Looking for a reliable party store Gainesville FL can’t party without?
From big‑box retailers stacked with themed décor to local balloon artists and bounce‑house rentals, Gainesville’s party‑supply scene has grown well beyond a single storefront, perfect for birthday blowouts, tailgates, or UF graduation fetes. Below you’ll find up‑to‑date details on the city’s most‑used suppliers, including addresses, price talk, and insider tips.
Best Party Store Gainesville FL Picks for 2025
Store | What They Do Best | 2025 Hours | Contact | Notes |
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Party City – Butler Plaza | Huge selection of licensed themes, balloon helium station, and curbside pickup | Mon–Sat 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–6 p.m. | 3644 SW Archer Rd • (352) 377‑9797 | Check the clearance aisle for seasonal 50 % markdowns. |
A Simply Unforgettable Party Shop | Custom invitations, cake supplies, balloon bouquets | Mon–Sat 10 a.m.–8 p.m. | 3307 Clark Butler Blvd • (352) 260‑6167 | Announced June 2024 closing sale—ask for remaining stock deals. |
JumpStars Party Rentals | Bounce houses, water slides, tents, concession machines | Online 24/7; phone 9 a.m.–6 p.m. | (352) 281‑4546 • Delivery throughout Alachua Co. | Free setup within 20 mi of Gainesville, $50 deposit holds date. |
Gainesville Balloons & More | Custom arches, garlands, corporate installs, face painting | By appointment | gainesvilleballoons.com • (352) 222‑7492 | Books 2–3 weeks out for big builds; small bouquets next day. |
Dollar Tree (multiple) | Budget‑friendly tableware, mylar balloons $1.25 | Typical 8 a.m.–9 p.m. | 3445 SW Archer Rd & 1800 NE 12th Ave | Clip digital coupons for party‑pack paper goods. |
What Each Store Brings to the Party
Party City – Still Gainesville’s one‑stop mega‑mart for last‑minute costumes, color‑coded tableware, and same‑day balloon bouquets; Yelp users rank staff helpful but warn of 2024 bankruptcy‑related clearance chaos—great for bargain hunters.
A Simply Unforgettable Party Shop – Locally‑owned alternative that sells Wilton cake pans, premium ribbon, and themed piñatas. A June 2024 news post confirmed a store‑closing sale, so inventory (and pricing) fluctuates—call ahead.
JumpStars Party Rentals – Delivers sanitized inflatables, dunk tanks, and chair‑table bundles. Orders under $150 pay a $25 delivery fee; rain‑day cancellations are rescheduled free.
Gainesville Balloons & More – Specializes in Instagram‑worthy garlands; a 10‑ft arch starts around $185. They travel to Ocala & St. Johns counties for a small mileage fee.
Dollar Tree – Perfect for filler décor—solid‑color plates, plastic vases, gift wrap, and quick‑grab mylar balloons. If your guest list is huge, mix Dollar Tree disposables with premium accents from Party City to stretch the budget.
Insider Money‑Saving Tips
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Stack Party City coupons—print flyer codes AND load app offers before checkout.
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Hit Dollar Tree first for basics; upgrade centerpiece pieces elsewhere.
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Book inflatables mid‑week; JumpStars knocks 10 % off Tuesday‑Thursday events.
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Bundle delivery—combine balloon décor and rentals for one trip fee.
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Ask about student discounts—some shops give 5%-10 % off with a UF ID.
FAQ
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What’s the cheapest place for helium balloons in Gainesville?
Dollar Tree charges $1.25 per pre‑filled mylar balloon; Party City’s latex starts at 99¢ plus $1.50 for helium. -
Do any party stores in Gainesville rent tables and chairs?
Yes—JumpStars Party Rentals delivers 6‑ft tables, white folding chairs, and even tent packages. -
Is the Simply Unforgettable Party Shop still open?
As of May 2025, it’s running a closing‑sale schedule at 3307 Clark Butler Blvd; call to confirm stock before visiting. -
Can I get same‑day balloon arches?
Gainesville Balloons & More needs a 24‑hour notice for arches; small bouquets can be prepared the same day. -
Do any stores offer eco‑friendly party supplies?
Party City’s Butler Plaza branch stocks compostable bamboo plates; Dollar Tree currently does not.
From bargain balloon runs to full‑scale bounce‑house blowouts, every party store Gainesville FL hosts has its sweet spot—use this guide to mix,