Balloons

Best Balloon Stores in the UK: Where to Buy Balloons, Accessories, and Inspiration

Why choosing the right balloon store matters

Picking the right place to buy balloons is more than ticking an item off a party list — it can totally change the vibe of your celebration. Balloons can be the confetti of the air: they lift the mood, fill space, and create photo moments. But quality, sizing, colours, and accessories vary wildly between retailers, so you want a supplier who offers the right mix of stock, price, and advice. Whether you’re crafting a subtle bouquet or a jaw-dropping entrance arch, the store you choose will shape how easy (and affordable) the build turns out.

Where UK shoppers commonly buy balloons

If you’re hunting for balloons in the UK, you’ve got choices — from specialist balloon shops to large craft stores and online marketplaces. Below I’ve grouped popular options so you can match store strengths to your needs: fast buys, bulk bargains, fancy foil shapes, or bespoke designs.

Party Pieces

Party Pieces is known across the UK for a wide selection of themed party goods, including balloons in latex and foil. They often carry party sets and kits that make coordinated décor simple — think matching plates, banners, and balloons. If you like one-stop shopping and themed bundles, Party Pieces is a solid place to start.

Party Delights

Party Delights leans into variety and novelty. If you want character-shaped foil balloons, number and letter balloons, or unusual finishes like chrome or confetti-filled clear balloons, they’re usually a good bet. Their catalogue is helpful when you want a tight theme or a standout statement piece without hunting dozens of individual sellers.

Hobbycraft

Hobbycraft blends craft supplies with party gear, which makes it handy for DIY balloon projects. You’ll find balloon pumps, strings, and mixing tools alongside latex and foil balloons. Hobbycraft is great when you plan to personalise displays, add handmade tassels, or experiment with painting on balloons.

The Range

The Range carries homewares and party goods, so they’re useful for last-minute in-store purchases. Their balloons are often affordable and practical for casual events where high endurance isn’t critical. Think garden get-togethers or kids’ playdates where you want decent value and easy access.

B&M

B&M is a bargain-friendly option with seasonal balloon lines and big packs of latex balloons. If you’re doing a volume job on a budget — think classroom parties or charity events — B&M’s low prices and convenience can be a major win. Just be mindful that stock varies by branch and depth of colour options can be limited.

Amazon UK & eBay UK

Marketplaces like Amazon and eBay offer huge choice and rapid delivery, especially if you need odd sizes or bulk orders fast. You’ll find everything from single number balloons to kits with pumps and ribbon. The key here is reading reviews and checking seller feedback, since quality and float time vary across brands.

Etsy UK

Etsy is the place for handmade or bespoke balloon décor. Independent sellers will craft custom designs, personalised foil balloons, and creative balloon garlands. Prices may be higher, but you get artisan flair and one-off pieces that stand out in photos.

Specialist Balloon Retailers (e.g., Balloons.co.uk)

Specialist balloon shops focus entirely on balloons and accessories. They offer technical advice, helium hire options, and a broader selection of niche items like giant bubble balloons and printed corporate balloons. If you’re planning a professional display or wedding décor, a specialist is often worth the extra cost for expertise and consistent quality.

Types of balloons explained

Not all balloons are created equal. Picking the right material and style is like choosing the right paint for a room — it impacts the finish, longevity, and overall mood.

Latex balloons

Latex balloons are the classic option — soft, flexible, and biodegradable compared to some alternatives. They come in sizes commonly measured in inches like 9-inch, 11-inch, and 16-inch rounds. Latex is versatile for garlands, table bouquets, and helium bouquets, but helium float times are shorter on average than foil.

Foil (Mylar) balloons

Foil balloons hold helium much longer and give a crisper look in photo ops. Available as letters, numbers, characters, and shapes, foil balloons are measured by flat dimensions — for instance, a number balloon might be 34 inches tall. They’re perfect when you want a bold, lasting focal point.

Bubble and giant balloons

Bubble or clear balloons are PVC-based and often used for filled-with-confetti or lit-up designs. Giant balloons can be 2 to 4 feet across and create dramatic impact for entrances or centrepieces. If you want a “wow” factor, a 36-inch or 48-inch balloon can behave like a floating sculpture.

Sizes, inflation, and measurements

Understanding sizes in inches and feet makes it easier to visualise displays. A common mix for an arch might use 5-inch, 11-inch, and 16-inch balloons; for a garland, alternating 9-inch and 12-inch gives a textured look. Tables usually take 9-inch or 11-inch clusters weighted down to about 12 ounces for stability.

Helium vs air — choosing the right inflation

Deciding between helium and air is like choosing whether to drive or walk — both get you there, but one is faster and more showy. Helium makes balloons float and is required for ceiling displays and floating bouquets. Air inflation is perfect for garlands, columns, and anything attached to a structure or backdrop.

How long will balloons float?

Float times depend on material and size. A standard 11-inch latex balloon filled with helium might float around 8 to 12 hours, while an 18-inch foil balloon can float for several days to a week or more. Treatments like hi-float (a solution applied inside latex) can extend float times to 24–72 hours for latex pieces.

Accessories and extras to complete your display

No serious balloon display is complete without the right kit: pumps, ribbon, weights, clips, frames, and hi-float. Pumps (manual or electric) save time when inflating dozens, and weights stop bouquets from escaping. Balloon tape and strip work brilliantly for garlands, and a good set of balloon glue dots helps affix extras like tassels or confetti.

Decor ideas and trends

Balloon décor has evolved from simple bunches to elaborate installations. Trending looks include organic garlands (a flowing mix of sizes), chrome and metallic finishes, confetti-filled clear balloons, and number/letter walls for milestone birthdays. The trick is layering different balloon sizes and textures — think of it like composing a song with highs, lows, and a repeating hook.

Garlands and arches

Garlands are the crowd-pleaser for photo backdrops. Use a mix of 5-inch, 9-inch, and 16-inch balloons to create an organic shape that breathes. Anchor the garland to a frame or command hooks if you’re hanging it against a wall. For arches, balloon columns, or entrance pieces, a sturdy frame and inflation plan are key — you don’t want a saggy arch stealing limelight on the big day.

Table centrepieces and bouquets

For tabletops, small clusters of 3–5 balloons tied to a 6–8 ounce weight look elegant without overpowering the table. Use 9-inch or 11-inch balloons and add ribbon streamers or tassels for texture. For a focal bouquet, try mixing a large foil balloon with smaller latex balloons to add depth.

Budgeting and typical price ranges in the UK

Balloon costs vary by material, size, and whether you add helium or professional installation. Here’s a rough guide so you can budget like a pro:

- Single latex balloons in small packs often cost between £0.10 and £0.80 per balloon depending on quality and quantity.

- Foil balloons (numbers, letters, characters) usually range from about £3 to £10 each depending on size and design.

- Balloon kits and packs for garlands or party sets commonly sit between £10 and £40 depending on count and included accessories.

- Professional installation or helium hire for large displays will add labour and equipment costs, with event services varying widely depending on scale.

Shopping around across the retailers mentioned can help you balance price and quality — marketplaces help with volume, specialist shops help with quality, and high-street chains help with convenience.

Ordering tips and how to get the best value

Want to stretch your budget without sacrificing impact? Buy latex balloons in bulk for large events, reserve foil statement pieces for focal points, and plan your helium needs so you don’t waste gas on decorations that could be air-filled. Also, compare kits versus a-la-carte pieces; kits can be cheaper and quicker if they match your colour palette.

Safety and sustainability considerations

Balloon safety matters. Keep uninflated balloons and broken pieces away from children and pets to prevent choking. For outdoor use, tie balloons to weights and avoid releasing them; airborne balloons can harm wildlife and create litter. Environmentally, latex is biodegradable when disposed correctly, but foil balloons are not; consider reusable or reclaimed décor options if sustainability is a priority.

How to choose a supplier for different event types

Match store strengths to event needs: for birthday parties on a budget, big retailers and supermarkets are practical; for weddings and corporate events where precision matters, specialist balloon shops or Etsy artisans deliver customised looks and consistency. If you need speed and lots of options, marketplaces like Amazon and eBay offer rapid delivery and broad selection.

DIY vs professional installation — which to pick?

DIY balloon décor can be rewarding and cost-effective for amateur craft-lovers, especially smaller installations and garlands. Professional installation is worth considering for complex arches, large venue ceilings, or when you need guaranteed longevity (weddings, large corporate events). Think of professionals as the scaffolding for your creative vision — they handle the heavy lifting so your décor looks flawless on the day.

Final checklist before you buy

Before checking out, ask yourself: do I need helium or air? What sizes will create the look I want? Do I want coordinated accessories like ribbon and weights? Have I checked float times and material types? A quick checklist prevents last-minute dashes to the shop and ensures the final display matches the vision.

Choosing balloons for a UK event is equal parts planning and creativity. With the right store and a little know-how, your balloon décor can go from simple to spectacular without breaking the bank. Now that you’ve got the lowdown on stores, types, tools, and trends, you’re ready to start designing — one balloon at a time.

Conclusion: Balloons bring personality, colour, and movement to any event, and the UK offers a great range of retailers to suit every budget and taste. From bargain-basement bulk buys to boutique, handmade installations, you can tailor your balloon choices to match the scale and style of your celebration. Plan your sizes in inches, decide whether to use helium or air, and choose stores that match your needs — and you’ll be well on your way to a memorable setup.