Can’t think of what to get your friends and family this holiday season? Ballard author Jennifer Worick has an idea – a handmade gift. “I like – actually, love – giving gifts that are spot-on, and sometimes that’s hard to do when you’re going to a large store,” Worick says, “So I wanted to come up with clever gift projects and foodstuffs that would be meaningful ways to gift. This is a book you can dip into again and again, if only for the amazing salted caramels recipe.”

Worick’s book, Simple Gifts: 50 Little Luxuries to Craft, Sew, Cook & Knit is full of ideas. “Guys, kids, cats, dogs, hostesses, grandparents – there’s a gift project for everyone,” she tells us. “I also included a handy chapter to help you determine the perfect gift and a chapter on creative gift wrap.”

On Thursday evening, Secret Garden Books (2214 NW Market St) will be hosting a “make and take” event with Worick. “We’ll be drinking wine and making magnets out of old maps and greeting cards,” Worick says. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and all the supplies will be provided.