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Party City Is Closing: 10 Alternatives for Cheap Party Supplies

The Dollar Tree and Five Below are great alternatives for party gear.

party city storefront in houston
Updated Jan. 28, 2025
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After nearly 40 years in business, Party City has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and announced its plans to close most brick-and-mortar locations. While many storefronts will begin immediate liquidation sales, shoppers are now stuck wondering where else they can save money shopping for party supplies besides online giants like Amazon.

To help ease the transition, we’ve found 10 alternative spots to score inexpensive party supplies.

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Dollar Tree

scandamerican/Adobe dollar tree store building

Dollar Tree has many of the same items you can find at Party City, and their pricing is a little more wallet-friendly. Most items in the storefront are priced at $1.25, with the occasional $3 and $5 items Party favors, disposable plates, balloons, balloon arch strips, goody bags, cards, and more can be found for cheap at the Dollar Tree.

They even carry a selection of celebratory helium balloons you can grab for the standard $1.25 each.

pOpshelf

Brett/Adobe popshelf business exterior storefront in houston

A Dollar Tree concept, pOpshelf is a discount shop full of vibrant, fun party supplies, gifts, branded merchandise, decor, beauty supplies, toys, and home decor items, among other things.

Adorn almost any present with affordable gift wrap, stylish themed tableware, and basic kitchen items for hosting like cookie sheets, cast iron pans, cutting boards, tupperware, and more. They have stores in 21 states or you can shop online.

Michael’s

John Mantell Photo/Adobe michaels store entrance

Michael’s has become many people’s first stop when it comes to party supplies. Not only is it rare to pay full price for anything at the store — their constant 20% off coupons and other offers ensure this — but their selection is incredibly varied.

Pick up a coordinated paper decor kit, plastic and paper tableware collections, themed photo backdrops, and more throughout their aisles on any given day.

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Spirit Halloween

Sundry Photography/Adobe spirit halloween seasonal store

Though you’ll only ever find Spirit Halloween stores in person from mid-summer through October, their online inventory is live year-round. Score deals throughout the year on everything spooky, as well as items you might use to throw a party.

Spooky themed drinkware, packs of decorations, quirky party favors, and more are available to you at reasonable prices.

World Market

Refrina/Adobe cost plus world market store

Seasonal decoration items and an exensive wine selection make World Market a must-stop for any party host. They also sell small items — including toys and candy — and party favors, perfect for goody bags and beyond.

If you’re hosting guests for afternoon tea, grab a fun scone mix and an assortment of tea. You can also scoop up multicolor felt garland, fun party napkins, cute gift bags, and so much more.

Target

JHVEPhoto/Adobe buffalo new york target store

Target is a one-stop shop for many shoppers, as they stock items at incredible prices and offer discounts and coupons regularly through their Target Circle rewards program.

Budget-friendly party supplies can be found here as well, including items like balloon banners, number candles, craft activity kits, photo backdrops, piñatas, and more.

Walmart

wolterke/Adobe walmart store exterior

Nothing says “cheap party supplies” like Walmart, which is the holy grail for parties, no matter what you might need. From tablecloths to balloons, paper plates to plastic bowls, craft a birthday or garden party to be just as vivid or low-key as you’d like.

Hosts can stock up on everything from food to alcoholic beverages, and even additional seating option while shopping for paper goods and fun decor.

The Container Store

Jillian Cain/Adobe container store hallandale beach

Believe it or not, The Container Store has more than just an assortment of high-end storage items. They also carry fun party decor and items, like cake toppers, sparkly mermaid party hats, rainbow-colored balloon arches, confetti poppers, and more.

You can also buy elevated kitchen and dinnerware for hosting, like a dipping bowl party set, serving tray set, and shot glasses.

Five Below

wolterke/Adobe five below retail store exterior

Five Below stocks a ton of fun items at reasonable prices including party supplies like candles, sparkly party confetti tubes, cake stands, decorative backdrops, banners, disco ball drinkware, and more to host your party in style.

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Paper Source

MelissaMN/Adobe paper source craft store

Affordable party supplies isn’t always the easiest grab at Paper Source, as it’s a more expensive option than most for stationery, but you can also grab cards, paper plates, and dozens of different types of napkins at reasonable prices, especially during sales or when items go on clearance.

Bottom line

JHVEPhoto/Adobe party city store

While Party City may soon be gone but, you can avoid wasting money when throwing a party by checking out other affordable storefronts instead.

Make a list of supplies you’ll need so you can price compare and make sure to download any store coupons through their apps before you go for even bigger savings.

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