5 Gifts for Every Zodiac Sign

1. Gold Aquarius star sign necklace– Give the Aquarius in your life a way to show their water-bearer pride.
2. Bananagrams– The perfect Aquarius game: competitive, fast-paced, and clever.
3. Fuzzy socks– I guarantee your Aquarius friend isn't relaxing enough. Let their feet at least take a break in these adorable bear socks.
4. Aquarius notebook– Every Aquarius needs a place to let their feelings out. This journal is a healthy alternative to taking off for the woods for a couple months.
5. Bear travel pillow– Clearly, there's a connection between bears and Aquariuses: they're both really independent. A travel pillow is the perfect accessory for that solo trip to Asia or the spontaneous cross-coast train ride.

1. Rose petal oil– This beautifully scented oil is perfect for a Pisces to moisturize their split-ends, cuticles, and whatever else they deem fit.
2. Pisces shea butter soap– Make hand washing a cathartic experience for your Pisces friends by giving them this personalized soap.
3. Watercolor pencil set– Satisfy a Pisces' creative urges and their craving to immerse themselves in all things water by combining the medium of watercolor and colored pencils.
4. Pisces necklace– A simple way for a Pisces to show off their Pisces pride.
5. Oversized scarf– Any Pisces would love to wrap, warm, and possibly hide themselves in this comfortable (and chic!) accessory.

1. Aries nail polish– This color was designed specifically for your Aries friend (literally!).
2. Inspirational desk sorter– The typical Aries is hard-working and organized. Appeal to both qualities with this super cute office accessory.
3. "You can never be overdressed or overeducated" journal– Both education and fashion require some risk: something an Aries truly values.
4. Fire scented candle– Aries is a fire sign and lover of fine things. This present hits both those requirements.
5. Aries keychain– A cool, casual way to show for your friend to show off their not-so-casual zodiac sign.

1. Taurus shirt– A simple way to show off their zodiac sign.
2. Card holder– A Taurus doesn't like to lose track of their wealth. This sleek, unadorned, quality card holder keeps their cards in reach at all times.
3. Black furry keychain– Appeal to a Taurus' sense of feel with this sophisticated statement piece that demonstrates commitment to fashion without calling too much attention.
4. Taurus mug– If someone in your life doesn't have a mug broadcasting their zodiac sign by this point in 2016, it's about time they own one.
5. "Enchanted Forest" coloring book– Tauruses are creative and love nature. This book requires both these traits.

1. Hair chalk– What Gemini doesn't love expressing themselves in a different way every day? This assortment of different colored hair chalk washes off within a couple days and gives plenty of different options to mix and match for a number of unique hair colors.
2. Gemini leather patch– A cheeky and adorable way to show Gemini pride.
3. Gemini necklace– Do I need to spell it out for you?
4. "Here comes the fun" passport holder– Geminis want to experience everything the world has to offer, and this includes traveling the world.
5. Muse porcelain cup– I was going to make a joke about Geminis being two-faced (thanks, Tumblr), but this is really just a beautiful and incredibly unique addition to a kitchen and can also be used as decor.

1. Star-shaped lights– If you can't afford a telescope, this is a cheap (and adorable) alternative.
2. Cancer necklace– A simple and subtle accessory to show crab pride.
3. "Happiness planner"– Cancers are some of the most pensive members of the zodiac. This planner focuses on channeling that thoughtfulness to find out what contributes to one's good days, weeks, and months.
4. "I think you are wonderful" set– Remind your Cancer friend that they are, in fact, wonderful, even though they may not always think they are.
5. Cancer watercolor print– The colors and design in this print are perfect for any Cancer's aesthetic.

1. Gold polka-dot cocktail shaker– Leos know just what the perfect party entails, and this cocktail shaker is sure to aid in creating that.
2. Lion choker– Extravagant? Check. Statement? Check. Gold? Check. This choker fulfills all the requirements of the perfect Leo accessory.
3. "The master plan" notebook– What used to be the secret of every Leo is now a well-known fact: they want to rule the world. Help them on their way to that goal with this notebook to document every aspect of their master plan.
4. Gold metallic lip– Leos are all about standing out; and what better way for them to do this than with gold lips?
5. Leo keychain– Another statement piece for the Leo in your life.

1. Simple stud set– Virgos can have their moments of standing out from the crowd, but for the most part, they prefer timeless elegance to trends. These studs are the perfect addition to any classic outfit.
2. Virgo candle– A scent and design picked especially for Virgos.
3. Black and white striped 2017 17 month planner– Chances are, your Virgo friend bought their planner for the new year months ago. If they haven't, this classy design is the perfect choice.
4. Virgo notecard set– Virgos are suckers for stationary of all kinds, but especially stationary with a simple, elegant design.
5. Black tote– Another wardrobe staple for the zodiac sign that prefers quality to quantity.

1. "52 lists for happiness"– Another happiness journal (what? Everyone deserves to be happy!), but this one targets a Libra's indecisiveness.
2. Libra necklace– This rustic accessory is perfect for the romantic Libra.
3. "Love" print– Libras are the romantics of the zodiac. This print demonstrates just how much they value love by repeating it across the page.
4. Libra earrings– The best way for a Libra to show off their zodiac sign is by balancing their sign on each side of their face.
5. Cat sleep mask– A cute and flirty piece to help the Libra in your life get some more sleep.

1. Scorpion square scarf– My favorite part of this pick is that it wasn't designed specifically for a Scorpio, but it's edgy and features a scorpion, making it a great gift for any Scorpio.
2. Nude figurine tray– A simple piece of decor to normalize the human body, something Scorpios feel passionately about.
3. Black over the knee boots– Sure, these may just be a piece from my personal wish list, but I'm a Scorpio!
4. Black lace bodysuit– A sexy layering piece to go under any outfit or to wear over a bralette to make a statement.
5. Scorpio patch– Another (more obvious) way to show Scorpio pride.

1. Agate bookends– A beautiful and unique piece of decor to help your Sagittarius friend show off their prized book collection.
2. Salsa growing kit– A spicy, hands-on gift for a spicy, hands-on friend.
3. Sagittarius constellation light– The perfect conversation starter to hang on the wall of someone who loves conversation.
4. Scratch travel journal– An easy and visual way for a Sagittarius to document how much of the world they've traveled.
5. Arrow bracelet– This may not have been designed with a Sagittarius in mind, but it's the perfect minimalist accessory to compliment a fun statement outfit.

1. Savings jar– Give your Capricorn friend a more creative way to do something they do without thinking about: save money.
2. Tech touch gloves– Capricorns love practical gifts. These gloves combine practicality (staying warm and still being able to use your phone) with style.
3. Goat wine stopper– An adorable representation of the Capricorn symbol that doubles as encouragement to leave more half-empty bottles of wine lying around.
4. Capricorn ring– Beautiful, simple, and easy-to-wear.
5. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie– A quick (but essential) read from one of the most influential and acclaimed feminist WOC still alive.

A Broke & Fabulous Gift Guide 2016

It's my favorite time of year as a blogger: gift guide season. I make a point to only include items $50 and under. This year, I'm introducing some new gift guides and updating some old ones. This won't be my last gift guide post of the season; read this and stay tuned for more.

1. Bath bomb set: Give your friend's senses a gift with an all-inclusive way to self-soothe.
2. Eye mask: An inexpensive, quick, and easy way for someone to pamper themselves.
3. Cozy blanket: For days when getting out of bed is so not an option, make sure the bed is as nice a place as possible.
4. Pillow pet: A source of physical comfort and a friend!
5. Homesick candle: This unique take on a candle incorporates nostalgia into its scent, making it an ideal source of comfort for the especially homesick.
6. Face mask set: Nothing says "self-care" like a face mask. It's soothing to wear and gives great results, especially when you're able to treat your skin depending on its type.
7. Mug: Perfect for tea, hot chocolate, soup, and communicating that today is not the day to get on my nerves.

1. Stuff Every Graduate Should Know: Those of us graduating need more than just a book to be able to make it in the "real world," but this is a very helpful start and reference point.
2. Personal blender: Most dorms allow little contraptions like this mini blender, and it encourages healthy eating at a time in one's life when junk food reigns supreme.
3. Coffee Hydro Flask: Give the gift of warm coffee during an 8 am class with this portable mug that keeps liquid warm for up to 6 hours (or cold for up to 24 hours).
4. Charging cord: Between the library, class, my friends' houses, and traveling home, I'm always leaving my chargers somewhere. With a unique charger (that is designed not to break so easily), I can be sure that whoever borrows it can't claim it's theirs.
5. Socks: Again, between all the places I go, communal laundry rooms, and how many times I've moved as a college student, I'm constantly losing socks. Nice socks in particular are a luxury I just can't afford.
6. Herb planters & herbs: A super easy way to brighten up a dorm room or a cheap apartment with no natural light. Throw in some basil, peppermint, or other edible seeds to make this gift really worth its while.
7. Personal banker organizer: Not everyone keeps track of their budget online: some people prefer to handwrite their monthly expenses. Help someone gain control of their finances with this guided spending tracker.

1. Travel journal: Help the traveler in your life record their trips for years to come with this cute (and compact) journal.
2. Waterproof phone case: Keeps any phone safe from the rain, the ocean, humidity, and any other kind of water to continue to document and serve as a means of communication when traveling.
3. Luggage tag: Make a boring bag stand out on a baggage carousel for a more efficient trip through baggage claim.
4. Mini cosmetic kit: Not only is this perfect for shorter trips or for a carry-on bag, but look how cute everything is!
5. "Anywhere Travel Guide": If you can't keep up with where your friend is traveling this year (Croatia? Jamaica? Indonesia?), get them a travel guide that will give them something to do regardless of where they end up.
6. Travel pouches: Keep everything nice and organized in these pouches that tell you what's inside without showing your business to the entire world.
7. Carry-on cocktail kit: Flying sucks a little less with a cocktail that you can make yourself on the plane.

OOTD: Almost Home

With two weeks til graduation, I am incredibly grateful to be home for a couple days. I know I should be spending this time prepping for my finals, continuing to apply for jobs, and looking for post-grad housing, but I'm having a hard time tearing myself away from family card games and movie nights to be doing anything productive. My family has been able to spend some really great quality time together. All five of us are together for the first time in six months, and after December, we won't be together until my graduation ceremony in June.
This scarf is my go-to this time of year: it's warm, the colors are perfect for autumn, and easy-to-wear. A bodycon was not my best decision for a day centered around eating... At least it was stretchy!

OOTD: Red, White, & Blue

I've been waiting to wear this shirt for months now. Sure, we had a spike of heat in spring, but since then, it's simply been warm in Seattle. Plus, it's not exactly the most appropriate item of clothing. Pairing it with a pair of pants is a big deal for me. I'm not super comfortable showing my midsection, so I've never paired a crop top with pants, no matter how high-waisted they are. Emily has started rocking the crop top and jeans look, though, which has inspired me to try it out. Unsurprisingly, I love it!
Everything in this outfit is thrifted. I love these pants: I bought them for $7 at Goodwill and distressed them myself. The shoes and shirt were both less than $5 on Poshmark. Someone left this belt at my house after a school dance in high school (I don't know who it was, but don't tell them I still wear it: it's my only belt). This choker is actually a piece of elastic that came wrapped around some soap. I found this pinwheel on the ground on the last day of classes in the spring. This is one of the most Broke & Fabulous outfits I've ever worn.

February Giveaway: Fandango Gift Card

With 2 weeks until Valentine's Day and 13 days until Galentine's Day, it's the perfect time to plan a movie date. Enter below to win $25 to Fandango, where you can buy movie tickets all across America. Take a special someone on a date or a fun outing with the equivalent of two free movie tickets!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Merry Christmas!

I may be Jewish, but I still love the holiday season. More than anything, I love getting dressed up and being with the people I love.

A Broke & Fabulous Holiday Season: How to Buy the Perfect Gift

As helpful as gift guides can be, they really only go so far. Most of them can't feature great locally made or personalized items. So, how do you shop for someone without relying on a list of items that someone else picked out? After years of being called an excellent gift-giver, I've compiled a list of ways to buy the perfect gift.

Who: For the distant relatives and the people on your list who you just don't know that well.
How: This is where gift guides can actually come in handy. Read up on what people in that age group, profession, or gender are craving this season via blogs, Twitter, or magazines.
The best gift I ever received... Any time someone gives me a Starbucks gift card (one of the most popular gifts for college-aged women).

Who: Anyone you spend time with on a semi-regular basis.
How: Whenever you're with someone throughout the year and they mention something they want, something they like, or you develop an inside joke, write it down so you have a huge list of ideas come gift-giving season. This technique has led to me giving gifts based on a shared favorite movie, a childhood memory, and something pointed out in a store window.
The best gift I ever received... My boyfriend once bought me a pair of Starry Night-print earrings because he'd remembered me mentioning that it was one of my favorite paintings.

Who: Friends, family, or coworkers that you have a personal relationship with.
How: Thing of anything/everything you know about them. Do they have a dog? Do they love Paris? Do they travel a lot? Dog owners would adore a matching leash and harness set, Paris lovers would love a print featuring the city, and travelers could always use a cute passport holder or cosmetic bag.
The best gift I ever received... Last year for Christmas, one of my closest friends gave me personalized business cards featuring my status as a blogger and other writing titles I possessed.

Who: College students and newlyweds.
How: Think to yourself: what do college students or first-time homeowners need? Check out a college packing list or a first apartment checklist for inspiration.
The best gift I ever received... My grandparents got me a waterproof Kipling backpack when I graduated high school, and I literally use it everyday.

Who: Anyone on your list.
How: If you're stumped by someone you just can't pin down or who seems to already have everything, just ask them what they want. It's a win-win: they'll get something they love and you'll feel like an awesome gift giver.
The best gift I ever received... My parents got me a new camera last year, which was the only thing I really wanted.

"Take notes" photo via think. eat. write. read. | "Keep it personal" photo via Aimee Song

A Broke & Fabulous Holiday Season: Gift Guides from Other Bloggers

As much as I wish I could, I can't make all the gift guides that I want to. Luckily, that's where other bloggers come in. There are infinite seasonally appropriate gift guides out there, but I've chosen some of my favorites to share with you. Check them out below!

"On the Road" guide for women who travel from Page by Paige: It's nice to buy people gifts based on their interests, and travel is certainly a popular interest.

"All That Glitters" guide from Daily Katy: Who doesn't need some gold in their lives?

"Gifts for the #GIRLBOSS" guide from Mash Elle: I love the theme of this guide!

"Hostess With the Mostess"guide from Stylish Sassy & Classy: Another interest-based guide for anyone who likes to host, age and relationship aside.

"The Best Gifts For Your Sister" guide from Glitter & Gingham: Your sister is one of the most important relationships in your life, and it deserves an acknowledgement.

"Gift Guide For Mom" from Livvy Land: Note: can also be used for mother-in-laws, aunts, and grandmas.

"Christmas Gift Guide for Women" from Ashley Brooke: An all-inclusive guide for everyone from your best friend to work acquaintances to your RA to your family.

"College Student" guide from Classy Girl With Curls: College students have specific material needs, and this list satisfies them.