To think £28 for a single helium balloon is a waste of money

[Iloveflakes]

Friend wants to spend that much together on another friend as a birthday present.

I get why a company might charge that much to deliver one, but it's a huge waste of money right? Especially as we are going to see her so could get a balloon for a fraction of the price.

I agree, if you’re going to see her then take one and a nice cake/flowers as well for the same cost.

Using helium for balloons is wasteful. There is limited helium available on earth and it is vital in some medical applications such as MRI scanners

Absolutely.

There are so many nice things she can instead of this.

That is such a waste of money, for the same amount of money, you could get a nice cake from sainsburys, a cheap bunch of flowers and a nice gift set from superdug...

I think I'd be a bit if someone gave me a balloon as a birthday gift...I mean what does the giver expect you to do with it...it's a waste of money and takes up space and serves no purpose

I don’t know, I have one of those foil helium balloons that I was supposed to give to the bride and groom at a wedding when I was a bridesmaid, but I kept it. I was about three, it was still partially inflated when I left home at 18. 15 years of service is pretty good imo!

But I have to say I think you could find something she would appreciate more for £28 than a balloon. Unless she is turning 3

Is this the see through ones with the feathers and other crap in them?

YANBU

I'm not a fan of helium balloons for environmental reasons; however, the question here is, will your friend like it? If she'll be over the moon to receive it, it's no more a waste of money than any other gift. If I received one, it would definitely be a case of reminding myself 'it's the thought that counts' and wondering how soon I could decently dispose of it; but if it would thrill your friend, then go for it.

Are you saying you could buy one from a shop for a tenner instead? Do that

I agree its an ok present for a 3 year old.

Its a crazy waste of money and resources.

Well it's all relative really, isn't it?

I'd happily spend that on a bottle of wine for myself, but I also have friends that would derive the same (if not more) pleasure from the balloon than the wine.

Ultimately - it's not a waste if your friend will enjoy it, and it's not excessive if you can afford it.

It depends on the person.

Personally I’d have no feeling about a balloon it wouldn’t excite me or disappoint me, just meh so to give it to me yes it would be a waste! I’d rather have a bottle of chapel down sparkling wine tbh

Also if you seeing her anyway can’t you get one from a card shop for about £4.99? And then hand deliver so more personal anyway

The “helium shortage” is over-stated: www.wired.com/2016/06/dire-helium-shortage-vastly-inflated/

Something can still be a waste even if someone else likes it. Like all the people who sit in their car with the engine running outside a school for half an hour.

What else is the environmental impact?

If helium is going to run our eventually then surely every ballon matters?

@EastMidsMummy

I thought the vastly over inflated was a pun! 🤣🤣