Party Stores

What Party Stores Have To Offer

While retailers like Walmart or Target carry party supplies, they usually have a single aisle devoted to everything from plastic silverware to party favors. While it can be convenient to pick up the paper plates for your child's birthday party while you're buying toilet paper and cat food, you'll have a fraction of the selection a party store can provide.

Party stores are there for all the memorable events in your life: baby showers, first communion, weddings, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, and retirements. Announcements and invitations will let everyone know about your big day, and specially-designed decorations, paper products, and favors accent the reason for your celebration. A Styrofoam tombstone can set the tone for an "Over the Hill" celebration while plastic baby booties are a great way to serve candy and nuts at a shower.

General party supplies include plates, cups, plastic flatware, tablecloths, napkins, balloons, streamers, and party favors. These products are available in a rainbow of colors to fit any decorating scheme. Whether you're looking for napkins in your school colors for a graduation open house or silver plates for a 25th anniversary party, you'll find just what you need.

One of the greatest strengths of party stores is their selection of themed products. If you're planning a luau, you can find inflatable palm trees, grass skirts and leis, pineapple-shaped glasses, and matching paper products, from the invitations to the tablecloths. The sock hop section may offer a jukebox cutout for the wall, CDs of 1950s music, and saddle shoe party favors. They also stock everything you need for kids' birthday parties, whether you're looking for popular licensed characters like Dora the Explorer or Power Rangers, or more general themes like ballerinas or dinosaurs. You'll find everything on your list, and you're sure to find some fun new decorating and entertaining ideas.

Look for seasonal displays throughout the year. Hearts are prevalent in late January and early February for all your Valentine's Day needs. Next come the eggs and bunnies of Easter. In May and June, you'll find graduation-themed products for the senior celebrations. October belongs to Halloween, and many party stores branch out from their usual products to also offer costumes. Get ready for Hanukkah and Christmas as the year ends, and stock up on party hats and poppers for those New Year's Eve celebrations.

Some party stores also carry general gift items, like stuffed animals and collectible figurines, allowing you to take care of all your shopping for a special occasion. Another product line you may find at party stores is "adult" items and gag gifts for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Online Party Supplies

If there isn't a brick-and-mortar party store in your area, check out the following online retailers for your party supply needs:

• Party City bills itself as "The Discount Party Superstore." Browse the product selection available in their 500 stores, send an e-card, read helpful party tips, or join the Birthday Club to access special features.
• Party America is another traditional store with an online presence. Search the online selection for seasonal and everyday party supplies.
• iParty offers a typical array of invitations and supplies, with an emphasis on themed items and party packs. iParty also features a large selection of costumes.
• Shindigz stands out from other party retailers by providing large-scale decorations and banners for the most popular themes and occasions. If you prefer to browse their selection offline, you can request a catalog.