Will Publix Blow Up Balloons – Here’s How To Get It Done!

What is a birthday party without balloons!? One of the most fun aspects of decorating for a birthday party or any type of celebration is gathering the party decor and planning your party theme. There are a lot of logistics that go into getting all your party decor to the venue on the day of the event, and one question that may come up is where you can purchase balloons or get balloons inflated. 

Helium can be hard to find, and there has been a shortage in recent years, but the good news is that your local Publix store will be able to help you get your balloons inflated with helium. Keep reading to find out how this works at Publix and what this service will cost!

Will Publix Blow Up Balloons I Bring in Myself? 

Yes, if you bring a pack of balloons to Publix, they should be very accommodating about helping you get them inflated using their helium tank. Know before you go that it takes them some time to blow up your balloons, especially if you bring in a lot.

The store employee should give you a time estimate on how long they believe it will take before you can return to pick up the balloons. It may take up to an hour or more, depending on how busy they are and how many balloons you brought in to have inflated. 

How Much Does it Cost to Blow Up Balloons At Publix? 

It usually costs between $1.50 and $2 per balloon to have balloons you purchased elsewhere inflated at Publix. This is just a range and may vary by store, and the price may also change depending on the size and shape of the balloons you bring in.

If you purchase the balloons at Publix and show the store employee the receipt, there should be no charge to have the balloons inflated. You may want to do the math to see if it is more cost-efficient to buy your balloons elsewhere and bring them to Publix to get inflated or if it is cheaper to buy them at your Publix store and get them inflated for free. 

What Type of Balloons Does Publix Sell?

You will find balloons for every type of occasion at Publix, including inflated and deflated balloon varieties. You can expect to find balloons for most major holidays, birthdays, and graduation celebrations.

Most Publix locations will also carry number balloons and different character balloons for kids’ birthday parties. If you are looking for a particular type of themed balloon, it is a good idea to call ahead of time to see if Publix carries what you are looking for before going to the store. 

Where in Publix Can I Get Balloons Blown Up?

If you are not a frequent Publix shopper, it can be overwhelming to step into such a large grocery store and not know where to go. If you want to have your balloons inflated, look for signs pointing you to the floral area within the store.

Traditionally the balloon station will be behind the florist’s desk, and this is usually at the front of the store on the right-hand side. If you are still struggling to find the right spot in your Publix, a sales associate should be able to point you in the right direction! 

Can I Inflate Balloons On My Own? 

Yes, you can inflate balloons on your own if you own a helium tank. If you blow up balloons yourself using your own hot air, they will not have helium in them, so while they will be inflated, they will not float. Helium tanks cost anywhere between $40 to $80 and only come with a preset amount of helium inside, so you will only be able to fill a limited amount of balloons.

Helium tanks can be purchased for your home, but it may be more cost-effective and easier to take your balloons to your local Publix to have them inflated. 

What Types of Balloons Can Publix Inflate?

If your Publix does have a balloon station, they should be able to help you inflate any mylar or latex balloons. If you aren’t sure what type of balloons you have, the sales associate in the floral department should be able to assist you further to clarify your balloon type and the price.

Tips for Getting Balloons Inflated 

1. You may want to call the Publix location you plan to visit ahead of time to confirm the details of how they operate their balloon area. Every store may be a little bit different, and you want to confirm that they have staff working the balloon area when you are planning to come in. You may also want to double-check that they have a working helium tank and confirm if there is a maximum amount of balloons they are willing to blow up in one sitting. This way, you are prepared before you visit the store and know what to expect once you get there. 
2. Bring someone to help you with the balloons. A small pack of uninflated balloons might fit into a small bag, but once inflated, they take up a lot more space. It can be difficult to carry all the balloons, especially if you need to do additional grocery shopping while in Publix. 
3. Tie the balloons down to something in your car while transporting them from the grocery store. You want to ensure you can still drive safely while the balloons are in your car. Seeing out your back windows can be tricky if the balloons move around in your backseat, which can be a hazard. Tie them to a seat or have someone securely hold them while you are transporting them to make sure you and your balloons make it to your destination safely!