I Have No Gifts to Bring—Yet: Using Astrology to Find the Perfect Present This Holiday Season...Or the next one

It’s that time of year for holiday cheer! A time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ (who, more than likely, wasn’t born in December—but that’s a topic for another post). Christmas is also the season for giving, where we shower gifts on our deserving and occasionally undeserving loved ones .

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably tired of the guessing game: trying to figure out what everyone wants or hearing “surprise me” when you ask. It often leads to gifting something they won’t use or, worse, another Visa gift card that screams “I gave up.”

But what if I told you that astrology could help you nail the perfect gift? Yep, it’s as magical as it sounds. All you need is your loved one’s birth chart.

Okay, maybe it's not that simple if your skeptical aunt or cousin refuses to give up their birth time. So, this method works best with people who are comfortable sharing their chart details. Having their birth time is key because it reveals the houses in their chart accurately. Once you have their chart, you’ll want to look at their 2nd house.

The 2nd house rules material possessions, financial stability, beauty, luxury, and everything within that scope. By examining their 2nd house, you’ll get a peek into the material items that will bring them joy this season. First, note the sign in their 2nd house and then identify its planetary ruler.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for planetary rulers:

• Mars = Aries

• Venus = Taurus, Libra

• Mercury = Gemini, Virgo

• Moon = Cancer

• Sun = Leo

• Jupiter = Sagittarius

• Saturn = Capricorn

• Uranus = Aquarius

• Neptune = Pisces

• Pluto = Scorpio

Below, I’ve compiled some thoughtful gift ideas based on the planetary ruler of your loved one’s 2nd house. Plus, I’ve added specific items you can shop for today. Let’s dive in:

Gift Picks for the Stars

Sun (Leo): Bold, Festive, Luxurious

• Gift Ideas:

  • Personalized gold or monogrammed ornament

  • A statement piece: scarf, purse, necklace, earrings (gold accents)

  • Tickets to a glamorous event like a winter gala or the ballet (The Nutcracker is a classic!)

  • A luxury spa day

• Shopping Examples:

  • Gold Pendant Necklace 

  •  Steve Madden Crossbody Bag from TJ Maxx

Moon (Cancer): Sentimental, Cozy, Heartfelt

• Gift Ideas:

  • Cozy items like blankets, robes, or candles

  • A photo album or custom family portrait ornament

  • Homemade baked goods or a hot cocoa gift set

  • A holiday movie night basket with popcorn, snacks, and classic films

• Shopping Examples:

  • Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Blanket from Nordstrom Rack

  • Yankee Candle Holiday Set 

Mercury (Gemini, Virgo): Thoughtful, Practical, Engaging

• Gift Ideas:

  • A festive stationery set

  • A puzzle, board game, or trivia card set

  • A personalized journal or planner for the New Year

  • A book (or book series) tailored to their interests

  • Tech gadgets like wireless earbuds or a wall digital calendar

• Shopping Examples:

  • Skylight Digital Wall Calendar 

  • Rifle Paper Co. 2025 Planner from Target 

Venus (Taurus, Libra): Beautiful, Indulgent, Charming

• Gift Ideas:

  • Luxury-scented candles (think winter scents like vanilla, cedarwood, or cinnamon)

  • Soft cashmere scarf or velvet pajamas

  • A curated gourmet gift box with chocolates, teas, or cheeses

  • Elegant jewelry or a holiday-themed charm bracelet

  • Skincare or beauty gift sets in chic packaging

• Shopping Examples:

  • Diptyque Baies Candle 

  • Williams Sonoma Chocolate Gift Box 

Mars (Aries): Energetic, Bold, Hands-On

• Gift Ideas:

  • Sports gear or gym apparel

  • DIY gifts like a home workout kit or hiking gear

  • Tickets to a sporting event

  • A hair spa kit or a surprise salon appointment

• Shopping Examples:

  • Yitty by Lizzo Flare Leggings 

  • Osprey Daylite Hiking Backpack from REI 

    
    

Jupiter (Sagittarius): Adventurous, Optimistic, Abundant

• Gift Ideas:

  • Travel-themed items like luggage, passport covers, or travel guides

  • A gift card for a winter getaway or adventure tour

  • Cozy oversized sweaters for post-holiday lounging

  • A festive subscription box (wine, snacks, or global treats)

  • A lucky charm or ornament symbolizing growth and fortune

• Shopping Examples:

  • Away Bigger Carry-On Luggage 

  • Global Snack Subscription Box from Universal Yums 

Saturn (Capricorn): Classic, Functional, Timeless

• Gift Ideas:

  • A high-quality leather wallet, planner, or watch

  • A classic wool coat, durable gloves, or sturdy boots

  • Minimalist ornaments or handcrafted decor pieces

  • A practical toolkit or kitchen set

  • A gift card to a favorite practical retailer

• Shopping Examples:

  • Fossil Leather Wallet from Macy’s 

  • Cole Haan Wool Coat from Macy’s 

Uranus (Aquarius): Unique, Tech-Savvy, Unexpected

• Gift Ideas:

  • Quirky gadgets like mini drones, VR headsets, or Bluetooth speakers

  • A custom star map of their natal chart or a constellation ornament

  • Unconventional sweaters or socks

  • DIY science or craft kits

  • Charity donation in their name

• Shopping Examples:

  • DJI Mini Drone from Best Buy 

  • Custom Star Map from Etsy 

Neptune (Pisces): Dreamy, Magical, Artistic

• Gift Ideas:

  • A crystal-infused candle or essential oil diffuser

  • An art set or watercolor journal

  • A fantasy or spirituality-themed book

  • A snow globe, dreamy ornament, or holiday decor

  • A relaxing spa gift box with bath bombs, lotions, and calming scents

• Shopping Examples:

  • Voluspa Crystal Candle Trio from Bloomingdale’s

  • Watercolor Paint Set from Michaels 

Pluto (Scorpio): Deep, Transformative, Bold

• Gift Ideas:

  • Sleek black leather accessories like wallets, gloves, or bags

  • Mystery books, dark fantasy novels, or true crime podcasts

  • Bold candles (e.g., obsidian or “midnight” scents)

  • Jewelry with protective or transformative symbolism

  • A shadow work journal or astrology/tarot reading session

• Shopping Examples:

  • Black Leather Crossbody Bag from Nordstrom Rack

  • Obsidian Candle from Etsy 

For example, I have Gemini ruling my 2nd house, which means Mercury is my planetary ruler. I adore tech gifts. I’ve been eyeing the Skylight digital wall calendar and would be thrilled if my husband surprised me with it. (Hint, hint!) I’m also a sucker for stationery. Somehow, every Target or Walmart trip lands me in the stationery aisle, where a journal magically falls into my cart. So if you’re ever stuck on what to gift me, a journal is always a safe bet!

Now, go forth, be merry, and gift with astrological precision this holiday season. Your loved ones won’t forget it!