Can you order balloons from a party supplies store online?

Roos Becker · 22 Jul 2026

Ordering balloons online has become one of the most convenient ways to prepare for any celebration, whether you’re planning a birthday party, a wedding, or a corporate event. A good party supplies store gives you access to a wide range of balloon types, sizes, and accessories without ever leaving your desk. But knowing what to look for and what to expect makes the whole process a lot smoother.

What types of balloons can you buy online?

Online party supplies stores typically stock two main categories of balloons: latex balloons and foil balloons. Latex balloons are the classic, round, stretchy variety available in a huge range of colors and sizes. Foil balloons, also called Mylar balloons, are made from metallic film and hold their shape and helium much longer. Both types are widely available online, often in bulk or themed assortments.

Beyond those two core categories, you can also find specialty options such as bubble balloons, which are made from transparent plastic and create a crystal clear effect, and LED balloons that light up from the inside. Many online stores also carry balloon accessories like balloon weights, ribbon, inflators, and helium tanks, making it easy to order everything you need in one place.

Themed and printed balloons

Themed balloon collections are particularly popular for children’s parties and milestone celebrations. You can find balloons printed with characters, numbers, letters, and seasonal designs. These are especially useful when you want a cohesive look across your decorations without spending hours sourcing individual items from different suppliers.

What’s the difference between retail and wholesale balloon orders?

The key difference between retail and wholesale balloon orders is volume and pricing. Retail orders are intended for individual consumers buying small quantities for a single event. Wholesale orders are designed for businesses, such as decorators, event planners, and party supply retailers, that need larger quantities at lower per unit costs. Wholesale typically requires a minimum order quantity and often involves a registration or account approval process.

Wholesale purchasing also tends to offer a broader product range and access to items that are not available to the general public. If you regularly organize events or run a business in the party industry, buying wholesale can significantly reduce your costs and give you access to professional grade products. Retail purchasing, on the other hand, is more flexible and has no minimum requirements, making it better suited for one off occasions.

How do you choose a reliable online balloon supplier?

A reliable online balloon supplier should have clear product descriptions, transparent pricing, and a verifiable track record in the industry. Look for suppliers that are members of recognized industry organizations, as this signals a commitment to quality and compliance with current regulations. Reliable shipping timelines and responsive customer service are equally important, especially when you are working toward a specific event date.

When evaluating an online party supplies store, consider the following:

Product range: Does the supplier carry both latex and foil balloons, plus accessories?
Certifications: Are their products compliant with safety standards such as the Toy Safety Directive?
Sustainability: Do they offer eco friendly or biodegradable options?
Order flexibility: Can you order retail quantities, wholesale quantities, or both?
Delivery: Are shipping costs and lead times clearly stated?

Reading customer reviews and checking whether the supplier has a physical address and contact details also helps you assess trustworthiness before placing an order.

What should you know about balloon safety and sustainability?

Balloon safety and sustainability are two increasingly important considerations when buying balloons online. From a safety perspective, balloons sold in Europe must comply with the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, which sets standards for materials and age appropriate use. Always check that the balloons you purchase meet these requirements, especially when children will be involved.

On the sustainability side, latex balloons made from natural rubber are biodegradable, which makes them a more environmentally responsible choice than plastic alternatives. However, not all latex balloons are created equal. Look for suppliers that explicitly state that their latex balloons are biodegradable and responsibly sourced. FSC certified packaging and compostable materials are further indicators that a supplier takes environmental responsibility seriously.

Foil balloons, while long lasting and visually striking, are not biodegradable and should always be properly disposed of after use. Responsible balloon use also means never releasing balloons outdoors, as this poses risks to wildlife and the environment regardless of the material.

How Globos Europe helps you order balloons online

We at Globos Europe are a B2B wholesale party supplies store with over 25 years of experience in the European party market. Whether you are a decorator, event planner, retailer, or consumer, we offer a comprehensive range of products to meet your needs. Here is what we bring to the table:

Wide product range: Latex and foil balloons, balloon accessories, slingers, cake candles, table decorations, and children’s party themes all in one place.
Quality assurance: Our We Fiesta branded balloons are biodegradable, comply with the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, and come in standout packaging.
Sustainability: We stock compostable and FSC certified products, and we are members of the European Balloon and Party Council and Amfori.
Private label options: Businesses looking for branded packaging can explore our private label solutions.
International reach: We serve customers across Europe from our Amsterdam headquarters and our Etten Leur warehouse.

Ready to stock up for your next event or grow your party supplies business? Visit our online store at Globos Europe to explore our full range and get in touch with our team for wholesale inquiries and personalized advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I order balloons online for an event?

It's generally recommended to place your balloon order at least 5–7 business days before your event to account for processing and shipping times. For large wholesale orders, custom printed balloons, or deliveries during peak seasons like holidays and summer, ordering 2–3 weeks in advance is a safer bet. Always check the supplier's stated lead times before placing your order, and factor in any potential delays if you're ordering internationally.

Can I order helium-filled balloons online, or do I need to inflate them myself?

Most online balloon suppliers, including wholesale stores, ship balloons uninflated to keep packaging compact and shipping costs manageable. To inflate them with helium, you can purchase a disposable or refillable helium tank from the same supplier, rent a tank from a local party store, or use a professional balloon inflator. If you're ordering in large quantities for events, investing in a quality inflator or sourcing helium locally is usually the most practical and cost-effective approach.

What's the best way to store balloons after they arrive to keep them in good condition?

Balloons should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, sharp objects, and heat sources, as these can cause latex to degrade or foil to puncture prematurely. Avoid storing them near rough surfaces or in areas with strong odors, which can affect latex quality over time. Properly stored latex balloons can last up to a year or more before inflation, while foil balloons can remain in good condition even longer when kept in their original packaging.

How long do helium-filled balloons typically stay inflated, and is there a way to make them last longer?

Standard latex balloons filled with helium typically float for 8–12 hours, while foil (Mylar) balloons can stay inflated for several days to a few weeks. To extend the float time of latex balloons, you can use a product called Hi-Float, a gel-like coating applied inside the balloon before inflation that significantly slows helium loss. For events spanning multiple days, foil or bubble balloons are the better choice due to their superior helium retention.

What's the difference between ordering as a private consumer versus registering as a wholesale buyer?

Private consumers can typically place orders without any registration and buy in smaller, retail quantities—ideal for a single party or event. Wholesale buyers, such as event decorators, party supply retailers, or event planners, register for a business account to access lower per-unit pricing, larger product assortments, and bulk packaging options. If you organize events regularly or resell party supplies, the savings from wholesale pricing can add up quickly and often justify the simple registration process.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when buying balloons online for the first time?

One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the quantity needed—always order 10–15% more than you think you'll use to account for any that pop, deflate early, or are needed for last-minute touch-ups. Another frequent error is overlooking balloon size: balloon dimensions listed online refer to the fully inflated diameter, so a 12-inch balloon will look much larger in person than the uninflated product in the bag. Finally, always double-check that the balloons you order are compatible with your inflation method, whether that's a hand pump, electric inflator, or helium tank.

How can I tell if a balloon supplier's products are genuinely eco-friendly and not just greenwashing?

Genuine eco-friendly balloon suppliers will provide specific, verifiable claims rather than vague terms like "natural" or "green." Look for suppliers that explicitly state their latex balloons are biodegradable and made from natural rubber, and check for third-party certifications such as FSC-certified packaging or membership in recognized industry bodies like the European Balloon and Party Council. A trustworthy supplier will also provide clear disposal guidance and actively discourage outdoor balloon releases, which are harmful to wildlife regardless of the balloon material.