Let's get something out of the way, right away: fire signs are arrogant, self-centred, status-conscious and impatient. But that doesn't stop them from being charming, adventurous and disarmingly straightforward born leaders. So love 'em or hate 'em, you simply can't ignore 'em, especially at this time of year when they're expecting you to lavish them with large and expensive gifts they think they deserve just for being their wonderful selves. So, if you happen to be blessed with a fiery Aries, Sagittarius or Leo boy/girlfriend, mom, dad, bro, sis, auntie or best buddy, here's how to please them with material things this holiday.



Adventurous Aries

(March 21-April 19)

The first sign on the astrological cycle, Aries' ruling planet is Mars, their colour is red and their metal is iron. Given their strong penchant for adventure and their freshness of mind, Aries of both genders will likely relate to the sweetest, most innocent little adventurer in the universe: de Saint-Exupéry's Petit Prince. There's no shortage of merchandise emblazoned with the tiny royal's mug and phrases from the book. Take your pick from Little Prince erasers ($3.95) and mouse pads ($12.99) to calendars ($18.95) and address books ($34.95). At Essence du Papier (4160 St-Denis).

If your wanderlusting Aries doesn't have the means to travel the globe, consider offering the Travelling Far vintage poster calendar ($17.95). It features early-20th-century tourism ads, beckoning you to visit the Côte d'Azur, Spain and Tunisia of yesteryear (also at Essence du Papier).

Given that Aries are not only daring but also infamously impatient and easily bored, you could shut them up (or fan the flames of their incessant boasting) with some dare-devilish rock climbing lessons. At the Centre d'escalage (2350 Dixon, near the Big O), the mandatory introduction course is $40, day passes go for $12 and a monthly membership is $60. Call 899-5000 for info on gift certificates.

Always extremist, your campaigning Aries buddy might be fighting against the rampant consumerism our society clings to, and he would definitely disapprove of this guide. Assuage his or her distaste for mindless Christmas buying with an Adbusters Days of Resistance 2001 Calendar ($15 at various MultiMags locations).



Royal Leo

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Jackie O, Mae West, Mick Jagger and Madonna: all Leos--can you spot the similarities? The Leonine among us are self-declared glamourpusses who are wont to be spoiled brats, smug in the knowledge of their own golden fabulousness. Their planet is the sun, their metal is gold and their tastes are extravagant. So if you really wanna wow a Leo lady, check out quaint old Birks for some real gold jewellery that won't break your bank. Fourteen-karat gold hoop earrings start at $110 and gold chain bracelets are $90 (14k) and $125 (18k). At 1240 Phillips Square and other locations.

If Birks is out of your league, you could visit the ever-crowded Bidz (3945 St-Denis) where staff can help you assemble a personalized, very gold-like beaded necklace/bracelet/pair of earrings for under $10.

To indulge Leo's delightfully frivolous, luxuriant and romantic soul, an Audrey Hepburn box- set ($34.95, features Breakfast at Tiffany's, Roman Holiday and Sabrina) might be in order to help them relive those classy, classic tales over and over again. Available at Boîte Noire (4450 St-Denis and 380 Laurier W.).

For the more liquid-minded Leo, the decadent appearance and warm, spicy taste of a bottle of Goldschlager cinnamon schnapps may be more practical (750 ml, $27.60). Available at all SAQ locations.

Given their love of luxe, Leos tend to overindulge in delectably unnecessary high-fat and sugary goodies. To help them ward off post-holiday guilt over their unabashed gorgefest, give them Club LaCité's 12 Days of Christmas guest workout passes ($29.95). At 3575 Parc.



Smart, saucy Sagittarius

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Fiercely independent, freedom-loving Sagittarius' colour is purple, their metal is the tough and unforgiving iron and their symbol is the centaur, a half-man, half-beast. Their combination of extra-fiery physicality and staunch philosophical leanings make for a force to be reckoned with. The more intellectual, know-it-all Sagittarian can be forced to put their money where their mouth is with a rousing game of Genius IV Trivial Pursuit ($39.97)--a special 15th anniversary edition for super smarty-pant types--or the neato futuristically designed Millennium Trivial Pursuit ($49.97), which has an intergalactic aesthetic for discerning Sagittarian sci-fi nerds. Available at the Bay.

For those Sagittarians more in touch with, or looking to explore their inner centaur (that primordial, beastly side), A Magick Life, an Aleister Crowley biography by Martin Booth (Hodder & Stoughton), provides a perfectly engrossing read. Alternately known as "The King of Depravity" by the press and "The Great Beast" by those who knew him, endlessly inquisitive, sometimes-fanatical Sagittarians might relate to Crowley's insane occult antics and incredibly eccentric and bizarre life and times. $44.95 at Chapters.

For the freedom-loving, don't-fence-me-in, outdoorsy but always style-conscious Sagittarius, those young international ueber-yuppies behind Wallpaper magazine have created Line, a "Sport, Health, Travel, Equipment, Fashion" mag. The current Fall/Winter 2000 issue has sexy ski and snowboard features your favourite Sag won't be able to resist ($9.50, on newsstands now).