It’s not a party without balloons— but balloons aren’t always the life of the party. After all, they mostly just kind of float there, and the only thing sadder than cleaning up when the party’s over is watching a balloon deflate!

That’s why we’re thinking beyond the balloon pump and taking our parties to the next poppin’ level in the process. We’ve got FIVE balloon hacks here to liven up everything from your food to your decor, and even give you a grand finale. Check ’em out!

Fun, pretty— and pretty easy! Keep reading for our step-by-step instructions for using balloons of all shapes, sizes and colors to take your party to the next level.

Chocolate Bowls

Here’s an edible hack, but don’t worry— we’re not asking you to eat balloons! Just use them to make edible bowls to make your desserts even more delightful.

Materials

• Small balloons
• 2 cups chocolate chips (approximate)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (approximate)

Directions

1. In a microwave-safe bowl – or using your preferred method – melt the chocolate chips together with the coconut oil until the chocolate is creamy.
2. Line a sheet tray with wax paper or parchment paper.
3. Blow up the small balloons, until they are about the size of a large grapefruit.
4. Dip the bottom halves of the blown-up balloons into the chocolate. Place the chocolate-coated balloons on the lined sheet tray.
5. Refrigerate the chocolate-covered balloons for at least 6 hours or overnight, until the chocolate is firm.
6. Pop the balloons and peel them out of the chocolate.
7. Use your chocolate bowls for ice cream or any other dessert you desire!

Ice Packs

DIY ice packs are great, but too often they take up space we really want for drinks. Use balloons instead to adjust your ice packs to fit your party beverage choices, instead of the other way around!

Materials

• Balloons, of varying sizes
• Water

Directions

1. Fill the balloons with water. The number and size of each filled balloon is entirely up to you, and will depend on the size of your cooler and your ice pack needs.
2. Place the filled balloons in the freezer until completely frozen.
3. Place your balloon ice packs in your cooler to keep beverages and perishables cold and fresh!

Balloon Vases

Here’s an easy way to decorate for a party and incorporate fresh blooms without having to shell out the cash for new vases. Just grab some balloons in your party colors, glasses and cups you already own, and start cutting!

Materials

• 2 balloons per desired vase
• 1 small-to-medium glass/cup per desired vase

Directions

1. Use scissors to cut off the valve ends of the 2 balloons. On one balloon, also snip off a tiny piece of the opposite end.
2. Stretch the balloon with only 1 cut over the bottom of the glass or cup you want to use as a vase.
3. Stretch the other balloon with 2 cuts over the opposite end of the same cup, so that the tiny opening is on top of the cup when the cup is sitting upright.
4. Fill the cup with desired amount of water and place in flowers of your choice.

Hacker’s Tip

• Be sure to use glasses and/or cups that are small enough in size to accommodate the balloon(s). Some of the cups we tested were too big or wide, and the balloon couldn’t stretch very far.

Fidget Balls

Kids will love how these balloons “magically” change color when you squeeze them. And you? You’ll love that they can double as DIY stress balls!

Materials

• Balloons (white, clear, or light-colored)
• 1 cup cornstarch
• ⅓ cup water
• Food coloring, to preference

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the 1 cup cornstarch with the ⅓ cup water and as much food coloring as you like. Mix until the consistency is “goopy” but not too “liquid-y”, adding additional water as needed. It should be thick enough to coat a fork, but thin enough to pour fairly easily.
2. Connect a balloon to a funnel.
3. Carefully pour in the colored water/cornstarch mixture, being careful not to pour too quickly and clog the funnel. (If it does get clogged, use a chopstick to clear the funnel.) Fill the balloon until it feels like a good, comfortable size to grip.
4. Remove the filled balloon from the funnel and tie shut.
5. Squeeze to calm those nerves, or just to see the balloon change colors!

Confetti Bomb

End your party with a bang that adds some sparkle and color at the same time! After all, if the balloons are going to deflate anyway, you should make their demise a part of the party.

Materials

• Balloon(s)
• Confetti

Directions

1. Attach a balloon to a funnel.
2. Using as much confetti as you want, pour confetti into the funnel, being careful not to clog it. (If the funnel does get clogged, use a chopstick to clear it out.)
3. Blow up the filled balloon and tie it shut.
4. Use a sharp object, such as a pin, to poke the blown-up balloon and experience a bomb of confetti!