Planning a celebration and need helium balloons? You're in luck! Despite occasional helium shortages in recent years, numerous retailers across the United States continue to offer affordable balloon filling services in 2025. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or any special occasion, finding convenient and budget-friendly helium services has never been easier.
11 Places to Get Balloons Filled with Helium for Cheap in 2025
From major grocery chains to specialty party stores, we've compiled the most comprehensive list of locations where you can get your balloons filled with helium without breaking the bank. Many of these retailers offer competitive pricing and will fill balloons regardless of where you purchased them, making your party planning stress-free and economical.
1. Kroger
As one of America's largest grocery chains with over 2,800 stores across 35 states, Kroger provides comprehensive helium balloon filling services for both mylar and latex balloons. Their customer-friendly policy allows you to bring balloons purchased anywhere, including online retailers, for professional inflation at competitive rates.
Kroger's 2025 pricing structure includes latex balloons at approximately $1 each, mylar balloons ranging from $3-$8, and jumbo balloons (20-50 inches) costing $7-$16. The final price depends on balloon size, complexity, and quantity, making it an excellent choice for both small celebrations and large events.
Find a store near you here.
2. Albertsons
With more than 2,200 locations nationwide, Albertsons offers reliable balloon filling services at their customer service counters. Their trained staff can handle both latex and foil balloons, including specialty shapes and designs you've purchased elsewhere.
Albertsons maintains competitive 2025 pricing from $1.50 to $7 per balloon, with costs varying based on size and balloon type. Their widespread presence makes them a convenient option for last-minute party preparations across most U.S. regions.
Find a store near you here.
3. Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree stands out among balloon filling services with over 15,200 locations nationwide, making it the most accessible option for many Americans. They specialize exclusively in foil or metallic balloons, though they don't inflate latex varieties.
The best value proposition comes from purchasing balloons in-store, as Dollar Tree offers completely free inflation for their $1 balloons when you provide proof of purchase. This includes birthday, anniversary, graduation, and seasonal celebration balloons, making it the most budget-friendly option for foil balloon needs.
Find a store near you here.
4. Party City
As America's premier party supply destination with 830 stores, Party City offers the most comprehensive balloon services available. Their expert staff provides free inflation for all balloons purchased in-store or online, with proof of purchase required for complimentary service.
For balloons purchased elsewhere, Party City charges $0.99-$1.29 for latex balloons and $1.99-$15.99 for foil balloons, depending on size and complexity. They also sell helium tanks for DIY enthusiasts, available both online and in-store with delivery options.
Find a store near you here.
5. Walmart
While Walmart's balloon services are limited to select locations, they offer some of the most affordable rates available at approximately $0.25 per balloon for Walmart-branded products. This restriction to their own balloon inventory keeps costs extremely low.
Walmart also stocks helium tanks for self-service filling, which can be more economical for large events or frequent balloon needs. Check with your local store's customer service desk to confirm balloon filling availability, as this service varies by location.
Find a store near you here.
6. Publix
Publix provides professional balloon filling services primarily at locations with floral departments, ensuring quality service from experienced staff. Balloons purchased at Publix receive free inflation with receipt, while external balloons cost $1.29 for latex and $2 for mylar varieties.
Known for exceptional customer service, Publix also offers pre-filled helium balloons for immediate purchase, perfect for spontaneous celebrations or when you're short on time.
Find a store near you here.
7. Fred Meyer
Popular throughout the Pacific Northwest, Fred Meyer offers balloon filling services starting at $1 per balloon. Their pricing varies based on balloon size and type, with most services requiring in-store balloon purchases to ensure compatibility with their helium systems.
Fred Meyer's integrated shopping experience allows you to purchase balloons, party supplies, and refreshments all in one convenient location, streamlining your party planning process.
Find a store near you here.
8. Food Lion
Select Food Lion locations offer balloon inflation services starting at $1 per balloon, though availability varies by store. Their pricing structure adjusts based on balloon size, with larger specialty balloons commanding higher fees.
This Southeast-focused grocery chain typically requires in-store balloon purchases, ensuring optimal results with their helium filling equipment and maintaining competitive pricing for customers.
Find a store near you here.
9. Hy-Vee
Hy-Vee specializes in foil or metallic balloon filling, offering a wide selection of birthday, anniversary, and special event options. Their Midwest presence provides reliable service with balloon filling starting at $1, though final pricing depends on size and design complexity.
Similar to other grocery chains, Hy-Vee generally requires in-store purchases to ensure proper balloon compatibility and maintain their quality standards for customer satisfaction.
Find a store near you here.
10. Safeway
Safeway offers professional balloon filling services starting at $3 per balloon, with pricing that varies based on size and balloon type. Their West Coast and select regional presence provides convenient access for many customers.
The higher starting price reflects Safeway's premium service approach, often including assistance with balloon arrangement and coordination for larger celebrations or events.
Find a store near you here.
11. Wegmans
Known for exceptional customer service, Wegmans provides balloon filling services starting at $1 per balloon. Their Northeast and Mid-Atlantic presence offers reliable service with pricing that varies based on balloon specifications.
Wegmans typically requires in-store balloon purchases, ensuring optimal inflation results and maintaining their reputation for quality service across all departments.
Find a store near you here.
Money-Saving Tips for Helium Balloons in 2025
To maximize your balloon budget, consider these practical strategies:
- Buy balloons where you fill them: Most retailers offer free or discounted inflation for their own products
- Compare bulk pricing: Larger quantities often receive per-balloon discounts
- Consider helium tanks: For parties requiring 20+ balloons, purchasing a tank may be more economical
- Plan ahead: Some stores offer pre-order discounts for large balloon orders
- Check seasonal sales: Many retailers discount party supplies during off-peak times
Looking for more money-saving resources? Check out our comprehensive guides on getting free air for tires, cheap copying services, and 18 ways to save money for additional budget-friendly tips.
Alternative Solutions: DIY Helium Tanks
For frequent party hosts or large events, purchasing a helium tank offers significant cost savings. Major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Party City sell disposable helium tanks ranging from $30-$60, capable of filling 30-50 standard balloons.
Refillable helium tanks provide even better value for regular use, though they require initial investment and periodic refilling at welding supply stores or party rental companies.
Final Words
Finding affordable helium balloon filling services in 2025 is easier than ever, with numerous national and regional retailers offering competitive pricing and convenient locations. Whether you choose Dollar Tree's unbeatable $1 balloons with free filling, Kroger's flexible policy accepting external balloons, or Party City's comprehensive party solutions, you'll find options that fit both your budget and celebration needs. For frequent balloon users or large events, investing in a helium tank can provide additional savings while ensuring you're always ready for spontaneous celebrations.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Helium Balloon Filling
Which stores fill balloons bought elsewhere?
Kroger, Albertsons, and Party City are the most flexible options, accepting balloons purchased anywhere for filling. Dollar Tree only fills balloons purchased in-store, while Walmart typically only fills their own branded balloons. Always call ahead to confirm policies at your local store.
How much does it cost to fill balloons with helium in 2025?
Prices vary by retailer and balloon type. Expect to pay $0.25-$1.50 for latex balloons and $1.99-$8 for foil balloons. Dollar Tree offers the best value at $1 for balloons with free filling, while Walmart has the lowest per-balloon rate at $0.25 for their branded products.
How long do helium balloons stay inflated?
Latex balloons typically float for 8-12 hours, while foil balloons can stay inflated for several days to weeks. Temperature, balloon quality, and size affect floating time. For best results, fill balloons as close to your event time as possible.
Is it cheaper to buy a helium tank or pay for balloon filling?
For events needing 20+ balloons, purchasing a disposable helium tank ($30-$60) is usually more economical than individual balloon filling. For smaller quantities or occasional use, retail filling services offer better value and convenience.
Can I fill balloons with helium the day before my party?
Foil balloons can be filled 1-2 days in advance and will maintain their float. However, latex balloons should be filled the day of your event, as they typically lose buoyancy within 8-12 hours due to helium's small molecular size escaping through the latex material.
