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Balloons are the unsung heroes of a great party. They set mood, add color, and turn a bland room into an instant celebration zone. Pick the wrong material, size, or color and things can look off; pick the right ones and your event feels cohesive and festive. Whether you’re decking out a birthday, proposal, or store opening, understanding where to shop and what to buy will save time, money, and a whole lot of stress.
Walmart stands out as a go-to for everyday balloon needs. You’ll find familiar brands and a wide range of latex and foil balloons—from basic 11-inch latex packs to 18-inch mylar characters. Walmart blends affordability with convenience, plus many items are available both in-store and online for quick pickup if you’re planning last-minute décor.
Expect multi-packs of 11-inch latex balloons, 18-inch foil shapes for birthdays and holidays, themed sets like Valentine’s or St. Patrick’s, and balloon garland kits. You can often buy packs that total dozens or even hundreds of balloons—handy when you need bulk quantities without overspending by the pound.
Look for seasonal kits—holiday-themed garlands and heart-shaped foils tend to appear ahead of major dates. If you want helium-ready items, check the packaging for recommended inflation sizes in inches and whether the balloon is helium-compatible. Also, buying in packs of 50 to 100 can cut the per-balloon cost if you’re decorating a large space.
If you want specialized balloon services or a huge selection, Party City is built for party planners. They carry everything from pre-made balloon bouquets to raw supplies like balloon tape, glue dots, and professional-grade pumps. Party City shops are perfect when you need themed foil balloons, licensed characters, or customized balloon arrangements.
They offer custom balloon printing and professional helium services in many locations, which helps when you need a uniform presentation for weddings or corporate events. Their balloon specialists can also advise on garland lengths in feet and recommend the best balloon mix of sizes—think 5-inch, 11-inch, and 24-inch—for a dynamic look.
Choose Party City when you want professional finishes, licensed character foils, or help with large installations. Their in-store services and online tutorials make it easy for DIYers to achieve pro-level results without spending for a full-time decorator.
Target blends style with convenience. If you’re after modern color palettes—muted pastels, metallics, or millennial pink—Target often stocks curated balloon assortments that match home décor trends. They also carry useful event extras like tassels, confetti balloons, and balloon weights.
Target’s seasonal lines are thoughtfully styled, so you get coordinated looks without hunting across multiple stores. Their packs often come with 20 to 50 balloons in matching shades, making them ideal for smaller gatherings or chic decorations where color cohesion matters.
Amazon is the wild west of balloon shopping—in the best way. Need a kit with 200 latex balloons, a gold-and-red heart foil set, and a balloon arch strip delivered overnight? Amazon likely has it. The platform gives access to niche sellers and big brands alike, plus customer reviews to help you pick the real deal.
Filter by size (in inches), material (latex or foil), and by seller to find top-rated balloon sets. Watch for trusted brands and bundles that include pumps or garland tape—those can save money and time. If you’re ordering in bulk, check the package weight in pounds to anticipate shipping costs and handling for large orders.
When cost is king, discount shops like Dollar Tree are clutch. You won’t get designer colorways, but you will get inexpensive packs of 11-inch latex balloons and basic foil shapes that work for casual parties, school events, or community fundraisers. Buying multiple packs can be surprisingly economical.
Mix discount balloons with a few specialty foils from another store to elevate the look without breaking the bank. For large installations, combine discount latex in bulk with a handful of higher-quality 18-inch foils to create contrast and focal points.
These craft superstores are perfect for the DIY decorator who loves to tinker. Michaels and Hobby Lobby stock balloon accessories like glue dots, ribbon spools, balloon pumps, and frames for creating balloon walls. They also carry seasonal balloon kits and sometimes sell single specialty foils by the piece.
Buy balloon sizers, professional hand pumps, adhesive strips, and balloon straw kits at these stores to get a precise look. If you’re building a garland in feet, a reliable balloon inflator and strong tape make all the difference for neat, consistent spacing.
Oriental Trading and other wholesale suppliers are ideal for events that need quantity over boutique flavor. They provide bulk packs of 100, 200, or even more, and often include matching tableware and décor pieces, which simplifies event planning for schools, churches, and civic clubs.
If you need 300 balloons for a gymnasium decorating job or dozens of themed foil balloons for a parade float, wholesale beats buying many small retail packs. Work out how many square feet of ceiling or how many feet of arch you need, then calculate balloons by size—mixing 11-inch and 5-inch latex is a common formula to fill space economically.
Local boutique balloon shops and independent sellers are where you go for statement pieces and custom art. These shops craft elaborate garlands, sculptural installations, and branded pieces that transform venues. They usually charge more, but their work is tailored and often Instagram-worthy.
Think custom color blends, metallic finishes, and precision sizing in inches for a perfectly balanced arch. These shops can advise on balloon lifespan in days and suggest mixtures of helium and air to create floating elements and anchored backdrops that last through your event.
Choosing balloons is not just about color. Size (in inches), material, and how you inflate them (helium or air) all affect appearance and longevity. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right mix for ceiling swags, garlands, centerpieces, or floating bouquets.
Latex balloons are stretchy and cheap, often sold in 5-, 11-, and 16-inch sizes, and they’re great for garlands and bulk jobs. Foil (mylar) balloons come in rigid shapes like 18 inches or 32 inches and hold helium much longer, making them better for bouquets and focal pieces. Combine them: latex for volume, foil for personality.
Helium makes balloons float and is ideal for bouquets and ceiling décor; expect inflated latex to float for about 8 to 12 hours without a sealant and longer if treated. Air-filled balloons don’t float but are perfect for garlands, arches, and walls and will stay looking fresh for days when kept indoors.
Here’s a simple sizing cheat sheet: 5-inch balloons are fillers for texture; 11-inch are the workhorse size for garlands and party clusters; 18-inch foil makes a strong statement as a centerpiece; 24-inch and larger balloons become sculptural pieces or photo-backdrop anchors. Use sizes strategically across your design.
Trends move fast in party décor. Right now, organic balloon garlands—those natural, uneven arrangements mixing 5-inch, 11-inch, and 16-inch latex—are everywhere. Metallics, pearlized finishes, and confetti-filled clear balloons add sophistication, while themed foil characters still dominate kids’ parties.
Create visual interest by alternating sizes and adding a few foil anchors. For a 6-foot garland, use a base of 11-inch balloons with smaller 5-inch fillers to create depth. Anchor one end with a weighted foil balloon bouquet to keep everything grounded and photo-ready.
Want a dramatic photo wall? Use a blend of 24-inch statement balloons and smaller clusters in front for depth, plus a few metallics to catch the light. For ceiling installations, helium bouquets tied at varying lengths create dynamic layers—think 2 to 6 feet of vertical variation for a lively look.
Temperature and sunlight are enemies of balloons. Store latex balloons away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures; keep them in a cool room so they don’t expand and pop. If you need helium balloons to last, consider a sealant or a professional grade helium fill—foil balloons can last for days or even weeks when treated correctly.
Transport inflated balloons in a vehicle with a smooth ride and a cool interior. For long drives, it’s often better to transport uninflated balloons and inflate on-site with a pump or portable helium tank—this avoids temperature-related popping and saves trunk space.
Before you check out, run through a quick checklist: how many square feet of room are you decorating, how many centerpiece vs ceiling balloons do you need, will you use helium, and what sizes in inches will give you the mix you want? Buying a few extra balloons—about 10 to 15 percent more—covers accidental pops and gives flexibility during setup.
For a small living-room party, Target or Walmart will usually have everything you need. For medium-sized events or themed parties, Party City or a craft store like Michaels brings more variety and accessories. For school-wide functions or fundraising galas, wholesale suppliers such as Oriental Trading offer the best per-balloon price, while boutique shops are worth the splurge for weddings and brand launches where impact matters.
Picking the right store starts with knowing your needs: budget, scale, and the look you want. Mix and match sources—buy bulk latex at a discount store, add a few boutique foils or a custom arch from a specialty shop, and grab tools and tape from a craft retailer. With a few smart choices, balloons stop being filler and start being the centerpiece of your celebration.
Conclusion: Balloons are powerful, affordable décor that can transform a space quickly. By choosing the right retailer—Walmart for value, Party City for expertise, Target for style, Amazon for variety, discount stores for bulk, craft stores for tools, and wholesalers for large events—you can build memorable setups without stress. Think size in inches, mix materials, and plan for inflation method to get the best results for any party.
