We all know the prestigious shops lining Sofia's Vitosha Boulevard. But some of these flagship stores tend to be a bit pricey. So think outside the box that the central streets of Sofia form, and head to Mladost, where lower-cost options are not lacking. The only drawback is that the further away from the city centre you venture, the less likely it is that English will be spoken. Try to talk to younger staff members or, better still, bring a Bulgarian friend/spouse if the language barrier is a problem. So next time you visit Mladost to go to the Billa or Hit supermarkets (where, incidentally, you can also find some excellent children's toys), why not combine your shopping with trips to the following stores?

City Point Mall
Mladost-1A, 23 Alexander Malinov Blvd
Open: every day 9am to 10pm

Although smaller than the neighbouring Boulevard mall, perhaps surprisingly, this arcade seems to offer a better quality and variety of shops, particularly for children. If you're willing to spend a bit more for upmarket quality clothing for your toddler, go straight to the second floor where Mariquita will welcome you with an array of bright colours and fabrics. Jackets, shirts, woolly cardigans and jerseys - everything for your child's winter wardrobe can be found here. The other shop on the same floor worth mentioning is № 35, which offers Bulgarian clothing at affordable prices but not at the expense of quality. It offers a good variety of underwear, body suits, pyjamas and under-shirts as well as sleeping bags that are vital for your child's comfort during winter nights. Service is attentive and helpful. On the third floor, you will find Kapchitsa, offering high-quality shoes and slippers, and Henzel and Grethel, a comparatively large store where you can find the best choice of clothes in Mladost as well as toys, rucksacks and other accessories.

Boulevard Shopping Mall
Mladost-1A, 31 Alexander Malinov Blvd
Open: every day 9am to 10pm

A few children's shops are here but the only one really deserving attention is the first shop to the left of the entrance. It offers a nice variety of clothes, organised mainly in two or three sets. So if you're looking for a full set (let's say trousers, cotton under-shirt and cardigan), this shop will save you the time you'd normally spend in combining the right colours. The fabrics are very nice to touch, tender and fluffy, and the prices are reassuringly low. The boys' and girls' sections are very well designated as the colours suggest: soft pink, orange and yellow for the little girls and blue, brown and green for boys.

Kaufland
Mladost-3, 3 Philip Avramov Blvd
Open: Monday to Saturday 7am to 10pm, Sunday 8am to 9pm

This is a German chain of supermarkets for your groceries, so it was a surprise to find that the toy section here is surprisingly large, varied and well-supplied and the quality is good. You can find Barbie-look-alike dolls with their accessories and cuddly little animals for your capricious little princess, as well as constructors and male-type games for the boys. Prices are reasonable.

Lamcho
Mladost-3, building 317, entrance D

A small, but popular local neighbourhood shop in the middle of the concrete jungle of Mladost. Its entrance is on the premises of a residential block on its first flight of stairs. The minuscule space is well-used, however, and stocked to the brim. Good variety and affordable prices for baby foods, nappies, clothes, shoes, accessories, prams and carry-cots.

Palavnitsi
Mladost-1A, GM shopping arcade next to Billa

A small shop, but well-supplied with clothes for babies and children up to the age of five at very reasonable prices. It also offers a very good variety of baby accessories, cots, prams, chairs and bath tubs.

Kolev & Kolev shoes
In Sofia at the following locations:
TZUM, 3rd floor, Tel: 02/ 926 03 35
36 Vitosha Blvd, Tel: 02/ 980 479 4
72 Tsar Samuil Str, Tel: 02/ 988 81 39
57 Maria Louisa Blvd, Tel: 02/ 983 55 85
Mladost-1A, near Billa

This is one of Bulgaria's reputable shoe brands for children of all ages, known for its excellent quality, if not also slightly expensive price tag. But if you look harder, you may find some bargains at discount prices, like leftovers from old collections.

Bokal LB
Offers a wide assortment of baby and children's clothing, toys and accessories. In Sofia at the following locations:
89 Alexander Stamboliiski Blvd
123 Rakovski Str
17 Shipchenski Prohod Blvd
18 Lomsko Chaussee
68-70 Yanko Sakuzov Blvd

Marcel
Toys, clothes and accessories for babies and toddlers.
67 Maria Louisa Blvd
2 Dondoukov Blvd
161 Rakovski Str
2 Alabin Str
65 Vassil Levski Blvd
24 Lavele Str

Comsed
76 Todor Kableshkov Blvd
26 Vitosha Blvd
TZUM, first floor
21 Dyakon Ignatii Str, opposite Slaveikov Square
comsed.net

Large assortment of children's toys for all ages at different price ranges. Including inflatable beach toys, stuffed animals, educational and family games. The company is also the official and exclusive distributor for Lego in Bulgaria.

Bambolino
31 Pirotska Str, entrance from Hristo Botev Boulevard, Tel: 02/ 980 36 94
Clothing, shoes, toys, accessories, baby sets for hospital discharge, prams, walkers, baby chairs, baby bath tubs with supporters and cots.

Lapin House
10 Vitosha Blvd, Tel: 02/ 981 53 25
This shop on Sofia's most expensive street offers suitably higher-end-of-the range clothing for kids of all ages. The quality is, expectedly, very good. You can find gorgeous outfits for your little one's special occasions and celebrations.

Pretty Things Workshop
12 Krakra Str; 3 Moskovska Str
e-prettythings.com
Romantic handmade treasures, including children's bedding quilts and room decor, fabric dolls, dolls' houses with porcelain furniture, purses, unique figurines and other nostalgic gifts and knick-knacks. Prices are high but worthwhile for special occasions. Some online shopping available.

Jumbo
51 Bulgaria Blvd
A massive expanse of mainstream toys includes rides on electric cars and items ranging from infant gear to trendy older children's paraphernalia as well as other household necessities. The selection is endless and prices inexpensive. Excellent one-stop shop.

Interkniga
6 Shipka Str
Open: Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 10.30am to 4.30pm
A small bookshop offering Bulgarian items as well as English-language children's books from nursery rhymes through to older children's titles.