Author: Hanna Marcus

Tauruses offer a unique blend of personality traits, says Lisa Stardust, a New York City-based astrologist and best-selling author. Known for their tenacity, creativity, and need to feel connected with themselves and the earth, people born under this sign are truly one-of-a-kind creatures.

For those who love an opinionated, hard-working, and occasionally extravagant Taurus, the journey to find a perfect-for-them present begins here.

What to know about Taurus

Taurus (April 21–May 20) is the second sign in the Zodiac calendar, immediately following Aries, and if the latter is known for its spark of imagination, then the former is the builder of those dreams. Tauruses are all too happy to put their head down to get things done — but they always come up for relaxation, rest, and a whole lot of play.

Much of this balance comes from Taurus’ planetary ruler, Venus, who, Stardust says, is a bit of a party girl.

“Think about Venus like the disco queen who never works, goes out for an all-nighter, sleeps until 5 p.m., and then dines on cheesecake and Champagne,” Stardust says. “She’s here for a good time and to do what she pleases.”

While Taureses aren’t exactly like Venus, they do tend to possess some of her more notable characteristics, including femininity, sensuality, and a taste for luxury. But, as earth signs, they’re also associated with being stubborn, fiercely loyal, and unwavering.

“When a Taurus makes up their mind,” Stardust says, “their mind is made up.”

Best birthday gifts for Taurus

Gifting a Taurus something like bath products, cozy slippers, spa treatments, or something comfortable to wear in their downtime are always great options to help them unwind and relax.

If you really want to appeal to their earth-sign nature, give the Taurus in your life something that’s focused on aromatics like candles, earthy perfumes, and room fragrances (that don’t come on too strong).

When all else fails, go for rich or decadent foods and beverages. Tauruses are known for their opulent inclinations and never saying no to the finer things, Stardust says.

“Tauruses want the good stuff,” she says. “They’re the kind of people you’d take out for a three-course meal at a great restaurant.”

Go-to birthday gifts for Taurus

It’s almost Taurus time. Let’s take what we know about Tauruses to help steer us to the best birthday gift for them.

Something that grows

Like most earth signs, Tauruses adore having plants and flowers in their homes. “Earth signs don’t just like to have plants around — they need them,” Stardust says.

Though a Taurus would appreciate any plant, gifting them roses is a great fit. Like Tauruses themselves, roses are a blend of artistry, romance, and beauty.

Other springtime blooms, such as peonies, white cherry blossoms, and calla lilies, are major hits, too, according to Stardust.

When all else fails, “go for a big bouquet of green, white, and even a little pink to match their earth sign aesthetic,” Stardust advises.

Something decadent and rich

Run of the mill is not good enough for this sign. “Tauruses love the rich and fancy stuff,” Stardust advises.

Bear that in mind and gift them some finely crafted wine or sparkly Champagne, premium ingredients for a gourmet meal, or signature chocolates.

Something to feed their senses

As earth signs, and signs ruled by Venus, Tauruses crave feeling alive in their bodies. “For them, it’s all about physicality — things they can sense, smell, and taste.”

Further, Stardust says, Taureses love to be around things that smell really good — aromas and essences. “They love a fancy candle, a rose-scented perfume, a great-smelling lotion,” she says.

Something for their creative spirit

Even though Tauruses are considered the workhorses of the zodiac, they’re also exceptionally invested in the arts, music, and other creative endeavors. So, springing for a paint and sip class, a wine and painting set to enjoy at home, or a culinary kit would definitely go over well with a Taurus.

Stardust says Tauruses also enjoy art for their home (so long as it appeals to their earthy aesthetic), home decor, and gifts like sheets, blankets, and duvets.

Something for their neck and shoulders

Each zodiac sign rules a specific body part, and for a Taurus that is the neck (including the throat) and shoulders. A luxurious scarf, a karaoke machine, or even singing lessons are all great gifts for Taurus.

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

Pisces are creative, transformative, and always looking to expand their world view, according to New York City-based astrologist and best-selling author Lisa Stardust. In addition, they tend to be sensitive and empathetic, and make great friends.

But there’s another side to this sign: They also can be flighty, easily distracted, and have their head in the clouds — qualities that can make them tricky to buy presents for.

Don’t worry, though. By learning more about Pisces and their most common personality traits, you can be well prepared when it comes time to choose the perfect gift for their upcoming birthday.

What to know about Pisces

Pisces (Feb. 20-March 21) is the mutable water sign of the Zodiac. Like other mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, and Sagittarius), they are known for their ability to re-calibrate and adjust to change. But that’s pretty much where their practicality ends.

“Pisces are dreamers,” Stardust says. “They’re big on fantasy, playing into their imagination, and even escapism.”

In many ways, Stardust says, Pisces are considered the “visionaries of the zodiac.” She attributes this to their having two planetary rulers, and those rulers being Jupiter and Neptune.

“Neptune is the ruler of the oceans, and Jupiter is an expansive planet that’s all about expanding your mind, your heart, and the way you see the world,” she says. “So, with Pisces, their emotions can be like the waves — one moment they’re calm, the next they’re roaring. You never know what you might get.”

Pisces prefer to concern themselves less with the material world around them and more with the made-up one in their heads, Stardust says. Still, they love to receive thoughtful gifts that are glamorous and revolve around their interests.

Best birthday gifts for Pisces

Pisces, according to Stardust, appreciate a gift that fosters their creative spirit, speaks to their water sign, or allows them to distance themselves from their everyday lives. For those reasons, books and movies are good choices for Pisces seeking an escape from reality.

Gifts like cookbooks, culinary tools, painting sets, and other art supplies are also wonderful options for Pisces who want an outlet for their creativity. People born under this sign are also known for their love of music, Stardust says, so getting them an instrument, record player, or something else music related is a good choice, too.

5 go-to birthday gifts for Pisces

Now it’s time to get specific. Here are five birthday gifts that the Pisces in your life will greatly appreciate.

1. Something that grows

If you’re thinking about gifting a Pisces a flower or plant, you can’t go wrong with water lilies or a lotus, Stardust says. “Water lilies and lotus both represent good fortune, and Pisces is considered a lucky sign,” she said.

Water lilies are good picks because they represent more than good fortune — they’re also a symbol of peace, truth, and art. The whimsical Pisces will love a flower that stands for some of the same things they do.

Birthday gift ideas for Pisces

Of course, water lilies and lotus flowers aren’t exactly on the best-seller list for most online flower retailers, so you may have to compromise a little. We suggest a couple of other options that can be found in an aquatic environment: blue irises and calla lilies.

2. Something to relieve stress

Pisces aren’t high strung, per se, but, as mutable signs, they’re subject to taking on the stress from their surroundings. “All mutables pick up the energy of the world around them,” Stardust says.

A gift that helps them keep calm, relax, and wind down is a great choice. Soft blankets, scented candles, or a spa set are all good options for Pisces.

3. Something for their feet

Fun fact: Every sign on the zodiac rules a part of the body, and for Pisces, it’s the feet. Pisces might not always have their feet on the ground, but they are very into their tootsies, so get them something that satisfies this proclivity.

“A Pisces will love slippers, socks, a fun nail polish, or even a spa massager for their feet,” Stardust says. Looking for something truly unique? Get them a pack of foot masks. (Yes, there is such a thing.)

4. Something for their bath

No surprise here: Pisces, true to their nature as a water sign, enjoy bath products. Bath salts, bath bombs, and any other bath- or shower-related product will likely go over well with a Pisces.

5. Something glamorous

Pisces can have expensive taste, a result of their being ruled by Neptune, the planet of mystery and illusion. Knowing their predilection for the finer things, scoring gifts like perfume, jewelry, and even preserved roses for a Pisces will all be winners.

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

Aquarius — giving, humanitarian, and endlessly surprising — is one of the most unique signs of the zodiac, according to New York City-based astrologist and best-selling author Lisa Stardust. Known to have a genuine concern for the well-being of others, Aquariuses have a definite generous streak — but that doesn’t mean they’re always easy to shop for.

By getting to know their most common personality traits, and figuring out what makes people born under this sign tick, you’ll have a perfect gift (or two) in mind by the time your favorite Aquarius’ birthday rolls around.

What to know about Aquarius

Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 19) is a fixed sign on the zodiac, meaning it’s right between solstices and equinoxes. And, as Stardust says, “like the other fixed signs, they have a hard time with change. They’re the most uncomplicated complicated people we know.”

While Aquariuses can be described as independent, selfless, and clever, they also can be hard to put a label on.

“Aquariuses march to the beat of their own drum,” Stardust says. “They put their needs aside to help others, but they’re also very stubborn. They’re zany, wild, and charismatic — but they also have voyeuristic, aloof tendencies.”

Defining an Aquarius can be challenging, but, as Stardust says, “you know someone’s an Aquarius when you see them.

“They’re air signs, too,” she says, “so they’re thinkers and communicators.” Aquarius is symbolized by the water bearer, which is based on a story from Greek mythology. It’s said that Aquarius was the cupbearer to the Olympian gods. This feeds into their inclination for generosity, desire to please people, and altruistic nature.

Two planets, Saturn and Uranus, rule Aquarius. Because of this, they often have a unique balance of strength in their character and a strong desire to be free spirits. Stardust says Aquariuses tend to have a complicated relationship with authority, often seeing the benefits of working both with and against opposition to effect change.

“Aquariuses are the signs of the zodiac that are most likely to quit school and pursue a totally different life just because they want to,” she says. “They believe that you should do whatever it is that makes you happy.”

Best birthday gifts for Aquarius

Aquariuses crave gifts that speak to their unique personalities. As silly as it sounds, Stardust says, something to hold liquids (water, coffee, etc.) is a great gift for this sign —even if it is a little on the nose.

When it comes to food and beverages, Aquariuses have refined palettes (Stardust credits this to their being ruled by Saturn), so they’ll only want the best of the best.

Salty popcorn is always a win for an Aquarius friend, Stardust says, but she’s quick to point out that this is a trend she’s noticed with just the Aquariuses in her life. “Perhaps,” she muses, “it has something to do with balancing out all the water.”

If all else fails, giving them something that feeds into their voyeuristic habits could be a great avenue to explore. “Vintage cameras, video cameras, things that help them capture daily life — those are all excellent options for an Aquarius.”

Go-to birthday gifts for Aquarius

Here are some more targeted gift ideas for the Aquarius in your life.

Something that grows

Though they are air signs, Aquariuses have a strong appreciation for plants and flowers, either of which would make an appropriate gift.

“The go-to flower for an Aquarius would be a bird of paradise,” Stardust says. “It’s exotic and unique, just like an Aquarius.”

Another great option is an orchid, the 2023 Flower of the Year.

If you choose to go the plant route, opt for one that doesn’t need a ton of attention or TLC. Though Aquariuses are giving of their time, they tend to focus more on humanitarian causes, so caring for a plant will likely come second to them.

Something water-centric

Due to their cup-bearing origins, Aquariuses tend to gravitate to gifts related to water.

“Get them a really great mug, bottle, or cup that they can carry their water in,” Stardust says, “or get them fancy water: bubbly water, alkaline water, something like that.”

Coffee mugs fall into this category, too, she says. “They’ll appreciate something they can carry their liquids in — for themselves or for others.”

Something upcycled or recycled

An Aquarius is concerned with Mother Earth — avoiding waste and sustainability are high on their list of priorities — so secondhand clothing, upcycled decor, or anything recycled will be appreciated.

“They love vintage clothing, anything spiffy from a different time period,” Stardust says. “That’s because they’re always trying to make the world a better place.”

Gift ideas for Aquarius

Something zany and unexpected

“Retro sunglasses, vintage cameras, brightly colored nail polish — if it’s eccentric and fun, it’s likely that an Aquarius will enjoy it,” Stardust says.

And, Stardust says, when in doubt, opt for a gift that is a nod to their affinity for water. “They love anything and everything blue.”

Capricorns are often more than they appear. Though mainly defined by being hardworking overachievers, they also tend to play just as hard as they work, according to New York City-based astrologist and bestselling author Lisa Stardust.

And by understanding the different facets of a Capricorn’s personality, you can pick out the perfect gift for them when their birthday rolls around.

Capricorns are going to want the high-end, bougie stuff. That has to do with their hardworking nature. Often, Capricorns will think, ‘I work hard, so I deserve the best.’

lisa stardust

Astrologist and bestselling author

What to know about Capricorns

Capricorns (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) are cardinal signs, which means they kick off a new season— in this case, winter.

“Capricorn season is marked by hard work, discipline, and getting things done,” Stardust says.

Capricorns are also considered earth signs, although they are symbolized by the sea goat. This stems from a Greek myth that says the god Pan was transformed into a half-goat, half-fish. This unique combination implies that Capricorns can be practical as well as creative.

“Think of them as the watery part of Earth,” Stardust says. “They’re very intuitive, they’re very sentimental, and they’re very reflective. They like to look back on things, decisions they’ve made, even if they can’t change the outcomes.”

Often considered trendsetters and leaders, Capricorns are incredibly capable and industrious.

“Capricorns are ruled by Saturn, which means they’re at their best when they’re following the rules,” Stardust said. This makes sense, since Saturn represents responsibility, structure, and hard work — all things a Capricorn values.

Know this, though: Capricorns don’t mince words. If a Capricorn doesn’t like your gift, they might let you know, straight out. So make sure you get them something that fits their multilayered personality.

Best birthday gifts for Capricorns

The perfect gift for a Capricorn, Stardust says, is one that balances their go-getter attitude with something that helps them relax.

“Capricorns need to decompress — even if they don’t want to,” she said. “Getting them a massage, bubble bath, or something scented — whatever helps them relax — is always a good option for a Capricorn.”

Stardust says Capricorns like to unwind, so a fine wine or tasty beer is always a good go-to. But, she warns, Capricorns have lofty standards.

“Capricorns are going to want the high-end, bougie stuff,” she said, “That has to do with their hardworking nature. Often, Capricorns will think, ‘I work hard, so I deserve the best.'”

Go-to birthday gifts for Capricorns

Now, let’s get specific. Here are some winning ideas for the perfect birthday present for the Capricorn in your life.

Something that grows

Despite their focus on water, Capricorns are inclined to surround themselves with plants and greenery.

The zodiac flower for Capricorns is the pansy. Pansies bloom in the cold months and can survive freezing conditions — which is appropriate for Capricorns, as they sometimes get a little too invested in their work and neglect other parts of their life. In other words, a flower that holds up when times get tough is the perfect pick.

Getting a plant for a Capricorn can be tricky, as the type you choose should be dictated by which side of your Capricorn’s personality is more dominant. You can either opt for a plant that is durable and tolerant of some neglect — remember, Capricorns are high-performing individuals — or one that is more delicate and needs a lot of attention, since Capricorns do not like to fail at anything.

“A lot of Capricorns I know love long hanging plants with lots of vines,” she said. “They love that green, earthy stuff that helps ground them.”

Something fancy to eat

While a Capricorn could be one of those “eat to survive” types, Stardust says, if you offer them a high-quality snack or gourmet treat, they’re going to have a hard time turning you down.

“They are particular about the food they eat, so pick something like a cheese and fruit plate, charcuterie board, or decadent dessert like chocolate covered strawberries,” she recommends.

Something to help them relax

Stardust says that it is imperative for Capricorns to decompress, even when they think they don’t have to. “Capricorns are the achievers of the zodiac,” Stardust says, “but sometimes they need help balancing their hard-work tendencies.”

Gifting the Capricorn in your life something to help them relax — healing stones, a calming body wash, a fuzzy robe — is a great present.

Birthday gift ideas for Capricorns

Something to keep them working hard

On the other side of the coin, getting a Capricorn something to help them stay organized, such as planners, calendars, and journals, is also a good idea. Any of these gifts will show them that you know the kind of person they are and gave careful consideration to what to get them.

Something indulgent to drink

Capricorns love the opportunity to enjoy a beverage but only if it’s top shelf.

“Really nice coffees, really nice wines — they love the luxurious stuff,” Stardust says. “They like the best of the best because they work hard and deserve the best.”