Options are plentiful for pampering

By Kathy McCarty  
Staff Writer
    PRESQUE ISLE — Mother’s Day comes around but once a year but pampering can continue through the weeks and months that follow, thanks to the many gift options available from local businesses in the area.
    Hair Forever, located at 6 Martin St., Presque Isle, would be a great place to start the gift-giving with a certificate good toward tanning, hair care or products.
    “We have a tanning package that would make a good gift, retail products and can be used toward any of our hair care, from cuts to perms,” said Jessica Putnam, stylist, who works at the shop with the owner, Cosmetologist Amy Holmes.   
    “We offer a fun, enjoyable atmosphere, with the newest styles and trends,” said Putnam.
    Putnam said she welcomes new clients.
    “We also accept walk-ins, so if someone wants to stop by with their mom as a surprise, we’d love to have them,” she said.
    For the months of May and June customers can enter to win one of two drawing Putnam is having for a free cut.
    “We’ll be drawing one winner in May for a woman’s cut — a good chance for some lucky mom for Mother’s Day,  then in June we’ll draw a free cut for a man for Father’s Day,” said Putnam.
    Holmes’ is available Tuesday through Saturday and Putnam is in from Thursday through Saturday.
    For more information or to make an appointment, call 768-7751.
    Bamma’s Basket, located at 394 Main St., Presque Isle, offers an array of gift ideas, from individual items to complete baskets made to order.
    “We have a variety of items perfect for any occasion, including Mother’s Day,” said Chantel Graves, owner.
    From wine to maple syrup and ploye mix, to soaps, jewelry and candy, the shop has something for just about any taste.
    “Many of our items are either locally made or from businesses here in Maine. We like to support local businesspeople as much as possible,” said Graves.
    As part of Merchants on the Corner, the new shop enhances the already-existing business. Merchants features a variety of sewing and knitting supplies, books by local authors and more.
    “We also have gift certificates and can design baskets to your specifications,” Graves said.
    For more information or to place an order, call 764-1255 or e-mail ccyr0004@maine.rr.com.
    Many local eateries offer gift certificates also — good for keeping mom out of the kitchen on her special day. From home-style meals to fancier fare, there are plenty of options to treat the special ladies in your life.
    For those looking for something a bit more traditional, there’s always the option to send flowers — something that can be delivered locally or hundreds of miles away.
    “We have gift certificates for those who can’t decide or prefer to give others a choice. We also have a nice selection of mixed arrangements and tropical plants,” said Karen Duncan, owner, Cook’s Florist, located at 174 Main St., Presque Isle.
    Duncan said the most popular selection for Mother’s Day is typically a mixed arrangement.
    “It’s reminiscent of picking flowers as a child. What kid hasn’t picked wild flowers for their mother at some point in their life?” said Duncan.
    She said this is the type of gift that, no matter where you live, you can make arrangements to have flowers delivered wherever your mom resides.
    “This is something they can get ordered, if they’re away or live elsewhere and can’t be there in person, and have hand-delivered right to their mom’s house,” said Duncan.
    Deliveries, according to Duncan, can be made from her shop to a variety of locations throughout Aroostook County.
    “We deliver from Ashland to Easton, Blaine to Caribou, and all communities in between,” Duncan said.
    Business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
    “For Mother’s Day only, we’ll be open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on that Saturday,” she explained. “To place an order, call 769-2731 or 800-439-2731.”