A ball is one of the first toys a child really loves. It needs no batteries, no instructions and no screen, and it works in the garden, the hallway, the park and the back of the car. For anyone buying gifts for little ones, a good kids' playground ball is hard to beat.
At Mini Moments Scotland in Bearsden, we stock illustrated playground balls from Crocodile Creek. This guide helps you choose the right size and theme.
Why a playground ball makes a brilliant gift
A ball gives children an excuse to move. Rolling, throwing, catching, kicking and chasing all build coordination and confidence. There are no rules to learn, so it grows with the child: first something to roll across the floor, then a game of catch, then a proper kickabout with friends.
It's also an easy gift to get right. It suits almost any child, the price is friendly, and it works as a birthday present, party bag upgrade or stocking filler.
5 inch or 7 inch: which size should you choose?
The 5" playground ball (£10) fits small hands. It's the better choice for younger children still learning to grip, throw and catch, and it's great for playing indoors. It also packs easily into a bag.
The 7" playground ball (£12) is the roomier option, made for bigger kickabouts and garden games. It suits children who are confident on their feet and ready to play with siblings or friends.
Not sure? For gentle catch and rolling games, go 5". For running around outside, go 7".
Pick a theme they'll love
Each ball has a print that's fun to spot as it spins, so you can match the ball to the child:
- Jungle: safari animals to find as the ball turns. Try the Jungle 5" ball or the Jungle 7" ball.
- Space: rockets and astronauts for little explorers, in the Space Exploration 5" ball.
- Construction: diggers and trucks for budding builders. Choose the Construction 5" ball or the Construction 7" ball.
- Vehicles: a busy street scene for vehicle fans, with the City Vehicles 5" ball and the Firetruck ball.
- Dinosaur: for the child who already knows every species. See the Dinosaur 5" ball and the Dinosaur Dig 7" ball.
- Mermaid: an under-the-sea print in the Mermaid 7" ball.
- Unicorn rainbow: all rainbows and unicorns in the Unicorn Rainbow 7" ball.
- Garden friends: garden bugs and critters on the Garden Friends 5" ball.
- World: a map print for curious minds, in 5" and 7".
A digger-mad three-year-old will light up at the Construction ball, and a rocket-obsessed five-year-old will want the Space ball.
Ready to play straight away
These balls arrive inflated, so there's no pump to find and no deflated disappointment on birthday morning. They're also BPA free and PVC free, which many parents like to see on anything little hands will handle a lot.
Gift ideas: birthdays, party bags and stocking fillers
- Birthday gifts: especially popular for 3 and 4 year olds
- Party bag fillers: the 5" size is a step up from the usual trinkets
- Stocking fillers: small enough to fit, big enough to impress
- New sibling gifts: a ball for the older brother or sister keeps everyone happy
- Day trips: light and quick to pull out at the park or beach
Easy ball games to try
- Rolling race: sit a few feet apart and roll the ball back and forth.
- Name it: each time the ball lands, spot an animal, rocket or truck from the print.
- Target practice: set up a bucket or hoop and aim for it.
- Keep it up: see how many times you can bat it into the air together.
- Kickabout: the 7" ball is great for tiny football matches.
More balls for babies and summer
For younger babies, we also stock the Sophie la Girafe early learning ball, the Sophie la Girafe sensory ball, the Jaba Daba Do Teddy & Bunny activity ball and a soft crochet ball rattle. For sunny days, there's the Swim Essentials tropical beach ball.
Shop playground balls online with UK delivery
Ready to choose? Browse the full playground balls collection and we'll ship across the UK, or pop into Mini Moments Scotland on Drymen Road in Bearsden to see them in person. Stock on individual designs is limited, so if you spot the perfect one, it's worth grabbing it.
Read More from the Mini Edit
