5 Thoughtful Gift Picks From Actress Alison Sweeney

Updated on 11/20/2016 at 1:00 PM

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This gift guide was curated by Alison Sweeney and is one of hundreds of awesome gift guides you'll find on POPSUGAR this holiday season.

Actress and mom of two, Alison Sweeney, is all about the holidays. For her, they "are about making my family time really special. My family and I decorate the house together — everything from the tall tree in the entry to the kids' tree in the dining room and the light fixtures as well. We really make a point to come together as a family and to decorate our home in celebration of this special time of year." She added, "We gather with friends and with family while my kids are out of school and value the time together by the fireplace and stories shared. It's amazing how quickly 12 months go by but how many incredible moments are created together and it's a nice time to decorate, celebrate, and reflect together."

Alison's gift picks reflect her focus on family and friends. Scroll through for her thoughtful giving ideas — including one that doesn't cost anything at all!

Personalized Bookmark

"So many times we rely on our devices for reading but I still love to turn pages in a physical book. How great is it to encourage people to do the same with a new bookmark? There are some really great leather ones ($22) that I’ve found on Etsy."

leather ones

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$22

Handmade IOU

"Sometimes being crafty with my kids is the best gift. The kids will make an IOU to do something beyond their daily household responsibilities like make the salad for dinner. Or I’ll make one for them to cash in when they want like 'IOU one weekend night to stay up after 10 p.m.' It’s fun to see what everyone thinks is a special IOU to give to someone else and also to see how long it takes before they’re cashed in."

Henri Bendel Travel Candles

"These candles ($25) are great to take with you on a trip or to add a nice touch to any powder room, bathtub, or office. I love how great the quality is for a reasonable price."

These candles

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$25

Donation

"I’m a big fan of helping others during the holidays and think that often times donations to charities in the name of someone is as impactful a gift as something material. Whether it’s for my kids, my friends, or my husband, sometimes that special card is enough to know the gift they’re giving can make a difference for others."

Arm & Hammer Spinbrush

"The holidays can be fun, hectic, and a time where you want your smile to be bright for all the family photos. That is why I like to put an ARM & HAMMER Spinbrush ($5) in my family’s stockings so they can smile brightly this holiday season."

ARM & HAMMER Spinbrush

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