Sentinel holiday gift ideas for the 2020 Christmas season

Still shopping for that ideal gift this holiday season? A couple of weeks ago we asked a number of area merchants and artists for cool gift ideas for our readers. Discover unique Christmas presents that you haven't thought of yet from our list below.

The great thing about our guide is you can avoid the crowds and shop online! One of these items could be the perfect present for someone on your Christmas list!




Gifts Women & Girls Will Love

Handmade Beaded Cowl

Woven it by hand and with hand-twisted the fringe by artist Leann Gehm, this charcoal, lavender, silver & white cowl with glass beads in the fringe for extra sparkle. Her teardrop-shaped cowls are easy to wear, just put the seam towards your body and slip the cowl over your head, adjust the fringe. Made from renewable wood pulp fiber, its luxurious silky soft feel and lustrous sheen is an absolutely elegant.
Retail Price: $76
Available exclusively from
Miranda's Loom


Gifts for Everyone

Silver Bar Studs

Made in Peru with love, these are the perfect everyday stud in a modern geometric silhouette. Never worry about an accessory mismatch when you put on this endlessly wearable pair.
Retail Price: $38
Available from Noonday Collection
Amber Anderson, Independent Ambassador


Gifts Women & Girls Will Love

Let It Glow Gift Set

The ultimate gift of glow! Give smooth, hydrated + healthier-looking skin using our Hyaluronic Acid serum for a 200% hydration boost paired with our sugar + salt scrub for all-over exfoliation. Limited-edition.
Retail Price: $195
Sale Price: $139
Available from Rodan and Fields
Consultant Johanna Burke


Gifts Women & Girls Will Love

Luis Lopez Angel Wire Art

Custom Jewelry

Give a beautiful one-of-the-kind piece from Luis López who specializes in handmade wire jewelry and three-dimensional sculptures. Featured is a green Tourmaline gemstone pendant wrapped in gold wire.
Retail Price: $120
Luis López
Angel Wire Art


A great gift for anyone
Private Photography Instruction
This fun, five-week introductory course with veteran news photographer Clark Brooks will cover the basic information and techniques for 35mm and digital SLR photography. Go from taking snapshots to visually stunning photos in weeks.
Retail Price: $65




Publisher's note: One of the great things about an online gift guide is it can be updated regularly. Point your browser to this page regularly to check for the latest deals and ideals from The Sentinel area. If you are a local merchant or artist and would like to have your product or art piece featured here, it's not too late. Email us at editor@oursentinel.com for details.



Recent study suggests childhood trauma could haunt Illinois adults for life
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed 75% of U.S. high school students said they have had at least one adverse childhood experience, or ACE.

Research has shown ACEs can alter a child's brain chemistry and produce a prolonged toxic stress response. Experiencing at least one ACE as a child is linked to having alcohol and substance use problems in adulthood, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.


Stress-free Thanksgiving tips for those short on time this holiday season

While gathering for Thanksgiving is intended to be a joyous occasion, everyone who has hosted the feast knows it can also come with a lot of stress, and expenses.

The good news is that whether you’re a Gen Z-er hosting your first Friendsgiving on a budget or you’re a busy family preparing for guests, there is a lot to be thankful for this year.


Op-Ed |
Tipped wage system isn't working, removing taxes won't save it
Both major presidential candidates have called for eliminating taxes on tips. But that won’t help most restaurant workers.

What will? Replacing the subminimum wages that tipped workers make with one fair wage nationwide.

The federal minimum wage for most workers is just $7.25. But for workers who get tips, employers are allowed to pay them $2.13 an hour. If tips don’t raise your hourly pay to at least the ...
Health & Wellness |
Is it depression, ADHD or bipolar disorder?
Lavender Zarraga, APRN, a behavioral health provider at OSF HealthCare, says it’s not uncommon for her patients to ask for a medication that isn’t the right fit.

The culprit? She says symptoms of common mental health issues like depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder can overlap. So, it’s important to stay in contact with your provider to make ...

Still running out front: Unity collects sectional title, SJO qualifies for XC state


MATTOON - The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 1A Sectional Cross Country Meet at Lake Land College in Mattoon saw area powerhouse Unity advance to the state meet for the fourth consecutive year, finishing in first place with a score of 79 points. This year’s event, held on Saturday, November 2, took place under cloudy skies and cool conditions, with crip temperatures in the upper-50s at race time.