Happy Birthday, Leos! TABLE’s astrologist Wade Caves gives us a look at what gift to buy if you are shopping for the lovely Leo in your life. To start, you’ve got to consider the qualities of its namesake lion. Lions love the comfort of their lair and long stretches in the sun. They’re fiercely loyal to their prides, command attention wherever they go, and — of course, have those fabulous manes.
“Leos are frequently larger-than-life types,” says Caves. “When they’re in the room, you can hear them — they’re social, they’re participating, they like to be part of social settings.”
Best Gifts for Leo Zodiac Signs: Ideas for July-August Birthdays
Game On
“Leos love activities that bring people together,” comments Wade.
His first gift suggestion is simple: board games — but don’t give a Leo something completely out of their wheelhouse. “Leo really likes a little newness, but not too much at once.”
If your Leo likes being on stage, how about a charades-style game like Monikers, or if they like cards, Play Nine, which appeals to adults and older kids. A highly portable drawing game? Try A Fake Artist Goes to New York. A few quick-to-learn — and quick to play — board games are Wavelength and Just One. If the extrovert Leo in your life loves having everyone over for a backyard gathering, perhaps a well-reviewed croquet set?
Stop by Games Unlimited in Squirrel Hill to pick up a copy in person.
Pamper Them
Keeping on the theme of quality time, a couple’s massage is right up Leo’s alley, as it provides time together plus speaks to their love of luxury. “They want to feel special,” says Caves. Many spas offer couples and mother-daughter specials, or it could also be a visit for a manicure or a pedicure.
Some Pittsburgh favorites include the Fairview Spa, with its Eucalyptus steam room, and ESSpa, which offers a full array of services, or Evolve Wellness Spa for treatments such as Reiki, sound baths, and crystal attunements.
Some Things for Their Lair…
When you enter into the home of a Leo, says Caves, there’s often a grand, eye-catching display. While we don’t suggest decorating your Leo’s home, maybe gift them a luxurious catch-all for the foyer. Michael Aram’s brass version takes inspiration from the pomegranate, a prized fruit and ancient symbol of life, birth, and renewal.
Just like lions lazing in the sun, Leos love being at home. They are very social, says Caves, adding, “When they’re up, they’re up — but when they’re relaxing, they’re relaxing and don’t like to be roused.”
As such, “there’s a long history with Leos and beds,” says Caves.
His gift idea? A nice set of bedsheets. “They don’t need to be super elegant, but they need to feel good, cozy, something you want to curl up in.”
Because it’s a bit more unexpected, we suggest linen sheets, which get softer with every wash. While you can go premium and order Parachute sheets, we also sourced a more budget-friendly option from Quince — which also comes in a wide variety of colors, like desert sunset.
Another great option for a Leo’s home — and more budget-friendly — is a big bouquet of sunflowers. If you can, try to source local growers or florists that might carry more unusual varieties. In Pittsburgh, try Squirrel Hill Flowers or Oliver Flower Shop in Deutschtown.
…And Some Things for Their Hair
“Leos and their hair, it’s a big thing,” says Caves. After all, just think of a lion’s mane. For Leos with luxurious hair, this gold-plated hairpin from Oribe will show off their locks. Oribe also carries a roster of luxury hair care products and accessories, such as Gold Lust Hair Nourishing Oil made with lychee and edelweiss flower, shea butter, and cassis seed oils.
Divine Denim
“Leos like to do traditional, classic things,” says Caves. “You’ll always see American Leos in jeans. They look good in jeans, they have nice styles of jeans.”
And, try as we might, we cannot recommend a one-size-fits-all pair of jeans, so we have another idea: the very on-trend denim bag.
If your Leo is all about vintage design and old-school style, Levi’s offers their Brannan shoulder bag, which doesn’t ding your wallet. However, if the sky’s the limit when it comes to your Leo, Louis Vuitton’s Neo Speedy is sure to give your lion that ‘wow’ factor when they enter a room.
You could even go on an adventure and see if you can find vintage denim in one of Pittsburgh’s thrift stores.
Sunset Picnic
Leos love the color of sunrise and sunset — and they love quality time, says Caves. “Leos are some of the best listeners, so an intimate experience with interpersonal connection is good.”
How about a sunset picnic? You can pack your own picnic basket or gift them a beautiful Sur la Table tote that you fill with a charcuterie setup. Check for a local charcuterie shop — in Pittsburgh, try The Cheese Queen. You can also make your own. A simple rule is to think in threes: Choose three meats, three cheeses, and three starches (like bread and crackers), and accompaniments such as red grapes, hummus, nuts, or olives. Keep in mind varying textures. Add chocolate-covered espresso beans or macarons for dessert, and be sure to pick up drink offerings your Leo loves. Bring your own blanket or gift them a cheerful water-resistant blanket to keep things comfy. Locally, Flagstaff Hill is a classic sunset spot, or a riverside spot at Point State Park, but there are plenty of other picnic spots around the city to choose from.
If you would prefer someone else curates this experience, Hyeholde offers exquisite catered picnics on their lushly manicured grounds. In the fairytale setting of a 1931 castle built as a promise to a young bride, picnickers dine on grilled peaches, cured pork, and black currant panna cotta. There’s even a silver tray picnic upgrade with champagne and truffle cake.
Alfresco Dining
If a picnic is not the right fit for your Leo, find the finest — preferably expansive — patio, for an alfresco meal. ’Tis the season for outdoor dining, and in Pittsburgh, we have plenty of options that you can find here. But, some select picks are Andora in Sewickley features a multi-tier patio with a fountain, pots of flowers, and string lights; AVVA in Aspinwall serves refined Mediterranean on a covered patio, which often draws a bustling crowd, and the Over the Bar Cafe at the North Park Boathouse, where you can stroll lakeside before or after your meal for a more outdoorsy, casual Leo.
Celebrate the Colors of the Sunset, Too
Leo is commonly associated with pinks, light reds, light oranges, and light yellows — bright colors, not muted — as we mentioned above, the colors of sunrise and sunset.
In 1972, fellow Leo Andy Warhol (birthday August 6) produced 632 distinct screenprints, titled Sunset, each featuring unique bands of color.
You can gift your Leo a colorful sunset — thanks to Andy — in a variety of ways.
The Andy Warhol Museum sells a set of nine colorful magnets perfect for the fridge or hanging notes. The museum’s purveyor of prints, McGaw Graphics, sells poster-sized versions of Sunset prints in a variety of sizes. If you’re committed to the finest, Warhol and Friends sells 34 x 34 museum-quality, unsigned proof editions.
…And Even Wear the Sun
With its honey color, resinous flares, and glowing essence, amber jewelry has long been associated with the sun.
A handcrafted Adina Stone ring reflects the stone’s sunny rays. For men, a sterling silver and Baltic amber Aurum Brothers bracelet gives him a subtle warmth. Both items ship quickly.
Capture the Memories
“So much of our photos live on our phones. What if you were to collect these images into a nicely curated book?” asks Caves. “At the end of the day, Leos just want to belong. They want to be part of a community, part of a family, active, busy, happy life — so show them pictures of those things happening in their lives.”
“But remember, don’t skimp on the paper type, the weight — it still needs to be quality.”
Two quality online photo services, Mpix and Shutterfly, print and ship photobooks within 1-2 days after receiving an order.
“They’ll love it,” says Caves.
“The gifts don’t have to be the most expensive options. But Leos do like things to be nice — that’s what they like. If life can be nice, why wouldn’t it be? Why wouldn’t you choose that?”
While you’re here, you can check out what to stock a Leo’s bar cart with for more gift ideas! Plus, consider making them the perfect meal with a menu made just for the zodiac sign Leo.
Story by Lauri Gravina
Consult From Wade Caves
Featured Photo From Upton
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