Balloon Time is a helium delivery service, not a balloon décor company

Balloon Time is a brand of helium canisters sold at retail locations like Walmart, Party City, and some grocery stores. You buy the canister, take it home, and use it to inflate balloons yourself. It is not a service that sends someone to your event or a company that decorates for you. If you are looking for someone to design and hang balloon arrangements, Balloon Time is not what you need — you would contact a local balloon décor business instead.

The canisters come in different sizes, typically holding enough helium to inflate 14, 30, or 50 standard latex balloons, depending on which product you purchase. Each canister is disposable; once empty, you throw it away or recycle it according to your local rules. Balloon Time does not offer refills or exchanges.

The brand is owned by Worthington Industries, a major industrial gas supplier. Balloon Time canisters are manufactured to meet federal safety standards for consumer helium products and are legal to purchase and use without special permits in all 50 states.

Key Takeaways

  • Balloon Time canisters are self-service helium you buy at retail and inflate balloons at home, not a professional decoration service.
  • A single canister costs between $25 and $50 depending on size and retailer, and inflates 14 to 50 balloons.
  • You need to buy balloons separately; Balloon Time sells only the helium, not the balloons themselves.
  • The canister must be stored upright in a cool, dry place and should not be transported lying down or in extreme heat.
  • Once empty, the canister cannot be refilled and must be disposed of as household waste or recycled.

Canister sizes and how many balloons each holds

Balloon Time sells three main canister sizes at most retailers. The smallest, sometimes called the "14-count" or "standard" canister, holds enough helium to inflate approximately 14 nine-inch latex balloons. This size costs roughly $25 to $30 and is the most common option for small home parties or classroom decorations.

The mid-size canister, labeled as the "30-count," inflates about 30 nine-inch balloons and costs between $35 and $45. This is the most popular choice for birthday parties, baby showers, and small wedding receptions.

The largest option, the "50-count" canister, holds enough helium for approximately 50 nine-inch balloons and typically costs $45 to $55. Some retailers also carry specialty sizes or bundles that include balloons, but the core product line consists of these three options.

The actual number of balloons you can inflate depends on balloon size. The counts listed above assume nine-inch latex balloons. Larger balloons — 11-inch, 16-inch, or foil/mylar balloons — use more helium per balloon, so a 30-count canister might only fill 15 to 20 larger balloons. Always check the canister label for the specific balloon sizes the count is based on.

Where to buy Balloon Time and typical pricing

Balloon Time canisters are sold at major retailers including Walmart, Target, Party City, and many grocery store chains. Availability varies by location and season; stores typically stock more inventory during holiday periods and party seasons (spring and summer). You can also order online from some retailers, though shipping costs for helium are high because it is classified as a hazardous material, so in-store pickup is usually cheaper than delivery.

Prices vary by retailer and location. A 14-count canister ranges from $25 to $35, a 30-count from $35 to $50, and a 50-count from $45 to $60. Some stores run promotions or bundle canisters with balloons at a discount. Checking multiple retailers in your area before purchasing can save $5 to $10 per canister.

A few party supply stores and online retailers also sell Balloon Time, but prices are often higher than at major chains. Costco and Sam's Club occasionally carry Balloon Time in bulk packs, which can offer better per-unit pricing if you are planning multiple events or buying for a business.

What you need to buy separately

Balloon Time canisters contain only helium. You must purchase balloons on your own. Latex balloons (the standard round or shaped balloons) are sold at party supply stores, dollar stores, and many grocery stores in packs of 10 to 100. Foil or mylar balloons (the shiny, metallic ones that hold helium longer) are also sold separately and cost more per balloon than latex.

You will also need a balloon pump or nozzle to attach the canister to the balloon opening. Most Balloon Time canisters come with a straightforward plastic nozzle included, but some do not — check the package before you buy. If the nozzle is not included or you lose it, replacement nozzles are inexpensive (usually $2 to $5) and are sold at party supply stores.

For tying balloons closed, you can use balloon knots (tying the balloon opening in a knot), balloon clips, or ribbon. None of these are included with Balloon Time, so budget for them if you do not already have them at home.

How to use a Balloon Time canister safely

Before opening the canister, read the label instructions completely. The canister must remain upright at all times — never lay it on its side or upside down, as this can cause liquid helium to escape and damage the valve. Store the canister in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not store it in a car, garage, or outdoor shed where temperatures can fluctuate.

To inflate a balloon, attach the nozzle (included or purchased separately) to the valve at the top of the canister. Insert the balloon opening onto the nozzle and press or turn the valve to release helium. The amount of pressure and time needed varies by balloon size; nine-inch balloons typically fill in 3 to 5 seconds. Do not overfill balloons, as they can burst. Once the balloon is full, remove it from the nozzle and tie it closed when ready.

Never inhale helium from the canister or from balloons. Helium displaces oxygen in your lungs and can cause dizziness, loss of consciousness, or in rare cases, asphyxiation. Keep the canister away from children without adult supervision. Do not drop, shake, or explore pressure to the canister, and do not attempt to refill or repair it.

Storage and disposal after your event

If you have helium remaining after your event, store the canister upright in a cool, dry indoor location. Do not leave it in a car, basement, or unheated space. A sealed, unused canister can be stored for months, but once opened, the valve may lose pressure over time, so use the remaining helium within a few weeks if possible.

When the canister is empty, do not attempt to refill it or take it to a gas supplier. Balloon Time canisters are single-use and cannot be refilled. Dispose of the empty canister as household waste in your regular trash, or check with your local recycling program to see if they accept empty helium canisters. Some recycling centers do accept them, but policies vary by location. Call your local waste management or recycling facility to confirm before dropping off the canister.

Never puncture, crush, or burn an empty canister, even if you believe it is completely empty. Residual pressure can remain in the valve, creating a safety hazard.

Comparing Balloon Time to other helium options

If you need helium for a large event or recurring use, other options exist. Some party supply stores offer helium filling services — you bring your own balloons and they inflate them for a per-balloon fee (typically $0.50 to $2 per balloon). This can be cheaper than buying a canister if you only need a small number of balloons, but more expensive if you need 50 or more.

Rental helium tanks are available from party rental companies and some florists. These are larger, refillable tanks that you rent for a set period (usually a weekend or week) and return after your event. Rental costs typically range from $50 to $150 depending on tank size and location. This option makes sense if you are decorating a large venue or planning multiple events close together.

Some balloon décor companies include helium as part of their service — they deliver pre-inflated balloons or inflate them on-site as part of the decoration package. This eliminates the need for you to buy or handle helium yourself, but the total cost is higher than self-service options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return an unused Balloon Time canister if I change my mind?

Return policies depend on the retailer where you purchased it. Most major retailers like Walmart and Party City allow returns of unopened canisters within 30 days with a receipt. Once opened, the canister cannot be returned. Check the specific retailer's return policy before purchasing.

How long do helium balloons stay inflated?

Latex balloons typically stay inflated for 5 to 7 days indoors. Foil or mylar balloons last much longer — often 2 to 4 weeks — because the material is less porous. Balloons deflate faster in direct sunlight, heat, or dry air. Outdoor balloons may deflate within 24 hours.

Can I use Balloon Time helium for weather balloons or scientific purposes?

Balloon Time helium is consumer-grade and intended for party balloons only. It is not suitable for weather balloons, research, or industrial applications. If you need helium for scientific or professional use, contact an industrial gas supplier directly.

What should I do if the canister valve is stuck or won't open?

Do not force the valve. If it will not open after gentle attempts, the canister may be defective. Return it to the retailer with your receipt for a replacement. Do not attempt to repair or disassemble the canister yourself.

Is Balloon Time helium safe to use indoors?

Yes, Balloon Time helium is safe to use indoors as long as you follow the instructions. Keep the canister upright, do not inhale helium, and may support the area is well-ventilated. The helium itself is inert and non-toxic, but improper use can create safety hazards.