Highly stylish clothing for kids. The kind of clothes I'd like to deck my own children out in if it…read moreweren't for the fact that they're a: independent and thus do not listen to my recommendations: b: my missus equally does not listen to me, especially when it comes to clothes for the children c: it wasn't so expensive. Lovely looking, well made keks, shirts and skirts for kids up to 16 years of age, highly visual and slightly hippyish looking (you'll know what I mean) it's just a shame I'd need to re mortgage just to purchase a nice sweater for the four year old. Have a look for their occasional sales and you might bag a bargain for a gift. Oilily (which sounds more like a deli) has stores across the world, but as far as I know this Manchester store is the only UK branch.

Whilst the idea that your beautiful children aren't enough just by themselves and now have to be…read moredraped with adequate 'baubling' to be considered true accessories, I know you kids are going to do it anyway so I'd rather you do it here where I know your safe. Funky Totz, though an ominous glimpse of how your children will spell things in the fyootcha if the Pussycat Dolls get their way, is a purveyor of some really fun fashion for your little nippers. Largely imported from the USA the range of stock will have the air's to your estate looking like Sid & Nancy in no time- bless.

Funky totz can be found inside Afflecks Palace and sels alternative clothes for babies and…read moretoddlers. If your not happy with buying your kids the same old stuff from next or mothercare here is a place you can find something really original, different and unique. If your not a parent just yet (like moi) this place is great if your wanting to spoil you niece /nephew /godchildren etc. As long as the parents of the child in mind are not completely mainstream and little number from here will get you lots of brownie points.

Credit must go to the store for trying to improve, while it isn't the largest Primark anymore with…read morethat title being held by their Birmingham location, they have begun to expand and now offer a Friends themed cafe, Harry Potter section and a Mills Barbers (Pretty poor service there, but one of the cheaper cuts in town). The main emphasis remains clothes. While it still seems like a never-ending, busy hell-hole most of the time, especially at weekends, if you go outside of peak times it is bearable, it is also located in a nice, large building opposite Market Street. Service is meh in general but if you're willing to brace it, it offers mediocre cheap clothes and as far as Primark locations go it is A-OK but it wouldn't be my first choice for fashion in Manchester. 3*

A great place for low cost items. The only setback is the obligatory 15 minute wait in the checkout…read morequeue !

decent "basic" fashion store that offers enough choiceread more

A note to parents across the globe: Don't do it!…read more It's not that I have something against soft toys and cuddly bears - it's that Disney do everything they can to promote shitty gender stereotypes. Walk round this store and you'll see exactly what I mean. On one wall, there's dozens of pastel and bright pink costumes, fairy wings, crowns and little princess style accessories for girls. On the other, there's Superhero costumes, plastic swords and cowboy and astronaut figures for boys. Just think about the message this is sending to kids about and what defines them and what they should aspire to be when they grow up. Pretty lame, isn't it? To borrow a triusm from the American artist Jenny Holzer: Raise boys and girls the same way.

Whenever I get broody, I pop into the Disney Store to remind me how useful birth control is…read more Because while one day I can imagine myself with a couple of anklebiters, being bewildered by the likes of Hannah Montana and High School Musical means I'm not quite ready yet. What is it with kids and cheesy musical numbers sung by squeaky teenagers these days anyway? The Disney Store is a bit of a misleading name... I bought an ex partner of mine a gargantuan Tweety Pie mug from here once and Tweety's not been seen near a Disney character since Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Gosh what a great film. Anyway while you'll find plenty of little trinkets bearing the image of your favourite classic Looney Tunes and Disney characters, upstairs is reserved for the baffling likes of Camp Rock and their ilk. Backpacks, dolls, clothing - this is a store where pester power is king, so be warned. Without a doubt, one for Christmas shopping FOR a specific child rather than taking said child. If you ever want to watch a tantrum or two for a laugh, it's worth popping in here.

If you like quirky graphics, bold prints, and fusions of bright colours, then Not For Ponies is for…read moreyou. The ethos behind the brand, is to create happy things, designed to make you smile. Rest assured, withtin the shop, you will find nothing but smiling customers. The store sells a range of quirky casualwear for men, women and children - all designed and hand made by the designer, in Manchester. Each design is produced in limited runs, so the brand is perfect for those who want to been seen in items few other people have. There are striking statement T shirts for the guys, versatile dresses for the ladies and cutesy tops for the kids - which will make them oh so huggable. The brand also offers a bespoke design service, if you are looking for a unique gift for someone special, or a treat for yourself.