Balloon Saloon – Tribeca
133 West Broadway between Duane and Thomas Streets
Open seven days a week and offering same-day delivery, this store carries a wide range of balloons for all occasions (letters, numbers, holidays and even pet-shaped balloons) as well as specialty balloons that light up and sing. Its selection of inflatables is particularly impressive, with some as tall as five feet.

NYC Balloons – Citywide
This company has provided balloons for movies (New Year's Eve) and TV (Boardwalk Empire), and holds the record for the biggest balloon drop in world. Sculptures of all sizes and designs, centerpieces and bouquets are all on offer. Delivery is available in all five boroughs, as well as on Long Island, and the staff sets everything up for you.

Balloon Kings – Upper West Side
207 West 80th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue
Whether you're looking for an arch, a themed bouquet or a one-of-a-kind custom sculpture, this store and its "balloon artists" say they're up to any balloon design challenge.

Balloon Bouquets of New York – Midtown West
457 West 43 Street between Ninth and Tenth Avenues
In addition to bouquets, sculptures and centerpieces, this service offers design tips, like how to arrange balloons along your ceiling. It also provides streamers and confetti cannons, and rents helium tanks so things won't get droopy.

NY Balloon & Basket Co. – Coney Island
2906 West 15th Street near Mermaid Avenue
An imprint service is available, as is a color chart, and balloons can be sent all over the world (though there's no same-day delivery). The owner is a certified balloon artist who attended a certified balloon art school. That's cooler than clown college.

My Deco Balloon – Citywide
Bulk pricing, package deals and online discounts if you order in advance make this balloon delivery service less expensive than some of the others mentioned. My Deco Balloon offers customized balloon walls and dance floors alongside more traditional arrangements.

State News – Upper East Side
112 East 86th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues
For basic balloons, try this popular Upper East Side store, which sells everything you need for a party, from paper goods to baking items to goodie bags, plus art supplies and a wide selection of toys. Balloons come in a variety of combinations and two different materials (latex or Mylar), and delivery in Manhattan is available.

Find out about other kids' birthday services in our Party Guide.