Top 5 places to shop for children in Tunbridge Wells?

As a mother of two boys aged 3 and 5, I think I've got a pretty good idea of where to go to in Tunbridge Wells to get kids 'stuff'.

Kids need an awful lot of 'stuff', and consequently, it seems there is an endless supply of places to go to whenever you need to acquire said stuff - whether it's a moses basket for your precious newborn, or canoe-sized trainers for your gangly teenage son.

But just when you think you know everywhere there is to go, up pops somewhere else that someone tells you you have to try. And here I mean of course the smaller, one-off independent shops, as opposed to the retail giants like Toys R Us, Gap or M&S.

So, here's a few local children's shops that you may not have heard of yet, but which are always worth a visit. Do add your own ideas to the list as we'd love to know your tucked-away hunting grounds too.

My First Boutique

Having relocated to bigger premises in Langton Green, owner Naomi Ballard's shop for babies, boys and girls is doing a roaring trade, and the shop is always packed full of good quality, clean, pre-loved, babies, children's, skiing and maternity wear. If you have bags of good quality clothing that your children have grown out of, take them along to Naomi and you will receive 50% of the sale price (or the clothes returned if they don't sell).

Childrensalon

You'll mainly find top-end and more pricey designer clothing and accessories here at the pretty shop at the Hooper's end of the High Street, but don't be put off as it's also a good place to find gifts, and the sales are always worth a rummage. The shop though is the tip of the Childrensalon iceberg, as their online business is vast and they ship globally.

Stampede

The only place to go for children's shoes in my opinion in Tunbridge Wells - just don't visit the week before they go back to school in September as it'll be heaving. Any other time you'll find there's a fantastic range of children's shoes for all ages, which are all reasonably priced and with a team of staff who couldn't be more helpful in finding the right shoes for your child.

Just Dresses

I'm often to be found with my nose pressed up against the window of this St John's Road beauty. There's pink! Girly things everywhere! Things that sadly don't loom large in my household, dominated as it is by the male species. If I had a daughter, I would of course be in this fabulous shop far more frequently, but fortunately for me I do pop in for the odd dress or two for the daughters of friends or family.

Kids & Kaboodle

Set up by 2 local mums after redundancy, Kids & Kaboodle have become extremely prolific at school fairs, fetes and big Kent events. Similar to My First Boutique but mobile, Kids & Kaboodle offer second hand clothes and shoes in tip-top condition. Check out their website to see where they'll be over the new few months.