So if you are throwing a party, you should get some helium balloons for fun! But where can you go and get them filled? Does Walgreens fill helium balloons? You’ll get all the details here as I share my experience of getting balloons for my sister’s birthday from Walgreens. I must tell you: Walgreens can make any event more memorable, whether you need to buy flowers for the decorations or have to choose a gift for your loved one!
Walgreen does not offer helium balloon-filling services. However, it provides helium balloons that are already filled. In addition to balloons, Walgreens is well-known for its party supply collection. Helium balloon filling prices might vary as per the retailer or the supplier. The average helium balloon lifespan can range from 5-7 hours to a couple of days before they start gradually losing gas.
Can I Get Balloons Filled With Helium at Walgreens?
Sadly, Walgreens doesn’t offer helium balloon inflation services.
Despite having a fantastic range of balloons, they have no helium ones. But there’s no reason to be worried! You can buy balloons at Walgreens, but you must find another place to fill them with helium.
Can I buy Helium Balloons At Walgreens?
You can get an extensive range of uninflated balloons at Walgreens, which can be filled with helium later.
Usually, you will find these balloons in a section with party supplies or decor. Although some shops sell pre-inflated helium balloons for special occasions, their availability may vary in different regions.
Walgreens sells helium balloons as part of its brand that is manufactured exclusively for helium filling for those looking for the safest option. These balloons are unlikely to burst, giving you the ease of mind while partying.
Previously, some Walgreens locations had helium tanks in the party section, letting customers fill up their balloons. However, these tanks are now no longer found in many stores.
Party Supplies That Walgreens Sells
Walgreens is a popular option if you are looking for a fast yet affordably loading up on party supplies. It provides an array of supplies for your event, such as:
- Balloons
- Flowers
- Snacks and food
- Disposable plates, cutlery, and Cups
- Greeting cards
- gift bags, Gift wrap, and gift boxes
- Holiday decorations
- Candles
Walgreens has got the supplies you need for hosting a budget-friendly party. However, you’ll need to look elsewhere if you’re mainly looking for your helium-filled balloons.
Types of Balloons That You Can Buy At Walgreens
There are two types of balloons that you will find in most American stores, latex and mylar balloons. Each kind has its unique features.
Latex Balloons: The usual or standard balloon is one made from latex. They usually take on a nearly spherical shape when blown. These balloons are in various colors and sizes, with 12 to 18 inches diameters. The 12-inch latex balloons from Walgreens arrive in an array of shades that encompass the entire rainbow.
Mylar balloons: They are uncommon. These balloons come in various forms and sizes, ranging from vegetables and fruits to cartoon figures. Mylar balloon material usually looks sparkly but can also have a textured look.
Mylar and Latex balloons are available at Party City and Party Depot stores. However, you will only find the latex version at Walgreens mostly.
List of Stores That Blow Up Balloons
Some stores offer plenty of options since Walgreens does not provide inflation services for your balloons. The stores listed below give services for balloon inflation. Moreover, I have mentioned the cost you must pay at some stores.
- Albertsons: You must pay approximately $6 for 18-inch Mylar balloons and $1.99 for each latex balloon.
- 99 Cents Only Stores: You must pay $0.99 for each Mylar or latex balloon.
- Party Depot: You must pay $0.75 for each latex balloon, $4 for a 36-inch Mylar balloon and $0.90 for each 18-inch Mylar balloon.
- Zurchers: As per the size of the balloon, pricing will range from $0.85 to $12.
- Publix: $1 per latex balloon, and prices start from $1.50 for Mylar balloons.
- Party City: $0.99 for each latex balloon, and the price will range between $2.99 and $7.99 for Mylar balloons.
- Dollar Tree: Whether it is Mylar or latex, it will cost you $1 per balloon.
- Smith’s: $1 per balloon, whether latex or Mylar.
- Ralphs: Prices will start from $3.99 for Mylar balloons and $0.99 for each latex balloon.
Some of the other stores offering the same services are:
- Kroger
- CVS
- For You Flowers
- Wally’s Party Factory
- Walmart
Remember to learn about balloon inflating services’ availability and present rates at your retailer.
Some of these stores, including Walmart, Dollar Tree, and 99 Cents, permit you to inflate the balloons you purchased. However, all these shops provide balloon inflation services.
For a bit of cost, most specialty party stores, minor independent stores, and larger chains will usually fill helium balloons.
In addition, it’s worth making a trip to or calling to ask about their services, as dollar stores and pharmacies usually give balloon inflation upon request.
How Much Will It Cost To Fill Helium Balloons?
The size and type of balloons that need to be filled determine the price of balloon inflation at different stores.
- For inflation, your helium balloons will cost between $3 and $8 at Kroger. More enormous balloons may vary from $7 to $15, while regular latex balloons are the least costly at $1. Additionally, Kroger sells helium-filled balloons.
- The price of inflation services at Albertsons ranges from $1.50 to $7 for each balloon. At Albertsons, latex balloon filling is usually cheaper.
- Depending upon the size and type of the balloons, Ralph’s gives balloon inflation services for a cost that ranges from $1 to $13.99. Ralphs usually cost more for mylar balloon inflation as compared to latex ones.
- Foil balloon inflation is complimentary at Party City for balloons purchased there. However, Party City latex balloon purchases will cost $0.99 to $1.29 to inflate. Foil balloons can cost around $1.99 and $15.99, and latex balloons can range between $0.99 and $1.29 if you bring them yourself.
- Only balloons bought from Walmart shops are qualified for this service, and it costs $0.25 per balloon. They do not fill up bought balloons.
- If you buy the balloons from a CVS location, CVS will inflate them for free. On the other hand, if you show evidence of purchase, such as a receipt, you can inflate your balloons at another CVS store.
- Irrespective of the size or kind of balloons, Dollar Tree and 99 Cents are the most affordable places to have them inflated. All balloons cost around $1 at Dollar Tree, while they are $0.99 at 99 Cents.
Please know that the costs and regulations may vary, so it is always best to verify with that specific company for the most precise and up-to-date details regarding their balloon inflating services. Moreover, look out for cash-back offers at Walgreens if you wish to save some bucks!
How Long Do Helium Balloons Last?
Helium balloons usually float for 5 to 7 hours.
The capacity of helium balloons to keep floating for a certain period is an essential factor while inflating them. Inflating them shortly before your event is preferable to save travel time.
Helium-filled standard latex balloons usually hold their inflation for 8 to 12 hours. On the contrary, foil balloons filled with helium have a longer float time than latex balloons, between 2 to 5 days. This is because helium escapes through foil material slower than from latex.
It is best to take account of the floating times given above and set up for your event accordingly to ensure that your balloons stay buoyant whenever you need them.
Alternatives to Helium-Filled Balloons
You can choose from latex or foil balloons because air-filled balloons are more durable than helium.
They take on a spherical form after getting inflated. These balloons come in an extensive lineup of colors and come in sizes that range from 12 inches to 18 inches.
List of Other Services That Walgreens Offers
- Gift cards
- Notary services
- Western Union money transfers
- ATMs
- Prescriptions and medicines
- Lottery Tickets
- Newspaper
- Printing and copy machines
Key Takeaways
- Walgreens does not offer helium balloon-filling services. Customers need help getting helium filled there. They offer pre-filled helium balloons.
- Walgreens is an excellent option to buy pre-filled helium balloons or other types of party décor, such as helium and non-helium balloons, including Latex and Mylar balloons.
- Customers looking for helium balloon filling services can look for other nearby stores or specialty balloon locations like Albertsons, Kroger, Walmart, Walgreens, Party City, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get inflated balloons delivered to my home?
Party City and For You Flowers are two retailers offering inflated balloon delivery. However, Meri Meri, Balloon Planet, The Apollo Box, Knot & Bow, and other stores also provide delivery of deflated balloons.
Can I buy birthday balloons at Walgreens?
Yes. Balloons for many events are available at Walgreens, even the balloons you wish to have for birthdays.
Does Walgreens sell helium canisters?
No. Sadly, you would not find helium canisters at Walgreens stores.
How much does helium cost in the market?
The current global supply of helium gas is limited and costly.
It charges about $30 for a 9.5″ tank, which is deemed average. 14 18″ mylar balloons and 30 9″ latex balloons can be filled with this much helium. You should budget $1 for each balloon, which aligns with the rates paid by other balloon-filling services.
Will it be difficult if I fill helium balloons at home?
Filling balloons with helium alone is straightforward if you can access a helium tank. The main concern is avoiding overinflation, which might result in a balloon burst, or accidentally releasing excessive helium while filling.
Consider the costly nature of helium, and reduce any potential loss or waste as much as possible. Helium tanks usually need an elemental valve twist to release the gas. After that, you attach the balloon to the nozzle and start the inflation by pressing it down. The balloon will rise slowly, and you can stop inflation by easing up on the nozzle pressure.
Does CVS Fill Helium Balloons?
The CVS stores offer helium balloon inflation services. When you present the store your receipt for the balloons you purchased there, they will inflate them free of cost. Also, you’ve got an option to get your balloons with helium straight away after your purchase.
Where to buy balloons with helium near me?
Renowned retailers where you can find helium-filled balloons include Oriental Trading, Party City, Michaels, Dollar Tree, Walmart, and Dollar General.
Jeannine Mancini, a Florida native, has been writing business and personal finance articles since 2003. Her articles have been published in the Florida Today and Orlando Sentinel. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Arts in Career and Technical Education from the University of Central Florida.
