Helium FAQs | Party City (2024)

Learn all about helium balloons and ways to keep your balloons decorations afloat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Our stores have helium and we're ready to inflate balloons for your next celebration. We have several options for filling balloons:

  • You can purchase uninflated Party City balloons online, then bring them to our store to have them inflated for a fee. (Just make your item says price includes helium and bring your receipt!)

  • You can also order inflated balloons online and pick-up in store or get them delivered straight to your door! Click here to learn more about balloon delivery.

  • You can purchase balloons from other stores and have them filled at Party City for a fee.

When you buy foil balloons from Party City, we fill them for free at the store. When you buy latex balloons from us, we can fill them in store for a small fee. You can expect the following price ranges to fill balloons with helium:

  • Foil balloons: $2.50 to $19

  • Latex balloons: $0.99 to $1.29

If you purchase your balloons from another store, your local Party City can fill those with helium, too. Helium prices can vary depending on your location, so it's a good idea to call ahead. You can expect the following price ranges for Party City to fill balloons purchased elsewhere:

  • Foil balloons: $3.30 to $19.00, depending on size.

  • Latex balloons: $1.70 to $9.00, depending on size.

Yes, you can! If you prefer to fill balloons yourself, we offer both small and large helium tanks that are perfect for parties or events. Our helium tanks are available for purchase online or via in-store pickup.

Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, but you won't find it in the air. That's because this gas is so light that it quickly rises into space. Strangely enough, the helium we find on Earth is actually trapped underground along with natural gas! Helium production is a byproduct of the natural gas industry, but there are relatively few places where helium is concentrated enough to successfully extract it. About 75 percent of the world's supply comes from just three areas – one in Texas, one in Wyoming and one in the country of Qatar.

The helium shortage was the result of multiple factors. Production plant closures, an embargo in Qatar in 2017 and a gradual sell-off of America's strategic helium reserves have all put pressure on the industry. This, combined with increasing global demand and other factors, led to some of the issues with the helium market.

While helium is abundant throughout the universe, it is a finite resource on Earth. The helium shortage of 2019 doesn't mean that we've run out, though. New sources of helium have been discovered in Africa, and companies continue to search for additional places to mine the gas. It takes time to set up a new mining operation, however, so supplies may continue to be a bit tight.

Most people know helium thanks to its use in balloons and blimps, but this gas has a wide range of applications. One of its most important uses is in the medical field—it's used to cool magnets in MRI machines and can be mixed with air to help people with breathing problems. Its use in scientific research includes cryogenics, particle accelerators and even space exploration. Helium is also used in military applications and in the manufacture of semiconductors and fiber optic cables.

While there are several types of lighter-than-air gasses, only helium is safe and cost-effective enough to be used for balloons. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to bring festive fun to your party without using helium. In addition to ideas like flags, banners, streamers, pompoms and bunting, you can also use air-filled balloons to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind displays.

8 Air-Filled Balloon Ideas

  • Helium FAQs | Party City (9)

    1. Accent Your Table With Air-Filled Balloons

    Create your own unique look for birthdays, holidays, milestone celebrations and more! Party City has balloon sticks, holders and everything you need to create beautiful centerpieces, displays and more.

    Shop Now

  • Helium FAQs | Party City (10)

    2. Make Beautiful Banners with Air-Filled Balloons

    Make a statement with air-filled balloons! Our collection of kits includes letters, numbers and complete phrases that are easy to hang, arrange and store.

    Shop Now

  • Helium FAQs | Party City (11)

    3. Create Striking Backdrops with Balloon Garlands

    Perfect for every occasion, balloon garlands can help transform any space into party central. Balloon garlands make for stunning photo backdrops or accent pieces – our How To Make a Balloon Garland video can help you get started.

    Shop Now

  • Helium FAQs | Party City (12)

    4. Create Bubbly Balloon Centerpieces for Any Occasion

    Celebrate birthdays, special occasions or new arrivals with beautiful balloon centerpieces! Combine air-filled Mylar and latex balloons for a soft, sweet look that everyone will love. We can show you how to make stacked balloon centerpieces or light up balloon centerpieces that will stun your guests!

    Shop Now

  • Helium FAQs | Party City (13)

    5. Greet Your Guests with a Balloon Arch

    These balloon decorations never go out of style! Whether it's an entryway, photo backdrop or just a way of making the snack bar stand out, a balloon arch is sure to wow your guests. Learn how to create a balloon arch with a look all its own!

    Shop Now

  • Helium FAQs | Party City (14)

    6. The Sky's the Limit with Balloon Columns

    Create a tower of colorful fun! Use our How To Make a Balloon Column tutorial and learn how to make a delightful balloon column that kids and adults are sure to love.

    Shop Now

  • Helium FAQs | Party City (15)

    7. Light Up Your Party with Illuminated Balloons

    Combine the cheerful fun of balloons with a dazzling light display! Our make for beautiful garlands, centerpieces, displays, backdrops and more. Combine the cheerful fun of balloons with a dazzling light display! Our illuminated balloons make for beautiful garlands, centerpieces, displays, backdrops and more.

    Shop Now

  • Helium FAQs | Party City (16)

    8. Delight Your Guests with Balloon Animals

    Everyone loves these colorful creations! Use our balloon animal kits to create dogs, birds, hats and other fun balloon favorites.

    Read More

Looking for even more balloon fun? We can help – check out our balloon tutorials page and discover more ways to create beautiful décor for your next celebration.

Helium FAQs | Party City (2024)

FAQs

Can I bring my own balloons to Party City for helium? ›

If you purchase your balloons from another store, your local Party City can fill those with helium, too. Helium prices can vary depending on your location, so it's a good idea to call ahead.

Can I return an unused helium tank to Party City? ›

Yes, exceptions include: Helium tanks. Custom & personalized items (US only) Partial Party Kits - Party Kit components may not be returned individually.

How much helium do I need for 100 balloons? ›

Here's the math: . 3 cu ft X 100 balloons = 30 cu ft of helium. We rent a 40 cu ft tank that would work perfectly.

Will Dollar Tree fill my balloons with helium? ›

Dollar Tree is your go-to for budget-friendly helium balloon services, offering free filling for any balloons purchased there. Specializing in foil/metallic balloons, Dollar Tree's widespread locations make it a practical choice for affordable party preparations.

What are the rules for helium balloons? ›

All components used in balloon releases must be biodegradable: Balloons must be hand tied; plastic valves should not be used. Any attached labels must be of paper, preferably recycled. 3. Only helium gas should be used to inflate the balloons: Helium is an inert lighter-than-air gas.

Can you buy helium balloons the night before a party? ›

Generally speaking, yes, your helium balloons will last overnight, but they may not last long enough to have an event the next day. This is true for latex balloons, but the foil balloons will definitely last for a few days.

What store will fill my balloons with helium? ›

A: Publix, Winn-Dixie, etc. pretty much any store that inflates balloons will do it for you for a fee.

Will Walmart take back empty helium tanks? ›

If the tank is no longer needed, take it back where you got it. Many Walgreens, Walmart, and Ace Hardware locations offer trade-in or disposal/recycling programs.

What can you do with empty helium canisters? ›

What do I do with the empty disposable helium cylinder ? Balloon Time tanks are fully recyclable. After removing the easy-fill nozzle from the empty cylinder, take the tank to your local council recycling centre or place with your household recycling.

Is it cheaper to buy helium tank? ›

The cost-effectiveness between buying a helium tank or having balloons filled at a store largely depends on the quantity you need. For larger events or frequent balloon needs, purchasing a tank may offer better value as it provides the flexibility of filling balloons at your convenience.

Why is helium so expensive? ›

Helium is getting expensive because it is a finite resource underneath the earth's crust. Some scientists say the gas could run out as early as in 25 years' time.

Can you overfill helium balloons? ›

If you put too much helium in a balloon, what would happen? Would it pop or float away? - Quora. It would leak out or pop the balloon. As a balloon rises, the helium expands because air pressure is lower at higher altitudes.

Can I bring balloons to Party City for helium? ›

Simply take the balloon and your receipt to local Party City for a helium fill at no extra charge. Even better, you can purchase balloons online and choose the option of picking them up at a store near you, already inflated. How Much Does It Cost to Get Balloons Filled with Helium?

Will Walmart fill balloons with helium? ›

Does Walmart inflate balloons with helium? They will if you buy the balloons from them. Otherwise we sell small helium tanks in party supplies and you can inflate them yourself.

Can I bring my own balloons to get helium card factory? ›

We are able to inflate balloons purchased from an alternate retailer, but we will apply a charge to the inflation as listed below: Latex Inflation Charge £1.49 - €2.25. Inflation charge 34” Numerals £2.99 - €4.50.

Can you take your own balloons to be filled with helium at Card Factory? ›

We are able to inflate balloons purchased from an alternate retailer, but we will apply a charge per balloon to the inflation as listed below: Latex Inflation Charge £1.49 - €2.25. Inflation charge 34” Numerals £2.99 - €4.50. Inflation charge 31” letters £2.99 - €4.50.

Can you use any balloons for helium? ›

Most balloons can be filled with helium or air, simply check the instructions provided or on the product page for details. Some balloons can only be filled with air due to their size (like mini latex and foil balloons), and some balloons are not designed for helium (like balloon garlands).

Why are helium balloons not allowed? ›

Balloons that are filled with helium – which is a finite and rapidly diminishing resource – can travel hundreds, even thousands of miles. When they land, they may slowly degrade – or not degrade at all – as litter on beaches, in rivers, lakes and other natural areas.

What can I use instead of helium for party balloons? ›

Although both gases have lightweight natures, hydrogen offers many benefits over helium. Hydrogen is better if you require a more substantial lift for your balloons as it is lighter than helium. It is also much easier to make than helium, making it the cheaper solution to your balloon needs.

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