They were last year’s hit item, but where are all the inflatables this year?

 

It was hot air balloon technology brought to your front garden. The inflatable was the ultimate must-have item. It packed down small for the summer, taking up minimum space in the loft, under the stairs, on top of the wardrobe or at the back of the shed. Come the winter it was a massive nodding, glowing hit. Nothing quite topped a light display off like a giant Santa or Snowman. Small displays glowed above their wattage with a well placed inflatable. There was something friendly and engaging about them that kids loved and always made us smile. So where have they all gone?

 

 

Santa and snowman look out for blow-up companions 

 

 

Basically, following a spate of thefts and vandalism last year, people are reluctant to invest in such vulnerable and high profile targets again. There was a magnificent example on Gilby Road, but since our reviewers visited it’s gone! There were reports of air-rifles used against helpless smiling bags of airy fun, what’s wrong with these people?

 

Those who have read our reviews will see that there are still some inflatables to be seen, but far fewer than we would like. There are more that can’t be seen, because they’re stored in garages for special occasions when they can be guarded. Is this really the season of goodwill?

 

What’s the solution? Maybe they have to shelter in back gardens, maybe responsibility passes to high-rise tenants or crane operators to place inflatables on their balconies. Maybe we all need to chip in for a hot air balloon shaped like a Christmas tree. Maybe until someone invents a bullet–proof balloon we’ll never seen the true potential of the inflatable.