What can make a little girl happier then a ballerina dress? A lot of different costumes for small and big children are available in Taipei. Areas were you can find them are Zhong Shan N. Rd. Sec. 7 and shops around the Taipei American School. Ximending area, close to Taipei Main Station is very good to visit when you are looking for costumes for the costume party. Here you can rent everything from wigs to a magician's outfit. The price is normally good compare to US and Europe.

A new shopping mall is opening in the Xinyi area. Coming with MRT to Taipei City Hall you will be guided to the City Hall through this new mall. Convenient stores, fast food, clothes, accessories and more are on hand.

Another great shop, or more like a department store, is the Taiwan Handicraft Promotion Center, located on Hsu Chou Rd. corner of Zhong Shan S Rd., a government-sponsored store that offers a wide selection of Chinese handicrafts. Open 9.00 am - 5.30 pm daily. English is well spoken.

Pineapple cake is also a much appreciated gift to bring home. This traditional Taiwanese cake comes today in many flavors: sweet as well as salty with all kinds of filling. They can be bought at the major hotels, special cake shops, supermarkets and at the airport.

Antique shops should not be missed, since most of the time they offer everything from the smallest to the very big items and the same goes for the price range.

Guang Hua Digital Plaza, Jinshan North Road, # 77, corner Civic Blvd. / BaDe Rd., open 9.00 am - 10.00 pm daily, is a new 7-storey building filled with computer equipments and other electronic gadgets. Also to be found are branded sportswear, DVDs, mobile phones and much more. Prices are reasonable but you may bargain. English is rarely spoken and care must be taken as systems may not be compatible globally. For the camera gear check out "Camera Street", Han Kou St. Sec. 1, near Taipei Main Station.