THE BEST GIFTS TO GIVE & RECEIVE ACCORDING TO ZODIAC SIGN

Written By Chrissy Rutherford
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This weekend, I got to shop through the eyes of a 17-year-old. My niece and my sister-in-law came to visit for a few days, and we spent all of Saturday in the city shopping—because what else would a 17-year-old girl want to do? Her main mission was to go to a store I had never heard of called Edikted.  Inside: faux leather hot pants, polka-dot halter tops, low-rise jeans, and plenty of matching sets and sweatsuits— influenced by influencer culture. Apparently, the Gen-Z’ers still love a good sweatsuit (a relic of our lockdown era). She lives for oversized everything, and her uniform is basically sweatpants, cropped tees, and sneakers. My style at her age could not have been more different—I lived in mini skirts and Uggs. But we both love the promise of a good deal, so I also took her thrifting at L-Train Vintage and Beacon’s Closet as she was on the hunt for knee-high boots and an oversized leather jacket (which she ended up “thrifting” from my closet). I love that she was very clear and decisive about what she likes and didn’t even ask her auntie for any input.

I couldn’t help but have flashbacks to the days when I was a fashion-obsessed teen, begging my mom to take me shopping in the city. The first place on my list? Rainbow (who remembers this store?!), just around the corner from Grand Central. Then we’d usually hit Macy’s, where one of my aunts worked, and I could browse all my favorite brands like Todd Oldham, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren. Those were the days!

It didn’t really feel like the holiday time in NYC yet—maybe it had to do with the 65-degree, sunny weather we were having—but we are most certainly in holiday territory. I was feeling a little conflicted about whether I wanted to do a gift guide this year because of *gestures slowly to the world on fire.* But curating shopping guides is something I genuinely love—and something I’ve spent much of my career doing. When I was that fashion-obsessed teenager dreaming of working in the industry, I had no desire to be a writer. I told people, “I want to be the person who picks the stuff that goes in the magazines.” I didn’t know then that the job was called a market editor.

I got to hone my eye and skills for creating shopping stories at my first editorial job as a freelance assistant at InStyle.com. After that gig ended, I got hired by FashionEtc.com to create weekly trend-driven shopping guides while I tried my hand at assisting stylists (I was not cut out for that life!). Eventually, an old boss emailed me asking if I could come freelance for a few months at HarpersBazaar.com. My main task? Translating Bazaar’s shopping pages for online readers, which also meant adding products that were shoppable at that moment, since magazines often included items that were not yet available. Those few months turned into almost 9 years, and while many other responsibilities were added to my plate, discovering new products and brands was always what I enjoyed most.


All that to say: the annual FWD JOY holiday gift guide continues on! Because it’s fun to browse for things that might bring others a little joy, encourage some self-care, or at the very least, spark an idea. And, as always, I’m looking to the stars for guidance on the best gifts to give and receive. Whether you’re shopping for your favorite fire sign or a sentimental water baby (like me), consider this your cosmic guide to making them feel seen.

EARTH SIGNS (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)

Earth signs are the builders of the zodiac; whatever dream life they conjure, they are willing to put in the work to make it real. But they also know that pleasure and purpose can coexist—that the good life is something you create, not just stumble into. Try a vintage-inspired nightie for only the chicest of bedrots or cozy shearling slippers for your Taurus sister. Bestow Sant Ambreous’s iconic chocolate panettone on your favorite Virgo host or mother-of-pearl salad servers. And your Capricorn auntie is sure to appreciate fellow Capricorn Michelle Obama’s new coffee table book of inspired looks through her years as First Lady. 

WATER SIGNS (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)

I love my fellow water signs because, whether we want to or not, we feel everything very deeply—and we’re often lost in our own little worlds. Your Cancer bestie definitely needs a cute container to collect love notes (whether from an admirer or themselves!) or a seaside-inspired watercolor book to bring them a sense of calm. Lift a Scorpio’s spirits with a euphoric mouth spray or help them tap into their inner wisdom with a book from The Library of Esoterica. Keep it extra sentimental for your favorite Pisces with a digital frame filled with photos where they look their best or a statement bathrobe to wrap up in after an hours-long soak. And don’t forget to include a handwritten note—nothing gets us in our feels quite like that.

 

AIR SIGNS (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) 

Also known as the thinkers, these signs are the most social—they’re witty, charismatic, and effortlessly unique. Help a Gemini stay on task with a crystal sand timer for their desk or a sound machine to channel the right frequency when they need to get shit done. Libra loves curating beautiful spaces, and a new tea set or cake stand to show off their latest creation will make them feel appreciated. Help an Aquarius get out of their head and into their bodies with a lymphatic massager that’s chic enough to keep on display or nail their next pivot with esteemed Libra Suzy Welch’s  “Becoming You” intensive. 

 

FIRE SIGNS (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) 

What I admire most about the fire signs is that they are energizers. They somehow have boundless energy to create, perform, and entertain those around them. But they also need a reminder to slow down sometimes. Try a beautiful brush to keep Aries’ mane perfectly coiffed or monogrammed silk pillowcases to protect their tresses. A Leo will never pass up the chance to luxuriate with some sensual bath oils, especially these inspired by Cleopatra. Help a Sagiattius keep track of all their worldly adventures with a travel journal or dazzle on the holiday party circuit in an embellished knit set. 

Chrissy Rutherford
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