There's no better gift than the gift of personal services. Anytime of year, indulge mom, dad, significant other, friend or even yourself in a soothing, therapeutic massage from one of Milwaukee's finest salons and day spas. While there, pamper yourself with a hair cut, manicure, pedicure or hydrotherapy treatment. Each salon and spa does it differently, so why not try them all?

Milwaukee's best salons and day spas are found all across the town. Here are some of the best ones:

St. James Place
316 N. Milwaukee St., suite 101
(414) 271-3134

Located in the historic Third Ward next to Coquette Cafe, the salon offers a range of services including hair, waxing, makeup, pedicures, skin care, body treatments, body grooming, relaxation and imported Italian and Vienese skin and hair care products.

Actaea Works, Ltd.

Stop in for massage therapy, hydrotherapy or body treatments. If that's not enough, they also offer body works, including "baby works" for expecting mothers and a full range of skin care treatments. The spa also cuts, colors and texturizes hair, and provides complete waxing, cosmetic, and hand and foot services, as well.

Actaea is open Mon., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Gift certificates are available. The Bay View location (2173 S. Kinnickinic Ave.) is had a preview open house on Feb. 2, 2006.

Stella's
5050 W. Vliet St.
(414) 933-2070
stellas5050.com

Stella's is truly a neighborhood salon. Located in the historic Washington Heights neighborhood just minutes from Downtown, this bright and airy salon serves its own special blend of gourmet coffee from the nearby Milwaukee Coffee Company. With a full range of salon services like hair design, manicure, pedicure and cosmetic services, Stella's also carries top-notch products. These include Wella's Liquid Hair, Tigi's Classic and Bed Head lines, American Crew and select A.J.'s products. .

The historic but contemporary Stella's is open Tues.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gift certificates are available.

The Spa at Le Grande
8653 N. Port Washington Rd.
(414) 352-6550

The Spa at Le Grande is located in Fox Point and is truly a full-service spa, offering facial and body balance. Intimate, quiet and appealing, the mood is set with fresh flowers and soothing scents, quiet music and flickering candles. The body balance comes from a complete line of massages and body treatments, including Reiki massage and reflexology. The facial balance is a range of services, including facials, eye treatments and glycolic treatments. The Spa also provides extra balance with manicure, waxing and makeup applications.

Their most unique service is the couples massage, a relaxing and unique massage experience custom made for two, complete with flowers, chocolates and champagne.

The Spa at Le Grande is open from Tues.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.