Balloons are the quintessential party decoration, adding whimsy and festivity to any celebration. And helium-filled balloons, with their ability to float and bounce, are a must-have for many people. If you‘re looking to pick up some helium balloons for your next event, your local CVS store is a convenient place to shop.
But does CVS actually fill helium balloons in-store? How much does it cost, and what are your options? I‘ve done the research and am happy to share everything you need to know about getting your balloons blown up at CVS or elsewhere. Let‘s dive in!
What Types of Helium Balloons Does CVS Sell?
Most CVS stores stock a colorful assortment of helium-fillable balloons for every occasion. You‘ll typically find three main types:
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Latex balloons – These classic rubber balloons come in solid colors and range in size from 9 to 12 inches. CVS sells individual latex balloons as well as multipacks with up to 24 balloons. Prices for latex balloons start at around $2 each or $5-$10 for packs.
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Mylar/foil balloons – Made of a metallic material, these balloons often feature popular characters, phrases and designs for birthdays, graduations, holidays and more. Mylar balloons range from 18 to 32 inches and are sold individually at CVS, typically for $3-7 each.
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Shaped foil balloons – From numbers and letters to stars and hearts, CVS carries foil balloons in a variety of fun shapes. These specialty balloons are usually a bit pricier, around $8-15 each.
CVS also sells small balloon bouquet weights and ribbon for assembling your balloons. You can sometimes find pre-made balloon bouquets in-store as well, though selection varies by location.
How to Get Balloons Filled at CVS
The good news is, most CVS locations will fill the helium balloons they sell free of charge after purchase. Simply take your chosen balloons to the register, pay, and a staff member will inflate them for you before you leave. It‘s a convenient, complimentary service that comes in handy when you‘re in a pinch.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when getting your balloons filled at CVS:
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Not all CVS stores have the equipment to fill balloons on-site. It‘s a good idea to call your local store first to confirm they offer this service before making a special trip.
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If you bought your balloons elsewhere, CVS typically won‘t fill them. The free fill service is reserved for balloons purchased in-store.
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Some CVS locations may charge a small fee (usually $1-5) to fill balloons, even if you bought them there. This isn‘t a company-wide policy, but it can vary by store based on factors like helium costs. Again, it‘s best to check with your local CVS for their specific policies.
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Don‘t expect to be able to buy a helium tank at CVS to fill up balloons yourself. The chain doesn‘t sell these tanks in-store or online.
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Filled balloons are difficult to transport and usually won‘t last more than 12-24 hours before deflating. If you‘re buying helium balloons for an event, plan to pick them up and have them filled the same day you need them.
Where Else Can You Get Helium Balloons Filled?
If your CVS doesn‘t fill balloons or you‘re looking for more options, there are a number of other national retailers that offer affordable helium fills:
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Dollar Tree – This budget chain fills any latex or foil balloon for just $1, regardless of whether it was purchased in-store. You can also buy packs of pre-filled latex balloons for a dollar. Selection is limited compared to party stores but you can‘t beat the price!
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Party City – As the largest party retailer in the US, Party City has an extensive collection of balloons and does both while-you-wait and advance order filling. Fill prices start at $0.99 for latex and $1.99 for foil. Purchasing pre-filled balloons and large orders may cost $15 or more.
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Walmart – Many Walmart locations have a party section where you can get latex balloons filled for around $0.25 each and foil balloons for $1-3. You can also order helium balloons online and pick them up already filled in-store.
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Kroger, Publix and other grocery stores – Lots of supermarkets fill helium balloons at the floral or customer service counter. Prices are usually $1-3 for latex and $5 or more for foil. Like CVS, most will only fill balloons purchased in-store.
Local independent party supply stores, dollar stores, flower shops and even some restaurants like Chuck E Cheese are also worth checking for balloon filling services. And if you throw a lot of parties or events, you may want to consider buying a disposable helium tank from a party store to fill balloons yourself. Small tanks start at around $50 and can fill 30 or more balloons.
Are There Ordering Helium Balloons Online?
If you‘re short on time or don‘t have a CVS or other store nearby that fills balloons, ordering online can be a convenient alternative. Many retailers sell already-filled helium balloon bouquets that are shipped directly to you or your recipient.
For example, on Amazon you can find dozens of premade helium balloon bunches for delivery, like this 16-piece multi-color latex set or these shimmery letter and number foil balloons.
Prices for balloon delivery tend to be higher to account for expedited shipping and guaranteed inflation times. Expect to pay at least $20-30 for modest balloon bouquets and up to $75 or more for large, elaborate arrangements with specialty foil balloons.
The Ongoing Helium Shortage
You may have noticed over the past few years that some stores have stopped filling helium balloons altogether, or have signs posted about limited helium availability. This is due to a global helium shortage that has significantly driven up the price of this non-renewable resource.
Helium is used in a number of important medical and industrial capacities, such as MRI machines and semiconductor manufacturing. Balloon inflation is one of the least essential commercial uses of helium, so many retailers are cutting back on offering this service.
As helium costs continue to rise, it‘s likely that more and more stores will either stop filling balloons or start charging higher fees. If you‘re planning an event that relies on helium balloons, be sure to call around and secure a filling source well in advance. And if you‘re open to non-floating balloon decor, consider using air-filled balloons as a more sustainable, budget-friendly option.
Helium Balloon Decoration Ideas
Now that you know where to get your balloons filled, here are some festive ways to incorporate them into your party decor:
- Create an arch or garland with alternating latex and foil balloons in coordinating colors
- Make DIY balloon wands by attaching long ribbon tails to the end of foil balloons
- Cluster 3-5 helium balloons and a weight in the center of each table as a centerpiece
- Spell out a name or message with large foil letter balloons
- Tie mini foil balloons to favor bags or place settings for a special touch
With a little creativity and a full tank of helium, the party decoration possibilities are endless! I hope this guide has been helpful as you plan your next celebration. For more information on CVS‘s party supplies and services, visit your local store or check out their website at CVS.com.
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