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Original poster

What's the cheapest way to fill up a bunch of helium balloons?

70 replies

ErinAndTonic · 03/02/2023 17:37

My friends hen weekend is coming up and I've got like 40-50 balloons I want to fill up with helium. A quick google and I'm horrified at how bloody expensive it is, hobbycraft want £5 a balloon 😨

People of mumsnet where do you go for helium balloon filling? I can see there are several options but I'm looking for the cheapest as I'm already spending a ton on this!

I have ordered all the balloons from AliExpress so don't have the option of filling them wherever I've bought them from.

TIA 😊😊

OP posts:
HerbalTeaAndCake · 03/02/2023 22:38

winterpastasalad · 03/02/2023 17:58

@Nimbostratus100 this is one of the most alarmist, patronising things I've read on mumsnet. I've no interest in using helium myself, but those canisters are already in the shops. THE OP isn't heading to her nearest hospital to steal the helium from the MRI scanner.

Do you not realise that demand encourages supply?

justasmalltownmum · 03/02/2023 22:39

Air fill them

HerbalTeaAndCake · 03/02/2023 22:41

https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-24903034.amp

winterpastasalad · 03/02/2023 22:44

@HerbalTeaAndCake of course I do, and I'm not saying it's a good thing we should be encouraging. However that poster was being unnecessarily hysterical, blaming the OP for the cessation of MRI scans.
I assume all of those calling helium balloon consumers 'twats' and 'idiots' don't use finite fossil fuels either?

watchfulwishes · 04/02/2023 07:23

winterpastasalad · 03/02/2023 22:44

@HerbalTeaAndCake of course I do, and I'm not saying it's a good thing we should be encouraging. However that poster was being unnecessarily hysterical, blaming the OP for the cessation of MRI scans.
I assume all of those calling helium balloon consumers 'twats' and 'idiots' don't use finite fossil fuels either?

Whataboutery alert. And a silly comparison.

Some fossil fuel use is unavoidable in our society as currently configured, no helium balloon is ever necessary.

It is the absolute pointlessness of a helium balloon that makes it such a twatty thing to buy.

Fwiw I'm a low user of fossil fuels but funnily enough I do still eat, drink tap water, wear clothes and take medicine etc. so yes I use fossil fuels.

picklemewalnuts · 04/02/2023 07:30

I had no idea!
I don't use helium anyway, and would avoid all the single use plastic waste, but I'm surprised I've not heard about the helium issue!

Original poster
ErinAndTonic · 05/02/2023 22:58

picklemewalnuts · 04/02/2023 07:30

I had no idea!
I don't use helium anyway, and would avoid all the single use plastic waste, but I'm surprised I've not heard about the helium issue!

I'm glad you said that. I was starting to think I had been living under a rock! I certainly don't have a low IQ 😅

OP posts:
picklemewalnuts · 06/02/2023 08:50

I checked with family- DH limited awareness- helium is in short supply don't waste it level.
DS was a party pooper last weekend, as he knew all about it and voiced it at someone's actual party with actual balloons in place.
So, it seems we've been a little bit cave bound, OP!

I generally know stuff like this! Still gobsmacked!

FourAndTwentyBlackbirdsBakedInAPie · 06/02/2023 09:00

I guess you have the message about balloons by this point op.

I've had several parties over the last 5 years where I've made or bought more environmentally friendly options as I'm really trying to cut down on plastic usage, if you need any ideas for your friends party then I'm happy to help with ideas (they won't be perfectly environmentally friendly, but so much better than balloons let alone helium ones).

FunnyItWorkedLastTime · 06/02/2023 09:01

winterpastasalad · 03/02/2023 21:51

@FatGirlSwim is correct, the helium used in balloons is a by product, it isn't pure enough for medicinal or industrial purposes. It is not therefore depriving anyone in need of an MRI.

It may not be denying anyone an MRI now, because we still have enough purer helium to use for that. But when the purer stuff runs out, we'll want to have kept the low grade stuff in reserve, because it'll be somewhat easier to purify it for medical use than it will to make it from scratch. <understatement of the year>

Rainbowshit · 06/02/2023 09:06

If you're making a balloon arch you don't need helium.

ErrolTheDragon · 06/02/2023 09:16

But when the purer stuff runs out, we'll want to have kept the low grade stuff in reserve, because it'll be somewhat easier to purify it for medical use than it will to make it from scratch. <understatement of the year>
Just a bit!

Killingitinhollywood · 06/02/2023 09:21

ErrolTheDragon · 03/02/2023 18:41

If people stop buying helium, shops will eventually stop selling it. We really can't just make more of it.

It's nice you want to do something for your friend OP, but hopefully now you know there's an issue with helium you can think of an alternative. Hope you all have fun!

Agree totally

SausageInCider · 06/02/2023 09:23

Some of you are well over the top. Need to calm down a bit.

GMOOH2023 · 06/02/2023 09:44

Rainbowshit · 06/02/2023 09:06

If you're making a balloon arch you don't need helium.

Which is probably why the OP has said she will now think about doing this.

GutsySnail · 20/07/2025 20:39

I know this is an old post but I was shocked at people's responses and I got this from a simple google search.

"No, the helium used in balloons does not significantly impact the supply for medical purposes. Medical grade helium is pure and liquid, while "balloon gas" is a byproduct of the medical helium production process, often containing impurities and not suitable for medical use. The helium used in balloons is a recycled, lower-grade helium that would otherwise be wasted."

Just for anyone who comes across this thread when looking for helium options 😅

lovemeblender · 20/07/2025 20:47

GutsySnail · 20/07/2025 20:39

I know this is an old post but I was shocked at people's responses and I got this from a simple google search.

"No, the helium used in balloons does not significantly impact the supply for medical purposes. Medical grade helium is pure and liquid, while "balloon gas" is a byproduct of the medical helium production process, often containing impurities and not suitable for medical use. The helium used in balloons is a recycled, lower-grade helium that would otherwise be wasted."

Just for anyone who comes across this thread when looking for helium options 😅

So anyone using helium balloons is actually being sustainable!

XenoBitch · 20/07/2025 20:58

I used to work in a kid's hospital and we would have delivery of a massive helium canister for A&E.... that was used for balloons.

GutsySnail · 21/07/2025 09:40

Thanks for the update. Good to know. For someone who has never known about this its quite fascinating. Don't understand why it is still for sale for balloons if this is the case.

lovemeblender · 21/07/2025 17:02

GutsySnail · 21/07/2025 09:40

Thanks for the update. Good to know. For someone who has never known about this its quite fascinating. Don't understand why it is still for sale for balloons if this is the case.

It would seem it isn't the case. Your balloon is utilising a waste product, not depleting finite resources.

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