What a surprise! The ball came in a tiny rectangular box. It wasn't inflated! But it came with a small plastic pump. However, there was no needle on the pump, rendering it useless. I started the return process but then I thought...what if the needle is inside the pump somehow. Sure enough, on one end is a little compartment. To their credit there was a tiny sticker label over the cover opening. I am probably not the first buyer to assume they forgot the needle. The ball has been inflated two days now and hasn't lost any air. The colors are so vivid and I think my grandson will LOVE it!