“This mouse in a matchbox might be the cutest thing I ever saw. It’s the kind of toy that makes me wish I was still a kid.”

Buy online at Armstrong Ward

Price £13.95

****

Initial Thoughts: I always like a retailer than does nice packaging and Armstrong Ward doesn’t disappoint – our review Maileg mouse in a matchbox arrived beautifully wrapped in tissue paper and ribbon. Inside, the toy itself is sort of what you’d expect – a large matchbox decorated with cute French pictures and writing. But it’s bigger than you might think – 10 times regular matchbox size!

We liked: Slide open the matchbox and you see the cutest little mouse (we got the blue, but other colours are available) lying on a striped mattress with a blue, knitted blanket. The whole thing is just beautifully made, and perfect for children aged 4+, who (in my experience) just love carrying little things in boxes. Flea loved this, but my seven-year-old niece was just as enchanted.

We weren’t keen: The only query I’d have with this is how robust the box is – when ours arrived it had been carefully packaged but the corners were a little squished already. Given it’s so lovely, it would be a shame if the box didn’t stand up to wear and tear, so I’d suggest not giving this to under 4s, or anyone who might still be prone to chewing their toys.

Overall: A lovely, stylish and beautifully made toy that’s a perfect gift for children who are fond of animals. It’s a great toy for imaginative play, and we loved the attention to detail – the knitted blanket, the mouse’s clothes and even the little pillow are all just lovely.

[Sally, Who's the Mummy?]