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Ever noticed how a simple hat can flip the vibe of a celebration from "nice" to "memorable"? Party hats are the punctuation mark of any gathering—whether it’s a birthday, New Year’s bash, Halloween night, or a backyard barbecue. Pick the right style and color, and you’ve got instant photo ops, crowd energy, and a theme that ties everything together. Think of hats as the cherry on top of your event sundae—they make the whole thing feel finished.
Hats do more than sit on heads; they telegraph mood. A sleek black top hat signals a classy New Year’s Eve soiree, whereas inflatable selfie frames and bright cone hats scream kid-friendly fun. You can set expectations before the first guest steps through the door just by selecting a consistent hat style or color palette.
Are you planning a party where photos will flood social feeds? Hats make subjects pop in pictures. Items like the “Various Happy Birthday Selfie Photo Booth Inflatable Frame” or novelty tiaras create instant focal points for group shots. Even something as understated as a “Miss Liberty Tiara” can elevate a photo from forgettable to shareable.
If you’re shopping for party hats, it helps to know which retailers stock what. Below are several trusted US stores, what they excel at, and examples of the types of hats and supplies you can expect to find.
Walmart consistently offers a broad selection of party hats and accessories, from seasonal toppers to fun, theme-driven pieces. Examples include “12 Happy New Year Top Hats - Black And White,” seasonal backdrops like a “Jack-o-lantern Backdrop 4 x 30 ft,” LED-enhanced pieces like the “Walbest Led Light-up Cowboy Hat,” and novelty items such as the “Beistle Club Pack Of 12 Blue And White Whale Themed Party Hats.” Walmart is great for mixing classic staples with trendy, budget-friendly novelties.
For construction-themed events or workplaces that want novelty flair, Armed American Supply carries accessories like hard hat decals—think “F-Bomb Hard Hat Decal”—that add humor without changing safety gear. While not a typical party hat vendor, their decals and rugged novelty items are perfect for themed adult parties, bachelor events, or trade show giveaways.
Party City is a go-to for themed celebrations of every kind. They stock age-specific hats, licensed character toppers, LED party hats, tiaras, and bulk party packs. If you want coordinated hats, plates, banners, and balloons that match exactly, Party City usually has all the pieces to create a cohesive look that’s easy to assemble.
Target leans toward modern, Instagram-friendly designs. Expect minimalist birthday hats, metallic party crowns, and family-focused sets that complement home decor. Target’s seasonal collections often feature birthday photo props and novelty headwear that feel a bit more curated than generic bulk items.
Hosting a large event or school party? Oriental Trading is the bulk specialist. They sell large quantities of cone hats, crowns, and novelty toppers at low per-unit prices—ideal when you need 50–100 hats without breaking the bank. Their selection spans basic solids to character and themed sets.
Amazon aggregates everything from LED cowboy hats to inflatable selfie frames. You’ll find independent brands selling unique novelty hats, small-batch artisan pieces, and specialty kid-friendly designs. If you need unusual sizes or custom items with quick turnaround, marketplace sellers on Amazon are a convenient option.
Want a hands-on approach? Michaels offers plain hats and materials—felt, glitter, adhesive gems—so you can craft bespoke toppers. If your event leans toward personalized or handmade aesthetics, picking up supplies from a craft store lets you control detail, color, and comfort.
Knowing the main categories of hats makes shopping simpler. Here’s a quick rundown of common types and the situations where they shine.
Cone hats are the default for birthday parties, especially for children. They’re lightweight, affordable, and easy to distribute. Look for elastic bands that sit comfortable across the chin and durable paper or plastic construction if you want them to last through a full afternoon of play.
Top hats are perfect for New Year’s Eve or themed events where you want a bit of elegance. Options like “12 Happy New Year Top Hats - Black And White” convey formality and style without being heavy or uncomfortable. They’re an instant upgrade if you want guests to feel dressed up without a tuxedo requirement.
Light-up pieces like the “Walbest Led Light-up Cowboy Hat” are made for nightclubs, evening parties, and outdoor bonfires. They add movement and color to photos and function as wearable mood lighting. If you’ll be outdoors after dusk, these hats double as fun safety beacons.
Tiaras such as the “Beistle 66460 Miss Liberty Tiara” give birthday guests of honor a royal moment. They’re popular for princess-themed parties, bridal showers, and any event where you want one person to stand out in photos. Lightweight plastic or metallic finishes are typical and comfortable for long wear.
From whale-themed sets to “F-Bomb” hard hat decals, novelty items are conversation starters. Whether you’re creating a nautical theme with blue-and-white whale hats or a construction-themed bachelor party with humorous decals, novelty pieces help define your theme in one quirky stroke.
Choosing a hat isn’t just about looks—comfort, safety, and practicality matter. Here are considerations to keep in mind so your hat choice boosts the party rather than interrupts it.
Think about who will wear the hats. For toddlers, soft, flexible materials and wide elastic bands are kinder than stiff cardboard. For adults, choose designs that feel stylish enough for photos—metallics, felt, or structured paper hat options are safe bets.
Will your party be outside for hours in warm weather? Paper hats can wilt; fabric or plastic options hold up better. For night events or long ceremonies, prioritize hats with comfortable inner bands or adjustable sizing so guests don’t peel them off an hour in.
If you need 100 hats, cheap bulk cones might be the right call. If you’re hosting a smaller, high-impact event and want every photo to look unique, invest in specialty pieces like LED hats or decorative tiaras. A simple hybrid approach—bulk basics plus a few showpieces—often works best.
Hats should complement your broader party aesthetic. Here are some quick styling tricks that make the entire setup appear more intentional.
Use hat colors to echo your plates, napkins, or balloons. If your tableware is gold and black for New Year’s, choose matching top hats to maintain a refined palette. For kids’ parties, pick a dominant color and use a contrasting accent in a few novelty hats to add fun.
Turn hat selection into an activity by setting up a hat-decorating station. Provide glue dots, stickers, glitter pens, and ribbons so guests personalize their own pieces. This doubles as entertainment and a keepsake for attendees to take home.
Eco-conscious choices are more accessible than ever. If you want to reduce waste, consider reusable fabric hats, recyclable paper cones, or DIY projects that use upcycled materials. Craft stores and online tutorials can guide you in making hats that look custom and keep trash to a minimum.
Cloth hats may cost more upfront but pay off with repeated use. They’re comfortable, often washable, and feel more substantial in photos. Ideal for recurring events like monthly meetups, classroom milestones, or family traditions.
Turning household items into party hats is surprisingly easy. Old holiday cards can become crown paper, and cardboard from boxes can be cut and glittered into sturdy top hats. These small DIY choices reduce cost and add a handmade charm guests remember.
Planning a school carnival, corporate party, or large wedding rehearsal dinner? Bulk buying saves money and time. Here are practical tips to get the best value without sacrificing quality.
Always order 10–15% more hats than your guest list to account for kids who want seconds, lost straps, or last-minute plus-ones. For a party of 80, aim for 90–95 hats to be safe. This buffer prevents stressful last-minute runs to the store.
Buy core hats in bulk from suppliers like Oriental Trading or Walmart, then add a handful of signature pieces—LED cowboy hats, novelty crowns, or decals—to create focal points and keep the decor dynamic without overspending.
Hats should be fun, but safety comes first—especially when children are involved. Follow a few simple rules to keep everyone happy and hazard-free.
Avoid hats with sharp edges or dangling parts that might get snagged. Elastic straps should be snug but not tight; adjustable headbands are preferable for mixed-age groups. If you’re using decorative pins or metal pieces, make sure they’re fully covered to prevent scratches.
LED hats are amazing, but their battery packs and small detachable parts can be choking hazards for toddlers. Keep these items out of reach of very young children or choose battery-free alternatives for family events.
If you need fresh ideas, inspiration is everywhere. Check social media, party blogs, and retailer seasonal catalogs to see what’s trending. Current favorites include metallic finishes for adult parties, LED options for night events, and nostalgic throwback designs for themed birthdays.
Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are great for seeing hats in action. Search hashtags like #partyhats, #birthdayhats, or #NYEpartywear to find styling ideas and color pairings that resonate with your event vision.
Choosing the right party hats and supplies is part art, part logistics. Whether you shop Walmart for variety, Armed American Supply for niche decals, or Party City for full-theme coordination, there are options to fit every budget and style. With a little planning—matching hat types to audience, mixing bulk buys with standout pieces, and adding DIY charm—you’ll create a celebration that looks polished and feels personal.
Ready to pick your perfect hats? Start with guest count and theme, then browse the retailers above for styles that match your vision. A few well-chosen hats will elevate your party from ordinary to unforgettable.
Party Hats | Price | |
---|---|---|
Various Happy Birthday Selfie Photo Booth Inflatable Frame 1ct | $ 1,99 | |
F - Bomb Hard Hat Decal | $ 7,99 | |
F - Bomb Hard Hat Decal | $ 11,99 | |
F - Bomb Hard Hat Decal | $ 16,99 |