A little help for your Yule shopping

The holidays are here again – time to think up some fun gift ideas for your friends and family members. Why not consult the stars this year? Considering the astrological birth signs of those on your gift list is a great way to get your gift-giving in gear!

Aries (March 21- April 19)
Active Aries is always looking for ways to stay in shape, particularly during the holiday season... so athletic equipment is usually a good choice. People born under this sign are also fond of the color red, so a cranberry scarf or a scarlet hat could win their favor. If romance is in the air, let Aries know that you put his or her needs first. Buy tickets for two to a sporting event you loathe... or a CD by an artist you can't stand... to win big points with your favorite Ram.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Taurus appreciates any gift that appeals to his or her sensual side. A box of gourmet chocolates, a richly colored tapestry or a soft cashmere blanket are all great options for Bulls. This sign also enjoys having money to play with, so a gift certificate to their favorite store is a welcome option. Always remember that quality is more important than quantity – Taurus would rather have a small bottle of expensive cologne than a carafe of the cheap stuff.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Quick-witted Geminis enjoys gifts that appeal to their sizable intellects. A challenging book is always welcome, as is a magazine subscription. This sign rules the hands, so some scented hand lotion or a sparkling ring might delight. Geminis also love to entertain, so a set of glassware might fit the bill. If you want to splurge on a special Twin, give them the latest cell phone or PDA, so they can keep in touch with their gazillion friends.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Sentimental Cancer loves gifts that have personal meaning. Handmade items always delight, whether it's a finger painting, angora sweater or mincemeat pie. This sign also has a special affinity for silver – a monogrammed hand mirror or picture frame would be very well received. Since Crabs have an affinity for liquids of all kinds, a special bottle of wine, a fancy cappuccino maker or a shiny tea kettle are also good possibilities. And don't forget that these Moon children love the domestic arts – a cookbook specializing in comfort food is another sure winner.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Lions love gifts that make them look and feel terrific. Hair accessories, cosmetics and grooming items are all good choices for this image-conscious sign. Leos love drama, and enjoy presents that involve a bit of flair. Opera tickets, gold jewelry or animal print lingerie are right up this cat's alley. Leos also love to gamble, so a sheaf of lottery tickets or a weekend getaway to the casino could make them purr with delight. When shopping for clothing, remember that Lions have a special affinity for red, gold and purple.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Virgins love practical gifts...so avoid dust-catching baubles. A bread-making machine or a power drill would be equally welcome. These folks are also known to pride themselves on their impeccable appearance. Scented soaps, lotions and shampoos made by an earth-friendly company might be just the ticket. Virgos are also incredibly organized and might appreciate a good watch or a leather-bound date book. Or try a health-conscious basket of organic foodstuffs.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Librans have a special affinity for music, and always appreciate a good CD to add to their voluminous collection. If you want to do something really special for a Libran friend, splurge on a two concert tickets – this sign hates to do anything alone. Born beneath the sign of the scales, they also need plenty of balance in their lives, so a pair of candlesticks or bookends might appeal. If you're still stumped for ideas, have a lavish bouquet of red roses delivered accompanied by a loving handwritten note.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpions are secretive by nature and enjoy gifts that obscure their appearance in some way. A pair of designer sunglasses, a filmy scarf or a slouchy hat are all great choices for this sign. These mystery-lovers also enjoy moody, atmospheric stories. A collection of film noirs on DVD are sure to go over well with your favorite Scorpion. The rumors concerning this sign's sexual appetite are happily true, so seductive lingerie would get plenty of use. Since Scorpions also like to get beneath the surface; a gift certificate for a deep-cleansing facial will be appreciated.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
As far as Archers are concerned, half the fun of getting gifts is ripping them open! If Sag doesn't like a present, though, he or she will tell you outright. Avoid awkward scenes this holiday season by giving this outdoor enthusiast some camping equipment. Hiking boots or a water-proof parka would also be appropriate. These animal lovers adore any gift associated with their pets. A calendar filled with pictures of dogs or horses is sure to elicit a big smile. Finally, you can always feed this sign's wanderlust with a comprehensive atlas.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Career-oriented Capricorn always enjoys gifts that will boost their job status. A leather laptop carrier or monogrammed briefcase would be welcome. Contrary to popular belief, though, Goats aren't all work and no play. This sign is blessed with a wicked sense of humor, so try the BBC's "The Office" series on DVD. Capricorns also love luxurious presents they'd never buy for themselves, like a silk bathrobe.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
You never know what this unpredictable sign will be doing from moment to moment – one week it's skydiving and the next it's yoga! Still, this quirky sign always appreciates technological gadgets, whether it's an all-region DVD player or an iPod Nano. If you'd like to choose something a little more personal, why not make a photo album detailing all of your exploits with the Water-Bearer? Aquarius may not show it, but they harbor a special fondness for their friends. Still stumped for ideas? A basket filled with brand new socks is both weird and practical enough for this sign, which rules the ankles.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
These mystics love gifts of all kinds, but especially ones that help them escape the harsh realities of life. A bottle of champagne, a kaleidoscope or a book of fairy tales will appeal to your Fishy friends. And because Pisces is a Water sign, it's a good bet they'll appreciate bath salts, foaming cleansers and shower gels. If you'd like to give something really special, a digital camera will make a bit hit with this natural-born photographer. Looking for a romantic gift? Choose a gilt-edged volume of love poetry.