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8 Places to Get Balloons Filled with Helium for Cheap
For cheap places to fill balloons with helium, check out dollar stores, grocery stores, and Walmart as they are great budget-friendly options.
- Written By: Jason Vitug
- Last Updated:
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Are you looking for places to get balloons filled with helium?
In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to fill helium balloons for cheap, compare pricing, and share money-saving tips to help you get the most for your budget.
Where to Fill Balloons With Helium
| # | Store | Helium Balloon Filling Cost | Helium Tank Price | Get Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dollar Tree | $1.25 per pre-filled balloon | N/A | Visit Dollar Tree |
| 2 | Michaels | $0.99–$15.99 per balloon (varies by type & size) | $39.99–$49.99 | Visit Michaels |
| 3 | Walmart | $0.75–$6 per balloon | $25–$50 | Visit Walmart |
| 4 | Kroger/Safeway | $1–$3 per balloon | N/A | Visit Kroger |
| 5 | Costco/Sam’s Club | Limited availability | $50–$100 (bulk options) | Visit Costco |
| 6 | Amazon | N/A | $30–$100 (various sizes) | Visit Amazon |
| 7 | Local Party Stores | Varies | Varies | Check locally |
Why Spend on Helium Balloons?
Balloons can make any event feel more festive, whether it’s a birthday, wedding, graduation, or baby shower.
But if you’ve ever shopped for helium-filled balloons, you know how pricey they can get. The good news? There are plenty of budget-friendly places to get balloons filled with helium without breaking the bank.
If you’ve been wondering where to get balloons blown up, you have many options. Continue reading to get the details.
Cheap Places to Get Balloons Filled with Helium
1. Dollar Stores (Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and Family Dollar)
Best for: Budget-friendly place to get balloons blown up with helium.
- Dollar Tree offers pre-filled helium balloons for just $1.25 each. However, they may not refill balloons you bring in.
- Some Dollar General and Family Dollar locations will fill balloons you bring in for a small fee.
Tip: Call your nearest location to confirm services, as helium availability varies.
2. Michaels
Best for: Large selection of balloon types and sizes.
- Party City fills balloons you bring in or balloons purchased in-store.
- Prices vary, but expect to pay around $0.99–$1.99 per latex balloon and $2.99–$15.99 for mylar balloons, depending on size.
- Bonus: If you buy balloons from Michaels, they often include free helium.
Tip: Look for online coupons before heading to Michaels.
3. Walmart
Best for: Affordable in-store balloon inflation.
- Many Walmart locations offer helium balloon services at their party or floral departments.
- Prices vary by location but range from $0.75–$1.50 per latex balloon and $2–$6 for mylar balloons.
- If you buy balloons at Walmart, they may offer free or discounted inflation.
Tip: Not all Walmart stores offer helium services, so check online or call ahead.
4. Grocery Stores (Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Albertsons, etc.)
Best for: Convenient one-stop shopping.
- Many grocery stores with floral departments fill helium balloons, especially Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons.
- Prices vary by store, but expect to pay around $1–$3 per balloon.
- Some stores provide free helium if you purchase balloons there.
Tip: Membership programs (like Kroger Plus) may offer discounts on balloon services.
5. Local Party Supply Stores
Best for: Custom balloon arrangements and bulk discounts.
- Independent party stores typically offer competitive helium pricing and may allow you to negotiate bulk discounts.
- Prices depend on balloon size and store policies.
Tip: If you need a large number of balloons, ask about bulk rates to save money.
6. Florists
Best for: Special occasion balloons.
- Many flower shops offer helium inflation services, particularly for mylar balloons.
- Prices are usually higher, but some florists provide free inflation if you buy balloons there.
Tip: Call ahead to compare prices with other local options.
7. Costco & Sam’s Club
Best for: Bulk helium balloon refills
- Some warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club sell helium tanks but don’t always offer inflation services.
- Helium tank rental may be an option, allowing you to fill multiple balloons at home.
Tip: If you need a lot of balloons, buying a small helium tank can be more cost-effective than paying per balloon.
8. Rental & Party Supply Companies
Best for: Large events needing bulk helium services.
- Many event rental companies offer helium balloon inflation.
- If you need dozens or hundreds of balloons, they may provide discounted bulk pricing.
Tip: If hosting a large party, renting a helium tank may be more affordable.
How to Save Money on Helium Balloon Inflation
- Buy Balloons Where They Offer Free Inflation – Stores like Michaels and some grocery stores will inflate balloons for free if you buy them in-store.
- Use Coupons & Loyalty Programs – Check store websites for discounts before heading out.
- Consider a Helium Tank – If you frequently need helium balloons, buying a small helium tank from Walmart, Amazon, or party stores can be more affordable.
- Opt for Air-Filled Balloons – Not all balloons need helium! Use a balloon pump for decorations that don’t need to float.
- Go to Dollar Stores for Simple Balloon Needs – Dollar Tree is the cheapest option for pre-filled helium balloons.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for cheap places to fill balloons with helium, dollar stores, grocery stores, and Walmart are great budget-friendly options. For large events, party rental services or buying a helium tank might be more cost-effective.
If you’ve been searching for places to fill balloons near me, your best bet are the dollar stores or Walmart, which may be more accessible to you.
Always call ahead to confirm services and prices, and use the money-saving tips above to get the best deal on helium balloon inflation!
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Buying a Helium Tank: A Cost-Effective Alternative
If you frequently need helium balloons, buying a helium tank may be cheaper than paying per balloon. Here’s what you need to know:
Where to Buy a Helium Tank
You can find helium tanks online or in stores at:
- Walmart – Offers small helium tanks starting at $25-$50, filling about 30-50 balloons.
- Amazon – Sells various helium tank sizes, with refillable and disposable options.
- Party City – Sells helium tanks in different sizes, with kits that include balloons.
- Costco & Sam’s Club – Occasionally carry helium tanks in bulk, but availability varies.
- Home Depot & Lowe’s – Sometimes stock small disposable helium tanks.
Pros & Cons of Buying a Helium Tank
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cost-effective for large events | Disposable tanks are not refillable |
| Convenient – fill balloons at home | Helium supply depletes over time |
| Saves multiple trips to stores | Requires storage space |
| Great for last-minute parties | Higher upfront cost |
Tip: If you need helium often, consider refillable tanks, which are available through specialty gas suppliers.
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Author Bio
Jason Vitug
Jason Vitug is the founder and CEO of phroogal. His writings explore the intersection of money, wellness, and life. Jason is a New York Times reviewed author, speaker, and world traveler, and Plutus-award winning creator. He holds an MBA from Norwich University and a BS in Finance from Rutgers University. View my favorite things→
Jason Vitug
Jason Vitug is the founder and CEO of phroogal. His writings explore the intersection of money, wellness, and life. Jason is a New York Times reviewed author, speaker, and world traveler, and Plutus-award winning creator. He holds an MBA from Norwich University and a BS in Finance from Rutgers University. View my favorite things→
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