The Best Gifts for Libras, Other Than Endless Attention

Lord, did it do us good to lean into the structure of Virgo season. Our closets have never been so organized, our list of self-loathing traits as itemized. But now, it’s time for a waft of cosmic energy that’s a little less uptight, and a whole lot more mulberry-silk-massage-and-bon-voyage. Crack open a spensi craft beer and unfurl the velvet throws: It’s Libra season.

Libra (September 22 to October 23) is an air sign and a social empath by nature, although not in the gregarious way of a Leo. They listen. They clock shit. Like Taurus, they also like to be surrounded by high-quality items, and their Good Living Manifesto could be summed up by the Anaïs Nin quote, “Luxury is not a necessity to me, but beautiful and good things are.” They’re ruled by Venus, the planet of love, and they cultivate a life that is meticulously curated in stuff that makes them feel good, and look good.

No one can shmooze like Libra, because they were literally made to weigh out the pros and cons of a situation as the zodiac’s resident scale—and because they hate, hate being alone. Next to Pisces, Gemini, and Cancer, they’re one of the signs that’s going to need a lot of attention and reassurance of your love in public. Thankfully, that doesn’t mean they’re down to crash and burn for the sake of spectacle like Aries—a Libra would never. They’re too determined in their own convictions and goals. Case in point: Look no further than Libras like Evel Knievel, Julie Andrews, and Fran Drescher, whose penchant for self-branding is top-notch.  

 If you don’t know what to give your Libra this season, don't fret; they simply love to be loved, and they're easy to shop for. Give them a mirror, tell them they’re perfect, and everyone’s happy; find a bottle of booze with a chic label or a vibrator with hints of gold for their nightstand. The following presents aren’t complicated, but they are elevated, just like your dearest air sign.

Again, welcome to the aesthetic sign. If there is one person under the zodiac who will appreciate an impeccable, romantic bouquet of flowers, it’s Libra. Amazon has a suprisingly solid bouquet of dried eucalyptus, palm leaves, and bunny tails to help your Libra achieve the pastoral-softboi look. Pair it with one of these glass bubble vases (it’s a set; keep on for youself), and you’ll be their favorite friend forever (or at least until next year’s birthday).

Urban Stems also hits a nice, understated fancy pants note with its white and cream Serena arrangement, which is also made up of dried flowers (that will last forever), but paired with a shiny gold vase. 

Libra will appreciate the specificity, romance, and cultural relevance of a big art book about big beautiful stuff, such as the work of Christo and Jeanne-Claude. No one pulled off grandeur like the late artistic duo, who draped a 200,200-square foot curtain over a canyon, traced entire islands in pink fabric, and posthumously veiled the Arc de Triomphe.

Does your Libra have their moon sign in moody Scorpio? Consider giving them this extensive third volume of Danzig Baldaev’s ongoing encyclopaedia of old school Russian criminal tattoos. It was Baldaev’s father, an academic imprisoned during Soviet rule, who first encouraged his son to investigate and document the tattoos and tattoo-culture thriving in Russian prisons amongst incarcerated people known as the vory v zakonye, or “legitimate thieves.” The resulting photos and graphics tell intricate, albeit often haunting stories. “The thrilling details and the abstract symbolism [is] a definite 'food for thought' even for the trained reader,” one reviewer writes.

Flamingo Estate is the sun-dappled-California-compound-turned-lifestyle-brand that would make even Tony Duquette go weak in the knees, and it’s the perfect physical manifestation Libra Heaven: a sprawling, lush Los Angeles home whose own gardens and growing network of artists, chefs, and designers help curate an indulgent, seasonal array of home goods and decor. The Tuscan rosemary candle is made from pure vegetable wax, and poured into a recycled glass vessel that will transport your Libra to a Mediterranean mountain stroll at golden hour.

If you’re going for romance in a more traditional aesthetic, Diptyque’s serifed glass candles are perfect, and the fig scent is one of their most popular for its ability to smell floral and fresh without being overpowering; it’s what I call “the ghost of a bouquet.” 

If your Libra is a little more masc in their candle aesthetics, D.S. & Durga’s graphic Big Sur candle feels both a little more contemporary, and hella nostalgic. 

The luxury Swedish vibrator company LELO makes some of the best sex toys in the game, and its vibes with gold flourishes are the perfect subtle flex for Libra. The Soraya Wave is a blended orgasm genius with a quiet motor that will go to down on vulva-owners hands-free, because it has been engineered to simultaneously target your G-spot and clitoris with the *chef’s kiss* amount of pressure in a lightly thrusting, circular motion.

If your Libra is into prostate play, the remote-controlled Hugo is both a great single and couples’ sex toy. As one customer wrote, in a review aptly captioned "DO NOT HESITATE WORTH THE MONEY," “I like pressure on the P-spot, so sitting and rocking on it, on all fours with my butt up–both positions pulsating my Kegel and I had the most insane experience in my sexual life the full body release.” Damn.  

If I ever get married in Capri, I would like this bottle of Ghia’s non-alcoholic aperitivo to walk me down the aisle. It’s so damn chic and tasteful, but in a 1977, pantsuit-and-cigs-with-blue-eyeshadow kinda way. The non-alcoholic brew is a heady blend of herbs like rosemary, lemon, ginger, and yuzu that is divine with a splash of Topo Chico that has made it a VICE editor favorite.

…. And don’t forget the pure chaotic good that is Carhartt W.I.P.’s margarita glasses. The perfect blend of our two loves: Swamp Loggers and cocktail lounges.

The most important Libra, of all Libras, is incontestably the Boss, who was born an early Libra bb on September 23, 1949. Spin one of his most iconic records to fill the room with truly elite Libra sounds.

… It’s one of the world’s most luxurious materials for a reason. Cashmere feels like the hug we never got from Mother a woven cloud, and Quince has just launched an entire cashmere collection (every piece is only $59??) for way less moolah than chez typical luxury brands. That’s Quince’s thing, BTW; the direct-to-consumer brand sources the same high-end materials and products beloved by Crate & Barrel, West Elm, and various luxury hotels to give you hawt deals on real Nancy Meyers-level shit.

September is time for leaf-crunching Mid-Autumn Festival goodness, and it wouldn’t be complete with some buttery mooncakes. Umamicart curated a beauitful range of the traditional festival treat, and this mini mooncake pack from Meixin would make any self-respecting Libra stoked. Just think of how ~aesthetic~ it will look next to their cup of morning tea?

Here’s an idea: Present your Libra with a series of gifts to accompany a night in with you, from NSFW board games and viral TikTok face masks to a bomb charcuterie board at a [drumroll] fall Airbnb escape. We’ve curated a guide of the best Airbnbs for watching the leaves change color across the United States, and this cozy colonial home in Kingston, New York, is high up on the list. It’s almost 300 years old, and is located smack in the middle of the historical Stockade District.

1735 Stone Colonial; sleeps up to 3, $220/night Airbnb

Cheers to you, Libra, for making our world a little easier on the eyes. See you next month for [secures velvet gag-ball] Scorpio season. 

The Rec Room staff independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story. Want more reviews, recommendations, and red-hot deals? Sign up for our newsletter.