Welcome to The 12 Days of Artmas, our new, non-denominational holiday extravaganza—an advent calendar with gift ideas and stories for art lovers of all stripes, dropping daily through December 24.
If you’re a last-minute holiday shopper trying to intuit the perfect gift for your loved ones, the need for a psychic’s guidance might have crossed your mind (well, at least it crossed ours!).
So with visions of Capricorns and Virgos dancing through our heads, we reached out to five fantastic oracles for guidance on the most cosmically aligned gifts for artists and art lovers born under every zodiac sign, from a Hollywood luxury hotel stay to the perfect planner.
Sharing this wisdom are New York’s astrologer and creative Thameka; Emilia Wang, an artist and astrologer based in Toyko; psychic witch, tarot card reader, and curator Sarah Potter; astrologer and author extraordinaire Alice Sparkly Kat; and Lisa Stardust, author of two best-selling astrology books.
Check out their detailed suggestions below. Or, why not gift a reading with one (or all) of these savants to kick off the new year in alignment with the stars?
Aries
Aries are the big kids of the zodiac, so I suggest something fun like an adult coloring book or a puzzle, or some quirky and unique piece of clothing or jewelry. In Brooklyn, try Jill Lindsey or Sujuk (the latter also has a furniture studio with cool finds you can shop on an appointment-only basis in Williamsburg). Not local? No worries! You can shop both online.
—Thameka
If there is one thing that Aries needs, it’s a boost to help their energetic and robust vibes to take flight—all the more reason they’ll appreciate this energy and wellness bottle from Renee Watt ($22.95).
—Lisa Stardust
This winter season may be cocoon time for the Aries in your life, and books to get lost in are the best companions. A new friend recently introduced me to this indie bookstore in Tokyo, Taco Che, that stocks independent and self-published mangas, zines, and feminist and queer literature from Asia, plus CD mixes and cassettes. They ship internationally, too!
—Emilia Wang
This pocket-sized 2022 AK Press Slingshot Organizer ($8) will remind you about key radical dates in history—like successes in labor organizing or leaders who led movements. It’s good for an Aries who likes to be on the go and needs to keep track of everything they’re going towards. It’s small and flexible enough to be kept in a back pocket, and it’s not a planner that feels too precious so you can scrawl in it and fill it up with dates and ideas.
—Alice Sparkly Kat
Aries love a challenge and are super competitive by nature, but their strong independent streak means they can be entertained for hours by a solo endeavor—so a gorgeous Garden Party puzzle ($38) is an excellent gift for the “baby of the zodiac.” I love the ones by Piecework because the imagery is stunning and sophisticated without being too serious. Each one comes with a Spotify playlist (related to the theme of the puzzle!) to enjoy while you put it together.
—Sarah Potter
Taurus
Tauruses know luxury and always appreciate the finer things in life, so a getaway at my fave hotel, the Petit Ermitage in West Hollywood, is a must for those with good taste! Every gorgeous detail is on point to delight all of the senses, and they will definitely be well taken care of by the thoughtful staff. Plus they have a water sommelier who has designed a menu of waters from around the world! A Taurus will totally appreciate that.
—Sarah Potter
I feel like Taurus is one of those signs you can give a sex toy to, even if your relationship is platonic. Enby is a Black and trans-owned sex shop that honestly has one of the best selections out there for queer and trans people. They have gift cards available if you want to give a Taurus in your life the ability to choose their own pleasure object. Or, if you want to browse their selection together with a lucky Taurus, looking at objects can be a great way to talk about intimate preferences.
—Alice Sparkly Kat
Tauruses are undergoing a complete transformation. I recommend some radical perfume from Agar Olfactory to help inspire the advent of the new world they are creating.
—Emilia Wang
As an earth sign, Taurus appreciates tangibility, so try something cozy, like knitwear, or comforting, like food or a fine dining experience. Based in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut? I highly recommend personal chefs: WhatClarkCooked or ChasingChaz. Want to make something yourself? For knitting materials, the Knitting Room in Windham, N.Y., has a wonderful selection. They also currently have a gift guide for the knit-lovers in your life. For cooking, try some yummy recipes by TheKitchenista.
—Thameka
Being that Taurus is a lover of art and all things beautiful, they’ll appreciate a personal painting of their birth chart crafted by artist and astrologer Narayana Montufar.
—Lisa Stardust
Gemini
Geminis have so much to do and so little time (they are the twins, after all!) so get them a good multitasker. I love this lavender body oil by Saint Flora (from $10) for my Gems because it is lovely on the skin after a bath (they all always love a bath) plus the chill scent will soothe and relax their weary, overthinking minds. Bonus: Lavender is the official flower of Gemini.
—Sarah Potter
Geminis are in the mood to flirt. That’s why I recommend a shirt like this one ($36.36).
—Emilia Wang
Geminis appreciate being in the know, which is why a tarot deck ($19.50) by none other than our friend Sarah Potter will give them the opportunity to get the lowdown on everything they long to understand and find out through mysticism and spirituality.
—Lisa Stardust
One of the best poetry books released this year, in my opinion, is 808s and Otherworlds ($11.99) by Sean Avery Medlin. Geminis like a book that gives them versatility, and Two Dollar Radio has a great selection, if you want to make a bundle for a Gemini friend. I think that one of the hardest things about gifting books is that you don’t always know what someone will read—that’s why one of my favorite book-type gifts is a bundle of poetry books or zines from a smaller publisher.
—Alice Sparkly Kat
These fantastical twins are always all up in their heads, so get them something to soothe the mind like a massage, tea, or a spa day. I love the selection of teas at Brooklyn Tea, which can be purchased locally or shipped. Their tea is seriously delicious! And for local spa picks, I suggest SoJo Spa Club in Edgewater, N.J., or the Bathhouse in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
—Thameka
Cancer
A Cancer will appreciate a gift for their bedroom. Kim Mayo is a musician and poet who also makes these surreal and dreamy artworks. A lot of them have to do with rest and dreaming. What’s a Cancer’s favorite activity? Sleeping, of course! Get a Cancer something to stare at while they drift in their heads.
—Alice Sparkly Kat
Yes, Cancers are total nesters who cherish their alone time and love to be home, so why not make their space a little more magical? I love ritual candles, and my faves are from Los Angeles-based Spellbound Sky and the New York artist Snakes For Hair. I recommend a Silver Goddess candle ($18) from Spellbound Sky to help them tap into the chill power of the moon (she is their ruling celestial body, after all) and Snakes For Hair’s new offering “House Bless” ($35) to ensure the vibe at home is immaculate. Both candles smell divine as they burn, which Cancer will totally love.
—Sarah Potter
Pots for plants are a great gift for Cancer, who has a green thumb, as well as an appreciation for plants and flowers in a pot that’s reminiscent of the sunrise and sunset—the world in all its glory.
—Lisa Stardust
These uber-intuitive water babies are ruled by the moon, so I suggest something related to their lunar energy, like a moonstone crystal or piece of jewelry—or something related to their element, water, such as a beach or boat outing. Can’t plan a trip or enjoy the outdoors at this time? Try Brooklyn’s Lift Floats if you’re in New York. And for jewelry, I suggest creating a custom piece with Ritual Adornments (orders currently accepted via Instagram only) or justtmythoughts.
—Thameka
Cancers might be feeling kind of emo, ready to stew in their feelings. Make them a mix tape of your most nostalgic songs, or grab one of the last few copies of this EP, which braids together winter cabin acid trip and wild lush summer vibes.
—Emilia Wang
Leo
These lions and lionesses of the zodiac love luxury as much as they love themselves: get them their favorite hair, makeup or skincare product(s). I love the Everyday Oil ($22) sold at Sujuk. Not sure what products they prefer? Create an intoxicating environment with candles, reed diffusers, or room sprays from Reign’s Essence. Want more? Book a makeup session with my favorite New York makeup artist, Lyndsey Ariel.
—Thameka
Leos care about smelling good. This Rose Water Mist by Morphing Alignment ($13) can apparently help reduce inflammation and fungus on your skin while keeping you smelling like a rose. Give a Leo something to put on their face to help them feel gorgeous.
—Alice Sparkly Kat
Leos are known for their creativity, which is why the lion will totally flip over a multitude of fine-art supplies that can last them throughout the whole year and allow them to express their fiery passions.
—Lisa Stardust
The boldest, most dramatic sign of the zodiac deserves a gift as colorful and eye-catching as they are, so artist Zoe Schlacter’s throw blankets ($180), emblazoned in her signature vibrant maximalist style, are sure to be a hit with your Leo superstar.
—Sarah Potter
Because this moment is a crucial one of tending to the body and the nervous system, I recommend a flower essence from Sun Song ($26).
—Emilia Wang
Virgo
If the Virgo in mind doesn’t already have a planning system they swear by, I recommend Hobonichi or Kokuyo Jibun Techo planners.
—Emilia Wang
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese facial massage technique that helps you move lactic acid out of your face’s lymphatic system. You can do it all over your body, too. The Pink Moon Over the Moon Duo ($80) gua sha kit comes with facial oil to help your massage feel smoother. What better gift for a sometimes-stressed Virgo than a beautiful massage tool made of quartz?
—Alice Sparkly Kat
Virgos are known for being analytical and highly organized. Get them something to calm their hyperactive minds and to simplify their lives. Most Virgos I know love a great planner or a bag that keeps their things together and helps them stay on top of… well, everything. I love the selections at Notiq and Cloth & Paper. Alternatively, buy them a meditation or yoga class. For local picks, book a private, one-on-one yoga session or a class at Sevaa Brooklyn ($20 and up).
—Thameka
Virgos are analytical and are always looking for the right words to say, which is why you can treat them to a bracelet set that expresses their qualities. Plus, it’s made with crystals for an extra dose of positivity.
—Lisa Stardust
Virgos love to make the world a better place by helping out everyone around them, so why not make a donation in their name to their favorite causes? My top picks for giving back this season include Wide Rainbow, an incredible after-school program in New York City that connects artists and communities with limited or no access to arts education, Black Cat Rescue for the animal lovers, and Transanta, a group that delivers gifts to trans youth in need safely and anonymously.
—Sarah Potter
Libra
I met Black Queer Magic (who is a Libra) at a local market years ago. I still have the ring from them and it always gives me something when I wear it. They have a new Quartz Ring ($95) that is beautiful. I think that quartz is a good stone for an air sign because it can help with clearing the head.
—Alice Sparkly Kat
Libras love aesthetics, plus each one I know has a major sweet tooth, so Holiday Bark from Lagusta’s Luscious ($20) provides the best of both worlds! Each bar is decorated with hand-swirled frond details, jewel-like dried raspberries, candied citrus, and dried mint. Totally gorgeous edible art that is also vegan and sustainably sourced. Just lovely!
—Sarah Potter
Ruled by the planet Venus, Libras are all about beauty and brains. Buy them a book they’ve been wanting, or get them an ornate journal they can fill up with the myriad ways in which they dream of, imagine, and view the world. Try The Lit Bar in the Bronx, N.Y. Bonus: it’s Black-owned!
—Thameka
A sweet gift for a Libra is something to help them connect to the earth and their body during this time—try natural wine, pu’er tea, or a CSA subscription to your local farm and food producers.
—Emilia Wang
The book The Artist Project: What Artists See When They Look At Art is an inspective read that will give any and every Libra artist a chance to critique their own work with their airy sentiments and understand the work of their iconic-artist role models.
—Lisa Stardust
Scorpio
Scorpios love a great mystery, and there is no bigger and better enigma than a puzzle. They have enough patience to see every piece through to its last fit, then relish in taking it apart, only to put it back together again to satisfy their transformative urges.
—Lisa Stardust
Write Earth Book by Goodwitch is a beautiful hand-printed book that helps you read the earth. Why is it a good gift for a Scorpio? Because you want to support a water sign with a relationship to the earth. There are worksheets and recipes in the book that a Scorpio who likes a deep ritual will love.
—Alice Sparkly Kat
So often, Scorpio energy is related to pure sex, and while this is definitely reductive, I think that when gifting the Scoprio(s) in your life, keeping things spicy is still the way to go. For women’s lingerie, I love Love Vera, which also caters to plus sizes.
—Thameka
Scorpios are ready to put on their glasses and get some new inspiration. I recommend a Criterion Collection subscription to catch the film collections “Who Will Start Another Fire” and “Directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi.”
—Emilia Wang
Who knows what Scorpios do with their free time? I mean, they are just so mysterious! But everyone has to sleep, so let’s make their dreams a little sweeter with Upstate’s hand-dyed silk pillowcases ($176). I am obsessed with these beauties! Each one is totally unique and this midnight shade is so sexy, just like your fave Scorpio.
—Sarah Potter
Sagittarius
Sagittariuses are probably currently mulling over some big purchases or just had to make some right now. I suggest cash in a beautiful package!
—Emilia Wang
These are the truth-seekers of the zodiac, and as such, they’re usually some of the most spiritually in-touch people. Buy them a beautiful crystal or crystal jewelry, or take them to get an aura photo. For crystals and jewelry, shop DoersBeatThinkers or Rocks with Sass. For a New York-local aura photo, try Magic Jewelry in the Lower East Side. You can also try one of the aforementioned custom crystal jewelry shops (see Cancer). Want more? Get them an astro-numerology reading or a reiki session with a Sagittarian King.
—Thameka
River L. Ramirez is one of the best comedians alive today. Their work is hilarious, horrific, and surreal. Ramirez’s The Night Time Songs is a tape that they made during a travel period in their life. It’s the beginning of Ramirez’s sound project GhostFolk. A Sag would appreciate the kind of mixed-bag, confused-times travel experience that this tape will bring them.
—Alice Sparkly Kat
Sagittariuses are always looking for a different approach and philosophy to life, which is exactly what a tarot reading with the one and only fabulous Sarah Potter will help them find.
—Lisa Stardust
Sagittariuses love to travel, so let them trip out via the aura portal paintings of Sherise Lee. Totally vibrant and rainbow-hued, these little beauties will tantalize their free-spirited side and give them something wildly inspiring to look at when they aren’t adventuring around the world.
—Sarah Potter
Capricorn
In the same way that a Cancer enjoys a home gift, Capricorn also enjoys a gift for homemaking. The No Drama 2022 Calendar ($62.50) can help a Capricorn keep track of their life. It’s beautiful, with queer art and poetry filling the pages. The project also funds queer organizations, including Red Canary Song, which supports sex workers.
—Alice Sparkly Kat
Capricorns love to adorn themselves and their abodes. For home furnishings, check out Wanderluxe Home. Flowers or plants are also a great home furnishing gift. For local New York City flower delivery, try La Forageuse. For jewelry, I love fun pieces from Don’t Let Disco. Each is one of a kind (literally), and you can also request a custom job.
—Thameka
This cool travel tea mug not only will keep Capricorn warm, they’ll also love the simple and beautiful design of the mug. It comes in many colors to choose from, all of them sure to delight to the sea-goat’s earthy proclivities.
—Lisa Stardust
It might be hard to buy for Capricorns since they’re going through a style and aesthetic revolution right now. If you can ask them what’s on their mood boards, you can take some stylistic cues. These are some cool clothing brands you should check out and follow: Flower Names, Pear Ware, and Feaston.
—Emilia Wang
Capricorns are so ambitious as they work hard and strive to be their best. Give them the gift of personal insight a new astrology deck. This one ($18.95) is by none other than Lisa Stardust! Caps will learn about celestial phenomena and gain greater understanding of themselves via their birth charts, so they will be able to troubleshoot their own issues in no time! Plus, the chic gold-and-black box with clean graphics looks expensive, which a Capricorn will totally love.
—Sarah Potter
Aquarius
It’s no secret that Aquariuses tend to have trouble sleeping. ZZZ’s Potion by Nature Freak ($17) is a sleeping potion that really works. Nature Freak also makes a dreaming potion and pleasure potions that you can pair with this gift. Aquariuses like convenience, so while they might find brewing a sleeping tea too labor-intensive, they could really use a tincture that they can use quickly before bed.
—Alice Sparkly Kat
I always call Aquarians the aliens of the zodiac—they always appreciate something a little different and special. For that reason, I think art is a great gift for them. Check out The Spot for Art in Brooklyn (they also ship) or Uzo Art. Both are Black artists.
—Thameka
It’s been a stressful year for many Aquarians, due to the cosmic action that’s galvanized their sun. With this in mind, it’ll be beneficial to gift them a bundle of lavender ($8) to help them find inner peace and calm in 2022.
—Lisa Stardust
Aquarians are exfoliating. While walking around the city, I recently stumbled upon a man running his own DIY sauna, complete with a steam tent and inflatable ice bath, in a courtyard behind some apartment buildings. I was so inspired. Build a DIY sauna for the Aquarius in your life!
—Emilia Wang
Aquarians are quirky and creative and see the world in such a delightful, visionary way, so I think they would fully appreciate a copy of Yoko Ono’s whimsical Grapefruit ($21).
—Sarah Potter
Pisces
Amethyst is a great crystal ($30) for sensitive Pisceans, who are always in need of protection due to their mutable and absorbent nature. Also, it’s great for energetic healing. And, it’s also the birthstone for Pisces, who are born in February.
—Lisa Stardust
I’ve pined for these Alignment Scarves by Ayqa Khan since they came out. They’re these beautiful, fragile silk scarves that are hand-dyed by artist Ayqa Khan. They’re adorned with copper and bells. Each one is made to order and Ayqa, a Taurus who has a spiritual relationship with beauty, takes her sweet time getting the quality immaculate. If you want to spoil a Pisces, get them something they can wrap around themselves and align with their body.
—Alice Sparkly Kat
This is definitely going to be a shameless plug, because I absolutely love being a Pisces (and reading for them, too). Like Sag, Pisces tend to be super-attuned to their spiritual nature. Give them the gift of oracle or tarot cards. For cards, I love the Black Queer Tarot. And if you want to go all out and book a reading for them, book with me, a fellow Pisces! Not your thing? The body part that Pisces rules is the feet, so try a foot massage, spa pedicure, or a nice pair of shoes!
—Thameka
Pisces are coming into their power and could really benefit from some dedicated time thinking about their creative desires. I highly recommend booking a Celestial Studio Visit with Oscar Moises Diaz or a storytelling session with Alice Sparkly Kat (after making sure the recipient of this gift is eager and enthused!).
—Emilia Wang
Dreamy Pisces are so romantic and love to get wrapped up in a fantasy, so you cannot go wrong with a book of poetry, especially prose dedicated to love. Lana Del Rey’s Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass has just the right tinge of nostalgia and longing to tug at a Pisces’ heartstrings.
—Sarah Potter
Previous stories in this series:
For Travelers, Consider Virgil Abloh-Designed Luggage That Reimagines Louis Vuitton’s Legacy
On the First Day of Artmas, My True Love Gave to Me… a Step-by-Step Guide for Gifting an NFT