Olen Happy Birthday Smiley Balloon, 30 x 24 in Yellow Foil

What does this happy birthday balloon look like?

This happy birthday balloon is a single yellow smiley-face foil balloon, about 30 x 24 in (76 x 61 cm) when inflated. The face wears a colorful party hat, a cake illustration sits beside it, and a blue speech bubble reads HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Because the message is part of the design, the balloon does the job of a sign and a centerpiece at once.

Will it float?

Only with helium. Filled with air, it stays put, which is what you want for taping it to a wall, hanging it in a photo backdrop or propping it behind a gift table. With helium, tie it to the included ribbon and anchor the ribbon to a weight or chair so it floats above the table.

The balloon has a self-sealing valve, so you don't tie a knot or use a heat sealer. No helium on hand? Our guide to inflating foil balloons without helium covers the straw and hand-pump methods.

How do you inflate it so it looks right?

1. Push the straw or nozzle fully into the valve.
2. Fill slowly to about 80–90%; the face should look smooth, with a little give at the edges.
3. Press the balloon gently to spread the fill evenly, then pull out the straw or nozzle. The valve closes on its own.
4. Tie the ribbon to the balloon's tail and trim it to the length you want.

Stop before it feels drum-tight. Foil doesn't stretch, so overfilling can split a seam, especially if the balloon later moves from a cool room into warm sun.

How long will it last?

The edges are heat-sealed and the balloon is built for display across more than one day. Actual float time with helium depends on how full it is, the room temperature and handling, so we don't promise a number. For the longest float, inflate it on party day and keep it indoors.

The balloon is listed as reusable. To store it, let the fill out gently through the valve, flatten it and keep it in a folder; a valve that has been opened several times may not seal as tightly.

Who is it for?

Kids' birthdays, classroom celebrations and family parties, but the grinning face also suits adults who want a funny, low-key birthday balloon. Pair it with 11-pack kids' party hats and a few blue latex balloons that pick up the color of the speech bubble. For the rest of the shopping list, see our birthday party supplies checklist.

Who should look elsewhere?

• If you want a name or an age number, this is a general HAPPY BIRTHDAY design.
• If you need a matching set, this is one balloon.
• If you want it floating but can't get helium, air won't lift it.

Foil balloons conduct electricity. Keep helium-filled balloons tied to a weight, never release them outdoors, and keep them away from overhead power lines. An adult should handle inflation and throw away popped pieces promptly.