Best Thanksgiving inflatables
Falling between Halloween and Christmas, Thanksgiving is a holiday that sometimes gets lost in the shuffle when it comes to decor. However, in recent years, more homeowners are making an effort to dress up their homes for the occasion – and Thanksgiving inflatables make it incredibly easy to get your yard ready for the holiday.
Like Christmas and Halloween inflatables, Thanksgiving inflatables are waterproof decorations with a built-in fan or blower. When you plug in the fan and turn it on, the decoration inflates itself and stays inflated until you turn it off. Most inflatables are fairly large and can make quite a statement in your yard.
How do you find the perfect Thanksgiving inflatable? It starts with determining the right size for your yard and the design you prefer. Think about whether you want an inflatable with lights or animation; these features really make the display stand out. It’s also essential to consider the durability of the inflatable’s material since you’d probably like to use your decoration for several Thanksgivings.
Why get a Thanksgiving inflatable?
Decorating your yard for Thanksgiving – or any holiday, for that matter – is a fun tradition. When it comes to outdoor decorations, lights are common, but winding them through trees and bushes, wrapping them around posts or railings, or outlining windows with them can take a great deal of time.
On the other hand, a Thanksgiving inflatable only has to be plugged in. It inflates on its own, allowing you to set up your Thanksgiving decorations in minutes.
Choosing the right size
Thanksgiving inflatables range in height from 3 to 12 feet. Some taller inflatables aren’t that wide, while others are quite broad.
The larger an inflatable is, the more impact it will have in your yard. However, you don’t want to choose an inflatable that’s too large for your yard. Measure the area to determine how much space you have. Also consider the size of your house. For example, if you have a single-story home, an extremely tall Thanksgiving inflatable may overpower your exterior.
If you’re unsure what size to get, note that a Thanksgiving inflatable between 5 and 7 feet tall works for most homes. Taller, wider inflatables are best used in extra-large yards.
Keep in mind that you may prefer to use two or more smaller inflatables rather than one large one.
Make sure your inflatable is fully dry when you store it for next year. Moisture on the material could lead to mold or mildew growth.
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How to set up a Thanksgiving inflatable
After choosing a spot for your inflatable, check the lawn for rocks and or other debris that could puncture it. Unfold the inflatable on the ground so it can inflate freely. When the inflatable is spread out, secure the blower or fan motor to the lawn with the included stakes. Plug in the blower, and allow the inflatable to fill with air.
Once it’s inflated, check its position to see if you need to make any adjustments. Then, stretch out the inflatable’s tethers to secure it in place. They should be taut to keep the decoration stable.
What features do Thanksgiving inflatables have?
Material and durability
The material that a Thanksgiving inflatable is made of plays a significant role in its durability. You’ll likely leave the decoration out for at least a few weeks in November, so you want to make sure it can withstand the elements.
Holiday inflatable material is typically coated with a synthetic material to enhance its strength and weather resistance. Some inflatables feature vinyl or nylon coated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These are typically the most durable, though fabric thickness also plays a role in durability.
Theme
For Thanksgiving, the majority of inflatables feature one or more turkeys. Some depict other holiday motifs, such as pumpkins and cornucopias. In addition to turkey inflatables, you can also find some pilgrim designs.
Still other Thanksgiving inflatables are shaped like beloved characters from TV and movies. For example, you can find many options with Snoopy or other Peanuts characters, Disney characters, or Star Wars characters. Traditional inflatable designs with turkeys and pilgrims are classic, but some people find these pop culture-inspired models to be more fun.
Lights and animation
Many inflatables have lights that make them visible after dark. A lighted inflatable saves you from having to set up a spotlight to shine on it. You can also find some animated Thanksgiving inflatables. For example, a turkey inflatable might have wings that flap.
While lighted and animated inflatables definitely stand out more, keep in mind that they tend to cost more than regular inflatables.
Staff Tip
If you’re concerned about your inflatable blowing away, use water jugs or sandbags to weigh it down.
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How do you accessorize a Thanksgiving inflatable?
Fall garland
If you want to dress up more than your lawn for Thanksgiving, a fall garland makes an excellent decoration for your porch or front steps. Outline your door with garland, or wrap it around columns and railings to add a festive flair to your home.
Wreath
Wreaths aren’t just for Christmas. At Thanksgiving time, look for wreaths that feature shades of orange, red, and gold with pumpkin, gourd, or acorn accents.
Inflatable repair kit
Even if you take good care of your inflatable, the vinyl or nylon may rip or tear. Have a repair kit for inflatables on hand so you can easily patch any damage and keep your decoration inflated.
How much do Thanksgiving inflatables cost?
Inexpensive
The most affordable Thanksgiving inflatables cost $40 to $60. They’re usually smaller models standing 4 feet tall or less. They don’t have special features like lights or animated movement. Most inflatables in this price range depict generic characters, such as a turkey.
Mid-range
Mid-range Thanksgiving inflatables typically cost $60 to $100. They usually stand 5 to 7 feet tall and may feature lights. You can find many generic Thanksgiving turkey and pilgrim designs, but you can also find pop culture characters like Snoopy or Mickey Mouse in this price range.
Expensive
The most expensive Thanksgiving inflatables usually cost $100 to $230. These are the largest models, measuring up to 12 feet tall. Most in this price range feature lights, and some are animated. You can find generic turkey and pilgrim designs as well as your favorite pop culture characters.
Avoid using harsh cleansers on an inflatable. The chemicals could degrade the material. Instead, use a wet cloth or rag to gently wipe the surface clean.
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Tips
- Ask for help setting up your inflatable. It’s usually much easier to stake it to the ground and inflate it if you have a second pair of hands to assist.
- Choose an area with flat, level ground for your inflatable. If the surface is uneven, you may have trouble securing it.
- Avoid placing the inflatable near bushes and trees. If the inflatable moves in the wind, branches from the shrubbery could puncture the material and cause it to deflate.
- Use an outdoor-safe extension cord. Most inflatables have a fairly short power cord that likely won’t reach your outlet. A safe, effective extension cord allows you to place the inflatable in more locations in your yard and prevent a fire hazard.
- Highlight your inflatable with a spotlight. If your inflatable doesn’t come with lights, placing a spotlight on the ground in front can keep it visible after dark. Angle the light so it illuminates as much of your display as possible.
FAQ
Q. What’s the best spot for a Thanksgiving inflatable?
A. Wind can be rough on an inflatable, so it’s best to place it on a flat area where it’s protected from wind. For many homeowners, setting it up against a wall or fence is best because the wind is blocked in at least one direction.
Q. Does a Thanksgiving inflatable use a lot of electricity?
A. Inflatables generally use more energy than a strand of lights, but the cost to operate one depends on how large it is and how long you run it each day. Depending on the size of your inflatable, you can typically expect its operation to add $2.30 to $4 to your energy bill if you use it for 12 hours a day for the entire month of November.
Q. How should I store my inflatable in the off-season?
A. It’s usually a good idea to keep the box and packaging the inflatable came in. Clean the decoration before carefully folding or rolling it up. Check the owner’s manual to see if the manufacturer recommends closing its vents or zippers before storing it. Place it in its box with the instructions, blower, stakes, and any other included items so it’s ready to set up next year.
