Okay so yesterday I’m sitting there thinking the birthday party setup is under control, right? Wrong. Suddenly remember we got zero helium for the balloons. Like, the party starts in like 3 hours. Total panic mode.
The Big Helium Hunt
First thing I do? Jump online frantically looking for helium tank rentals nearby. Need it fast. My fingers are flying, typing “helium tank rental near me” like a madman. Most places need 24 hours notice at least. No good. Walmart pops up saying they rent them. Says ‘in stock’ at my local store. Okay, hope.
Scramble to get dressed, keys in hand, out the door. Drive over there super fast. Park kinda crooked, don’t even care. Run inside heading straight to the party section.
The Walmart Letdown (Phase One)
Find the little counter thing where they say you get help for balloons. No one there. Look around. See a few pre-filled balloons hanging sadly. But the tanks? Nada. Zip.
Spot an employee stacking plates nearby.
- “Excuse me,” I ask, trying not to sound desperate. “The website said you rent helium machines?”
She looks kinda confused.
“Uhhh, I think we used to? Like maybe last year?” she says slowly. “Pretty sure we don’t do that anymore.”
Heart sinks a little.
Scouring the Aisles
Refuse to believe it. Start walking every single aisle near party supplies. Look up high, look down low. Maybe it’s hidden? Nope. Zip. Saw a sign on an endcap advertising disposable helium tanks for sale. Small ones. Expensive. But like, actual full-size rental tanks? Nothing. Gotta face facts. That employee was right. Website info was outdated junk. Classic.
Feel the clock ticking. Party is creeping closer. Got a car full of non-inflated balloons mocking me.
Pivot Time: The Disposable Hail Mary
Okay. Plan B. Staring at those small disposable tanks. Know they barely fill like 10-15 balloons each? Yeah, junk. Need a bunch of them. Costs gonna sting. But no choice. Grab like three of those suckers off the shelf. They feel flimsy and way overpriced. Whatever. At least it’s something. Throw them in the cart.
While I’m there, mad, figure might as well grab some extra balloons. Ya know, because why not spend more money? Toss a bag in. See some streamers? Yeah, sure, toss those in too. Cart’s a mess of last-minute party panic buys. Feels inefficient and wasteful, but gotta survive.
Checkout Chaos & The Aftermath
Checkout line is long. Of course. Tapping foot. Finally get through, pay an arm and a leg for these tiny helium tanks and extras. Rush back home.
Open one tank. Follow the dumb instructions. Try filling a balloon. It kinda works? Slow. Tank gets freezing cold after like 5 balloons. Takes forever for each one. The float time? Meh. Maybe 5-6 hours max before they start looking sad. Barely finished in time. Party was okay, kids didn’t notice the balloons looking slightly deflated later. But I knew. Felt like wasted effort and cash.
Big Takeaway: Next time? Planning. Just planning. Or calling the dang store before running over. Don’t trust random old rental listings online, especially at big stores like Walmart. Their party section changes more than my grandma’s mind. Those disposable things are a total rip-off unless you only need literally a handful. Made the mistake, took the hit, learned the lesson.