I'm a Zodiac Aficionado, and Here's What I'd Suggest Buying a Cancer

Friends and fellow editors can attest to the fact that one of the first questions I’ll ask someone is what's your zodiac sign? (I’ve pretty much done every one of my colleagues' birth charts at some point.) Astrology for me is much like fashion: It’s a great jumping-off point for exploring your personality and interpreting how others perceive you, and it's a powerful tool for accessing how you move through the world. What makes astrology so special is that because of the array of planetary placements an individual can have, they not only approach life differently, but each sign also has a unique perspective on style and different shopping staples.
And while I love all of them, as a Cancer sun sign, I have to pledge my allegiance to our stylish water sign babies. As the matriarchs of the zodiac, Cancers are intuitive and constantly taking care of others, so as we enter their season (June 21 through July 22), it’s more important than ever to treat them to a stylish gift. Whether they're a homebody, a beauty fanatic, or a fashion lover, as a fellow Cancer, I promise that they’ll cry tears of joy over these birthday gifts.
Under $50
For any Cancer sign with a serious coffee-table-book collection, curator and critic Antwaun Sargent’s book makes a thoughtful gift. This book, which highlights the fashion industry’s more recent radical changes when it comes to Black representation, is a phenomenal purchase for any true fashion lover.
While your ascendant sign can tell you all about your signature features, one thing that’s for sure is that for Cancer sun signs, it’s all about accentuating what you have—and Fenty’s highlighter and universal lip color is the perfect just for that.
The whole Cancer MO is to create a sanctuary with pieces that bring them joy and remind them of their loved ones. That's why, if you have a small budget for their gift, buying them a beautiful catchall dish is a great way to add to their home and show you care.
If we're talking about the matriarch of the zodiac, then we have to include a beauty gift suggestion from Mother McGrath. For Cancer signs, a lipstick collection is a key to creating on-point summer-ready makeup looks.
Call it another Cancer love language, but we love some comfortable underwear that makes us feel like we’re at home no matter where we are on Earth. As a Cancer sign, I can attest to how comfortable the cotton, sustainably made underwear line Knickery is. Honestly, you might want to buy one for yourself—every pair is basically a summer breeze.
Not sure what their signature scent is? Another gift idea for the Cancer birthday baby in your life is this discovery kit from female-founded brand Ellis Brooklyn.
Under $150
Since Cancers are the homemakers of the zodiac, they’re all about gifts that make their lives at home even better. Silk pillowcases definitely fall into that category. Even if your cancer friend doesn’t have curly hair (like I do), this gift can make their sleep even dreamier than before.
As weird as it sounds, every zodiac sign has a body part that’s associated with it. For Cancer signs, it happens to be their chest, breasts, and stomach. This is why for any Cancer sun sign, investing in a statement halter top for the summer is essential to showing off what the universe gave you.
Bath time can be a revitalizing wellness habit for any water sign. But if you've found that your favorite Cancer friend or colleague is a little more on edge with everything happening in the world, sending them this CBD bath salt gift can be the perfect way to inspire self-care.
If it's absolutely necessary to wear a bra, you better believe a Cancer sign is going to opt for the prettiest one out there. Rest assured it also comes with matching high-waisted baby blue briefs ($50).
If the Cancer friend in your life can't stop talking about their skincare routine, then Sunday Riley's Superstars Kit is the perfect gift for them. Featuring some of its most beloved products, including Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment and A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum, this is a gift that will keep on giving (to their skin, of course).
While Cancers may suffer from finding a suit that fits their bust (like I do), finding the perfect swimsuit that strikes a balance between classic and trendy is a never-ending search for these water signs. Luckily, this suit definitely fits the bill.
Splurge
ICYMI, bra tops are very on trend right now, and frankly, there's no other zodiac sign I see fully embracing this trend like my fellow Cancers.
Another piece you can expect the Cancer sign in your life will love? A statement gold necklace. As a jewelry-brand fanatic and a fellow water sign, I can attest to the joy of receiving—and always wearing—a beautiful piece from loved ones.
At some point, any beauty aficionado has probably heard of, thought about trying, or actually tried the 10-step Korean skincare routine popularized by Soko Glam. If the Cancer sign in your life is one of these people, then this is basically the gift that keeps on giving great skin.
We may joke about a Cancer sign's inherent moodiness, but honestly, it’s the best trait when it comes to personal style. Cancers are all about having fun statement pieces for when the mood strikes them, so I'm pretty sure that this bold Brother Vellies bag will have them in their feelings.
You already know that Cancer signs are all about that next-level candle game, and if you're really trying to impress, this over-the-top candle with 150 hours of burning time will do the trick. Just remember that it's always the thought that counts with these sentimental zodiac signs.
Next: Trust Me, Buy This: At-Home Edition

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a freelance writer and editor living in New York City. What began as a pastime (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a lifelong passion for unveiling the connection between fashion and culture on the internet and in real life. Over the last decade, she's melded her extensive edit and social background to various on-staff positions at Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. More recently, she’s become a freelance contributor to other publications including Vogue, Editorialist, and The Cut. Off the clock, you can find her clutching her cell phone as she's constantly scrolling through TikTok and The RealReal, in search of the next cool thing.
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