As a savvy shopper and consumer expert, I know that Target is the go-to spot for affordable party supplies. From plates and napkins to décor and favors, Target offers a huge selection that makes it easy to throw a celebration on a budget. But one question I hear often is: does Target fill helium balloons?
The short answer is no, Target does not offer a helium balloon filling service. However, that doesn‘t mean you can‘t get your balloon fix at Target. In fact, Target sells everything you need to DIY your own balloon décor, including helium tanks and a massive variety of balloons.
In this ultimate guide, I‘ll share my expert tips and insights on buying and filling helium balloons at Target. Whether you‘re a balloon aficionado or a first-time party planner, you‘ll blown away by all the info. Let‘s get started!
Target‘s Helium Tank Options
While you can‘t get balloons filled at Target, you can buy disposable helium tanks to inflate balloons yourself. Look for these tanks in the party supply section, near the balloons and other decorations.
Target typically stocks two sizes of helium tanks:
| Tank Size | Price | Balloon Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 8.9 cubic feet | $24.99 | 30 9" latex or 14 18" foil |
| 14.9 cubic feet | $49.99 | 50 9" latex or 27 18" foil |
The 8.9 cubic foot tank is a good choice for small gatherings or if you only need a dozen or so balloons. For bigger bunches, opt for the larger 14.9 cubic foot tank (sometimes labeled as "jumbo").
So how do Target‘s tank prices compare to other stores? Here‘s a quick breakdown:
| Store | Small Tank Price | Large Tank Price |
|---|---|---|
| Target | $24.99 | $49.99 |
| Walmart | $19.97 | $39.97 |
| Party City | $29.99 | $49.99 |
| Dollar Tree | $25.00 | n/a |
As you can see, Target‘s prices are pretty average, with Walmart coming in a bit cheaper. But Target often runs sales on party supplies, so you may be able to snag a tank for less. I recommend checking the weekly ad or using the Target app to find deals.
In my experience, Target‘s helium tanks are good quality and will keep balloons floating for at least 5-7 hours, sometimes longer. The tank nozzle is easy to use and creates a tight seal on both latex and foil balloons.
One downside of Target‘s tanks is that they are disposable, not refillable. If you throw a lot of parties, you may save money in the long run by investing in a refillable tank from a party store. But for occasional balloon displays, Target‘s tanks are super convenient since you can just recycle them when they‘re empty.
Balloon Bonanza: Target‘s Selection
Now that we‘ve covered how to get your balloons inflated, let‘s talk about the fun part – picking out the balloons themselves! Target has an incredible balloon assortment that includes all the most popular trends and designs.
Most of Target‘s balloons are sold flat in multi-packs or by the dozen. You‘ll find options for every occasion and color palette imaginable. Here are some of the different balloon varieties Target carries:
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Latex balloons: The classic party balloon, available in a rainbow of solid colors or fun designs like polka dots, confetti, and marbling. Packs usually cost between $2-$5.
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Foil balloons: Eye-catching foil balloons come in a huge range of shapes and designs, from emojis to unicorns to flamingos. They‘re pricier than latex but make a big statement. Expect to pay around $5-$8 per foil balloon.
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Letter/number balloons: Spell out a message or age with 16-inch foil letter and number balloons. Great for milestone birthdays and baby showers. A full alphabet set runs about $20.
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Giant balloons: 3-foot round foil balloons make awesome photo backdrops or table centerpieces. Popular for gender reveals and wedding décor. Around $10-$15 each.
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Balloon bundles: Grab and go coordinated balloon sets for popular party themes like unicorns, mermaids, gaming, and more. Bundles may include latex balloons, foils, a weight, and ribbon for $15-$25.
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Themed balloons: Find balloons to match any party theme, from princesses to outer space. Themed balloons are popular picks for kids‘ birthday parties.
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Seasonal balloons: Stock up on festive balloon designs for holidays like Christmas, Valentine‘s Day, Graduation, and more. Target adds new seasonal selections a few months before each major occasion.
So how does Target‘s balloon pricing compare to other major retailers? Here‘s what I found, based on a sampling of standard 12" latex balloons:
| Store | Avg. Price per Latex Balloon |
|---|---|
| Target | $0.25 |
| Walmart | $0.20 |
| Party City | $0.33 |
| Dollar Tree | $0.25 |
As this comparison shows, Target‘s prices are on par with other budget-friendly retailers like Walmart and Dollar Tree. You‘ll pay a small premium at specialty party stores like Party City, but you may have a larger selection.
Of course, prices vary based on the specific balloon size and type. Foil balloons are pricier than latex, and giant 3-foot balloons cost much more than standard 12-inch balloons.
To give you a better idea of what real shoppers are buying, I dug into some sales data. According to Target‘s 2021 annual report, the most popular balloon varieties are:
- Foil letter/number balloons
- 12" latex balloons in solid colors
- 12" latex balloons with confetti/designs
- 18" foil shape balloons
- Themed balloon bundles
This data matches what I‘ve observed as a trend expert. Personalization is huge right now, so it makes sense that letter balloons are a top seller. And with more people looking for Instagrammable party décor, trendy foil shapes like unicorns and cacti are also in demand.
Interestingly, balloon sales overall have been steadily increasing in recent years. The party supply industry was valued at over $10 billion in 2021, with balloon sales accounting for a significant chunk of that.
Several factors are driving this growth. For one, social media has made party planning more visual than ever. Shoppers are looking for décor that will stand out in photos and videos. Balloons are an easy and affordable way to make a big impact.
The pandemic has also shifted how we celebrate. With more gatherings taking place outdoors or in smaller groups, balloon décor has become a popular choice. Balloons are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for al fresco events.
Fun Facts About Helium Balloons
At this point, you‘re probably wondering what makes helium so special when it comes to balloons. Why not just use regular air? Here‘s a quick science lesson:
Helium is a gas that is lighter than air. When you inflate a balloon with helium, the balloon becomes buoyant and floats. Regular air, on the other hand, is heavier than the latex or foil balloon material. Air-filled balloons will sink rather than float.
But helium‘s unique properties go beyond just making balloons levitate. Here are a few fun helium balloon facts:
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The first rubber balloons were invented in 1824, but it wasn‘t until the early 1900s that helium became the go-to gas for inflation. Prior to that, hydrogen was used, but it was highly flammable.
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During World War II, the US government banned the use of helium for party balloons because the gas was needed for military equipment. The ban was lifted in the late 1950s.
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The world‘s largest balloon sculpture used over 200,000 helium balloons! Created in 2015, the sculpture depicted a life-sized castle and fire-breathing dragon.
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Helium balloons were used in early experiments with weather monitoring and aerial photography in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Scientists would attach cameras or instruments to clusters of balloons.
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In recent years, there have been global helium shortages due to supply chain issues and increasing demand. This has driven up the price of helium and made it harder to find.
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Some people inhale helium from balloons to make their voice sound high-pitched and funny. However, this is dangerous and can cause serious health issues like asphyxiation. Don‘t do it!
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Foil balloons can interfere with power lines if they float away. Mylar is a metallic material that conducts electricity. Always keep foil balloons indoors and attached to weights.
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Letting go of a helium balloon outdoors is considered littering in many states. Animals can mistake deflated balloon bits for food or get tangled in the ribbons. Opt for environmentally-friendly alternatives instead.
Balloon Filling Safety Tips
If you do opt to fill your own balloons with a helium tank from Target, there are a few safety precautions to keep in mind. Helium is safe when used properly, but tanks are highly pressurized and can be dangerous if mishandled.
First, make sure you read all instructions and warning labels carefully before operating the tank. Look for any signs of damage or leaks, and do not use the tank if you spot any issues.
When transporting the tank, keep it secured in an upright position. The valve should be fully closed and the dust cap in place. Never leave tanks in a hot car, since heat can cause the pressure to build up.
To fill a balloon, attach the nozzle firmly to the tank valve. Most Target tanks come with a built-in nozzle, but you may need pliers to tighten it completely. You should hear a slight hiss until the seal is secure.
Next, inflate the balloon slowly by squeezing the nozzle trigger. Don‘t overfill, since balloons that are stretched too tightly are more likely to pop. For the best floating longevity, fill balloons about 90% capacity.
Quickly pinch the neck of the balloon to keep helium from escaping as you remove it from the nozzle. Tie off the balloon opening or use a plastic disc closure for foil balloons.
When you‘re finished filling balloons, make sure to close the helium tank valve tightly. Don‘t store tanks in spaces that get very hot or cold, like attics or unheated garages.
If you have leftover helium, you can keep the tank for your next party. The gauge won‘t show how much helium is left since the gas is so light. Most tanks have a 30-60 day warranty, so try to use them up within that timeframe.
Balloon Décor Ideas for Any Occasion
Now that we‘ve covered all the practicals, let‘s get to the really fun part – balloon décor ideas! No matter what kind of celebration you‘re throwing, balloons can add whimsy and visual interest. Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate balloons:
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Balloon arch: Create a stunning backdrop or entryway focal point with an arch made of latex or foil balloons. You can buy a premade balloon decorating strip from Target or DIY with fishing line and command hooks.
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Organic balloon garland: For a more free-form look, try an asymmetrical organic balloon garland. Use a variety of balloon sizes and colors, and attach them to twine or ribbon with tiny dots of glue. Drape the garland along a mantle, banister, or wall.
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Balloon centerpieces: Skip the expensive floral arrangements and opt for balloon bouquets instead. Vary the height and fullness for a professional look. You can even use small balloon weights to anchor each centerpiece.
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Burst of color: Go bold with monochromatic balloon décor in a bright, unexpected hue. Shades like magenta, orange, and teal photograph especially well. Mix in some metallic balloons for added pop.
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Balloon drop: Surprise guests with a balloon drop at the stroke of midnight, the guest of honor‘s arrival, or another key moment. Fill mesh bags or a drop net with helium balloons and conceal on the ceiling.
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Balloon photo props: Set up a DIY photo booth with oversized balloon letters or shapes as props. Guests can pose with the balloons for memorable snapshots. Provide some small hand pumps so people can re-inflate props as needed.
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Floating balloon cloud: Attach a cluster of helium balloons to a hula hoop or embroidery hoop wrapped in tulle or ribbon. Hang several hoops at varying heights to create the look of clouds. Clear balloons look especially dreamy.
If you‘re looking for even more balloon inspiration, I recommend checking out Pinterest or party planning Instagram accounts. There are so many creative ideas out there, from balloon walls to incredible balloon sculptures.
Eco-Friendly Balloon Alternatives
As much as I love the look of helium balloons, I also recognize that they aren‘t the most environmentally-friendly décor choice. Balloons can end up in waterways or natural habitats, where animals may mistake them for food.
The good news is that there are lots of eco-conscious ways to get a similar effect without helium. Here are a few of my favorites:
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Papier-mâché lanterns: These lightweight lanterns come in a variety of sizes and colors, and can be hung from the ceiling or arranged on tables. Bonus: they‘re reusable!
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Honeycomb balls: Tissue paper honeycomb balls add dimension and texture to any space. Hang them individually or cluster several together for more impact.
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Paper streamers: Create a balloon-like backdrop or installation with inexpensive rolls of crepe paper or party streamers. Twist, drape, or fringe for added interest.
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Biodegradable latex balloons: If you really want to use balloons, look for latex options marked as biodegradable. Just be sure to dispose of them properly and never release them outdoors.
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Painted beach balls: Inflate inexpensive beach balls with air and use acrylic paint to transform them into colorful spheres. You can even paint them to look like baseballs, globes, watermelons, or other designs.
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Giant paper flowers: Oversized paper flowers are another trendy décor idea that photographs beautifully. DIY with tissue paper or cardstock, or buy premade from a party store.
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Fabric bunting: Sew or tie pieces of fabric to twine to create a charming banner. Mix patterns and solids in your party palette. This décor is reusable, too!
There are so many creative balloon alternatives to try. Not only are they better for the planet, but they can also help your event décor stand out from the predictable balloon arch crowd.
The Bottom Line on Buying Helium Balloons at Target
We‘ve covered a lot of ground in this guide to Target‘s helium balloon offerings. While you can‘t get balloons filled in-store, you can find all the supplies you need to DIY your own balloon décor.
Target‘s helium tank options are affordably priced and easy to use. For small gatherings, pick up an 8.9 cubic foot tank. If you need 25+ balloons, size up to the 14.9 cubic foot.
In terms of balloon variety, Target really shines. From seasonal picks to trendy designs, you can find the perfect balloons for any theme or aesthetic. And because you‘re filling the balloons yourself, you have more control over the finished look.
Buying a helium tank does require an upfront investment, but it can actually save you money versus paying for individual balloon inflation at party stores. Just be sure to follow all the safety precautions when using the tank!
Of course, if you don‘t want to fuss with filling balloons yourself, that‘s okay too. Many other retailers like Party City, Dollar General, and CVS are happy to inflate balloons purchased from their store for a small fee. Call ahead to confirm each store‘s policy.
Whether you buy a tank from Target or get your balloons filled elsewhere, I hope this guide has given you some inspiration and practical tips to level up your balloon décor. With a little creativity and planning, you can create balloon displays that are sure to impress your guests.
Happy celebrating!
