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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Tania Leslau

Gifts for Cancer zodiac sign: Our ultimate guide for presents to shop in 2024

Deep-thinking, creative and considerate, Cancers are the nurturers of the zodiac ensemble. 

Typically known for being ‘the sensitive ones,’ Cancerians have proven time and time again to be much more than just their emotions - although, their feelings do get the better of them once in a while.

Those born between June 21 and July 22 tend to be homebodies who are highly attuned to love and affection. Hence why gifting Cancers is fairly straightforward. Represented by the nimble crab, Cancers possess a soft interior shielded by a protective outer shell, meaning any gift that connotes safety, home and comfort is set to be a hit among these summer babies. 

Cue the slew of soothing lavender products, blankets, pyjamas, artworks and more that will create a safe space for Cancers to nest in. Ruled by the moon, which represents self-care and maternal energy, Cancerians tend to be emotional introverts, so any product that promotes peace is a win.

It would be a generalisation to say that these thoughtful water signs are solely fuelled by tears. Cancers shine in their creative abilities. Possessing ever-stretching imaginations (that don’t fare well under strict management), the somewhat kooky yet visionary Cancer will excel in artistic endeavours - be they visual, literary or performative. After all Lana Del Ray, Frida Kahlo, Meryl Streep and Margot Robbie are all Cancer queens.

Fiercely loyal and often lost in their own little dream worlds, Cancers are highly intuitive and empathetic characters, making them solid friends to keep close by. They don’t anger easily, but my-oh-my do they love to hold a grudge. However, if you treat a Cancer with kindness, they will reciprocate with endless compassion and care. Not to mention, plenty of sweet treats.

There are many themes to play into when shopping for a Cancer - their penchant for R&R, their affinity to the ocean, their continuous journeys of self-reflection and colourful artistic endeavours. (Hint, hint, pearls are the Cancer birthstone, so a beautiful piece of sea-born jewellery will be an instant hit).

From marine-inspired clothing to watercolour paints, snuggle-worthy loungewear and more, discover the best gifts for Cancers and shop the edit below.

Staud Blue Tommy Bag

Glimmer in Staud. The brand’s textured bag comes in mermaid-like colours, perfect for Cancerians wanting to embrace their siren-like water sign.

Buy now £268.00, SSENSE

Timeless Pearly Evil Eye Pearl Necklace

A striking pearl pendant featuring evil eye magic, this chunky statement piece gives Vivienne Westwood’s pearlescent chokers a run for their money. The handmade necklace is a youthful choice and boasts 24-karat gold plating with an unmissable enamelled evil eye.

Buy now £345.00, Harvey Nichols

David Shrigley Get Your Sh*t Together Book

David Shrigley’s latest read is the first book that exclusively features his recent artworks in colour. Known for his dry wit and deadpan humour, the British artist has collated hilarious essays and vibrant artworks in an incredible volume that will tickle any lucky recipient.

Buy now £30.00, Waterstones

Rachel Jackson Large Personalised Stellar Star Locket

One of the most timelessly beautiful picks on the list, Rachel Jackson’s Stellar Star Locket is not to be missed. The stunning necklace adopts a smooth, coin-esque cut showcasing a glistening white topaz starburst. Have yours engraved and leave the recipient totally star-struck.

Buy now £250.00, Rachel Jackson

Chopova Lowena Grumpy Dragon T-Shirt

As loving as they can be, there’s no denying that Cancers can be grumpy dragons. How apt then, that Chopova Lowena has designed the perfect T-shirt for moody June-July babies, featuring a crayon-coloured mystical creature who isn’t a happy bunny.

Buy now £195.00, Farfetch

Tisserand Lavender Essential Oil

Tisserand’s signature blend produces a floral, powdery and sweet scent. The 100 per cent lavender oil is extracted from steam distillation with a consistency that is thin and colourless. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a more delicate and minimal application.

Buy now £8.50, Tisserand

Furbish Studio Overthink Needlepoint Pillow

I mean Cancers, need we say more?

Buy now £112.00, Revolve

Roop Baby Furoshiki Bag in Butter

Support blossoming businesses and gift them something totally unique. Roop’s butter-hued bag adopts a delicate furoshiki silhouette crafted from lustrous satin, making for the prettiest evening bag choice.

Buy now £48.00, Roop

Fruity Booty Cancer Thong

Flirty and creative, Cancers know how to throw together a great outfit. Complete yours with Fruity Booty’s zodiac thong, which adds a sensual touch to any everyday look.

Buy now £25.00, Fruity Booty

Harlie Brown Studio Le Crabe Plate

Featuring a hard exterior that’s soft on the inside, the crab is the iconic cancer motif. This chic yet sweet plate by Harlie Brown Studio showcases a friendly crustacean, painted in tangerine tones against a cream backdrop.

Buy now £55.00, Glassette

Tummy Ache Sleep Set

Support independent brands and browse Tummy Ache’s cool-gel collection of bamboo underwear. Sadly the brand’s popular thong designs have sold out, but you can still treat yourself to a boyish boxer piece when purchasing the sleep set. Sweet dreams are made of bamboo.

Buy now £80.00, Tummy Ache

Versace Printed Silk-Twill Shorts

Water sign Cancers feel at home in the ocean, so naturally, Versace’s seascape designs make for the perfect luxury gift.

Buy now £640.00, Net-A-Porter

Morning Glory on the Vine: Early Songs and Drawings by Joni Mitchell

Colour your coffee table with Joni Mitchell’s beautiful offering Morning Glory on the Vine: Early Songs and Drawings.

The perfect flick-through number for slow Sunday afternoons, the illustrative book compiles hundreds of Mitchell’s hand-written lyrics and reproductions of many of her drawings spanning portraits, abstracts, random concertgoers and more.

Originally handcrafted in 1971 as a stunning gift for friends and family, this edition is now available for all to marvel at.

Buy now £12.16, Amazon

This Works Stress Mood Manager

This Works is an absolute go-to for any anti-stress product. Simply spray this serene fragrance onto your skin to reduce tension and anxiety. Notes of ylang-ylang, neroli and patchouli, created through fMRI brain imaging technology, restore ease to an anxious state of mind.

Buy now £16.00, John Lewis

Zeppelinmoon Print

One of the most beloved print maker-illustrators around town, Zepellinmoon is a hub of heart-warming, laugh-out-loud artworks. Adorable creatures are accompanied by witty texts that inspire confidence. We’ve started our collection, now it’s your turn.

Buy now £25.00, Etsy

Cou Cou Intimates The Bodysuit

Cou Cou Intimates is an underwear brand to have firmly on your radar. Feminine pointelle designs are married with classic neutral colourways to create durable intimates to stand the test of time. Each adorable piece is finely crafted from 100 per cent certified organic cotton, which is kinder to your skin and the planet.

Buy now £68.00, Selfridges

Donna Wilson Hot Water Bottle

Curled up in a quiet corner armed with a hot water bottle and a cuppa is a Cancer’s natural habitat. Made from 100 per cent lambswool and knitted in Scotland, this Donna Wilson mermaid hot water bottle is set to spark delight in water-baby Cancers who love to snuggle down solo.

Buy now £72.00, Donna Wilson

Chopova Lowena Silver Forgetful Legs Necklace

Opt for something other than a classic heart pendant with Chopova Lowena’s Silver Forgetful Legs Necklace. A large rouge heart charm reads ‘forget-me-not’ alongside a pair of golden party-ready pegs.

Buy now £242.00, SSENSE

BB x Ashley Williams Kitten Print Luxury Satin Crop Cami and Short Set

A night in? With baby animals? Sign us up. Cancers are known to relish a moment of quiet. Give them the gift of calming comfort with the BB x Ashley Williams Kitten Print Luxury Satin Crop Cami and Short Set.

Buy now £29.00, Bluebella

Monica Vinader Heart Locket

Hold your loved ones close with a beautiful heart locket by Monica Vinader. Featuring a contemporary design that departs from traditional, antique-style lockets, the silver piece is to be worn as an everyday heirloom to pass down for generations to come. Add complimentary engraving for an extra special touch.

Buy now £118.00, Monica Vinader

Alberta Ferretti Intarsia Wool and Cashmere-Blend Sweater

Turn your frown upside down with Alberta Ferretti’s Intarsia Wool and Cashmere-Blend Sweater featuring a tongue-in-cheek slogan. Also suitable for Cancerians, volatile sisters and temperamental bosses.

Buy now £410.00, The Outnet

Helen Frankenthaler Flirt Poster (1995)

Helen Frankenthaler’s Flirt draws upon sensual tones of baby pink and blues that are typically linked with femininity. Floral motifs represent the female reproductive system, associating female prowess with power. Often overlooked in favour of her male counterparts, Frankenthaler was closely associated with the abstract expressionists and often deemed Pollock’s female counterpart. However, she surpassed said subordination, going on to become one of the most iconic figures in feminist art history.

Buy now £21.37, Etsy

Cass Art Professional Watercolour Quarter Pan & Brush in Travel Pouch

If writing doesn’t come naturally, we’d suggest painting. Cass Art’s watercolour set contains 18 vibrant shades housed in a portable case for those on the move. Watercolour paints are an especially soothing medium and are perfect for capturing nature, skylines and cityscapes. Organise a night in with friends to paint the stress away.

Buy now £39.95, Cass Art

Shark Blanket Hoodie

Introverts by nature, Cancers frequently need to retreat to a safe space when everyday life gets overwhelming. This shark blanket is perfect for swaddling, away from any hustle and bustle. Hot tip: if you come across a Cancer curled up in a shark hoodie, it’s best to either leave them be or ply them with sweet treats until they re-emerge.

Buy now £18.99, Amazon

The Diamond Store Diamond 0.25ct 18K Gold Brooch

Transform your outfit into a seascape vista. This stunning diamond crab brooch sourced from The Diamond Store is a fine jewel for luxury lovers. Premium quality diamonds are shrouded in radiant 18-karat gold. The perfect gift for Cancers.

Buy now £875.00, The Diamond Store

Jellycat Sienna Seahorse

Whether she’s 16 or 26, a Jellycat always goes down a treat. Not only is the blossom pink tone of Sienna Seahorse utterly adorable, but the dainty sea creatures mate for life, making this teddy an extra special pick.

Buy now £27.00, Fenwick

Everyman Gift Vouchers

There are cinemas, and there are Everyman Cinemas. The picture house has managed the nigh-on impossible and prised film lovers off their sofa and into velvet upholstered seats to watch movies the way they were intended: on the big screen.

Whether your recipient is a regular or a rookie, the present of gift vouchers to the Everyman of their choice is bound to get the blockbuster reaction you're looking for.

The gift vouchers can be loaded with any value you choose starting from £20, making them a smashing option for most budgets.

Buy now £20.00, Everyman Cinema

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