Buying gifts for the important people in your life can be hard, and when it comes to a picky individual, understanding his or her personality may be helpful when you go holiday shopping this season.

Sagittarius

Nov. 23 – Dec. 21
Typically, a Sagittarius has a free-spirited, easygoing, inquisitive and straightforward personality. A good book on a topic of interest and some incense are an easy pick up for the Sagittarius on your list.

Capricorn

Dec. 22 – Jan. 19
Capricorns are prudent, conservative, very practical and responsible. This type of personality might do well with a book on successful business practices, such as “The Starbucks Experience: 5 Principles for Turning Ordinary into Extraordinary” by Joseph Michelli, which came out in 2006.

Aquarius

Jan. 20 – Feb. 18
An Aquarius is an idealistic and unconventional thinker, who lives outside the box. An unconventional gift for an out-of-the-box thinker, such as a brain teaser game, might do the trick.

Pisces

Feb. 19 – March 20
Pisces is a person who is considerate and sensitive to the feelings of others. An artistic sign, the Pisces on your list might enjoy a paint set or documentary on the lives of people in another culture.

Aries

March 21 – April 19
Independence is a keyword for an Aries’s personality. This person puts a great deal of time and effort into achieving his or her goals. Because an Aries is most likely involved in a competitive sport, the latest gear is probably on his or her wish list.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20
A Taurus has a tendency to be conservative, conventional and introverted. A good gift for this person might be something related to his or her hobbies.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20
Gemini tend to be as sociable as they are lively, youthful people. A Gemini would do well with a gift that is universal, such as a bowl or vase, with which they can use and reuse for whatever their imagination conjures.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22
Cancers tend to be homebodies who love their families and their homes. A scented candle to welcome them home or a nice dinner on you that he or she can share with his or her family are nice gestures.

Leo

July 23 – Aug. 22
The Leo in your life may like to shine in all social situations and will even try to dominate them. They are a strong personality, but giving to others. A Leo might be impressed if you donate to a favorable charitable cause on his or her behalf.

Virgo

Aug. 23. – Sept. 22
Virgos tend to be careful planners, calm, helpful and dependable. A nice card of appreciation, along with a healthy cookbook, would suit a Virgo.

Libra

Sept. 23 – Oct. 22
Balance is a goal for any Libra. It is something  they will innately strive for. A book on how to balance one’s life, or a massage certificate may be a nice gift for the Libra in your life.

Scorpio

Oct. 23 – Nov. 21
The Scorpio in your life will see right through you and know what is going on under the surface. These intellectuals need something challenging, like a thought-provoking book  that they can analyze and discuss intelligently.

This article was created for the Holiday Gift Guide produced by College Avenue Magazine staff.