With the increase in gas prices we will once again see people practicing staycations this year.  You have all heard the term now, instead of expensive trips people are electing to stay local.   This is where the Dunes Outdoor Game Set comes into play as it provides a unique branding opportunity on an item that has already sold out through May.  In fact this multiple piece set has been so popular so far it may well end up in short supply into June.  The true advantage of this type of corporate gift is that it provides a kid friendly summer promotion.   The Laguna Game Set which also is manufactured by Leeds has a slightly higher price tag do to the increased number of game pieces and does include the almost popular chess and checkers.  More importantly both game sets include a kite and beach ball as well as the Velcro paddle toss game.   The toss game is similar to the more extensive paddle ball game you have seen played on beaches for years.  Rather than decorate each piece in order to keep the acquisition costs down the carrying case or backpack is decorated.   This is both convenient and also not nearly as intrusive. 

The problem to date with both of these game sets is stock.  The manufacturer which is owned by Polyconcepts, continues to have severe stock issues partly attributable to the increase in economic activity.  As a result container ships have been delayed and that is resulting in long delays in getting products onto warehouse shelves.  It is still a little surprising that vendors were caught off guard particularly in light of how strong the economy was at the end of 2009 but that is where we stand today.  There are solid signs now that growth is slowing and with the increase in inventory dollars being spent and the subsequently increasing amounts of cargo capacity to and from Asia the favorable news is that stock issues should diminish as the year moves forward.