Ratatam! Yellow Choupi Balloon

I have a bit of a soft spot for toys that don't need batteries, instructions or an app.

Give a small child a ball and they'll work out the rest.

The Choupi balloon is designed especially for little hands, so it's light enough for those first throws, catches and wobbly games of rolling it back and forth across the floor. At 12cm, it's a lovely size for toddlers who are just discovering what they can do.

I also think Ratatam has a knack for making even the simplest things feel special. The soft colours are beautifully considered, the bear-shaped gift box is charming without being over the top, and knowing it's made in France from a blend of phthalate-free PVC and hemp fibres makes it feel like a toy that's been properly thought through.

It's just as happy bouncing around the living room on a rainy afternoon as it is being packed into the garden bag for a trip to the park. Light, durable and wonderfully uncomplicated.

Sometimes the toys children come back to time and time again are the simplest ones. I'd put money on this being one of them.