Pearl River is in SoHo, just on the fringe of NYC's Chinatown. The store is huge - three floors! - each filled with pottery, tea, clothing, and other curiosities from China. You could buy an elaborate set of dishes for several hundred dollars or an embroidered silk change purse for $3.

Need a bamboo shade? How about a set of knock-out china? Or maybe a pair of $5 shoes? They sell just about everything under the rising sun at Pearl River Mart, all at incredible prices. This is the ultimate place to buy affordable gifts, and fun just for soaking in the energetic vibe of Chinatown. I'm a big fan of their jasmine soaps and funky little mesh slippers that can be worn as shoes.

This store is located on the second and third floors. If you would like some asian-oriented and well-priced souvenirs, this is the place to come. It’s right in Chinatown, and carries anything from straw slippers for under $7 to bamboo steamers for under $10 to a set of Chinese porcelain dishware for a couple of dollars. On my last visit with my houseguests from Italy, we went crazy over bamboo painted umbrellas for $1.50 each. Now that’s a bargain. Another big hit were paper lanterns in pastel colors and various sizes. Jasmine scented candles in shapes of flowers were another pick-up item, as well as delicate wooden Japanese chopsticks in elegant patterns and colors.

In all, a fun place to browse and pick up a few items without digging too deep a hole in your wallet.