Helium balloons look great, but helium is becoming increasingly expensive, harder to source, and more frequently reserved for critical industries. So what is the best alternative to helium in balloons—especially if you are planning a party on a budget?
Here is the short answer: there is no safe gas that can replace helium for floating balloons. However, there are affordable and creative ways to achieve the same visual effect without using helium. Let’s break it down.
Why look for an alternative to helium?
Global helium consumption has increased significantly, leading to higher prices and recurring supply shortages.
According to an article by the BBC, helium is essential because it is:
- Non-flammable
- Odourless
- Chemically inert
- Extremely low in boiling point
These properties make helium irreplaceable in many industries. However, helium is a finite resource and cannot be artificially produced. As demand continues to rise, helium shortages are becoming more common.
Where helium is actually used
A large portion of helium is used in hospitals. Cooling magnets in vital diagnostic equipment, such as MRI machines, accounted for about 32% of global helium demand in 2021, based on data from RSNA.
Other major use cases include:
- Cooling equipment – Helium has the lowest boiling point of any element at -452°F. It is used to cool satellite instruments, superconducting magnets in medical MRI scanners, and large scientific facilities such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
- Cleaning applications – Helium is used to clean rocket engines in the aerospace industry.
- Oxygen control – Deep-sea divers use helium to regulate oxygen and nitrogen levels in breathing gas mixtures.
- Inflation – Helium is also used in car safety airbags and balloons.
How to make balloons look like they’re “floating” without helium
As helium becomes more difficult to purchase, here are practical ways to make air-filled balloons look like they are floating.
1. Hang the balloons from the ceiling using transparent strings
By using clear strings, balloons can appear to float naturally from above.
What you need:
- Balloons
- Transparent strings or fishing line
- Scissors
- Tape
- Measuring tape
- Stepladder
Steps:
- Inflate and tie all balloons with air (How to blow up a balloon?)
- Plan and measure where you want the balloons to appear
- Cut the string to the desired length from the balloons to the ceiling
- Attach the string to each balloon
- Use a stepladder to securely tape the strings to the ceiling
2. Make a balloon garland
Balloon garlands are commonly used at events to create volume and height without helium.
What you need:
- Balloons of different sizes
- Balloon pump
- Old balloons (for tying)
- Stepladder (optional)
Steps:
- Inflate and tie all balloons
- Slightly deflate two balloons and tie them together
- Twist two pairs of balloons together to form clusters
- Repeat this process to create multiple clusters
- Tie an old balloon to the lowest cluster and use it to shape and secure the garland
3. Attach balloons directly to the wall
If you want balloons placed in specific areas, attaching them directly to the wall is a simple and effective option.
What you need:
- Balloons
- Balloon pump
- Tape
Steps:
- Inflate and tie all of the balloons
- Attach them to the wall using tape
TakaraTec balloons last longer
If you prefer floating balloons and want to use helium, it makes sense to use it as efficiently as possible—especially now that helium is a valuable and limited resource. In that case, Takara Tec’s balloons are a smart choice.
With over 40 years of experience in manufacturing high-quality balloons, Takara Tec produces small helium balloons that retain helium for up to 30 days, helping keep balloons floating and in good condition for longer. This extended lifespan allows you to enjoy the visual impact of helium balloons while minimizing helium waste, and is comparable to the durability of large mylar balloons.
However, using helium efficiently is only one option. For those who would prefer to avoid helium altogether, Takara Tec also offers a range of non-helium balloon designs that deliver the same sense of fun and visual appeal—without relying on helium:
If you are looking for high-quality helium and air-filled balloons, it’s worth checking whether Takara Tec balloons are available near you.
Enjoy balloons without helium
Helium is becoming more expensive and harder to obtain. While there is no safe alternative gas that can make balloons float, there are several creative methods that can recreate the floating look. Try these approaches to make your party more enjoyable—without helium.
FAQ
A: No, there is no safe alternative gas. Hydrogen is the closest in terms of lifting power and was used before helium was discovered in the 19th century. However, hydrogen is highly flammable and poses serious safety risks, and it should never be used for balloons or party applications.
A: Yes, in most cases, air-filled balloons are cheaper. Air is free, does not require special equipment, and works with most balloon types.
A: There is no gas alternative to helium. While hydrogen can make objects float, it is not safe for parties. The best option is to use air-filled balloons and design them in ways that make them appear to be floating.
A: Helium shortages are a long-term issue. Helium is a finite, non-renewable natural gas, and demand from scientific research, semiconductor manufacturing, and medical imaging continues to increase. As a result, helium prices tend to remain high, and supply can be unpredictable.
