The Plan Ahead Gift Guide

5 Gifts that show your loved ones you thought about them before the second half of December

I’ll be releasing a few gift guides this season, scattered over the next few weeks. They will include trinkets and grand gestures, clever ideas for those you have to give SOMETHING to, but what?, and just some great finds along the way for your nearest and dearest.

First up, five things that I love (and think others will love) that take a few weeks from order to delivery because there is no better feeling than receiving something you know took extra effort.

The Foundrae ingot

This little rectangular charm by Foundrae is by far the best personalizable jewelry hangtag I have come across. The weight of the gold is substantial, so it hangs like its heavy. It is solid gold after all. No need to take it off in the shower or the ocean, it’s shine seems to be everlasting. Its a great size to wear alone or layer with charms. And I even think it would look great on a guy.

I get so so so many comments, questions and inquiries about this little tag. So here are the deets. You can call the store or order online. If online, the team will reach out to you before finalizing to confirm everything is accurate. And it takes a few business days for each step of the process. Order, approval, shipping.

The Foundrae Ingot

I love that it looks like a little bar of gold basically. I think it would look great on a guy too! Never take it off. I wear mine on a 21” chain.

I do not wear this on a Foundrae chain. Nothing against them, they’re beautiful, I just don’t think one needs to buy a new chain every time you buy a new charm. I put it on a chain I already had. THIS MEANS if she/he already has a few chains from other charm necklaces, the ingot alone is a fantastic gift, no need to double the price with a gold rope. But if you are in need of a chain…here are a few I endorse at lots of price points.

From Left: Kinn box chain, Mejuri rope chain, Jade Trau link chain

My dream is a Prounis chain. Just look at that clasp. And the beautiful patina of the gold.

Anything from Old Stone Trade, but especially this shirt

This online marketplace of handmade items from around the world is curated by Melissa Ventosa Martin, one of my personal STYLE ICONS. She has the best taste on the planet. Back when we worked in midtown fashion offices, she was my “WWMW” North Star when getting dressed. Now, she combs the world for experts in craft (be it tailoring, embroidery, and soon fair isle!,) and has artisans custom design a piece for her online shop. Each piece is made to order and will be a treasure for those lucky enough to receive. I have been drooling over this Loretta Caponi white blouse since she launched the site almost a year ago. And her most recent trip to Scotland to commission knitwear looks like an absolute dream. Everything from this site has her impeccable stamp of approval but also is a true heritage piece from a far off place and is made to order.

Perfect lady shirt. I would wear this in winter coming out of a fisherman sweater. On a summer evening with jeans. To a holiday soiree with a big skirt and lipstick. It’s the kind of shirt that makes you want to take care of your things.

Sweet Swedish socks…from Amazon?

Last winter I went down a rabbit hole looking for a neck warmer for my little. I came across one on Amazon not realizing it was literally a Latvian knitting company using Amazon as a selling platform. I ordered two pair of socks during a late night scroll, immediately forgot about them, and then weeks later received a package in the mail with a handwritten international mailing label. I wasn't even sure what it was until I opened it and out came these fantastic socks. I love them. So soft, so warm, so special seeming. They look especially great with a sneaker, extending how long you can go before swapping for lug sole boots. Order soonish because they take a second! Think I’m going to get pink next. Or maybe the Ukrainian flag.

Flower Socks, Trim Socks, and my New Balances just in case you’re curious.

Hand-painted Italian Porcelain

A fun place for digital window shopping? This website which is basically a virtual showroom for famous Italian design. You can order a wild range of things on this site, from that Memphis bookcase and Gio Point chairs to Ginori 1735 china. And while I still hope to one day own a full multicolored set of Ginori Oriente Italiano one day, the site also is a fun resource to find new designers.

I love gifting fine china. Mostly because its something one rarely buys oneself, but also, building an eclectic collection slowly is one of the great joys of growing older and entertaining at home. The site has lots of fun finds but I particularly like these two. Make it even better by bringing the fully prepped salad or perfectly steamed and salted asparagus to dinner right on it and lessen your host’s load!

Stella Fatucchi serving bowl $100! Is this the best deal in new, hand-painted porcelain on the internet?

Laboratorio Paravicini x Lisa Corti serving platter

Uni earrings

These diamond drops caught my attention when I went to meet a young jewelry designer a few weeks ago and I haven’t stopped thinking about them. The mixed metals, the extremely well-picked stones paired with the spiky “uni” setting feel so unique, yet not at all loud. They would look just as good on jewelry minimalists and maximalists alike and feel almost vintage. Mostly, they are something extravagant that are also easy to wear. That is not always an easy combination to find.

They are available with diamonds (starting at $16,500) but also a range of precious stones that you can pick yourself starting at $3,500. A pièce de résistance this week, if you will. info@arielleratner.com to order and leave two to three weeks for production.

An out of focus ear lobe for scale pic, a hand/scale pic, and a less $$$ version in a colorful gemstone. She will help you source stones that strike your color and budget fancy.

Hope this eye candy got your gifting juices flowing! Until next week, YOURS truly.
Becky