Balloon Care & FAQ Guide

Balloon Care & Safety Guide


Balloons and Temperature

Please don't leave balloons in a hot car - helium expands in the heat and this could cause your balloons to pop! We recommend that you use air conditioning in your vehicle when transporting balloons on a hot day. If balloons get rained on and start to droop, don't worry – they'll float again when dry. When helium-filled balloons are taken into the cold, they will temporarily deflate and will re-inflate again when warm. A change in temperature (going from warm to cold) can cause a vinyl personalised message on your balloon to bubble slightly.

 

Balloons - Child and Pet Precautions

Balloons are not a toy. Un-inflated or burst balloons can present a choking hazard and should never be left with children under the age of eight without supervision. Store balloons away from pets to ensure that they cannot get themselves tangled with balloon ribbons or accidentally ingest popped balloons or their decorative contents such as confetti, feathers, or other materials. If a balloon pops, clear away any broken balloons and it's decorative contents (if applicable) immediately.
 

 Balloons and Allergies

Most balloons are made of natural rubber latex and may cause allergies. Please look out for symptoms in case of allergies and seek immediate help.
 

 Inhalation of Helium

Inhaling helium can be dangerous and it is not recommended. It can deprive your body of oxygen and can result in a fatality.
 

 Balloons, Ceilings and Fixtures

Lights, paint textures, irregular surfaces and even static can all pop balloons. If you are planning on placing your balloons on a ceiling, ensure that you test it first. Avoid sharp or rough materials and edges.
 

 Latex balloons and Oxidisation

Clear balloons become cloudy quickly when exposed to heat and sunshine. Coloured balloons will take on a velvety, matte appearance.
 

 Balloons can Pop

While we use the highest quality balloons and take every precaution necessary with your balloons to ensure they last through your event, once the balloons leave our door, they are out of our control.
 

 Confetti Balloons

If the confetti has dropped to the bottom of the balloon, you can re-charge the confetti to help it to stick to the sides by creating static on the outer surface of the balloon. Rotate the balloon to move the confetti around inside and, using your hand or a cloth, gently rub the balloon for a few seconds at the points where you would like the confetti to stick. 

 

Balloons and the Environment

Party Pieces promotes the responsible use and disposal of balloons without compromising the environment. At the end of a balloon's life, cut the end of the balloon with scissors to remove any air or balloon gas, then dispose of it in the bin. NEVER release balloons into the environment. ALL released balloons become litter. They can get caught up in trees or power lines. Remember - Don't Let Go. Pin It and Bin It.

Latex Balloons

Party Pieces promotes the responsible use and disposal of balloons without compromising the environment.

We use latex balloons, a natural based product.

Latex is not plastic: We use high quality latex. The cheaper balloons are cut with plastic.

It’s a natural, plant based product.

Latex is extracted without harming the rubber tree.

Trees in the rubber industry significantly contribute to the world’s tree canopy, vital in combatting climate change.

Biodegradable

Latex is a biodegradable substance produced by rubber trees and breaks down over a period of time.

Bubble Balloons

Bubble Balloons are non-allergenic balloons made of a clear, stretchy, plastic that allows them to be inflated into a nearly round shape. These balloons are long lasting and ideal for indoor and outdoor decor, because they are made of non-oxidising material. Not suitable for children under 36 months due to potential small parts which may pose a choking hazard. Adult supervision required. When you’ve finished with your balloons, simply snip the end of the balloon with scissors before placing in a suitable bin.
 

Foil Balloons

Foil balloons may conduct electricity. Never release helium-filled foil balloons outdoors. Helium-filled foil balloons must always be attached to a balloon weight to prevent them from floating away. When you’ve finished with your balloons, simply snip the end of the balloon with scissors before placing in a suitable bin.

 

Balloon Gas (Helium)

At Party Pieces we use Balloon Gas - Balloon gas is simply a by-product from bottling helium and other industrial appliances and would have otherwise been wasted. Instead of losing the gas to atmosphere, it is captured and sold as balloon gas instead of helium due to its high level of impurity.

 

We urge our customers not to endorse or undertake balloon releases and our message to consumers is “Don’t let go”. Please NEVER release any helium-filled balloon and dispose of balloons responsibly.

FAQs

When will my balloon arrive?

For personalised balloons, you will be asked to select a preferred delivery date. We can deliver Monday - Saturday (excluding Bank Holidays). If you would like your balloon quickly you can order up till 2pm Monday- Friday for next day delivery to any UK address.
We cannot be held responsible if your balloon doesn't arrive on time, our courier partners may experience delays that are outside of our control.
 
 
What if the person is not in to sign for the delivery?

Whilst we understand that sending a gift is ideally to be a surprise, we do suggest that you let your recipient know that they have a parcel coming to ensure the balloon arrives in the best possible condition.
 
Can I return my items?

We are unable to accept returns of inflated and personalised orders. Due to their nature, they are perishable and individually created for each customer, therefore, cannot be reused or resold. If your items are faulty this does not affect your statutory rights.
 
My item was faulty
 
We understand how important sending gifts to our loved ones can be, therefore our wonderful team of balloon artists will ensure that all personalised balloons leave our studio looking their best. If unfortunately your balloon arrives damaged then please send a picture of the damaged balloon immediately to us at info@partypieces.co.uk.

Will my balloon be inflated? Is it in a box?

All of our gift balloons (photo and bubble) will be inflated with helium, tied with ribbons and attached to a balloon weight, which varies according to the style of balloon you are choosing. They arrive in a tissue lined box and are securely taped.
 
Can my balloon be personalised?

Our gift bubble balloons can be personalised with your own text and have a choice of either a confetti or latex balloon filling. 
Our personalised photo balloons can be personalised by your choice of a single photo or 4 photos plus message. You can also write a gift message that will be included in your gift. Our gift cards have a limit of 200 characters.
 
How long will my balloon float for?

Our personalised bubble balloons have a float time of approximately 1-2 weeks, but this can vary hugely depending on how and where they are kept. Helium does not like the cold so leaving it in a garage or a car overnight will reduce the life of the balloon dramatically. Keeping it at room temperature will always ensure it looks it’s best for the longest period of time. Foil photo balloons, which we also offer inflated, have a float time of 4-6 days.
 
Data Protection

Due to Data Protection, we're unable to discuss orders (including who the item is from, resends or faulty items) with the recipient if they are not also the billable customer. For any queries regarding the order you've received, please have the billable customer get in contact with us.