Upmarket shopping

Fifth Avenue: The ultimate New York shopping experience includes strolling down Fifth Avenue. Be sure to put on a good coat and polish your boots before enjoying the snootiest sales people Manhattan has to offer. Tiffany's, Cartier, Sak's Fifth Avenue . . . you know the names.

SoHo: Meaning "South of Houston Street", SoHo is funky and artsy - lots of designer boutiques, cafes and art galleries. Spring, Broadway, Lafayette and Greene Streets have the best choice, and the last two are less crowded. Try Swell, Liquid Sky, A+J 20th Century Designs, Moss and Mxyplyzyk for design gifts.

Mid-range options

Department stores: ranging from bargain to luxury shopping, the best-known department stores include Century 21, Fortunoff, Macy's, Bloomingdales's, Lord & Taylor, Sak's Fifth Avenue and Barney's New York.

Bargain shopping

Chinatown: For the best bargain on the island of Manhattan for leather goods, beginning at Canal and Mott Streets. For designer-style handbags, wallets, suitcases and more.

Discount warehouse outlets: If you're willing to hop on a bus for an hour, warehouse outlet Woodbury Common's is the best place to get designer labels at discounted prices.

Buses run from the Port Authority Bus Terminal.