What's in store

What might be overlooked as an ordinary department store could, in fact, answer your problems. With the usual array of cosmetics, children's clothes, housewares, accessories and china, most members of your family, and your friends can be catered for under one relatively small roof. Debenhams has recruited top designers such as Pearce Fionda, Lulu Guinness, Ben de Lisi and Philip Treacey to design affordable diffusion ranges along their more expensive collections. The toy department offers all the perennial favourites, such as Lego sets and a vast array of Barbie dolls and teddy bears. Foto Optix, a concession of photographic equipment, could also solve a few problems. And at least there is always a cafe to collapse into when exhaustion sets in.

Debenhams, 334-348 Oxford Street, London W1 (0171-580 3000) and nationwide. For enquiries or information about your nearest store, call 0171-408 4444)