How to Put Gifts Inside Balloons

Stuffed balloons make great gifts.

Stuffed balloons make great gifts. Like a ship in a bottle, a stuffed balloon makes you wonder how it was possible to get everything in there. Here's how it's done.

Things You'll Need

• Balloon-stuffing machine or
• 5-inch-diameter plastic tube
• Shop vacuum set to exhaust
• Various small stuffed animals, toys or carnival prizes
• Any other thing that will fit into a 5-inch-diameter tube
• Shredded mylar, confetti, curling ribbon, cotton fluff or tissue paper
• Large bow
• Bud vase
• Silk roses

Instructions

1. Either purchase a stuffing machine or use a plastic tube 5 inches in diameter and a shop vacuum set to exhaust (see the video in the Resources section). Take an 18-inch balloon and stretch the neck several times, then roll the neck down twice to make it shorter. Pull the neck of the balloon open with two fingers. Add fingers one at a time until you have the balloon stretched across your palm with your fingers inside the balloon. Put your other hand inside the balloon as well, opening it wide. Work the balloon onto the 5-inch-diameter tube, and remove your hands. Attach the shop vacuum to the tube. Set the shop vacuum to exhaust and use the air to fill the balloon. If air leaves balloon and it begins to shrink back down while stuffing, add more air.

2. Put confetti, shredded tissue paper, shredded mylar or cotton fluff in bottom of balloon. Beginning with your largest item first, set gifts in the filler material the way you want them. For long, tall items such as silk flowers in vases, use the tube to aid in holding the item upright. You may want to put a bit of instant adhesive on the bottom of your bud vase before insertion to help hold it in place.Place bud vase into balloon bottom first. Remove tube once bud vase has been placed.

3. Refill balloon with air as needed, then tie top of balloon shut once all your items have been placed the way you like. Cover balloon top with a large bow.

4. Place your balloon in a decorative box if desired, or use a basket. Add a little card with a poem and greeting. Watch your loved one's eyes light up when they receive your delightful gift.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Balloon Stuffing Equipment
• Balloon Suppliers
• Silk Flower Suppliers
• Balloon Stuffing Video