The Best Balloon Tower

Buying Guide

Some studies are starting to confirm what parents and educators already believe: that experiences make better gifts for kids than material possessions. Maybe that’s why parents continue to plan top-notch birthday parties for their children. A few birthday party-decorating trends have emerged in recent years, and you’ll probably spot those trends at multiple parties you attend.

One of those trends is the balloon tower. Once something seen primarily at large-scale events like proms and homecomings, these towers are now affordable and easy to create thanks to a large variety of kits now available at retail. All you need are some PVC pipes, connectors and a few other parts, and you’re ready to go. You will, of course, have to blow up balloons and add them as well.

One issue with these towers is that they can tend to be too lightweight. They aren’t tough to tip over, which can be a problem when you have children running around. If you’ve set up your balloon tower outdoors, wind can also be a factor.

For that reason, many balloon tower kit manufacturers now include a base that you can fill with water or sand to provide stability. The size and design of those bases is crucial, though. Some add 2 pounds to each base, which might be sufficient if your party is indoors, but others go all the way up to 10 or 11 pounds per base when filled, which can ensure your tower holds up against some major wind gusts.

It’s also important to pay attention to the height of any balloon tower. Often you’ll find heights in the 5- to 6-foot range, but they go up to 10 feet or even higher. You can also buy balloon tower kits that create an arch, or use your creativity to fashion your own shape.

You’ll also want to consider if balloons come with a balloon tower kit. Not all kits will have balloons. And if they do, you won’t always be able to choose a color or design for them, but this shouldn’t necessarily be a deciding factor.  You can always buy your own balloons separately for very little extra money.

• The construction of your balloon tower is an important consideration. Many are made from plastic, especially in the form of PVC piping. You’ll also find connectors in your kit for assembling everything.
• The kit will come with rings designed to hold your balloons in place along the tower, and in some cases, you’ll get some glue or plastic nails to help ensure your tower stays together under pressure.
• You can make your own balloon tower using ribbons and balloons and some hard work. But you’ll still need something to weigh them down, and the DIY method takes considerable work, so the kit might be well worth the expense.
• Many balloon tower bases are designed to be filled with water. Although this should be sufficient, some choose to switch the water out for sand for an even sturdier option.
• Setup for some balloon kits is easier than others. Check assembly instructions before buying, if possible, to find one that won’t cause you excess frustration as you’re preparing for the big event.
• If you plan to use your balloon towers only once, durability won’t be as important. However, some are built using top-quality materials so that you can hold onto them in case you have an occasion to use them again. You might also be able to hand them off to a friend or relative after your event if you choose one that’s durable enough.
• If you don’t want to spend hours giving up oxygen for your balloons, you can buy an air pump specifically for the job. These pumps are affordable and can fill each balloon with air in just seconds. This will save time and help you retain your much-needed energy as you prepare for your big event.