Personalised gifts customised in real-time online

People love receiving personalised gifts as it makes them feel special and cherished.

But unless you have a rough idea of what the item’s going to look like, you can worry that you’ve got the spelling right, ticked the right colour or even the correct size.

There are quite a few websites now which provide real-time personalisation so that you can see a mock-up of what your completed gift would look like. Here’s some of my favourites:

American Medical ID – great for family members who may have a serious condition, you can “engrave” in real-time a necklace or bracelet from 14kt, 10kt, sterling silver or stainless steel, and it has engraving samples and tips so you know what to add. If your mum or grandmother is a Cancer, this might stop them worrying.

Just for fun, create a magazine cover with their photo, the theme (ie wedding, anniversary, new baby) and magazine-style headlines ie “6 Things You Never Knew About Samantha and John” or whatever. Perfect for Aries and Leos.

If you really know their favourite colours for their lips, eyes, nails and blush, you can custom-blend cosmetics for them, even including the colour intensity and exras like shimmering glitter for nail polish. Even better, you can send in your old, discontinued favourite lipstick or nail polish etc and get them to colour-match it for you! A lovely gift idea for Taureans and Librans.

One of the most imaginative customised gift websites I’ve ever seen is Shapeways which lets you create 3D printing of your designs. You could have the words of a favourite poem, for example, laser-cut into a candle-holder or into cool napkin rings which would have to be one of the most amazing Valentines Day, anniversary or wedding gifts ever!

Hardcover photo books are not really that new now but Pixable lets you select your photos from Facebook, Flickr or your computer, upload AND receive them within 3 days! Great for Geminis.

For the aviation buff who has nearly everything, you can order a customised airline cart (yes, the trolleys that the hosties roll down the aircraft aisle) from Alcarts in one of 10 colours. Ideal for those with their own plane(!), this storage item is also an original conversation piece as you serve food and beverages in your office, garage, patio, shop or kitchen. I can see this appealing to Aquarians and Sagittarians!

Everyone loves their own name! A cute gift for a new baby or perhaps a housewarming gift is letter art photography by Alphabet Photography. Each “letter” is a photo of an everyday object (such as a door handle) that resembles the letter of the alphabet. A sweet gift for a Pisces as is this one from GrowShow which lets you upload photos in chronological order so you can see the development of your child over time. It also has interlocking photo frames so you can add to them as your child gets older.

Love to theme a party all the way through? Now you can personalise your disposable party plates with photos, text and colour for anniversaries, birthdays, Halloween, with a fun service from Hallmark. I see this being particularly popular for children’s parties!

Candles are always popular with women and now you can customise them with Lumnique, packaged in a nice rectangular glass jar. Select the intention ie peace, love etc, the colour and from 72 fragrances, ranging from the traditional, such as rose, to the frankly unusual, such as Hansel and Gretel (which I’m guessing must smell like gingerbread)!

If you’re looking for a gift with a difference for your favourite health freak, look no further. Now you can customise your own energy bars (chewy, oaty, cripsy), add fruits, nuts and sweets (ranging from chocolate chips to maple syrup), and even fibre or other nutrients, all the while seeing the nutritional panel adjust in real time for sugar, fat, carbohydrate etc. And to cap it off, you can even have your name on the packaging – how cool is that?! I’m going to order some from Element Bars for my Virgo sister!

Most people are familiar with the Successories framed prints in gift shops full of inspirational photos and sayings. Now you can customise your own, using their gallery of images but adding your own message. I think a subversive-style message (ie a straight picture and a sarcastic message) could really amuse a Scorpio, and maybe some Capricorns…

I love the mobile phone covers by GelaSkins – they’re amazing! From manga cartoons to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, you’re sure to find something amazing here. Most importantly, you can upload your own photos, message and designs to cover covers for your mobile, iPod, laptop, gaming device or Kindle which would impress even the hardest-to-please teen.

If you find clothes hard to fit and you’re forever getting items altered, you might like to check out the customised outfits at April Marin. They make a small range of pretty, tailor-made dresses, allowing you to customise the lengths and widths of everything important!

Does your favourite friend or family member post particularly witty bon mots on Twitter? Did you know that Tweetbookz now lets you create high-quality books containing Tweets from any Twitter account? It might be a lovely gift for a small business owner!

And last, but certainly not least, I was entranced by Princess Chic which enables you to build your own pair of shoes! From classic stilettos and platform pumps to ballet flats and high-heeled sandals, you can select your material from leather, satin, suede, snake, croc or fish skins, from 17 colours and sizes from 5-11.

katoj

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces

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Gift ideas within top 10 bridal trends for 2010

According to the wedding gurus at GetMarried, the US holiday season between Thanksgiving (the last Thursday in November) through to Valentines Day is the most popular season for engagements with approximately 35-40% (or 550,00-650,000 couples) getting married in the 12-18 months afterwards.

Here are their top 10 bridal trend predictions for 2010. Some of them are frankly, a little weird, but there are a few others which could be added to a novel gift registry, especially if you need help with wedding expenses.

1. Non-linear wedding aisle.
Well marriage is hardly linear, more of a game of Twister and Monopoly with a Get Out Of Jail Free card so maybe that’s the idea? Or is it to be photographed on your best angle? I truly doubt this one will take off… If it does, a Gemini, Scorpio or Aquarius would be the most likely candiate.

2. Comfort foods
When the economy tanks, everyone wants to go back to basics which is great news for your wallet (although maybe not your waistline). Why not consider adding your catering bill to your gift registry, ask Uncle Tim to share some of his dusty bottles in the cellar or have your aunt make the cupcakes. And everyone really does love chicken. Comfort foods are nirvana to Taureans and Cancerians.

3.  Gifting techie gadgetry
Technology is a tricky one because it becomes obsolete so quickly, making your friends and family waste their money on something you can’t keep. Whatever PDA, iPhone or other techie gadget you get in 2010 is unlikely to be any use in say 2015.  However, for the retro girl/guy marrying that iPod addict, why not consider buying software that convert records to a digital file? One for the Aquarians.

4. Texture-inspired invitations
Embossed, die-cut and engraved invitations are the go for 2010 as they’re supposed to mimic your wedding decor. Unfortunately the bride will be the only one who notices the seamless theming. Yes, you could ask for someone to pay for your invites as their gift to you but um, don’t. This trend could suit the Virgos.

5. Cobalt blue
This colour is set to be the hottest colour for brides in 2010. And in about oh, 10 years or so when everyone looks at your bridesmaids in this electrically charged 80s colour (I was very fond of it myself then), they will laugh. What about keeping it to gifts like vases, table linen, candlesticks, picnicware, or cushion covers? I see this one suiting fun-loving Sagittarius.

6. Wear-again bridesmaid dresses
I like this trend. Whether you or your bridesmaids are paying for their dresses, it’s nice to think the frocks will get some wear again, like regifting…Pisces are super-sentimental and will appreciate this one.

7. Three-dimensional save-the-dates
Here’s they’re talking about items like paper umbrellas to signify a destination wedding. This is where you might want to add honeymoon excursions and attractions to your gift registry. Or even a B&B gift certificate for when you get home and feel a bit anti-climactic. Sagittarius again.

8. Old Hollywood glam for men
Think Cary Grant – even George Clooney. If your man doesn’t have a good pair of shoes, why not put that in your wedding gift registry. He will have them for years! This will thrill the Librans and Leos.

9. Blogger brides
Blogging about your wedding planning is becoming surprisingly common. If you’re a techie yourself, maybe you could give her free hosting, cool apps or a hand at programming as your wedding gift? If they can make their blog into a money-making exercise, this trend might suit Capricorn while Gemini might try it just for fun.

10. Personalised everything
Last, but definitely not least, brides want a wedding which is completely customised for them, from personalised invitations, monogrammed guest books, and made-to-order favours to gifts which are all about the couple.  Some of these things are fun but just add to the cost of your wedding. In addition to the array of personalised homewares and books you could ask for, I think a personalised set of cards and envelopes embossed with your names and address would be a nice addition to your gift registry. And you just know your aunt would buy it as that would give you the stationery on which to write your thank you cards! This trend will suit Aries, Leo and Libra (who likes everything matching).

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Cotton on to these second wedding anniversary gifts

Once you’ve chalked up nearly two years of marriage, you graduate from the first paper wedding anniversary gifts and onto the potentially more expensive cotton gifts.

The common thread (ahem) for cotton gifts seems to be mainly homewares or clothing-related items, but you can still have some fun with them!

The ones that caught my eye were the customised queen-size duvet cover (Aries lurrrve personalised gifts) that you can personalise with your own photo (or from the photo gallery) from Vision Bedding or if your partner hogs the bed, you can draw the line who sleeps where – literally with Bedhog.com’s His and Hers sheet sheet (Geminis love a good gag gift) or if you’re after a “classier” cotton-themed present, give them a monogrammed cotton throw from The Golden Ribbon (ideal for your Capricorn or Taurus).

If you happen to be buying a second wedding anniversary gift for say, your best friend and don’t want it to be about their bedlinen, some nice thirsty towels would do the trick! Or if they’re about to become new parents as they celebrate their second wedding anniversary, what about sending a gorgeous gift basket with, among other things, a cotton bib, hat and booties for baby? (It’s sure to appeal to Cancerians!)

Have your favourite photo printed on cotton canvas (Leos will be delighted) or what about getting him a custom-made cotton business shirt (great for Virgos) or a fun t-shirt about your second wedding anniversary (Aquarians aren’t that mushy). Or snuggle up together in a comfortable cotton hammock (ideal for dreamy Pisces or sexy Scorpios) after he’s fired up the BBQ (especially if he’s a Sagittarius)…

And what girl doesn’t love a pretty broderie anglaise cami! (Cancers and Librans adore them.)

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Birthday gift ideas for Libra 23 September to 23 October

Ah, you gotta make these guys feel special! They’re much too polite to say so (actually, they’re usually just much too polite for their own good), but they die a little inside if you don’t make them feel loved and adored!

And please don’t forget their birthday either as they’re always thinking about how to make other people feel happy, so it’s time for them to have the favour returned. Librans (and Leos, Cancer and Pisces too actually) are devastated if you overlook their Big Day. Think about signing up with a free online birthday reminder service and make sure you tick the 30-, 14- or 7-day prior reminders, too.

Libra is ruled by Venus which rules love, beauty, art, and general gorgeousness. Imagine a charming and well-mannered beauty queen and you’re getting close! Think about the type of upkeep it takes to be a beauty queen, that might give you some clues, too. Facial? Mani/pedi? Perma-tan?

Since Libra rules relationships and marriage, you can’t go wrong with a gift for them as a couple- and even more so on improving it if they have any planets in next-door neighbour Virgo). Single Libran girls like relationship self-help books like The Rules, He’s Just Not That Into You (actually, they know who likes them, they just need help navigating the seas of singledom, especially when someone is treating them badly), Men Are From Mars (I think John Gray must be onto his tenth type in the series – Mars and Venus on a Date was the last variant I remember). Libran men pretend they don’t like those kind of books – then again, they’re the ones swiping your copy of InStyle. Which is another gift suggestion, actually.

Perhaps you could shout your favourite Libra, a classy speed-date event, an opening night at the theatre, art gallery, ritzy musical or dinner at a three-chef hat restaurant so they can dress up.

They lurrrve clothes, jewellery, shoes and accessories (and that’s just the men). Anything from a clothing store gift certificate to an open cheque to spend breakfast at Tiffany’s would be great. What about giving them a stylist to help them chujz up their wardrobe for summer?

Still no clue? Both sexes love flowers and are often a little overcome at the sight of a stunning bouquet heading their way. Can you get a courier to deliver something to them in person or at least to their desk so everyone else oohs and ahhs at what they’ve been given?

And don’t forget the greeting card to go with your expertly wrapped present (spend extra and get it done properly). I’m thinking a mushy Hallmark one with flowers on it – not one of those cheap jokey cartoon ones that tease people about their age. No, my dear, that really will Not Do.

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Birthday gift ideas for Virgos 24 August to 23 September

If your favourite Virgo is celebrating his or her birthday, I hope you’ve marked it in your diary/Outlook calendar, have left enough time to get their present there on time AND call them on the day.

Well, they would do it for you! Most Virgos have an amazing memory and mentally file away everyone’s birthdays, anniversaries etc so they can deliver a gift on YOUR day. You might be surprised to know that they’re secretly wounded by people forgetting their birthday and quietly, desperately need you to prove that they’re special.

So, what to get them? One of the nicest things you can give them is a break from the housework that they tend to feel overwhelmed by. When too much is going on in their lives – and it has been thanks to Saturn in Virgo putting immense pressure on them since August 2007 not to mention Uranus in Pisces freaking them right out with undependable partners – they tend to clean, polish, sweep, vacuum, scrub, and wash etc to get some sense of order back. So as you might imagine, they have been cleaning up a storm for a couple of years…Give them a well-deserved break.

They also love a good de-cluttering. They have Pisces on the seventh house of relationships which can make them hate to throw things away that their loved ones have given them and have Sagittarius on the fourth house of home and family which suggests they live with complete grots (sorry, disorganised people). Call in the professional organisers – it will make them silly with happiness!

Saturn in your own sign is, shall we say, a little heavy-going on one’s self-esteem and attitudes towards one’s looks. Is it time for a professional stylist to freshen up their look with more flattering clothes, a haircut or better make-up choices? They just lurrve those makeover shows!

Pluto in Capricorn entered their solar fifth house of love and creativity in January 2009 and will be there until 2024. Pluto rules Scorpio so anything that promotes a bit of lovin’ and kissin’ – can you babysit the kids for the weekend? – is ideal. Virgos love step-by-step manuals and since there are all sorts of interesting how-to books to do with lovemaking, this could be a a naughty thrill!

Jupiter is in Aquarius is their sixth house of work and health until January 2010. Jupiter is what you find fun. Personally I’d like to steer away the emphasis from work for Virgo - it’s waaaay too easy for them to be workaholics – so please don’t give them leather-bound diaries or desk organisers – yuck! Springing for some new bookshelves for their home office - the Expedit ones from IKEA are very popular – might be OK, as might picking up a cute little handbag-sized laptop for them.

Or let’s consider the health side of things. Perhaps you could spring for a personal trainer, a new gym membership, some cute workout clothes, the Low GI Diet book, a delivery of fresh fruit and vegies, or at least a good, deep Swedish massage. The sixth house also rules pets. Have they been pressing their nose up against the puppies’ window at the local pet store or RSPCA? If a little doggie or kitty-kat could fit into their lifestyle, a pet could make a wonderful surprise gift.

Books are also pretty well-received. Since they love to know how things work and what makes people tick, why not check out the latest round of self-help/inspirational books?

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Environmentally friendly gift wrapping ideas

I’ve banged on before about knowing where to save money when gift shopping (I prefer to buy my gift wrapping paper in bulk), but I think the best innovative, environmentally friendly gift wrap ideas have something in common with the gift or its category, and often, can even make up part of the gift itself.

Saving on having to pay for wrapping also particularly appeals to the earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) for financial reasons, the greenies (Aquarius) so they can save the earth, the more-inventive ones so they can show off what clever clogs they are (Gemini) and also, let’s face it, the plain old lazy lot who want to waste as little time gift wrapping as possible (Aries, Sagittarius).

For example, for a kitchen tea gift, wrap it in a teatowel, a tablecloth, a table runner or slide it inside an oven mitt.

For a baby gift, tie up your gifts inside a muslin swaddling cloth, an embroidered blanket or slip it inside a rolled-up romper suit.

Dealing with a fashion fan? Put their shirt/sweater/jewellery etc inside a glamour-brand shoebox, a hatbox, a Tiffany box (that’ll do their head in!) or wrap it inside a scarf.

For a car “nut”, why not slip their present into a rolled up windscreen shade or car seat cover.

Young kids actually often prefer the box to the gift itself but why not place whatever you’re giving them in a cute toy box or stacking cube?

Know a geek? Why not give them some new software, snugly presented in a sexy laptop sleeve.

Pet owners might be thrilled to see little toys for their Fido, nestled within a doggie doona.

Obviously there are many more ways you could present your gift than in traditional gift wrapping paper. What are some non-traditional gift wrapping ideas you’d suggest?

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Who’s good at getting gag birthday gifts?

Not every Sun sign is gleeful at getting a silly gag gift for their birthday, some are downright disappointed and disgusted that you could get it so wrong!

Aries have a very healthy ego so while they hate to be made to look stoopid, they (and Leos) do like to be seen as heroes. A fake Oscar-type statue for the “Best…” would appeal as would superhero outfits, James Bond type gadgets and stuff that appeals to the child in them.

Taureans lurrve food and this is one area where you could have fun (with them). They have an “earthy” approach to life so if you combine one of their favourite foods – chocolate – in the shape of their favourite umm, bodily organs, you could be onto a winner. Libras would be quietly appalled, however.

Geminis and Sagittarians have low attention spans and love silly, frankly childish birthday gifts, especially ones which startle others, eg whoopee cushions, stink bombs etc.

Cancerians are most likely to be very upset if it’s tasteless as they’re such sensitive little souls, but don’t mind gentle humour, especially if it’s got a cute connection with home and family. Fridge stickers, embroidered pillows with cute sayings are well-received.

Neither Virgos nor Capricorns are famous for slapping their thighs upon receiving gag gifts, unfortunately. Since they’re so work-obsessed, office gags can amuse Virgos (slightly). Money-related gags can sometimes tickle Capricornian funny bones, but only if they’ve got a couple of Sagittarius planets in their chart!

Librans are completely freaked out by fake vomit, replica poo and so on (whereas that doesn’t faze the Scorpios one bit). If it’s a gag, it has to be tasteful. Hard, I know! Scorpios also like rather naughty, sexy gag gifts as they like being seen as complete sex maniacs.

Aquarians love electronic gizmos and things that shock others. Anything faintly Star Trek-y or out of this world or that appeals to their love of humanity could work.

Pisces swing from extreme bad taste to high ‘n’ mighty puritanicalism. It depends on their mood. Since they’re famed for their uh, drinking, gags which celebrate this particular vice can amuse them. Pisces also rules illusion, so magic tricks can work their ahem, magic, too.

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Thursday 9 July ideal for buying household gifts

Thursday 9 July features a very helpful Sun in Cancer sextile Saturn in Virgo aspect for those seeking housewarming, birthday, wedding or baby gifts that have a house- or family-related theme.

If you’ve got time to hit the shops (bricks-and-mortar or online), you could find reasonably priced (both Saturn and Virgo like a bargain) gifts for your home or family (both of which are ruled by Cancer).

Ideally you’ll be looking for gifts that can be useful (Saturn and Virgo again) and lasts for the long-term. Durability is key to Saturn-themed gifts. Saturn is the classic, the antique or the quietly understated type of item. It is not say, a lava lamp or a BBQ apron with rubber breasts. Virgo likes items that DO things. They would not shy away from say, a good Mixmaster, a storage unit, or even a security alarm. (Virgos are kinda pessimistic about others’ intentions.)

Cancerians are sentimental and treasure what they’ve been given so if you managed to find a family-related, long-lasting classic item at a bargain price, well you are truly shopping by the stars!

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Barack Obama’s Fathers Day gift

No, this isn’t a post about whether Sasha and Malia Obama gave their father soap-on-a-rope for yesterday’s Fathers Day celebration in the US, but about his impassioned speech imploring men to be better fathers.

Barack is a regal Leo who wants to be the best at everything he does and one of Leo’s best assets is their regal ability to inspire others. Leos are also noted for their courage so it was fascinating that he said, “Any fool can have a child. That doesn’t make you a father. It’s the courage to raise a child that makes you a father.”

He has roll-up-your-sleeves Mars in Virgo. This is a classic position for working hard, being dutiful, helping with housework and homework and generally being a hands-on, practical Dad. The Mars position in a man’s sign is his quality of action, activity and energy and since Virgo won’t rest until things are seen to, Barack will work very hard to help inspire a sense of duty amongst America’s fathers. Combined with the slow-burn effect of Pluto in Capricorn until 2024, it’s likely that there will be growing disapproval for social instability as well as a swing to extended families to ensure that the burden of child-rearing is shared in society.

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Gift ideas that happen to be tax deductible

It would be so handy if there was just one end-of-financial-year worldwide. It can range from 31 March in Canada, to 30 June in Australia  and New Zealand and I can’t quite work out if it’s 15 April in the US or not!

Usually places like Officeworks, Staples and WH Smith run endless ads for stocking up on tax-deductible items near the end of each financial year to help you maxmise your tax deductions.

But with a little lateral thinking, many of these places – and others – can create fantastic opportunities to stock up on items that are not only tax-deductible for your work, but could also make very good win-win gifts for family and friends. They get a great gift and hey presto! you get a tax deduction!

You know how your parents are always after a nice photo of you? If you run your own business you can claim photography expenses for a classic head shot you can use in your media kit etc. Frame it in a nice silver frame and voila! An instant tax-deductible gift for your parents and grandparents. (Your friends might not be so thrilled though…)

Work outside as a tradie? Buy a glam pair of super-dark sunglasses and thrill your Aries who always loves to look cool.

Run a cafe? Your Taurean foodie will get the joy of a glossy new cookbook while you get a tax deduction.

Geminis lurrrve their gadgets and the taxman won’t know if you actually kept that new iPhone for yourself or not. If you don’t want to spring for that much, there are a bunch of consumer magazines appropriate to your work area (medical industry = Good Medicine, automotive = Wheels, funds management = Money, and so on) that you could consider.

Most Cancerians are like moths to a flame in hardware stores. If you work in the building trade, it’s all the excuse you need to give them a portable handyman kit.

If you’re in the beauty trade, present your favourite Leo with an industrial-strength hairdryer for their mane or a goodie bag full of the latest beauty products.

Know a Virgo? You can give them all types of home office doo-dads from Kikki K and keep ‘em and the tax man happy.

Work in the interior design industry? Interesting evening classes on interior design and lifestyle (Coco Republic ran a successful series recently and have created some for Melbourne for June) can make for a very thoughful gift for your Libran design maven.

It’s hard to go past Scorpios without thinking of their famous need for privacy (they can’t bear people going through their things). For a left-field gift they’ll appreciate – and you can deduct – give them a paper shredder!

Many people who work in the travel industry are lucky enough to receive familiarisation trips (“famils”). Why not take your favourite Sagittarius as your guest the next time you have to check out a new adventure overseas?

If you take your laptop on work trips, it’s likely you’ll need a fancy new one which makes it ideal for Capricorns. Or what about a good business-oriented self-help tome.

Run a restaurant? Your kooky Aquarius teenager might actually like those funky checked black and white chef’s trousers.

Work in entertainment? Make use of your tax deductions for movie tickets and buy a book of ‘em for your favourite Pisces film fanatic.

If you’ve never been big on buying gifts, this is one way it might actually become kinda fun.

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Regifting keeps gift-givers in the loop

Regifting is one phenomenon that’s been gaining ground thanks to the coinciding Global Financial Crisis and the anti-clutter trend. If you can clean up your home, give someone a gift AND save money in the process - happy days.

Have a look around your home. There’s SURE to be something suitable you can pass on for someone’s birthday. Here’s a quick guide to what items you could safely regift to certain Sun signs without causing too much distress. (It goes without saying that you’re not going to regift anything that’s dirty, broken or in poor condition! Also, ideally it should still be in the original packaging…)

Jewellery – rings, bangles and bracelets (Geminis), pendants, necklaces (Taurus), gold anything that’s good (Leo), matching set jewellery (Libra), antique family heirlooms, pearls (Cancer and Capricorn), mood rings (Pisces), toe rings , “statement” pieces (Aquarius), belly chains, anything hand-crafted (Virgo), leather jewellery (Aries, Scorpio), ethnic pieces (Sagittarius).

Books – cookbooks (Cancer and Taurus), romantic novels (Leo and Libra), thrillers (Scorpio), sci-fi (Aquarius), self-help (Aquarius and Virgo), travel (Sagittarius), business (Capricorn), mystical, movie or music books (Pisces), how-to manuals and sexy potboilers (Aries)

Homewares – bookshelves, storage items (Gemini and Virgo), doonas, comforters, mohair throws (Taurus and Cancer), ornate mirrors, boxed DVD sets (Leo), antiques, crystal vases (Capricorn), BBQ equipment, Persian rugs, travel souvenirs (Sagittarius), DIY power tools, sporting equipment (Aries), filing cabinets, fur throws, breakfast in bed trays (Scorpio). terrariums, vintage equipment, computers (Aquarius), aquariums, windchimes (Pisces), cake stands, serving platters, jewellery trays (Taurus and Libra).

Clothing – vintage shoes (Pisces, maybe Leo if they’re in ultra-good condition – the shoes, I mean), scarves (Taurus), fur coats, dramatic coats (Leo), wacky 60s/70s stuff (Aquarius), handbags (Virgo), belts and hats (Libra), brooches (Cancer), Doc Maartens boots, anything red (Aries).

And if it all seems too hard, go shopping!

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Why some people are rubbish at receiving gifts

When a friend or family member’s birthday is coming up, how do you feel about presenting them with the gift? While the ads on TV will have you believe that everyone beams with joy upon a receiving a gift, nay, it isn’t so.

Why? There are some planetary signs, houses and aspects that will make some people grunt their thanks (at best!) while others light up like a Christmas tree when they receive something.

Everyone knows the type of gift recipient who will attempt to smile and nod when they receive something (and that’s their best efforts at enthusiasm). These ingrates are often shy about openly expressing their appreciation, and just can’t seem to get worked up with the thrill that makes it feel worthwhile making an effort to give them a gift.

Many of them are “cursed” with a Moon and/or Mercury conjunct/square/oppose Saturn aspect. Any of these combinations makes them awfully self-conscious, pessimistic, and disbelieving of their worthiness. If you get them a good present, they feel embarrassed, obligated, or even suspicious of your motives, ie “what do you really want from me?”. If you get them a (quite honestly) bad gift, they feel that they don’t deserve any better and will then moan no-one cares. Yes, it’s not too fun giving them something.

Others tough gift nuts to crack are those with Saturn in the second house. Saturn rules what makes you feel uncomfortable, insecure, unworthy, shy – you get the drift – and the second house rules money, values, possessions and other material goodies. If you don’t buy them a super-good, thoughtful present that’s the best you can afford, they feel you don’t care. These guys are quite often the type to judge their relationship with you by the quality of the gifts you give.

A related gift-giver is one with a heavy Virgo or Capricorn focus in their chart (and Taurus to a lesser degree). They can be surprisingly mean and have no compunction about re-gifting, or just giving you a “token” present eg a jar of jam, a small book etc – even for a milestone birthday. They just don’t like spending money. The gifts they prefer to give tend to be actual services ie they will happily help you move, repair something or offer advice that you’d normally pay for.

Geminis, Sagittarians and Aquarians can often get a kick out of giving someone a gift that strays dangerously close to being wildly inappropriate, just to get a rise out of them. These are the whoopee cushions and other silly gags (especially appealing to Sagittarians), books that send a message ie How to Win Friends and Influence People (Geminis are most guilty of this) and those are so left-field no-one can believe they bought them – take a bow, Aquarius.

Those with a heavy Aries, Mars or first house focus in their charts are hopeless at thinking about others. And you won’t be in any doubt how they feel about your prezzie! They either love it and start using it/playing it straightaway (at which point you heave a sigh of relief) or will say, “No, there’s a much newer/better/trendier/cooler X that I want” or something charmingly similar, making you furious you bothered. If they haven’t abdicated their gift-buying responsibilities to someone else, they tend to buy exactly what THEY like as that is what interests them. So ask these guys to give you a gift card to a store you like. You get what you want, it takes them mere seconds if they do it online with an electronic gift certificate AND you can let them know what you bought thanks to them. This’ll then encourage them to do it again as they love praise…

Next post – who’s great at receiving gifts…

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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1st wedding anniversary gift ideas involving paper (sort of)

A wedding anniversary gift survey found that couples are most likely to give each other traditional wedding anniversary gifts in the first three or so years of their marriage. After that, they tend to run out of ideas, money or pressure from others to conform!

So the first one is potentially the most affordable of all – paper. That is, unless you’re giving a lovely old-fashioned plane ticket overseas (my personal favourite) and then it can cost a bomb! Here a few unusual paper-based ideas for a first wedding anniversary gift that might grab your fancy:

Create a coffee table book (ideal for Geminis who tend to be voracious readers and massive fidgeters), and consider binding your treasured family photos in a personalised, leather-bound, gold-embossed photo album to delight home-lovin’ Cancers and Capricorn traditionalists.

If you can’t spring for plane tickets, this very unusual life map which depicts geographical features along with tales of your life might delight a wanderlust-prone Sagittarius.

A raunchy novel in which you and your partner could be a winner for a Scorpio, while if you’re not good with words, but your Libra or Pisces spouse wants to hear (or at least read) your sweet nothings, get a professional romantic letter-writer to do your dirty work for you!

Flush with funds? Take your Taurus or Leo to the best restaurant you can afford, teasing them first with the gift certificate for the restaurant or tickets to see their favourite musician.

Aries love to feel sexy and in control so they might love a gift certificate for a cool sports car for the day. Anything that has their name on it tends to be a winner…

Give your Virgo the day off from cleaning and haul in a professional organiser to tackle your filing (theirs won’t need anything doing to it but the stress you stop them from suffering by looking at yours will be worth it)!

And most Aquarians are too polite to say so, but they love anything that’s a bit different! Surprise them with a gift certificate where they can learn how to fly the trapeze or do fire-twirling. Just having dinner (unless it’s a truly unusual restaurant, cuisine or location) tends to make their eyes glaze over.

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Personalised baby gifts recommended by other blogs: part 1

The very cool blog Cool Baby Kid has just compiled The Ultimate Personalized Gifts Ideas for Kids Guide - and I’m thrilled that my BabyStars gift reports for parents has been included in the list which gathers the best around the world in monogrammed, personalised and/or customised gifts for children.

I had a great time checking the product reviews on these products! Here’s my take on what sorts of gifts for babies and children would suit the different Sun signs.

If you have a little Aries munchkin, they’re pretty unlikely to sit still during feeding time in their high chair, at the dinner table – or come to think of it, when they’re adults as well. You might increase the chances of them hanging around for a more few nanoseconds of “here’s the MiG fighter plane” as you attempt to spoon in another serve of pureed pumpkin with the personalised plates from La Plates. Watch them wolf it down to see their name on the bottom of the plate!

Snoopy’s Linus and his blanket were probably based on a Taurus child. Cuddly, snuggly tactile little Taureans love their security blankets, taking them everywhere, shrieking if you try to wash that mud-infested old thing. They love anything soft to touch and will quite happily suck their thumb and/or blanket. Give ‘em one that’s personalised all about them - 200 characters in total (that’s almost a bed-time story in itself) on all four satin-trimmed edges from  Fill In The Blankie.

I gave one of these personalised story books from Storybook Stars to my Pisces niece and Leo nephew and they were a big hit (as I imagine they could be with all children going through that “the whole world revolves around me” stage which lasts until they’re about, oh, 23). Nevertheless, it should thrill your Gemini child who loves to read and it’s a nice way to stave off the “But why, Mum?” and endless knock-knock jokes that can bring on wine-o-clock a few minutes earlier every evening.

The child who winds him/herself around his/her mother’s legs and won’t let go at daycare, is often a little Cancer child. Shy, sensitive and afraid of strangers, Cancers prefer to size people up quietly before befriending anyone. Anything that makes them feel safer is always a lovely gift. They can be slow to get off the boob (ahem, nothing really changes for the men) which makes these personalised dummies at My Pacifier a cute, inexpensive gift. A nightlight would be good, too.

Leo children were born ready for their close-up. And you might be one of those parents who take endless photos on their digital camera and never get around to printing them, or you have printed them and they’re in a shoebox or something. It’s hard to go past the service from Little Star Video which turns your photos (and even their favourite songs) into a family video that your Leos will watch over and over and over, giving you a temporary break from The Wiggles. Plus, you can screen it at their 21st or whatever.

When I saw the incredibly spotless children wearing monogrammed pinafores, I thought, “who ARE these children? Mini Stepford Wives?” and then thought hey, this would appeal to a lot of little Virgo children. Unlike Aries or Sagittarians who seem to find new sources of mud every day, Virgo kids can stay surprisingly clean, making one of these outfits not such a waste of money. They also enjoy helping you around the house, doing their homework and eating their vegetables. Although one day you might come home and they’ve alphabetised your spice rack and colour-coded your CDs… Anyway, one of those toy vacuum cleaners could be a bit hit, too!

Next post: Baby gifts for Libra through Pisces

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Gifts and inheritances – are they worth the cost?

Gifts and inheritances – as well as deceased estates -  attract capital gains tax in Australia, but fortunately not yet death duties as in other countries.

I was thinking about Australian businessman James Packer who inherited the very weighty gift of a multi-billion-dollar estate by his father, the late Kerry Packer when he died on Boxing Day, 2006.

Like other mutable signs this year (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces) born in 8-18 March, June, September or December,  Virgo James is being affected by the Saturn in Virgo-Uranus in Pisces opposition. Unlike other signs, he also has a lot more to lose – billions, in fact.

On Today Tonight, they profiled the progress of his Crown Casino in Macau, and his yet-to-be-finalised City of Dreams Casino opposite. It seems the only thing that is being hammered is his super-sized wallet. Building has paused thanks to the global financial crisis, and China is cracking down on the exit of funds from its banks.

James has natal Jupiter (fun, generosity, enthusiasm) in Leo (love, children, recreation and gambling). He is a generous-spirited man who really puts his heart into his pet projects. While he is not a actual gambler like his famous Sagittarian Dad, he IS gambling on the casino being a huge financial success.

In February, transiting Neptune (illusions, glamour and addictions) opposed his natal Jupiter suggesting there are elements to his massive casino project that he’s not aware of. In mid-April, his natal Jupiter will oppose transiting Jupiter in Aquarius. Jupiter rarely knows when to say no and stop which suggests his exuberance for the project may get him in trouble.  He could easily “go for broke”.

Also in February, his natal Pluto (power, obsessions, taboos) conjuncted with transiting Saturn (the stern school principal/cop/grumpy grandfather of the zodiac). It’s likely people behind the scenes were warning him to stop or at least reduce his expansion plans (or were secretly undermining his ability to succeed). As Saturn is retrograde until 19 May, he can “look forward to” a re-run of this in August when Saturn has retraced its steps.

This month, James is also currently being hammered by transiting Saturn in Virgo conjuncting his natal Sun (a prime time when everyone wags their finger at you disapprovingly),  and Uranus in Pisces opposing his ntal Sun (making him incredibly impatient to be independent and blast his own course).

It’s hard enough right now to be a mid-month-born mutable sign, feeling frustrated or disappointed thanks to the lingering Saturn-Uranus opposition effect, but when you’re a famous figure like him with all the world able to see and judge your mistakes, my bet is he cannot WAIT for 2009 to be over.

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Salma Hayek’s generous baby gift

When it comes to baby gifts, it’s really quite hard to beat the simple act of kindness by Salma Hayek. She married billionaire luxury goods company CEO Francois-Henri Pinault on Valentines Day 2009, so she’s in a powerful position to change lives.

During her recent visit to Sierra Leone, Africa to see the poverty first-hand, she came across a starving African baby boy.

Salma is a well-known advocate of breastfeeding, but it wasn’t the couple’s 16-month-old daughter Valentina that she breastfed, but the starving baby, while the cameras for the current affairs show Nightline rolled.

Salma is a Virgo, which is the sign of service, health and work. And her Jupiter (the planet of abundance and generosity) is in Cancer (the sign of home and family). When you get helpfulness, generosity and nurturing rolled into one, it’s no real surprise she decided to give the most practical, generous gift of all.

Virgo is a real roll-your-sleeves-up-wade-in-and-do-something-useful type sign. Someone with a similar planetary line-up might choose to build or repair houses, or provide child care services, for example. Baby gift ideas closer to home could include giving the new mum a break with home-cooked pasta meals that can be quickly reheated when she’s too tired to make anything.
Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Has your wedding been predicted?

Well, not by me :) but by the US gurus in the wedding industry. These are the predicted hot trends for weddings for 2009:

* Smaller weddings with fewer guests (great for ultra-private Scorpios or for Leos wanting to make an impact for the same money)

* Destination weddings (music to the ears of a Sagittarius) or destination type weddings closer to home (ideal for Cancerians)

* Accent colours on dresses and cakes with the most popular being greens and blues (those sea-greens are often beloved by Pisces)

* Increased reliance on family and friends to help plan, pay, and provide some of the services (money-minded Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn wouldn’t hesitate to get people to chip in or help in some way)

* Increased use of green and eco-friendly products and services (this will probably appeal to the Aquarians)

* Simplified decorations, centrepieces and wedding invitations (Virgo usually can’t bear fussiness and prefers clean and simple)

* Increased use of online RSVPs vs. traditional mail-in RSVPs (could appeal to communication-crazy Geminis or Aries wanting to know the answer NOW)

* Off-peak weddings: mornings, afternoons, Fridays, Sundays, not in March etc – great for Aquarians wanting to be different or Scorpios who don’t want the hordes looking on

* Buffet meals, hors d’oeuvre, and cocktail receptions (Both Aries and Geminis don’t like to sit around all night at a meal so this could be ideal while Librans do like elegant cocktail parties)

* Cheesecakes, cupcakes and miniature cakes (line up, line up Taurus and Libra – the sweet tooths of the zodiac)

* All-inclusive packages (the earth signs again – keeping an eye on budgets).

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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March is the most popular month for weddings in Australia

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, March is the most popular month for weddings. It’s past the downpours of January and February, Christmas craziness in December, and it’s still beautifully warm.

So if you’ve got a wedding to attend and you’re trying to decide what to get them from their wedding list – or something not on the wedding gift registry at all, here is a quick rundown to what the bride might like according to her Sun sign. Yeah, well, it’s an unusual groom who is terribly interested what is being put on the gift list…

Aries – buy them an adrenalin-pumping experience – parachuting, scuba diving, flying a helicopter, rally driving etc. Anything that makes them scream with excitement and generates a bit of sexy competition with the groom…

Taurus – they really love their food so a gourmet hamper would be great. Music soothes their soul as does something to do with the garden – a pair of topiary trees or perhaps a beautiful wire or stone wall sconce to provide candlelit dinners outside?

Gemini – they love their books and communication devices. What about a truly beautiful coffee table book? Or coffee table? Some Geminis might be excited to get a new laptop, mobile or iPod.

Cancer – these lovely homebodies really love their house. A snugly cashmere throw, a stunning framed photograph of their family or something to do with cooking – a large Le Creuset baking dish? – could do the trick.

Leo – they love glamour and often imagine themselves as a movie star ready for their close-up. Most Leos love mirrored items so a mirrored jewellery box could be ideal. A leather-bound guest book for the hallway? A couple’s glamour photography shoot?

Virgo – health and work are two of their twin loves. If your budget runs to it, a treadmill would be fantastic. They also appreciate self-help books. They also love a tidy house – what about going in with others on a professional cleaner?

Libra – these guys are the original romance junkies. They can never have too many candelabras, crystal cut vases, or chandeliers to set the mood. Or what about a year’s supply of fresh flowers delivered weekly?

Scorpio – these sexy sorts are notoriously private about their private lives (a home safe could be a cracker of a gift) but a set of exquisite Egyptian cotton sheets could be highly appreciated. A video camera to make um, home movies?

Sagittarius – if they requested no gifts, but money towards their honeymoon instead, I wouldn’t be surprised – Saggies lurrve their travel. Think about a set of Lonely Planet books to destinations they’ve long craved to visit, binoculars, snazzy backpacks or other travel accessories. Go on, give them a gift voucher for Virgin Blue.

Capricorn – keen on their careers and being a pillar of society, they want “establishment” items. If you buy only one thing, make it the very best, but not bling-y. Antiques often go down well.

Aquarius – their friends are their family so think about things that make it easy to have friends over all the time – it could be of those outdoor mushroom heaters you see at bars, a cool BBQ set or what about a great iPod docking station? Those with a humanitarian bent could appreciate a wedding gift whose purchase helps a Third World community.

Pisces – Mystical, musical and/or movie-mad – any of these interests are things Pisces usually likes. Give them a thumping great set of speakers and sub-woofers, a feng shui consultant for their home or what about a boxed DVD set of their favourite movie stars.

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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