Save on Mother's Day Gifts in the Bull City

For Bob and Kelly Baldwin, a Duke employee discount to a Mexican restaurant led to more than savings on dinner.

Bob Baldwin had arranged for a surprise visit from their 22-year-old son, Stephen, last December. He traveled from California and met his parents at El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant in Durham.

"We hadn't seen our son for several months, and my wife was delighted to spend the evening catching up," said Bob Baldwin, a clinical data specialist at the Duke Clinical Research Institute. "And then at the end, I showed my Duke ID and they gave us a discount on the tab. That was icing on the cake."

If you're looking to treat mother this Mother's Day (May 12), consider some specials from Durham businesses through PERQS, Duke's employee discount program.

Homemade Treats, Delivered

Veronica Yoshida of Southern Gold Leaf Cakes in Durham will bake and deliver made-from-scratch cookies, cupcakes, cake pops and cakes in a cup. Call (919) 765-9085 to check availability and arrange delivery. Ten percent discount on all orders. Visit southerngoldleafcakes.com. 

A Touching Gift

Save 20 percent on manicures, pedicures, facials and massages at Beauty and the Bull, a full-service spa at 111 East Chapel Hill St. in downtown Durham. Call (919) 354-5933 for appointments or visit beautyandthebullspa.com

Give Her Car a Shine

Bull City Car Wash offers a 10 percent discount on express, deluxe and ultimate car washes. Indulge in the ultimate car wash for $22.45 and get the interior vacuumed, windows cleaned, tires dressed and RainX complete surface protectant for long-lasting shine. Call (919) 251-8194 or visit bullcitycarwash.com.

Frame It

Take artwork off the fridge and over to Bull City Art & Frame Company in Brightleaf Square for custom frames at a 10 percent discount. Bull City Art & Frame Company also sells prints, sculptures, jewelry and other work by local artists. Visit bullcityartandframecompany.com or call (919) 680-4278.

Tastiest Town

Durham is one of the top 10 "Tastiest Towns," according to Southern Living magazine. The employee discount program offers savings at 21 restaurants in Durham - everything from Hog Heaven Bar-B-Q to African cuisine at The Palace International Restaurant. The toughest part may be choosing the restaurant.