We regret to inform you that the holiday season is practically upon us. Christmas displays are going up, Santa grottos are being constructed. If you listen carefully you can hear Bublé on the wind.

The good news is that Christmas is still far enough away that if you were so inclined, you still have time to make gifts for your Very Special Someones. To that end, here are some great recommendations of craft and cooking ideas to inspire you.

Blazed Wax by Ruby Kannava & Emma Cutri

Candles are a great go-to gift, and Ruby Kannava and Emma Cutri's fabulous book shows you how to make them yourself at home. With 25 stylish projects that use everyday items and straightforward technqiues, as well as advice on materials, scents and styling, Blazed Wax will have you creating lustworthy luminations in no time. The extra fun thing about making candles is that if your first try is a complete disaster you can just melt it back down and start again from scratch.

Sew It Yourself by Daisy Braid

Even if you haven't sewn before, Daisy Braid's book Sew It Yourself will help you feel like a pro. With great giftable projects including hair scrunchies, tote bags, belts, and aprons, you can easily whip up some terrific custom-made gifts for a fraction of what you'd pay in the shops. Perfect for true beginners – especially teens and tweens – the 20 step-by-step projects in this book have clear and straightforward instructions alongside little hints and tips.

Punch Needle by Arounna Khounnoraj

In case you didn't know, punch needle embroidery is back in vogue. But these aren't your old 1980s shaggy dog portraits and dubious bath-mat rugs; today's punch needle is abstract wall art, bold colours, innovative shapes, and gorgeous textural masterpieces. Arounna Khounnoraj is one of the most sought-after creatives in this field, and in this book she shares her impeccable eye for design through a series of projects including bags, blankets, wall art, and more. Punch needle is one of the easiest and most achievable craft techniques to master (plus it's strangely therapautic to just stab a needle through canvas again and again).

Modern Weaver by Maryanne Moodie

Maryanne Moodie's instantly recognisable flair for colour and design has made her somewhat of a legend in craft circles. Moodie's second book Modern Weaver is the perfect entree for newbies with step-by-step instructions, and plenty of advice on everything from different types of looms to basic colour theory. Many of the projects can be made using materials would you find around the home, and the book includes nearly thirty giftable pieces that include jewelery, accessories, and homewares.

The Container Gardener by Fraces Tophill

You could give someone a bunch of flowers as a gift, but wouldn't it be better to give them a whole entire plant that will continue to give them joy for a months or years to come? Frances Tophill's The Container Gardener is full of great ideas for flourishing greenery that can be tied with a bow and put under the tree. From a portable kitchen garden to living bouquets, this book includes 40 different projects as well as advice on chosing the right containers and plants to fill them. Many of the projects use repurposed materials – teapots, old cans, even worn-out gumboots – making this a wonderful sustainable and affordable option.

Preserving the Italian Way by Pietro Demaio

Pietro Demaio's collection of family recipes has sold over 45,000 copies, and for good reason. This essential guide to preserving is the go-to volume for anyone wanting to make the most of their produce, reduce food waste, and keep traditions alive. Imagine receiving a hamper with bottles of rich tomato passata, brined olives, sweet cordials, and sachets of dried herbs ... we'd be delighted, wouldn't you?

The Art of Gifting Naturally by Angela Maynard

Keen to dabble in a range of creative mediums, or wanting to make a more diverse range of gifts for your loved ones? The Art of Gifting Naturally is an obvious starting point. Author Angela Maynard has a strong focus on sustainability, slow-living and mindful crafting, and among the inspiring projects included in the book you'll find handmade soaps, natural skincare and fragrance, jams and preserves, baked goodies, and homewares.