Helium balloons are a lot of fun – more fun than balloons filled with air (these do not float). For many parties and events, Helium balloons are a must. But where can you buy them?
Do grocery stores sell Helium Balloons?
Grocery stores do not typically sell helium balloons, however, some grocery stores will have a helium tank. If that’s the case, you can get all the supplies you need to fill balloons with helium or have them filled for a small fee.
This article will give you useful advice to find out where to buy balloons and the equipment you need to inflate helium balloons. I will also tell you where you can take balloons to fill them with Helium.
Why Do Grocery Stores Not Sell Helium Balloons?
Imagine a grocery store with an aisle in which Helium balloons are displayed. Then imagine a few mischievous children or teenagers going through that aisle. Likely, Helium balloons would not survive a full day in a grocery store.
Another reason for grocery stores not selling filled Helium balloons is that they will eventually inflate if nobody buys them soon enough.
It would be too much work to have someone fill Helium balloons that nobody might buy.
This is why you are more likely to find supplies like balloons, balloon pumps, and Helium tanks in grocery stores with a dedicated party aisle. You can then use these supplies to inflate the balloons yourself.
Where Do I Find Helium Balloons In Grocery Stores?
While grocery stores do not sell inflated Helium balloons, many sell the necessary things you need to fill your balloons.
These supplies (balloons in all shapes and colors), and Helium tanks, are usually found in the party supply aisle.
Some grocery stores also offer a balloon inflation service. You can even let them fill balloons you have bought from another store.
Does Walmart Sell Helium Balloons?
Like grocery stores, most Walmart stores will only sell the necessary supplies.
You can buy a selection of fun balloons in Walmart stores. Then you can either buy a Helium tank to inflate balloons when you need them, or you can get them inflated by a Walmart store (not all offer the service, but the big Walmart’s will usually inflate Helium balloons).
Where Else Can I Buy Helium Balloons?
You can also buy helium balloons or balloons and the necessary tools to fill them in specialized party supply stores. These will also fill balloons with Helium. Some offer a free service if you buy everything at their store, while others will charge a small fee.
Online shopping is the most convenient method to get all you need.
A good-quality Helium tank will fill 30 to 50 balloons for you, depending on the balloons’ size.
Once you have a tank, you can find a lovely selection of balloons online. I particularly like the balloons with LED lights that create a really special atmosphere when they float around a place.
A good value pack of colorful balloons (200 pieces) will also look great once filled with Helium. Just be aware that one Helium tank is insufficient to fill 200 balloons.
Helium Balloons Related Questions
When Should I Fill Helium Balloons?
It depends on what kind of balloon you are using. If you use ordinary latex balloons, do not fill them the night before. They do not stay inflated that long. The optimal time to inflate latex balloons with Helium is 1-2 hours before you need them.
It is a different story for foil balloons. You can fill them a day before your event, and they will still be fine.
How Long Do Helium Balloons Stay Inflated?
Latex balloons filled with Helium generally stay in their best shape for six to eight hours. So don’t be disappointed when they don’t last more than a day.
If you want Helium balloons that last a few days, you need to buy foil balloons (like this fun dinosaur foil balloon set, which is great for kids’ parties).
Are Helium Balloons Reusable?
It depends. Most ordinary balloons are good for one use only, but you can reuse foil balloons with self-sealing valves a few times if you handle them carefully.
Some companies sell reusable Helium balloons, but these are often targeted at businesses that use them for advertising.
Are Helium Balloons Dangerous?
Helium makes you sound funny when you inhale it. So for many people, it’s a bit of a party trick – but it is not good for you. What’s the problem? The fact that Helium replaces oxygen – because when you inhale Helium, Helium is all your body gets. But what your body needs is oxygen.
The short of it: Helium balloons are safe as long as you ensure you do not inhale the Helium. While inhaling a little Helium is unlikely to kill you, it can cause dizziness or can have more severe consequences for more vulnerable people.
As much fun as it may be: Do not let children inhale Helium. And even adults should not do it.
Final Thoughts
Helium balloons can be a lot of fun or create a magical atmosphere (try using LED Helium balloons at night), but you are unlikely to find ready-to-go Helium balloons in a grocery store.
Your best option is to buy balloons and have a store fill them for you, or buy a Helium tank and fill them 1-2 hours before you need them. Filling balloons with Helium yourself will also limit the risk of damaging the filled balloons during transport.
Generally, grocery stores will not sell filled Helium Balloons. You might come across the odd grocery store with a small display of Helium Balloons for sale, but these are rare. Usually, these filled Helium Balloons are for display purposes only.
