Does Walmart Blow Up Balloons in 2023? A Balloon Seller‘s Guide on Where to Get Balloons Filled for Your Party
Balloons are a must-have for any party or celebration! According to the Party Supplies Industry Analysis, over $735 million is spent on balloons for decorations and gifts each year in the U.S. alone.
But where can you get balloons blown up and filled with helium or air for your special event on a budget? In this detailed guide, I‘ll share insider tips on buying and inflating balloons from Walmart, grocery stores, party supply shops, and more as an experienced online seller.
Overview: Does Walmart Offer Balloon Blowing Services In-Store?
The short answer—it depends! Only certain Walmart locations provide balloon inflation services in-store.
I recommend calling your local Walmart ahead of time to ask if they can blow up balloons for you. Don‘t assume they offer this service just because you bought balloons there.
If your store does fill balloons, they‘ll inflate any latex, mylar, foil or shaped balloons purchased at Walmart. But they won‘t blow up balloons bought from other retailers.
What Types of Balloons Does Walmart Sell?
Walmart sells a huge variety of balloon styles and colors both in stores and online:
Latex – These classic rubber balloons are the most affordable option. Walmart carries latex balloons in tons of colors, sizes, and packs.
Mylar or Foil – These metallic balloons hold helium better for longer-lasting fun. Walmart has solid colors and many foil balloons with cute designs.
Shaped – You can get numbers, hearts, stars, honeycomb clusters, and more. Great for kids‘ parties or themed events.
Weights & Accessories – Walmart sells ribbon, curling ribbons, and plastic balloon weights.
Here are some of my top picks for stylish and affordable Walmart balloons:
- Honeycomb Balloon Clusters – 100 Count for $13.98
- Happy Birthday Printed Mylar Balloons – 10 Count for $12.98
- Pearlized Assorted Latex Balloons – 100 Count for $5.98
- Rose Gold Foil Balloon Set – 6 Count for $12.57
- Sea Animal Latex Balloons – 24 Count for $10
How Much Does Walmart Charge for Balloon Inflation?
Walmart typically charges around $0.25 per latex balloon for blowing up in-store. The pricing for mylar, foil, jumbo, and shaped balloons may vary but expect to pay a little more per balloon.
I suggest calling your local store directly to get current pricing for the types and sizes of balloons you need. Their fees can range from $0.20 to $0.30 based on location.
Walmart Helium Tank Options for DIY Filling
If your Walmart doesn‘t offer balloon inflation services, I recommend buying one of their affordable helium tanks for easy DIY filling at home!
Walmart sells their own Balloon Time brand helium tanks in a variety of sizes both in stores and online. Here are the most popular options:
| Tank Size | Est. Balloons Filled | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 14.9 cu ft | 50 latex balloons | $23.88 |
| 33.5 cu ft | 100 latex balloons | $39.98 |
| 68.9 cu ft | 200 latex balloons | $54.99 |
The 14.9 cubic foot tank is the best value for most family celebrations. And it comes with a handy fill nozzle for quick inflation.
You can also find Balloon Time deluxe kits that include a helium tank, latex balloons, ribbons, and balloon weights for easy decoration. These start at $34.98.
Pro Tip: Buy extra balloons since some may pop or deflate faster than others!
Get Balloons Filled at Other Retailers
If heading to Walmart isn‘t convenient, many other retailers offer affordable balloon inflation services:
Grocery Stores – Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, Randalls, etc. Often only $0.50 – $1 per balloon.
Dollar Stores – Dollar Tree, 99 Cents Only, and Dollar General charge under $1.25 per balloon typically.
Party Supply Stores – Party City, Party America, and local shops offer helium filling while you wait.
Clubs – Sam‘s Club and Costco members can get balloons filled cost-effectively.
Florists – Many florists provide custom balloon designs, arches, and will inflate them for you.
Balloon Specialty Shops – Search for local professional balloon decorators in your area.
Here is a general price comparison of what major retailers charge for balloon inflation:
| Store | Average Price Per Latex Balloon |
|---|---|
| Walmart | $0.25 |
| Dollar Tree | $1.00 |
| Kroger | $0.75 |
| Safeway | $0.50 |
| Party City | $1.25 |
| Balloon Shops | $3.00+ |
Party supply shops usually offer the widest selection of balloon sizes, colors, and designs. But expect to pay a premium.
Save Money on Bulk Balloons for Large Events
For big parties, celebrations, and events, you may need 100+ balloons. Here are my top tips for getting bulk balloons on a budget:
Buy plain latex balloons in value packs from Walmart or wholesale retailers like Sam‘s Club, Costco, or Smart & Final.
Shop online stores like Amazon, Balloon Kings, and Anagram for cheap bulk latex balloons with discounted shipping.
Order custom printed latex balloons from overseas wholesalers on Alibaba.com and save up to 65%.
Ask local party rental companies if they offer discounts on large balloon orders. Some will give price breaks at 500+ balloons.
Reusable balloons like TufTex can be more economical for repeat events rather than disposable latex.
Make DIY balloon bouquets using curling ribbon to arrange balloons in clusters. It multiplies the visual impact affordably.
Balloon Inflation: Helium vs. Air
Helium gives balloons that fun floating effect. But due to global helium shortages and rising prices, air-filled balloons are a more budget and earth-friendly option now.
Latex and foil balloons can be filled with regular air from a small hand pump or air compressor. Air-filled balloons won‘t float but stay in place for decorating.
If you need helium, look for retailers that offer tank exchanges to refill versus buying new disposable tanks each time. Refilling is more sustainable and cost-effective.
Order Pre-Inflated Balloons for Delivery
Want balloons without the hassle of inflation? Many online stores ship balloons pre-filled with helium:
Walmart offers NextDay delivery of inflated balloon bouquets and centerpieces in some areas.
1-800-Flowers, FromYouFlowers, Bouqs and other sites deliver ready-to-enjoy arrangements.
Amazon Prime ships certain foil balloons inflated in gift boxes. Search "Ready to Inflate."
Etsy sellers create gorgeous custom balloon wreaths and structures prepared to inflate upon arrival.
Keep in mind balloons may slowly deflate during transit. Allow extra time for delivery so they are perfect on your event day.
Reuse and Repurpose Party Balloons
Each year over 18 billion balloons end up in landfills globally. But there are many creative ways to reuse party balloons and reduce waste!
Make balloon animals, hats, and swords for kids to play with.
Cut large balloons into long strips and braid into colorful garlands.
Stuff deflated balloons into bean bags or DIY stress balls.
Upcycle balloons into scrapbook decorations or bold temporary wallpaper.
Cut off ribbons and reuse Mylar balloon shapes as ornaments or gift toppers.
With some imagination, you can get extra mileage from your party balloons and keep them out of oceans and landfills.
Key Takeaways: Get Affordable Balloons Filled for Your Event
Call ahead to check if your local Walmart offers in-store balloon inflation services.
Walmart fills latex balloons for around 25¢ each. Mylar and foil balloons cost a little more.
Buy a Balloon Time helium tank at Walmart for DIY filling at home if needed.
Dollar stores, grocery stores, party shops offer cheap helium filling alternatives.
Save on bulk balloons by shopping wholesale, buying plain latex packs, or ordering custom prints.
Consider environmentally-friendly air-filled or reusable balloons to save money.
Order inflated bouquets online for fast delivery without the hassle.
Reuse and repurpose party balloons to reduce waste.
With proper planning, you can get hundreds of gorgeous, affordable balloons filled for your special event, whether you utilize Walmart or shop around at other retailers. Let me know if you have any other balloon inflation questions!
