12 Bookish Gift Ideas For Every Zodiac Sign
Have you ever tried to look for a gift for a loved one and gotten sucked into a black hole of gift categories? Looking for birthday or Christmas gifts is like looking on the surface of an ocean. Once you let yourself get pulled into the more individualized categories, there's no going back, and if you don't have the right information you can get pulled into the deep end of the ocean.
One of the most popular categories is gifts based on your zodiac sign. The zodiac sign is divided into 12, based on when you were born, and with each category, you can look for specific gifts that you think each person would like.
What are Zodiac signs?
The zodiac signs, have individual strengths and weaknesses, as well as talents, desires, and viewpoints on life and people. The 12 zodiac signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. The 12 signs are further categorized into four different types of elements: Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), and Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn).
The types of gifts can be narrowed down through some of these categories: exact birth date recommendations, hobbies the person you're giving the gift to might have, and likes the person might have.
There are several articles you can find online that fit these categories, but something that I think would be an awesome gift is something within the "bookish gift category". These gifts can vary from stationery books, book accessories, and fandom-related items.
Here are 12 bookish gift ideas for every Zodiac sign.
1. Aries gift idea: The Dune Boardgame
Aries headfirst into situations with confidence and are direct in their approach. They are impulsive and go through life with blind optimism. Among their other traits are a sense of good leadership, cheerful spirit, and ever-present determination. And let's not forget that they have impeccable organizational skills! For these kings and queens, the ideal bookish gift would be something where they can show off their traits and battle things out with their friends or family. That is why the best gift for this zodiac sign is the Dune board game. This board game was originally released in 1979, but thanks to its dedicated fans it got an update and reprint in 2019. The board game is based on Frank Herbert’s Dune novels. It is set on an uncharted planet in space, and it allows 2-6 players to join in the fun. The best part is that it doesn't just involve managing and collecting resources, but you will also fight off sandworms and defeat the other players. To win you would have to have control over the most strongholds on the planet via alliance or independently.
2. Taurus gift idea: No. 22 Bookshelf scented candle
According to Allure, the Taurus sign enjoys serene environments and soft sounds, and the sign is ruled by Venus, a planet that represents love, beauty, and money. Taurus signs love anything they can use to pamper themselves with, and while they don't mind working for those luxuries, if you were to give a Taurus a gift of luxury and well-being, they'd probably be pretty happy. For these Gods and Goddesses, I would recommend a scented candle to spice up their reading space or set the mood for some time relaxing in an alternate reality within their favorite book. This particular candle is from No. 22. It's called the "Bookshelf scented candle" and has a top scent of Spicy green, a heart of leather and birch tar, and a base of woody musk.
3. Gemini gift idea: The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
Gemini's are represented by celestial twins, and their duality comes in handy because they are often interested in too many passions and they are able to spend time focusing on different things, ranging from friend groups to careers. Gemini's are social butterflies, and they enjoy bouncing from one type of event to another. They love talking to people from all walks of life and can juggle different topics with different people as well! If you're thinking of giving a gift to this gorgeous two-toned zodiac sign, you might be surprised at how tough it could be, because of their many interests. A bookish gift for this sign is a book that spans multiple generations. A Gemini would be satisfied with this gift because each character will have a different personality and outlook towards life, and a Gemini can relate to the idea of putting on different hats depending on which character's shoes they're wearing. One really good book idea is Jhumpa Lahiri's novel The Namesake. This book is about a family originally from Calcutta, and while it is only twelve chapters, it is from the perspectives of Ashima, Ashok, and then, later on, their son, Gogul. The rich writing and vibrant descriptions are perfect for a Gemini read and since they are usually down to try something new, reading a book like The Namesake would be a great read to transport the Gemini to a different time and place altogether, and experience things in a new way.
4. Cancer gift idea: Bookish tapestry from Society6
Cancerians are loyal, intuitive, enigmatic, charming, and nostalgic. Cancerians are extremely sentimental and have a hard time letting go of things that hold sentimental value. They also enjoy making their environment beautiful, so if you were to choose a bookish gift for them, it could be a fandom-related gift, based on their favorite book or author.
If you aren't sure which book or the author is their favorite, you could choose a simpler gift, like this tapestry from Society6. It is designed by Oh Jess Marie and features some really cute books and notebooks with pens laying on top. It also comes in a neutral off-white shade so the colors of the tiny designs stand out on the background.
5. Leo gift idea: OwlCrate subscription
Leos are intelligent, warm, and courageous. They have high self-esteem and they love showing off their traits, much like a lion-the Leo spirit animal, showing off its fierceness as the ruler of the jungle. Leos have no problem making friends, and absolutely love spending time with them. A really good gift for a Leo would be something that would be a pamper present as well as a fun gift, like a book subscription box. OwlCrate is one good option. You can choose one, three, or six boxes for $32.99, $95.97, and $185.94 respectively.
The reason OwlCrate is so cool is that it not only delivers a book to your doorstep but with the book comes a few specially curated bookish gifts like socks, enamel pins, and stationary. For a Leo, this box would give them a chance to boost their self-esteem even more with the cool bookish gifts they can put on display, either through wearing them or through using them in some other way.
6. Virgo gift idea: 1000 piece puzzle
Virgos are logical, practical, and systematic in their approach to life. They are also perfectionists and are hyper-aware of details. Something that Virgos really enjoy is building up their skills through consistent practice, so a good gift to give a Virgo would be something that might keep their mind occupied while they're focusing on it. This puzzle from galison.com is super cute and is complicated to put together. It has 1000 pieces and retails at $16.
7. Libra gift idea: Book planter
Libras are idealists, lovers of beautifying their world, and diplomatic. Something that Libras love is pampering themselves, and since they love shopping for things that can make their spaces beautiful, a good gift for a Libra would be something in the DIY category-that way they can spend time DIY-ing the item, and then (hopefully) proudly display it wherever they want to. If you aren't sure about whether or not they would want to do the DIY part, no worries! A simple gift idea is a DIY book planter, which you can make for them, and you could add your own personal touch so that they'll know it was a token from you. You could also get one from Etsy, like the one pictured below.
8. Scorpio gift idea: Folded book art
Scorpios are observant, determined and devoted, fearlessly curious, loyal, strategic, and persistent. Scorpios also enjoy retreating to a quiet corner, and so something that you could give them as a gift could be related to their peaceful place.
One example of such a gift is a custom folded name book art piece from Etsy, created by PrettyinPaperbyKelly. retailing at $35+, it can be customized to have the Scorpios name spelled out with the paper. But it's not just limited to names being folded as a part of the piece. Kelly, the shop owner, has an option where you can type out whatever word you want to be folded out, so you could choose something that could add to the Scorpios peaceful place and make them feel calm and happy whenever they look at the piece.
9. Sagittarius gift idea: James Mustich's 1000 Books to Read Before You Die
If you are friends with someone born under this fire sign, you know that optimism, curiosity, and exuberance are all traits that come with the territory. For these fiery creatures, the best kind of gift is one that keeps them on their toes, stimulating their curiosity. That's why I would recommend "1,000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List Hardcover".
Filled with different book recommendations, this book will keep the Sagittarius' spirit on the move from one book to the next, constantly engaging their curiosity and filling their head with new pieces of knowledge that they can treasure forever. The book is by James Mustich and can be bought on Amazon for $16 on hardcover, and $15 for the kindle version.
10. Capricorn gift idea: Beautiful book-shaped soaps with customizable scents
Capricorns are youthful, optimistic, and playful. They also have a can-do attitude and are great leaders. They sometimes exhibit workaholic tendencies, and so a good gift for them would be something they can use to wind down after a busy day. My recommendation would be these really adorable, and stunning looking soaps that come in a variety of scents and are available on Etsy for $5.50. The shop name is shesthatgirl, and the shop owner, Kelly, creates other soaps that all look very beautiful and as she mentions in her bio, are usually inspired by the two things she loves the most-the beach and mermaids.
11. Aquarius gift idea: Gorgeous blue journal
Aquarians are truth-bearers. They will tell you the truth no matter what. They are also analytical, which makes them good at solving problems, independent, and down-to-earth. Because they are so independent, something that an Aquarian would probably love is something they can use when they are by themselves. Typically, Aquarians would love something techy, but because this post is specifically talking about bookish gifts, I would recommend something for writing, like this Hardcover Azure journal from Barnes & Noble. This particular one is small and has 240 lined pages. It costs $17.95.
12. Pisces gift idea: The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
And last but not least, is Pisces. Pisceans, once again according to Cosmopolitan, are ambitious, realistic, and practical. Something Pisceans typically enjoy is reading! So this recommendation is simple. One of my favorite books is called The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, and this is an awesome read for anyone who enjoys reading from life. It follows a young woman after she leaves her orphanage. She is eighteen years old, and the story follows her as she navigates life and finds love and belonging. It's a wonderful read and the hardcover version only costs $8.46.
Final thoughts on choosing the right Bookish gifts for each zodiac sign
While the presents that I have recommended are as specific as possible in relation to each zodiac sign's personality and likes, you can feel free to mix things up and get a present for one sign for someone who is of a completely different sign. It's good to keep in mind that while recommendations can be helpful, you are the only one who can truly know what the present receiver will like! So go with what you think would be the right choice. I hope you have fun buying a bookish gift, and that these recommendations are helpful.