Ratatam! Violet Mini Shiny Ball

Some toys are bought because they're educational. Some are bought because they keep children quiet for five minutes.

This isn't either of those.

I bought these because they're impossible to ignore. They're covered in glitter, unapologetically colourful and have exactly the sort of joyful energy Ratatam Kids does so well. The kind of toy children spot from the other side of the shop and make a beeline for.

At just 10cm across, they're the perfect size for little hands to grab, throw, roll and chase. They're wonderfully lightweight, with a soft finish that makes them ideal for indoor play as well as the garden, and unlike plenty of glittery things aimed at children, the sparkle is built into the ball rather than sprinkled over the top waiting to end up on your floor.

I also love that they're made in France. There's a confidence to Ratatam's designs that never feels watered down. They're playful, slightly bonkers and completely committed to having fun, which is probably why we enjoy stocking them so much.

Sometimes a ball is just a ball.

Sometimes it's the toy that somehow gets played with every single day.