Whenever I go back to visit my parents in sunny California, I find myself in need of gifts for my niece and parents. Yesterday I stopped by a new East Village boutique that fulfills all of these needs and more. The Pink Olive Boutique specializes in "baby, gift and getaway" products, meaning cute onesies with phrases like "Gucci Coo" and "Burpberry" on them, candles, soaps, stationery and clothing like Michael Stars T-shirts and vintage dresses.

The store is the very definition of homey: exposed brick everywhere, cluttered gifts and friendly owner Grace Kang behind the counter. A former buyer for Barney’s, Kang has also assembled a cute, feminine collection of vintage bags and dresses, plus quirky jewelry from local designer Erica Weiner. If you happen to be in the East Village and think one can never have too many scented candles, you should definitely stop by this store.