledge to find the perfect present, says Lisa Stardust, New York City-based astrologist and bestselling author.

What to know about Leos

Leo (July 22-August 22) is the fifth sign of the zodiac, following the water sign Cancer. As fixed fire signs, Leos are known for their passionate determination, Stardust says. “Leos are not going to change their mind about something once they’ve set it,” she says. “But as a fire sign, they’re the manifestation, or spark, of inspiration. They start things, and they get things done.”

Leos are also identified with having extravagant tastes, Stardust says. “They’re represented by lions — the kings of the jungle — so they know they’re powerful, but they’re also honest, creative, and have big hearts.”

The planetary ruler of Leos is the sun — a symbol of vitality, Stardust says. True to their summertime sign, Leos like to live life to the fullest.

“On good days, Leos love to be in the sunlight, have a great time, and be open and transparent with their loved ones,” she says. “But it’s important to remember the duality of the signs: Lions might love the sun, but they still sleep in caves.”

Best birthday gifts for Leos

Whether it’s their love of bold colors, wild shocks of hair (common for these lion-represented signs), or their relationships, Leos love to make a statement. Gifting them something that plays into that proclivity, such as satin pillowcases and sheets, cat-eye sunglasses, or even gold jewelry, is a smart way to go, Stardust says.

“Leos are known for liking things that are over the top,” she says. “Something bold — bright colors, strong perfumes — will be a good choice for Leos.”

Stardust says that Leos will also appreciate gifts for their hair. “Like lions, Leos usually have a beautiful mane, so hair-related products will likely go over well.”

Consider hair bows, hair brushes, headband sets, scalp masks, conditioners, hair oils, and anything else a Leo can use to keep their locks looking lovely.

Go-to birthday gifts for Leos

Armed with what we know, there’s no shortage of presents that the Leo in your life will like. Here are five types of birthday gifts for Leos.

Something that grows

The Leo’s flower is, not surprisingly, the sunflower, and you cannot go wrong with a bouquet of these beauties.

Other gold options, such as yellow mums, are a safe bet, too.

Something for the sun

Leos love their moment in the sun — metaphorically and literally — so gifting them something they can enjoy during the summer is usually a winner, Stardust says.

“When I picture a Leo, I see them standing in the sun with the breeze blowing in their hair,” she says. Things like sun hats, beach tents, beach towels, beach bags, and other such gifts are all great options.

Something gold and flashy

“Leos love gold — the color and the jewelry,” Stardust says. “It doesn’t matter if it’s not real gold, either.” Additionally, Leos will love pendants with the sun on them to represent their planetary ruler.

Within the jewelry realm, consider everything from earrings and cufflinks to rings, necklaces, and bracelets.

And while the jewelry you gift a Leo doesn’t necessarily have to be gold, it should lean toward the more gaudy, Stardust says.

Something to spark creativity

With their tendency to be outside-the-box thinkers, Leos often take up artistic pursuits, so any gift related to music, painting, drawing, acting, and art should be a hit. Stardust says that Leos are likely to enjoy things like drawing materials, painting sets, art (or art classes), or even a karaoke machine (they love to entertain, after all).

Something for their heart

Each zodiac sign is said to rule specific parts of the body. For Leos, one of those parts is the heart, and because of that, Leos tend to be romantic, generous, and dedicated friends and lovers.

Stardust says, “Consider getting them something romantic, like poetry books. They might also like heart-shaped jewelry or a heart pin.”

For more astrological birthday gifting inspiration, check out our other zodiac gift guides:
Gifts for Virgo
Gifts for Libra
Gifts for Scorpio
Gifts for Sagittarius
Gifts for Capricorn
Gifts for Aquarius
Gifts for Pisces
Gifts for Aries
Gifts for Taurus
Gifts for Gemini
Gifts for Cancer

Intuitive, loyal, and emotionally intelligent, Cancers often care more about the thought and effort put into a gift than the gift itself. And that, says Lisa Stardust, a New York City-based astrologist and bestselling author, means you should go the extra mile when shopping for a birthday present for them.

What to know about Cancer signs

Cancer (June 22–July 22) is the fourth sign on the zodiac, following the air sign Gemini. Being a cardinal sign, Cancer marks the start of a new season, in this case summer. Cardinal signs are known for being go-getters and trendsetters, and are often called the “initiators” of the zodiac, Stardust says.

“Cancer season is a time where we’re really embracing our emotions, like Cancers do,” Stardust says. “The days are longer, the sun is heating up, and we’re busy setting new intentions to make things happen.”

Like most water signs, Cancers are highly sensitive souls. Stardust says Cancers often display a strong connectivity, emotional depth, and connection to nostalgia and sentimentality.

Because of those qualities, Cancers tend to make loyal and true-to-the-end friends.

“They’ll defend you even if they don’t agree with you,” Stardust says. “They’re nurturing, a great shoulder to cry on, and always ready to fight your battles. They’re tough but tenderhearted.”

Cancers are also ruled by the moon, and that has a direct influence on their mood.

“The hearts and minds of Cancers change with the signs and phases of the moon,” Stardust says, “which means they can be quirky, sometimes neurotic, and definitely changeable.”

Best birthday gifts for Cancer signs

As they continually seek deep connections with others, Cancers tend to take on a lot of external stressors, which can make them anxious and overwhelmed. Gifting a Cancer things like weighted blankets, relaxing bath products, healing essential oils, or soothing candles is a great way to help them unwind.

To a Cancer, the saying is true: It’s the thought that counts. These folks will always appreciate a special keepsake or personalized gift — perhaps with an added happy birthday video montage — over a more luxurious or expensive option because it shows the gift-giver gave thoughtful consideration to what the recipient would like.

Go-to birthday gifts for Cancer signs

If you have a close friend or family member who is a Cancer, you know how deeply they care for you. Show them you feel the same way about them with these birthday gift ideas for the Cancer in your life.

Something that grows

Flowers or plants are a good birthday gift for most any zodiac sign. Stardust recommends white roses or lilies, or something white or light gray, to reflect the moon’s influence on them.

Unlike some other signs, Cancers are up for taking care of plants that require more maintenance. These include fiddle-leaf figs and orchids, the 2023 Flower of the Year.

“Cancers love to nurture, care for, and even talk to their plants,” Stardust says.

Something to cook or bake with

Gifting caretaking Cancers presents they can use to cook up something tasty for their loved ones is always a great option, Stardust says. For those who enjoy showing off their grilling skills, consider a selection of high-quality proteins, such as chicken breasts, steaks, or seafood…or a combination of all three.

You could also add a little spice to their life, with a gourmet salt collection or maple bacon rub, or give them the tools they need to make meal prep easier, with cutting boards, bakeware, or recipe boxes.

White Phalaenopsis Orchid

Best of Land and Sea Collection

Personalized Collapsible Party Cooler

Something nostalgic

“The moon is representative of our memories and how we all relate to them,” Stardust says.

And knowing what we know about Cancers, that means collectibles and sentimental items like photo albums, picture frames, scrapbooks, or board games that take them back to their youth will go over well.

Something for the beach or pool

Like a classic water sign, a Cancer adores spending time beachside, poolside, or even bath-side. In other words, if water is involved, they’re in.

Stardust suggests monogrammed beach towels, sun shades, beach umbrellas, portable speakers, coolers, and beach bags so Cancers can enjoy themselves in and around the water as they were meant to.

For more astrological birthday gifting inspiration, check out our other zodiac gift guides:
Gifts for Virgo
Gifts for Libra
Gifts for Scorpio
Gifts for Sagittarius
Gifts for Capricorn
Gifts for Aquarius
Gifts for Pisces
Gifts for Aries
Gifts for Taurus
Gifts for Gemini

Geminis can be hard to pin down, says Lisa Stardust, New York City-based astrologist and bestselling author.

Best known for their air sign qualities — being communicative and curious, and owning a quick wit — Geminis are social while introspective, passionate and playful, intelligent yet impulsive. For those who love a chatty, inquisitive, and always exciting Gemini, this guide will help you find the perfect gift for an upcoming birthday.

What to know about Gemini

Gemini (May 21-June 21) is the third sign on the zodiac calendar, following the earth sign Taurus. This mutable air sign is best known for its independence, zeal for expressing themselves, and uncanny ability to foster and cherish relationships. On the flip side, Stardust says, Geminis can be tricky and practical jokers.

Geminis are ruled by the planet Mercury, which is named after the Greek god of the same name. Mercury was a messenger, a carrier of information, so it’s no surprise that Geminis seek constant and fluid avenues of communication. This includes talking, texting, and sharing their thoughts online with others.

The Gemini symbol is depicted by two mythological twins, Castor and Pollux, making it the only sign of the zodiac with a partner.

“That makes them relationship-oriented people,” Stardust says. “In fact, it makes them some of the most relationship-oriented people ever. As adults, Geminis often have friends they made when they were children; they grow up and take them with them. That also has to do with their communication — they’re committed to working through stuff. “

Best birthday gifts for Gemini

A Gemini, Stardust says, loves things that feed into their playful and exciting spirit. “Games and sports — especially ones they can play with their hands — are going to be a win,” she says. Consider gifting a Gemini anything from a chess set to a basketball to keep their playful spirit entertained.

If you opt for a spa-themed gift, Stardust recommends going with a lavender-scented item. (Lavender is Gemini’s birth flower.)

True to their nature as communicators, Geminis tend to be talented writers, Stardust says. “A great journal, a nice pen — anything to help them write is a good gift,” she recommends.

Go-to birthday gifts for Gemini

Let’s dissect what we’ve learned about Gemini to curate the perfect gift (or gifts) for this expressive, fun-loving, and sometimes rambunctious sign.

Something that grows

Though not earth signs, Geminis do have a compelling appreciation for plants and flowers. And, once again, lavender is the way to go.

“All the communication and information Geminis are big on can make them anxious,” Stardust says. “The smell of lavender calms them down and reduces their anxiety.”

Something to help them communicate

While a tablet, phone, or laptop might be out of your price range, gifting a Gemini something that helps them get their thoughts out is a great present. “Geminis need — like, need — to text,” admits Stardust, herself a Gemini.

Think of things like phone chargers and phone cases, tablet covers, or speakers to amplify the volume of their devices.

“Something that helps them keep up with everyone and stay in touch is a great gift,” Stardust says.

Something for their hands

Every sign on the zodiac rules a unique part of the body, and for Geminis, it’s the hands.

Give them something to soothe their precious mitts, such as hand lotions, oils, or creams. You could also find a perfect-fitting pair of gloves or mittens, or a ring.

Also consider gifting them something to keep those hands busy, such as sewing supplies, painting tools, and other crafty, hands-on, experiential gifts.

Limoncello Cake

Something bright and flashy

Whatever kind of gift you decide on, make sure it’s flashy and eye-catching — that’s the aesthetic of choice for many Geminis, Stardust says.

“Geminis love bright colors, especially when it comes to fashion,” she said. “Bright nail polish is so Gemini, as are bright pajamas and bright throw pillows.”

As yellow is one of the lucky colors for Gemini, a gift of that hue should go over well.

Something to snack on

Geminis can be pretty picky about their snacks, Stardust says, but it all really depends on how they’re feeling that day.

If you choose to go the food route, options like citrus fruits or charcuterie are practically guaranteed winners, Stardust says, adding that Geminis also lean toward citrusy sweets.

“A key lime-flavored dessert, such as key lime cookies, would be good for them.”

For more astrological birthday gifting inspiration, check out our other gift guides:
Gifts for Virgo
Gifts for Libra
Gifts for Scorpio
Gifts for Sagittarius
Gifts for Capricorn
Gifts for Aquarius
Gifts for Pisces
Gifts for Aries
Gifts for Taurus