Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in silicon valley, CA

Places to Stock Up on Party Supplies

by bonggamom

April 07, 2009

When it comes to birthdays, all you really need to mark the occasion is a birthday cake, some candles and people to sing Happy Birthday to the birthday girl or boy.  But let's face it, birthdays come only once a year, which calls for something special.  Throw in some balloons, streamers and some cute paperware, and all of a sudden you've got a birthday party.   Add a pinata and goody bags, and watch your little one's face light up.  Here is a list of places in Silicon Valley you can shop for all the party supplies you need:

1)  If you aren't looking for a specific party theme, megastores like Target, Walmart and Kmart have a great selection of paper products at great prices. They carry paper plates, cups, and utensils with nice designs, in store brand and national brand (Bounty, Chinet, Dixie Cups, etc..).   They have themed partyware selection is limited to a few popular characters. 

2)  Party City and Party America carry all the themed partyware (paper products, candies, goody bag toys, decorations, etc..)  you could wish for.  They also have balloons, goody bag fillers and cards.  Prices are generally low you can often find coupons and sale notices in the mail.    If you prefer the convenience of online ordering, Party America has an online store.  Or log on to Oriental Trading or Birthday Express, two of the biggest online/catalog birthday party supply stores.

4)  For more high-end party supplies, head for Los Altos Card and Party in downtown Los Altos.   They have beautiful cardstock and stationery products in chic designs, as well as scrapbooking supplies to commemorate any occasion.

5)  Dollar stores are great low-cost place to find party supplies and goody bag fillers.  The quality is not great, but hey, kids rarely play with goody bag toys for longer than a week, and the price is right!   Dollar Tree has locations all over Silicon Valley.

5)  I've saved the best party stores for last:  Diddams, with locations all over the Peninsula, and Affordable Treasures in Los Gatos.  These locally-owned businesses are truly one-stop party shops.   You can find balloons,  goody bag fillers, costumes, cake decorating supplies, and every kind of party decoration under the sun, in all themes of the rainbow.  What sets Diddams and Affordable Treasures apart is their high-quality toys and games section, so you can pick up the perfect birthday present at the same time.  We love going to Diddams in Mountain View (huge store, lots of parking) during their after-holiday sales (up to 90% off) and their 39-cent partyware sale in late March (just in time for my daughter's birthday!).