10 Stores Like Party City to Shop for Balloons and More

The party’s almost over. Party City is shutting down, closing the doors on its approximately 700 remaining stores this year. While they have yet to announce an official end time to their nearly four-decade-long history of selling party supplies, stores across the country are holding going-out-of-business sales and new inventory has screeched to a halt. 

But don’t worry. If you have a party planned this year, there are still plenty of places to stock up on everything from balloons to streamers to themed paper plates that you’ll end up using for months after the event is over. Whether you’re shopping online or supporting your locally owned gift shops (plenty of corner shops and stationery stores carry party supplies), the party certainly isn’t over even though Party City is closing. 

Though Party City first closed 45 of its 850 locations in 2019, as of December 2024, the company has announced it will be shuttering all of its remaining stores in 2025. According to CNN, employees received letters saying stores would officially close on February 28, 2025. If you do still see a stray Party City open, though, just know it’s closing very soon — some stores around the country have been having going-out-of-business sales with massive markdowns, so if you can still sneak into a Party City, be sure to stock up. 

Now that Party City is closing, here’s where you should shop whether you’re throwing a just-because party for your friends, a dog birthday party, or an outdoor celebration. 

Let’s say you’re planning a seasonally themed party, and you want the decor to last long after turning out the lights. Michaels is the answer. You’ll find everything here from balloons (and even helium tanks!) to paper goods to themed party supplies, but their big selling point is their range of seasonal decor.

Every good party needs a little bit of customization, and the personalized matchbooks from online-only retailer For Your Party took over the internet a few years ago. This is the place to go if you can’t stand the idea of a party without your monogram emblazoned on everything from the wine glasses to the coasters. Of course, personalization can drive the price up on party items. Expect to pay $168 for 200 frosted plastic cups with a monogram or $150 for 200 customized cocktail napkins. 

If you’re looking for the basics, head over to Dollar Tree, where everything may not be exactly a dollar, but it will definitely be cheaper than you’ll find it almost anywhere else. You’ll find everything you need to throw a party here, from balloons to tableware to catering supplies. But the secret is to pay attention to quantities — the sizes of packages may be smaller than you’ll find elsewhere or, if you’re ordering online, you may need to buy items in bulk to get the full savings.

Five Below specializes in items that are, unsurprisingly, below five dollars (though there is a Five Beyond section, with items beyond $5). But, even at these budget-friendly prices, they still have an excellent selection of party-ready items.

From tassel garlands you can use to create a photo booth backdrop to disposable tableware, disco balls, and party favor-ready $1 toys and craft items, you can throw a festive occasion for a steal. You’ll also find everything from classic balloons to confetti-filled balloons and balloons in quirky shapes.

If you’re throwing a seasonal celebration, then World Market is your place. This is where you shop for your parties that are holiday-specific, and where you look for party decor items that will last you longer than one day.

The other thing World Market is great for? Anything royals-related. Because they have a wide range of international goods, this is exactly where you want to stock up for your next royal wedding television viewing party.

Etsy has some of everything. Whether you’re looking for personalized frosted cups, printable bingo cards for a party game, or themed party decor, someone on Etsy is making it. And if you’re up for the challenge of putting together your own balloon arch, you can find all the supplies you could possibly need on Etsy.  

Make sure you order with ample lead time if you’re getting anything personalized. Many sellers need several weeks for shipping. 

Oriental Trading has a near endless supply of party supplies in nearly any theme your imagination can dream up. From Dr. Seuss party favors to more colors and variations on Easter eggs than you ever thought possible, Oriental Trading has it all. 

Want a tabletop hut? A cup that looks like a baseball? It’s all here, ready for the theme party enthusiasts to run wild. 

You can find basic party supplies at Walmart, as well as seasonal decor and some theme party items. They have balloons of every shape and color, disposable tableware, and even piñatas. If you want to make entertaining super easy, you can grab one of their party kits (along with their preassembled favor kits), which has everything you need for graduation parties, 50th birthday parties, and more. 

For a slightly more styled, but still affordable, take on party supplies, Target is the answer. From foil banners to colorful tableware, Target always has a pulse on what’s Instagrammable this season. You’ll also find seasonal decor to add a themed touch to your party, fun party hats, and everything you need to make the cutest favors if you want to pull out all the stops for your party.

If you have the time to browse, Amazon can be a reliable place to find party decor. But, seriously, get ready to spend time browsing — and then you’ll be wondering if you looked at the same product five different times from five different sellers. Despite the energy you may have to put into scrolling, you’ll find everything you need on Amazon, including balloon arches, home decor, tableware, and even personalized cups and napkins.