It’s hard to imagine that the charming party prop that we know as the balloon is three hundred years old.  In fact, balloons were invented by a Brazilian fellow named Bartolomeu de Gusmao.  Later came the rubber balloon, then the latex balloon and then the mass production of balloons in the 20th century.  Nowadays, both adults and children alike buy billions of balloons every year.

There are numerous balloons to choose from including plain color, printed (which feature word and phrases, metallic, novelty designs and helium balloons.  Metallic balloons are thicker, quite a different shade than standard balloons which can be easily seen-through.  Novelty balloons are made easy to stretch so they can be formed into balloon animals.  Helium balloons are specially made with helium gas and can float high into the sky.

Most party balloons you find will be made from natural latex.  Besides helium these balloons can be filled with practically any liquid or gas, including air and water.  Because the latex is elastic, the volume can differ greatly.  In order to pump balloons full of air, a person may try to fill it using their mouth, a manual inflator, an automatic hand pump or even by using compressed gas.  When compared to helium, regular air balloons actually maintain their size and shape for a longer period of time, and don’t float off.  Eventually though, all balloons will start to lose gas or air and deflate.  So don’t just buy one balloon—buy an entire set so you can keep the party rolling!

What better way to celebrate a party than by buying a set of balloons along with other decorations?  Children love balloons whether they are taking part in a water balloon war, being entertained by a clown or simply decorating a special person’s room with a Happy Birthday sentiment.  Speaking of clowns and balloons, did you know those balloon animals actually come from a special, more durable type of balloon made of thin and un-stretchable metalized plastic film?  This explains the bright shine not to mention the print that you will find on many of these balloons!