How can I make my own balloon weights?

There is a lot of fun and inexpensive ways to make your own balloon weights. 

Here are a few easy ideas Bargain Balloons suggests, but don't let this short list hinder your imagination and creativity. Email [email protected] if you have your own DIY balloon weight ideas. Don't forget to include instructions or pictures for your idea. 

Concrete Weights

Supplies Needed

• Concrete mix
• Plastic or paper cups, an ice cube tray, empty water bottles
• Stick
• Paperclips
• Used foil balloons, latex balloons, tissue paper, cellophane, fabric, paint or whatever you choose to decorate the weight with.

Instructions

1. Follow the instructions on the package to mix the concrete.
2. Use a stick to stir the mix.
3. Carefully pour the mixture into the cup, ice cube tray or empty water bottle.
4. Once the mixture settles and begins to thicken a little, place paperclips deep in the center, but make sure enough of the clip is exposed to be able to tie the ribbon.
5. Decorate the cups or cubes once the concrete is dry.

Sandbag Weights

Supplies Needed

• Sand
• Funnel
• Scissors
• Ribbon
• Five-inch latex balloons, plastic wrap/bag/empty water bottle. Do not use porous materials because the sand will come through.
• Used foil balloons, latex balloons, tissue paper, cellophane, fabric, paint or whatever you choose to decorate the weight with.

Instructions

• Fill the balloon, plastic wrap/bag/empty water bottle with sand. Make sure the weight is heavy enough for the balloons you intend to use. 
• Decorate the sandbag weights by wrapping them in used foil balloons, latex balloons, tissue paper, cellophane, fabric,  or whatever you choose to decorate the weight with

Flat Washers Weight

Supplies Needed

• Flat washers from any hardware store
• Yarn or fabric or you can reuse a used foil balloon

Instructions

Wrap flat washers with yarn or any other cloth fabric that matches your decorations or you can fill a fabric with washers and tie it off with a decorative ribbon. 

Stones & Fishnets 

Fill decorative stones in fishnet or fabric with small holes. Use ribbon to tie the top half of the fishnet.

Rocks & Burlap

Wrap a large rock in burlap. Use ribbon to tie the top half of the burlap fabric. 

Candy Jar

Supplies Needed

• candy
• glass or plastic jars

Instructions

Fill a jar with candy and tie the balloon ribbon to the jar. 

Water Balloons

Supplies Needed

• Water
• Latex balloons

Instructions

Fill latex balloons with water and use them as weights. Use your discretion with the water amount. The balloon weights shouldn't be filled to the full size of a latex balloon. 

Bargain Balloons suggests starting with latex balloons 9 inches or smaller.

Toys

Use any appropriate children's toy as a weight such as a stuffed toy. Make sure the toy is strong enough to hold down a balloon filled with helium. Note: Use toys that are not choking hazards if there are young children attending the event.

©06.23.23J