By Patricia Darrow, Astrologer

Tired of buying someone the same, old tired thing, year after year? Do you feel it too cold and impersonal to present someone with money? Let the zodiac be your guide! Below are a list of items for each sign - some of them should be appealing to your loved ones and/ or friends.

ARIES - A fire sign that is the pioneer of the zodiac who likes to be first in everything! So how about a first edition of a book, especially if the subject matter is on war or sports. If you need a domestic gift for the house, try some cutlery, or perhaps some glassware especially if it’s the color red. Aries rules the head and face so any type of hat or helmet would be appreciated. An Aries woman would just love a gift certificate for a facial.

TAURUS - This is an earth sign that would like anything related to food! So how about a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant, especially a steak house. I’ll bet they would fancy a cookbook or maybe a book on gardening or home décor. These bovine ladies would certainly appreciate some fine jewelry - as it lasts forever you know! A fine leather wallet to carry their money would please either of the sexes. If you are strapped for money, either sex would appreciate some gardening tools. Taurus rules the neck so a nice necktie for the bull and a scarf would suffice for the fairer sex. Especially if the neckwear were in the color green, one of their favorite colors…color of greenbacks! They are big on comfort, so if you know their style, you can always toss a pillow in for good measure!

GEMINI - An air sign, so they like anything that would feed their intellect. Boredom is their worst nightmare, so how about a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble Book Store, or a gift subscription to their favorite magazine. They like challenge and board games. Gemini’s are also prone to be writers - so some stationery would be most appropriate. This sign rules the arms and hands, so I think that a pair of gloves or some hand lotion from the Body Shop would appeal to them. A cellular phone would be fitting for the talkative Gemini’s. When dealing with a Gemini, at least you never have to worry about duplicating something that they already have - as this is the sign of the twins - they actually enjoy owning two of everything!

CANCER - A water sign that rules the home and kitchen, and they would absolutely cherish anything for either. Perhaps a little something from the Pampered Chef for our zodiac cook? Don’t forget they are highly sentimental so a unique photo frame or photo album would be practical. If jewelry is desired, think silver and/or pearls. They like the olden days, so if you are feeling a little daring, try an unusual antique. If your budget will not allow antiques, look for patriotic trinkets or an interesting looking box , bag or some type of container that they can store their "stuff" in. They are also the collectors of the zodiac. A history book will also appeal to their nostalgic streak as well as a biography of a past historical figure.

LEO - A fire sign that is pure royalty! Tickets to the theater would certainly please your queen or king. Their color is gold - so anything that glitters would appeal to them. If you want to be creative, try presenting the queen with a bouquet of sunflowers. They love to entertain frequently, so a fine wine, party supplies or any type of gourmet food would be in order. For the little prince or princess, try some tickets to a theme park for the day - to tickle their fancy for fun! And back to the king or queen, you can always spring for a royal blue or royal purple velvet house robe.

VIRGO - An earth sign that is usually conservative. Any kind of gift that organizes like a daily planner, calendar or personal computer. Their style of dress runs along the tailored look with conservative colors. Health and cleanliness are most important to these people, putting bath items, vitamins and diet and first-aid books on their list of priorities. If you purchase them any clothes, better scrutinize every single detail to make sure there is not one flaw, as these are the perfectionists of the zodiac!

LIBRA - An air sign that just adores beauty, peace and harmony. So how about a gift certificate for a beauty treatment at a spa or their favorite beauty salon? Both sexes seem to gravitate to the color of pink or rose, so please incorporate that color into any wearing apparel or home furnishing that you may buy. These dimpled darlings usually love music, preferably classical and fine art and poetry. So any CD’s or books on these categories would be ideal.

SCORPIO - A water sign that loves anything mysterious! Books on murder mysteries or the occult would certainly intrigue them! They like sexy and exotic, so a gift from Victoria’s Secret would captivate them. A nice exotic perfume with a hint of Musk or Amber would work a little magic. For the little scorpions, try a chemistry set or a diary. Their favorite colors are black or wine.

SAGITTARIUS - A fire sign that likes adventure, action and travel. They like the outdoors and physical activity, so a gift certificate from a sporting goods shop would fair well with them. How about some luggage for their frequent trips? They like imported goods so a gift certificate from Pier I Imports may work! Purple or turquoise are their colors so do try to incorporate it into their gifts. Many Saggies are stargazers so they may just enjoy a telescope.

CAPRICORN - Another earth sign that is relatively conservative and is the zodiac’s status seeker! Any type of clothing will do as long as it boasts of a designer label inside of it. They are interested in material security so a Dooney & Burke Pocketbook may really sit well with these ladies. No novel or funny cards for them please, but formal stationery would be an ideal choice. These "goats" also seem to fancy watches and clocks that serve their obsession with time. If you can afford jewelry for them, opt for the gemstone of Onyx, it is their stone and most Capricorns find it appealing. Since this is the sign that likes to take care of business, another uncommon but practical gift would be one of those business card organizers.

AQUARIUS - The last of the air signs (and last of the all-time eccentrics!), this unusual lot is usually future-oriented and unconventional. Anything computerized or electronic would appeal to them. Many of them are involved in group projects, so address books and roladexes would make ideal gift choices. They also like any type of gadgets or astrology books. Why not try a unique ankle bracelet(for either of the sexes) as Aquarius rules the ankles. If you decide to buy clothing, aim for the look of the future or the latest trends. Electric blues seem to attract them in addition to lighting bolt logos.

PISCES - A water sign that is artistic and creative. They are absolutely enchanted with aquariums and it’s apparatus. These people are usually involved in the arts, theater, video or music. A lot of them find books on ESP and past lives appealing as well as poetry. Journals to record their secrets or dreams would delight them. How about some fishing equipment for the male fish? The females would be equally satisfied with perfumes. I find that both sexes like paints and all kinds of art supplies to feed their fantasies and imaginations! In choosing clothes, opt for something light, long and flowing and preferably in the colors of aquamarine or lavender - to suit their dreamy natures! Pisces rules the feet so any type of shoes, slippers or footwear would stand well with them! And if a gift is for summertime, a bathing suit may work as most Pisceans are avid swimmers.

Well there you have it-- your handy zodiac guide for gift buying. Make sure you keep it conveniently located near an ephemeris and don’t venture out shopping on a moon’s void of course because nothing will become of your excursion!