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Are you planning something special for your kiddos? Or maybe there's a 21st birthday coming up and you want to go all out. Whatever your reason for celebrating, it's always more fun with party supplies. Whether you want a full Pinterest-perfect color-coded Gatsby-themed night or just a few fun streamers to spice up your birthday party space, party supplies can make a special occasion into an unforgettable experience.
The popularity of buying party supplies has grown significantly in recent years. With the rise of social media platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram, people are more inspired than ever to create picture-perfect birthday parties that are both beautiful and memorable. Party supplies are readily available - especially online - making it easy for people to find the decorations and accessories they need to create their dream birthday bash.
Sunday, February 16th
When it comes to party supplies, Oriental Trading has over 275 themes to choose from. Whether customers are looking for kids' birthdays, gendered birthdays, milestone birthdays, or just generic themes that fit a special someone's particular interests, Oriental Trading has options for everyone.
Impressive variety of birthday themes
Customers can filter their search based on holiday party themes, party themes for adults and kids, seasonal party themes, and special occasion party themes. The individual product selection for each theme is thorough, ensuring that customers find everything they need to make their party complete within that particular theme. The fun and unique themes available on their website include Little Artist, Vintage Dude, Harry Potter, Disney Villains, and so many others.
Wide selection in all styles
To compare the range of items at different retailers in this review, we looked at the options at Oriental Trading for adult birthday parties as well as those best suited for kids. And the answer is: Oriental Trading knocks both sides of the spectrum out of the park. You can narrow your search between girls and boys to find all the kids' options. And there's a specific filter just for kids' or adults' options. Overall there are 105 different themes for adult parties and 213 different options for kids, which is one of the widest selections for both groups in this review.
Balance of low-cost and bulk-cost items
To compare the prices at Oriental Trading with the pricing at other party retailers, we checked out the prices for three key party items: room decoration prices (like streamers or banners), party favor bag prices, and party-themed flatware.
110% price match guarantee
What sets Oriental Trading apart from other party supply stores is their 100% guarantee and 110% lowest price guarantee. Customers have 90 days to contact customer service via phone or email for returns, exchanges, or refunds. Moreover, if customers find a product from Oriental Trading at a lower price elsewhere, they will beat it by 10% upon proof of the competitor's price. This offer is quite generous and shows the company's commitment to customer satisfaction.
Free shipping deals available
If you're worried about shipping, they do offer a free shipping threshold. If you buy more than $49 of products at Oriental Trading, you will qualify for free shipping. Also, there are always sales running on the website, making it more affordable than other birthday party supply stores. For example, at the time of this review, Oriental Trading was running a promotion for free shipping on orders over $25 instead of the usual $45 threshold.
Premium options for small and large parties
Another standout feature of Oriental Trading is that they offer both individual items and items in bulk. If you're having a huge party with all your friends and family you can easily get what you need at this retailer. Further, they have a competitive range of both cute and fun options as well as those that look luxurious with gold accents and modern designs. This is the ultimate one-stop shop for parties of any kind.
Great scores with the BBB
In terms of customer feedback, Oriental Trading has a stellar ranking with the BBB. The company has been awarded an "A+” rating for its customer service as well as accreditation from the bureau. Additionally, Oriental Trading has an average rating of 3 stars across 4 different third party review sites. Customers who love shopping at Oriental Trading appreciate the customer service. Reviewers praise the "instant” help they got from the company. Further, multiple customers referred to Oriental Trading as a "party saver.” On the other hand, some customers were frustrated as they unknowingly signed up for a rewards program that charged them each month. So, if you're worried about those comments, just reach out to their customer service to ensure you're not enrolled if you don't want to be.
Top option for best variety
Oriental Trading is the go-to destination for anyone looking for a wide selection of party supplies. With over 275 themes to choose from, customers are sure to find something. From gendered and milestone birthdays to seasonal and special occasion themes, the options are endless. Oriental Trading also offers an excellent balance of low-cost and bulk-cost items, making it possible to throw a fantastic party regardless of the budget or number of guests. Furthermore, the company's satisfaction and price match guarantees show their commitment to customers. There's so much good to say about Oriental Trading, it's a no-brainer to rank them #1 for party supplies.
When it comes to birthday party supplies, Party City offers a diverse selection of products. Customers can browse through categories such as girls' birthday supplies, boys' birthday supplies, first birthday supplies, premium kids' birthday supplies, happy birthday supplies, and milestone birthday supplies.
Holidays, themes, and special occasions
In addition to these categories, customers can also find party supplies for holidays, themes, and occasions, upcoming holiday party supplies, Halloween costumes, "personalize your party”, sale, and clearance, as well as party ideas, rentals, and services. Also, since Party City has an online store and brick-and-mortar locations, customers can choose the shopping method most convenient for them.
Every option imaginable
To compare the range of items at different retailers in our review, we looked at how the options for kids and adults at Party City stacked up against competitors. Party City is a party specialist, and we can see why. They have 59 different options for kids' birthday themes that range from character themes from famous films to hobby themes. For adults, there are 11 different themes that are standard birthday options with colorful and more luxe-looking options. On top of that, there are a variety of milestone birthday themes for adults ranging from 18 years up to 100 years. And these options don't even count the by-color themes available or the fun themes like Casino or Fiesta at Party City. Basically, if you can imagine it, they have party supplies for it.
Full range of colors and luxe-styling
For the price comparison at Party City, we checked out the prices for three key party items that are common across all of the retailers in our review.
Bonus promos available
Party City frequently offers promotions and sales to help customers save money. For example, at the time of this review, Party City was running a sale for 15% off a $49 purchase. While Party City's prices can be a bit higher than some of its competitors, customers can expect to receive high-quality products for both party supplies and costumes.
30-day return policy
Party City has a reasonable return policy, but it's not much better than many options in our review. Party City accepts returns or exchanges within 30 days of purchase on any items that are in new condition and accompanied by a store receipt or copy of an order confirmation email. They don't have to be in the original packaging, which is a bonus. Returns are credited to the original form of payment, and the process is straightforward.
Support for your big day
On top of their party supplies, Party City also offers two unique birthday-related services: a birthday checklist and party rentals. The birthday checklist is a helpful tool that allows customers to keep track of the supplies they've purchased for their party and see what they still need to get. The checklist also provides suggestions for the steps to take when planning a party. And, making party rentals through Party City gives customers the opportunity to rent inflatables, hire face painters or characters, or contract out their balloon decor, photo booths, activities, and concessions.
In-person or online shopping
One thing that many customers may appreciate is the many brick-and-mortar locations for shopping with Party City. While you can purchase online, this does come with a flat-rate shipping charge of $7.99 on orders up to $100. However, you can choose to have items delivered for in-store pickup instead.
Company is going through a reorganization
In terms of customer feedback, there are some concerns with Party City, namely that the company had recently filed for bankruptcy at the time of our evaluation. The company wasn't rated at the moment on the BBB because the company submitted an application for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Act. While the company can still operate during this period, it's likely many of its brick-and-mortar locations are about to close. This is too bad because the company has a fantastic rating of 4 stars on average from customers. This might be concerning for some shoppers, so it's important to keep it in mind for things like making returns in the future.
Best one-stop shop for birthday parties
Overall, Party City offers a vast selection of high-quality products and services. Their party rentals are a great addition to their inventory, making them a go-to option for big celebrations. While their prices may be slightly higher than some competitors, Party City still offers affordable options that are competitive with some of the lower-cost options in our review. With all the benefits, this is definitely a 5-star service. However, with the concerns about the recent bankruptcy filing, this option comes in second place for purposes of our review. Despite this, we still highly recommend Party City as an excellent option for purchasing party supplies.
For a retail giant, it's no surprise that Target has joined in on the party supply bandwagon. Known for its fashion, home goods, and outdoor sections, Target is a popular stop for anyone looking to put together a Pinterest-perfect ANYTHING. And party supplies are no exception.
Broad range but lacking depth
With a range of options from banners, party props, cards, tableware, and piñatas, Target has cute, colorful, and stylized options for a variety of party themes. However, one way that Target differs from other party retailers is the general lack of "complete” themes like Luau or other fun concepts seen at rival stores. While there are themes for packs of items like "party props” other items are stand-alone or separated by color. This is great for party planners who like to choose every little element but could be more time-consuming for planners who prefer to get everything in one theme and go.
Party supplies not separated by age
To compare the range of items at different retailers in our review, we looked at the options for kids and adults at Target. While we know there's plenty of stuff for kids at Target in general, there's no particular differentiation between adult and kid party supplies. Instead, the items in Target's party section by the type of item you want to buy or by the color you're looking for. Once you choose the item type, you can see what themes are available. For example, there were fairy, sports, or generic color-themed tableware options. Some are clearly more kid-friendly than others like the pink princess plates. However, most are appropriate for a wide or general audience.
Full range of colors and luxe-styling
For the price comparison at Target, we decided to look at 3 items that were commonly sold by almost all the retailers in our review.
90-day standard returns
Target's return policy makes returning items a hassle-free experience for its customers. The retail giant allows customers to return most items within 90 days of purchase for a full refund, with an extended return window of 120 days for RedCard holders. What's more, Target-owned brands and registry items can be returned within a year of purchase. This extended return window gives shoppers ample time to test and evaluate their purchases, ensuring that they are satisfied with their products. Overall, Target's generous return policy is a testament to the company's commitment to customer satisfaction.
Four shipping options
In terms of shipping, there are lots of options for shoppers. You can either have it shipped traditionally, or you can use one of three alternatives offered at Target. With Shipt, customers can have their orders delivered right to their doorstep for a fee of $9.99 per delivery. Target also provides the option of ordering ahead and picking up the order inside the store or using Drive Up in the Target app to have the order brought to their car. These flexible shipping options make shopping at Target a convenient and hassle-free experience for its customers.
Ultimate one-stop-shop
If you're looking for a one-stop party shop, Target is IT. Need party favors? The kids' sections and makeup sections of the online store make wonderful spots to pick up party favor knick-knacks. Need birthday gifts for your special someone? Between home items, tech, and clothes for all body types, you can always find something that fits your needs at Target. While this major retailer doesn't specialize in party supplies, it does specialize in variety.
Socially conscious shopping
Some customers prefer small vendors over large-scale chain businesses like Target. However, if you're worried about things like sustainability or social justice, Target is a great store to support. Target has set a goal to become a leader in creating and promoting sustainable brands and experiences by 2030. One of their initial milestones is ensuring that all raw materials used in their owned brand products, including forest products and cotton, are 100% recycled, regenerative, or sustainably sourced. In 2021, Target committed to spending over $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by the end of 2025. Moreover, in 2022, Target introduced Target Zero, an initiative that enables guests to easily identify products with less packaging waste.
Great reputation
In terms of reputation, Target is a household name at this point. But in terms of customer satisfaction, Target has an average rating of 3.5 stars out of 5 with tens of thousands of individual reviews. Additionally, Target has an "A-” rating and accreditation from the BBB. With 61 years in operation, that's an excellent place to be as a business.
Top option for full shopping experience
Target offers a wide range of options for birthday party supplies, including banners, party props, cards, tableware, and pinatas. Although the lack of complete themes may be a drawback, Target's individual item options allow party planners to choose every little element, and the extensive color range and luxe styling are impressive. Additionally, Target is a one-stop shop for all your party needs, whether you need gifts, snacks, or party games. Only the fact that Target does not specialize in party supplies keeps it from a 5-star rating in our review, but we highly recommend checking out the variety of party supplies at Target for your next bash.
Party Expert has a rich history, serving its clientele since June 1999 as a go-to site for your party needs. They have become known for offering essential and related products to organize any party event, ensuring that customers can find what they need under one roof.
Wide range of supplies and games
They offer a range of products and services to cater to various occasions. From birthday party supplies to Valentine's Day presents, they have you covered. Additionally, they provide a games category for both kids and adults, as well as an extensive selection of costumes and accessories for Halloween. Whether you're looking for a movie hero, a video game character, or a cartoon favorite, you'll find plenty in the inventory here.
Great options for adults and kids
This retailer specifically offers supplies for child and adult birthday parties as well as themed selections for all ages. When it comes to kids' birthday themes, they provide an impressive 95 individual styles that are child-appropriate, ranging from superheroes and animated characters to favorite hobbies or sports. For adults, there are 22 diverse themes available, including standard birthday options with vibrant and luxurious designs. As an online retailer, Party Expert's stock is impressive, and highly competitive with our top options.
Prices are competitive and start low
For a comparison of Party Expert's pricing against competitors, we examined three essential party items available at Party Expert which are commonly found among the retailers in our review.
Sales and deals available
If you're looking for a place with fair prices, Party Expert is a great place to look. Not only are the prices reasonable and close to wholesale cost, but they also have a variety of sales available. Many of the options for tableware were on sale at 50% off. Additionally, the company was running a 20% off promotion at the time of this review.
Party for any occasion
As an additional bonus, Party Expert offers a variety of party supplies for different occasions. So, if you're looking for party supplies for weddings, sweet 16s, or even baby showers or graduation, there are tons of options to help you get what you need. The site even sells baking supplies for the DIY snack-makers who want to create their party from start to finish.
30-day limited returns
Unfortunately, one place Party Expert doesn't shine is with its return policy. The company accepts returns and exchanges within a 30-day window, provided the package remains unopened and the customer presents the initial receipt. To qualify for a return, all items must be in like-new condition, ensuring the ability to resell them to other customers. Additionally, Party Expert allows returns of seasonal merchandise up to 7 days prior to the relevant holiday. However, this is a fairly limited policy compared to other companies in this review and requires customers not to open or try any party items before changing their minds.
Well received and good BBB score
In terms of customer satisfaction, Party Expert has stellar ratings with blog sites and third-party scores. However, there are fewer total reviews out there for Party Expert than for other highly rated services in our evaluation, which brought our score down just a little. On the other hand, Party Expert also has a solid "A-” rating with the Better Business Bureau, which attests to the company's commitment to maintaining good customer relations and resolving issues.
Competitive for variety and pricing
Party Expert offers a wide range of party supplies and costumes, striving to meet customers' needs with their dedicated sales team. With an extensive selection of party costumes, props, decorations, accessories, and more, Party Expert aims to fulfill customers' wishes while accommodating their budget requirements. They offer competitive pricing on essential party items as well as catering to different types of celebrations. While there may be fewer reviews compared to other highly rated services, Party Expert has a solid reputation, backed by positive ratings from blog sites and a commendable "A-" rating with the Better Business Bureau. Overall, Party Expert proves to be a reliable destination for all your party needs, with its impressive product range, competitive pricing, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Dollar Tree is a major popular chain retailer known for its affordable prices. On top of the wide variety of low-cost products offered at Dollar Tree, they have a fairly competitive party-supplies section. One thing to know about Dollar Tree is that the selection may depend on the store that you choose while shopping. The site will automatically ask you for your location as you shop, which will connect you with the nearest Dollar Tree. So, if you don't see something you like there, don't forget to try other locations near you.
Smaller range, but great prices
To compare the range of items at different retailers in our review, we looked at the range of offerings appropriate for adult birthday parties as well as those best suited for kids. At the specific Dollar Tree location we pulled up online, there are 12 different themes. 6 of these appeared to be geared toward children more than adults, and the other 6 could be used either for an adult party or a kids' party, depending on the theme you want. While the selection could be wider, there are enough options for girls and boys as well as just standard "Happy Birthday” styles.
Cheapest party supplies on the market
In order to compare prices at different retailers, we looked at three must-have birthday products at each store to see how they stacked up. We checked out room decoration prices (like streamers), party favor bag prices, and themed party plates (cake anyone?).
While some of the options are a little limited compared to more party-focused retailers, the prices here can't be beaten. Every single birthday item costs just $1.25, so even if you need to buy extras, you're still coming in cheaper than every other option in our review. If price is your primary concern, Dollar Tree is a great option for party supplies.
Other party fun
On top of the specifically "birthday” themed options, Dollar Tree also offers a variety of generic "party” supplies where you can buy just plain-color plates, cups, and even utensils. There are also a variety of options for balloons that are impressive for a retailer that doesn't specialize in party gear. There are birthday-specific balloons as well as huge balloon features like a "mermaid tail” balloon frame or "balloon chandeliers.” We love the way that Dollar Tree offers a one-stop shop for all your party needs, especially at such low prices.
In-store or online
One of the bonuses of shopping with Dollar Tree is that you can choose either to shop entirely online, or you can get free shipping by choosing the "in-store-pickup” option during checkout.
All sales are final
In terms of returns, Dollar Tree isn't your best option if you're not sure of what you want. Because of the low cost of the products in the Dollar Tree retail stores, the company does not offer refunds and considers all sales final. However, customers can exchange any unopened item with the original receipt, and if a customer's order is incomplete or their items arrive damaged, Dollar Tree promises to address and fix the issue.
Good feedback for shopping experience
But what are customers saying about Dollar Tree? Across third party review sites, the company is doing above average. It has a score of 3.4 stars out of five after factoring the ratings across multiple sites. While most of the reviews are targeted to particular branches of Dollar Tree, customers who loved the shopping experience noted that the stores were clean and well-organized. Additionally, happy customers raved about the low prices calling them "unbeatable”. As for the negative comments, most were directed at particular employees or managers at specific branches rather than the store or online shopping experience.
Top option for low-cost party supplies
Dollar Tree offers genuinely unbeatable prices, making it the top option for party planners on a tight budget. Although the selection of items may depend on the location, there are enough options for both adult and children's parties. While return options are limited, the company promises to address and fix any incomplete or damaged orders. On top of that, the prices are so low (just $1.25), so even if you don't love what you got, you're not coming out at too big of a loss. Typically, customers are satisfied with their shopping experience at Dollar Tree, and because of the prices, this store winds up with one of the higher ratings among party supply stores in our review.
Factory Direct Party is a store that specializes in providing themed products for parties. They offer products for a variety of occasions, including birthdays, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, St. Patrick's Day, and Valentine's Day.
Be creative when looking for birthday party supplies
However, if you check their "birthday supplies” tab, there isn't much there. Only candles and birthday hats appear under this tab. While there are plenty of other party offerings that can be perfect for birthdays, including a sweet-sixteen section, it would have been nice for it to all be organized accordingly.
Neutral and luxe designs
To compare the different retailers in this review, we looked at the range of offerings appropriate for adult birthday parties as well as those best suited for kids. Overall, Factory Direct Party has switched gears in recent years. While they used to sell primarily kid-appropriate party supplies, they have now switched over to a more universal approach. Many of their party supplies are generic with single or duo-tone colors. Many of their offerings, such as their gold and black dinnerware sets have a premium look appropriate for adult birthdays or even something as fancy as a wedding. While they do offer some kid-friendly items like party favors or animal masks, the majority of the offerings are age-neutral or more appropriate for adult parties.
Seems like a bargain, but final price adds up
In order to compare prices at different retailers, we checked out room decoration prices (like streamers), party favor bag prices, and party plates.
While the listed prices on the site say they start at $1.99, it just isn't true when you click into the listings. Some plate sets require you to buy a minimum number of items, which racks up the price quickly. While these look premium and seem low-cost, the reality is you're paying a more premium price for the items.
Flat rate shipping is reasonable
At Factory Direct Party, you can enjoy a flat rate shipping of $6.95 to any location in the United States, regardless of the quantity of your order. This means you won't have to worry about shipping costs, whether you're buying a few items or a large number of party supplies. The affordable shipping fee ensures that you can have your products delivered right to your doorstep without spending too much. With this convenient shipping policy, you can shop with ease and get everything you need for your next event without breaking the bank.
Don't plan to make returns
However, the return policy here is a bit strict, as they don't offer full refunds. Customers must call within two weeks to process a return, and that's only for unopened products. Once Factory Direct Party receives the returned items, customers will still have to pay a 20% restocking fee which will be deducted from the overall return. This is one of the worst return policies in our entire evaluation, which doesn't make us feel as confident about Factory Party Direct.
Unique party products
One thing that keeps Factory Direct Party competitive is the one-stop-shop approach to party supplies. Not only do they have individual items, but they also have sets to make it easier to buy everything you need in one go. On top of the usual things like tableware, they also have fun party games, inflatables, and other unique offerings that aren't available at other party stores.
No reviews outside of BBB
In terms of reputation, Factory Direct Party does have an "A+” rating from the BBB. However, there are very few reviews available online to corroborate the rating. While some third-party sites have ranked Factory Party Direct with an average of 4 stars, these sites don't offer individual customer reviews. Without any significant customer feedback, this party supply store can't rate above a middle-of-the-road option. On the other hand, the low prices and premium-styled products may appeal to many shoppers, especially for adult birthday parties.
Good option for luxe-style supplies
Unlike some other options in this review, Factory Direct Party takes a more neutral approach to their party supplies with many of their products being age-neutral or more suited to adult parties. While their products may seem affordable at first glance, minimum quantity requirements can quickly rack up the price. Although they have an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, there are few customer reviews available online to corroborate this rating. Still, with its unique party supplies, Factory Party Direct is worth checking out, especially if you want something with a premium or luxe feel. Then again, those looking for themed kids' parties or a better return policy may want to keep looking somewhere else.
Big Dot of Happiness is a family-owned business that has taken off over the last 20 years. Priding itself on the uniqueness and quality of its products, Big Dot of Happiness promises their party supplies are 100% original. With a modern website design and a range of options for different parties, including birthdays, Big Dot of Happiness is a competitive option, especially if you're looking for full-themed party supplies.
Wide range of options, especially for kids
To make an apples-to-apples comparison across retailers in our evaluation, we looked at the range of offerings in both the adult party supplies category and the kids' birthday category to determine how competitive each company is as a one-stop shop. At Big Dot of Happiness, there are 42 different themes for adult birthdays ranging from the 18th birthday all the way up to the 100th. There are also options for "golden birthday” or generic birthdays. For kids' birthdays, there are 146 different themes. Some of these are specifically "Birthday” while others are themed for things kids love like "swim team” or "baseball” or more whimsical options like "unicorns.”
Not premium, but kid-friendly
It may be important to note that many of the party supplies feel a bit "cartoonish” at Big Dot of Happiness. While this is great for kids' parties, the adult favors definitely don't have a "premium” feel. So, if you're looking for something more upscale, this company may not be for you. However, for full-themed kids' party supplies, this is a great option to get everything you need.
Most supplies are around $20
In order to compare prices at different retailers, we looked at three must-have birthday products at each store to see how they stacked up. These items are room decoration prices (like streamers), party favor bag prices, and themed party plates.
You can personalize
On the plus side, many of the offerings at Big Dot of Happiness can be personalized. If you want to make party supplies really stand out for that special someone, or have pieces you can keep for a scrapbook, you can choose to add a personal touch to your purchases at Big Dot of Happiness, though only on select items. If having supplies with your name (or the name of someone you love) is a key selling point, definitely check out Big Dot of Happiness.
Ships right away
One exciting benefit of shopping with Big Dot of Happiness is the shipping. Committed to providing a fast and convenient shopping experience, Big Dot of Happiness's shipping policy is: "Order Today, Ships Tomorrow". This policy applies to all products including personalized items. The company guarantees that all orders will be shipped in one business day and will be delivered on or before the promised delivery date, using the most efficient shipping method available. The company's mission is to provide customers with a hassle-free shopping experience, with their products shipped right to their front door.
100% satisfaction guarantee
Another bonus of Big Dot of Happiness is the commitment to customer satisfaction. The company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, which promises to provide personalized attention to each order. Additionally, the company ensures that all items will arrive in perfect condition. In case the customer needs to return an item because of an error made by Big Dot of Happiness, they can reach out to the customer service team - also known as the Happiness Heroes - and they will find a solution at no extra cost.
Limited returns within 90 days
If you're looking to make a return for reasons other than a company error, the return policy has a decent timeline of 90 days, but there are a few caveats. Big Dot of Happiness only accepts returns for unopened, unused, and non-personalized items. Additionally, the customer is responsible for the postage of return shipping, and Big Dot of Happiness is not responsible for any damage during the return transit.
Good BBB rating, but no buzz
So, how do customers feel about Big Dot of Happiness? According to the BBB, the company has an "A+” rating, and while the company does have 4 stars on Sitejabber, this is only for 1 total review. There are also no reviews on the BBB site. This is a little disappointing, as there's no way to gauge how customers feel about the products or about the company policies. For this reason, it may be smarter to go with another company that has a wider online presence.
Middle-ground option, but great for kids
While Big Dot of Happiness offers a wide range of party supplies with 146 different themes for kids' birthdays and 42 for adult birthdays, there are a few things that keep this company from our top 3. Options and prices are good, but none of the offerings have a truly "adult” or premium feel. We loved the fast shipping; however, their return policy has limitations and there is minimal buzz around the company online, making it difficult to gauge customer satisfaction. For these reasons, it couldn't make it to the top rankings in our evaluation. On the other hand, if you want options you can personalize or you need a complete range of supplies in the same theme for a kids' party, Big Dot of Happiness may still be worth looking through.
A huge name in retail, Walmart is known for its affordable shopping experience. As for party supplies, Walmart has a competitive selection of over 1,000 different birthday party items. There are 9 different themes as well as a variety of generic "happy birthday” options at Walmart. The themes mostly appeal to kids, but there are quite a few fun add-ons like piñatas or balloons. The only downside is that Walmart doesn't specialize in parties, but they carry many other items you might need alongside party supplies, offering a one-stop shop for celebration day.
Party supplies not separated by age
Like a few other options in our review, Walmart doesn't separate the party themes between "kid” and "adult” themes. Instead, they're all listed separately. However, it is clear that some are more kid-focused than others. Some examples include "Fortnite Party” or "Frozen”. On the other hand, it seems the generic "happy birthday” styles are the ones left for the adults. There are a handful of color options or themes like "black and white dot” that aren't specifically birthday themed that might appeal to adults also.
Full range of colors and luxe-styling
For the price comparison at Walmart, we checked the prices for three items commonly sold by almost all retailers in this review.
Search filters need an update
One of the things we didn't love about browsing Walmart's website was the user experience. It was hard to narrow down search parameters, and often even when we clicked on "birthday” specific headers, options for "weddings” or other occasions would be mixed in. This will make it much harder for customers to find what they need, so even with a large collection of party options at Walmart, it isn't the ideal place to find what you need quickly.
90-day return policy in-store or online
What if you're not completely happy with your purchase? To initiate an exchange or return, here's what you should keep in mind: you have 90 days from the date of purchase to return or exchange an item, except for certain exceptions. You may return items to the store, for free via mail, or by scheduling a pickup from your home. Please bring your in-store receipt, Walmart.com, or Walmart Business order number and they will refund the purchase price along with the applicable taxes and fees to the original payment method.
Good rating but poor reviews
In terms of feedback, Walmart has been facing some criticism from customers across different review sites, with an average rating of 2.2 stars out of 5. Although Walmart has an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau for customer service, the overall shopper satisfaction level is comparatively lower than other retailers. Despite having a vast customer base, Walmart has received negative feedback for long checkout lines, poor store conditions, and lack of availability of certain products. However, Walmart is actively addressing these issues and working towards improving the customer experience. And, of course, most of those issues won't affect you as an online shopper.
Middle-ground option for your party
Overall, Walmart is a middle-ground option for party supplies, offering a competitive selection of over 1,000 different birthday party items, including various themes that mostly appeal to kids. Walmart also has a wide range of products for decorative banners, party favor bags, and disposable flatware, on top of its usual retail offerings like food, clothes, or home supplies, making it an option for a one-stop shop. One downside is that Walmart's website search filters need an update, which makes it difficult for customers to find what they need quickly. And with lower than average customer satisfaction, the good qualities are balanced out by the less positive ones at Walmart. For these reasons, this retailer is right in the middle of the pack as an option for buying party supplies, but the low prices keep Walmart as a contender.
Paper Source was founded in 1983 in Chicago, with a vision to spark delight and encourage thoughtful connections through creativity. Today, the company has over 120 locations across 25 states in the US as well as a full online store.
Great place for craft enthusiasts
Paper Source is a one-stop shop for craft enthusiasts, offering a variety of products including custom invitations, greeting cards, gifts, paper craft kits, party supplies, and personalized stationery. In terms of party supplies, the company offers just over 100 options for birthday-themed products. Paper Source ships to North America, the UK, and Australia.
Not a wide variety
To compare the range of items at different retailers in our review, we looked at offerings appropriate for adult birthday parties as well as those best suited for kids. The company doesn't separate the themes for adults. On the other hand, there is a section for kids that offers 55 total products. The generalized birthday inventory offers 79 products. There is some overlap, so the total for birthday supplies is just over 100 items available at Paper Source.
Few "birthday” themed options
To evaluate the pricing at Paper Source, we checked out three items to compare them to other retailers.
Artsy styling for all products
In terms of styling, the kids' and adult party supplies feel very sophisticated. Instead of cartoonish animals, everything has a hand-drawn or crafty style. Paper Source is catering to the fans of Pinterest birthday parties, who want everything to fit into a particular vibe. If you're looking for something more cutesy or name-brand themes like Marvel or Star Wars, you'll need to shop somewhere else. But if you want that picture-perfect party for you or your kiddos, this might be a fun place to replicate your Pinterest dreams.
30-60 day return policy
Paper Source's return policy states that customers can receive a full refund, including applicable taxes, for any new and unopened merchandise returned within 30 days of purchase with a receipt or packing slip. This policy applies to all Paper Source retail locations and their online store. If you return an item to Paper Source using a gift receipt, you will receive a store credit in the form of an electronic gift card. The credit will be issued for the original purchase price and must be claimed within 60 days of purchase.
Free shipping on orders $60+
One bonus of shopping with Paper Source is that the company offers free standard shipping for all orders of $60 or more within the contiguous United States. The shipping offer is only valid for online purchases and is calculated after all other discounts have been applied. However, this offer excludes certain brands and products sold only in stores, as well as shipping to non-contiguous US states. But for most customers, this offer will be easily attainable.
Customers complain about shipping
In terms of the company's reputation with customers, Paper Source has under 100 total reviews on third party websites. The company has received a "D-” rating from the BBB, which is less than ideal. Unfortunately, for the reviews that are out there most of them focus on the stationery and not specifically the birthday supplies. In particular, happy customers liked the "cute” styling of the products at Paper Source and praised the high quality of the stationery used. On the flip side, customers had trouble with shipping across the board with slow delivery or items arriving after the needed timeframe of the item (like Christmas cards arriving well after Christmas). With these concerns, Paper Source may not be worth the Pinterest-perfect styling.
Cute designs but shipping isn't reliable
Overall, Paper Source offers cute options for birthdays, but as it is neither cost-effective nor a customer favorite, it doesn't stand up to our top options. Customers have complained about slow shipping, with items arriving after the intended use. While shoppers may still like the Pinterest-style designs for a put-together birthday party, it may be safer to check somewhere else if you need your items to arrive on time. For this reason, this retailer is fairly low in our review; however, if the artsy decor is your jam, you might enjoy this store just to browse.
Blue Orchards is a little-known sister site of Discount Party Supplies. Both companies are owned by Rob Robinson, and Blue Orchards specializes in fully-themed parties, party packs, and tableware.
Party planning advice and fast shipping
Some of the popular themes include Kitten, Emoji, or even themes based on decades. On top of supplies, Blue Orchards promises to provide tips and assistance with party planning questions for small gatherings or large functions. Orders are shipped from the warehouse extremely fast, typically within the next business day.
Options more limited than competitors
To compare the range of items at different retailers in this review, we planned to look at the range of adult and kids' party supplies to determine how competitive the company is as a one-stop-shop. Unfortunately, at Blue Orchards there is no differentiation between adult- or child-focused parties. There are 31 styles for girls and 32 styles for boys; however, some of these options appear in both the girls and boys list, so there are just under 60 total styles on the site.
Buy everything in party packs
To compare prices at different retailers, we looked at three must-have birthday products at each store to see how they stacked up. These items are room decoration prices (like streamers), party favor bag prices, and themed party plates (because what birthday party is complete without cake and ice cream?). Many shoppers won't love that at Blue Orchards, it's impossible to buy any of these options separately. Instead, you have to purchase a premade "party pack”. All the packs are based on what you'd need to serve 16 guests, including plates, napkins, and utensils, as well as banners and tablecloths in the more expensive options. These range in price from $11.00 to $36.00 depending on the style you choose and if you want a standard pack with just plates and napkins or a more "deluxe” pack that offers a full range of party supplies in the pack. There are no party favor bags available at Blue Orchards.
Website feels unfinished
In terms of the website and navigation, Blue Orchards is very bare bones. It's not too hard to navigate, but it feels very empty - like the store isn't fully built out yet. The design doesn't quite match the vibe of a place that would make customers feel super confident about the retailer. This, along with having fewer options for sale than other companies in our review, makes the Blue Orchards site feel almost unfinished.
Free shipping on most orders
One of the nice things about shopping at Blue Orchards is that the company offers free shipping on any orders over $19.99 no matter what shipping timeframe customers choose. And, for orders placed before 2:00 PM EST Monday to Friday, same-day shipping is available. Since many of the party packs at Blue Orchards are over the $19.99 threshold, that makes it easy to get free shipping on your order. If you don't meet the $19.99 threshold, there are two flat-rate shipping options with Blue Orchards. For a "standard” delivery time of 3-9 business days, the cost is $8.95. If you're looking for expedited shipping for any items under $19.99, the flat rate is $15.95 for 2 business days.
Very limited returns at the cost of the customer
Blue Orchards does promise customer-focused service, but their return policy doesn't quite back that up. While they accept returns within 30 days for a full refund, certain items cannot be returned, such as open or used products, partial party packs, and candy or food products. Additionally, items must be returned at the customer's expense, and if the order is lost in transit, they won't issue a refund unless it is properly tracked. Finally, there may be a restocking fee deducted from the refund amount. Basically, there are a lot of costs customers will have to swallow to make a return, and it might not be worth it to shop here if you aren't 100% sure you'll want to keep what you get.
Reviews aren't in... at all
In terms of user feedback, there... just isn't any. While some individual party packs have been reviewed at specific retailer websites, there is zero presence for Blue Orchards on the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, there are no reviews on third-party review sites like Trustpilot or Sitejabber. With this in mind along with the downside of their shipping policy, Blue Orchards doesn't build a lot of confidence. Further, we checked on the sister site, Discount Party Supplies, and while it is on the BBB, it has an NR rating, so we really can't determine what kind of company Blue Orchards is.
Last option for your next party
Blue Orchards truly falls short compared to other party supply retailers in our review. The options available on the site are limited and there are no individual items available for purchase. The prices are reasonable, and there is the benefit of free shipping, but with such a limited return policy, customers are stuck paying return fees and restocking fees. These concerning practices along with the complete lack of user feedback for Blue Orchards raise questions about the company's reputation and trustworthiness. For these reasons, Blue Orchards is one of our lowest-rated choices for party supplies.
If you're looking for a website that feels trustworthy and modern as soon as you arrive, Party Cheap isn't the one. However, we checked common fraud websites and can confirm that Party Cheap is a legit retailer - it just looks like it hasn't been updated since the early 2000s.
Disappointing website, but variety of themes
For a business that didn't open until 2017, this is especially disappointing. While they do have over 1,000 individual items matching the "birthday” supply tag, it's hard to get around the site and start finding what you need. On the bright side, they have a competitive variety of themes including some from well-known franchises like Marvel.
Not a lot for adults
To compare Party Cheap vs. other retailers in our review, we checked the range of items available for kids and for adults. There are 23 different themes available at Party Cheap. None of these are listed as kids or adults, though some of the age-specific options will be aimed at adults. With this to help differentiate, there are 10 adult-focused themes that are based on milestone years. The rest are either generalized or offer kid-appropriate images like superheroes or Harry Potter.
Hard to find, but competitive prices
To compare the pricing at Paper Source, we checked out three items: banner decorations, party favor bags, and flatware for a party. As Party Cheap doesn't have many filters, it was hard to find all of the options to accurately compare prices. The only way to get a good search is to use the search bar at the top and narrow it down from there.
UI is a nightmare
We have to get this out of the way first: this website is a nightmare to navigate. With outdated and tiny .jpg images across the site along with walls of bullet lists for navigation links, it's incredibly difficult to find what you need at Party Cheap. On top of these, there are typos across the website, which make it hard to tell if something is titled that way on purpose or a mistake. Once you click into a party theme you want to shop, it gets a little easier to navigate (and the photos get a little larger and more visible). However the left navigation bar stays as confusing as ever no matter where you are on the Party Cheap site.
Free shipping on some orders over $39.99
In terms of shipping policies, PartyCheap strives to ship orders within 24-48 business hours of receiving them. Free ground shipping to the continental U.S. is available for all orders over $39.99, but this offer does not apply to Prom Kits and Prom Kit Pieces. And, it's important to note that sales tax is not included in determining if an order qualifies for free shipping, and free shipping cannot be combined with other specials or promotions.
Very limited returns
Given how little effort has gone into the user experience at Party Cheap as a whole, it's not surprising that the return policy isn't particularly helpful to customers either. Party Cheap's return policy requires returns to be made within 60 days of purchase. All returns are subject to a 20% restocking fee, and customers are responsible for the postage and shipping charges, which are non-refundable. Further, only unopened, unused products will qualify for returns at all.
Terrible customer service
In terms of reputation in customer feedback, it's also no surprise that Party Cheap is not rated by the BBB. Further, across review sites, there are fewer than 10 customer reviews, and all of these are 1 star. Customers complained about poor packaging and horrible customer service and warned other shoppers to stay away. While so few reviews may not be an accurate representation of the company as a whole, it may be safer to stay away from Party Cheap.
Find deals somewhere else
All things considered, Party Cheap earns our lowest ranking among retailers of party supplies. With such an outdated and clunky website, no positive reviews, and a complete lack of useful returns or benefits, there isn't anything to recommend Party Cheap. While the company has over 1,000 items that match the "birthday" supply tag, it only offers a limited number of themes, and there are certainly better low-cost options on other sites in our review. Our advice? If you want low-cost party supplies, it's better to find them somewhere other than Party Cheap.
Party supplies are a great way to add a touch of fun and excitement to any celebration. They can help set the tone for the party, whether it be a casual backyard BBQ or an extravagant quince. There is a wide range of party supplies available on the market, from balloons and streamers to tablecloths and centerpieces.
Whether you are looking to create a festive atmosphere or simply add some color and decoration to your event, party supplies are an essential part of any successful party (and your guests will love the matching party favors). They can help you create an event that your guests will never forget.
One of the reasons that party supplies are so fun to get is that they allow you to get creative and express yourself. You can choose from a variety of colors, themes, and designs to match your personal style and taste. From whimsical decorations to elegant table settings, the possibilities are endless. For example, if you are throwing a princess-themed birthday party. you might choose pastel colors, sparkly decorations, and themed balloons. But if you're throwing a sci-fi-themed party, you might choose silvers and blacks and star-shaped confetti.
There are so many options out there, and so many places to buy them. Don't worry, party planners, we've got you. So, how do you find the best place to buy birthday party supplies? There are so many choices out there, it can seem overwhelming when you start planning your party. If you're not sure where to start, we've created this list to help you narrow down your choices:
To help you make your next birthday party the talk of the town, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the most popular places to buy party supplies out there today. We hope this will make choosing where to shop a breeze so you can get to work planning and decorating to your heart's content!
Select any 2 Birthday Party Supply Stores to compare them head to head