Both of my kids recently had birthdays, complete with Mylar balloons. My friend was helping me clean up, and gave me this tip. Cut old Mylar balloons into squares and use to wrap small gifts for other birthday parties. Great idea, isn't it?
By Brianna Southworth from Dutch Harbor, AK
This page contains the following solutions.
If you have no other use for the deflated Mylar balloons, simply save them to be reinflated on another occasion. If you insert a straw at least 6-8 inches in length up into the hole where it was originally inflated, you can press out the remaining helium in order to store the balloons flat.
Re-use old Mylar balloons by cutting out the outer balloon designs; tape next to, and around photos for scrap booking. You can also cut the balloon apart to make a background for the picture in a frame, or as a border around the picture.
I have a few ideas for the shiny metallic-looking Mylar balloons that would otherwise go to a landfill: Cut them into one long continuous strip about 1/2 inch wide, and use them to crochet throw rugs, place mats, etc.
Save mylar balloons from any special occasion, round ones work best. Frame in embroidery hoop, just like you would cloth, dress hoop edge with ribbon, lace or any trim - just apply with hot glue gun or leave edge plain.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
How do you reuse a giant mylar balloon?
Shena Anglin
Hi Shena,
Did you know they can be refilled? Otherwise, turn it upside down, cut into strips and hang from the ribbon in a tree. It will flutter in the breeze and remind you of the special reason you got the balloon in the first place.
Any store that sells balloons will usually refill the balloon for about .50 cents. They last a couple of weeks.
When you want to store it you can let it deflate naturally or put a pin hole in it and use a wooden hoop used for needle point and frame the balloon to display or just save and it keeps it's shape.
I thought I read here about other frugal uses for Mylar balloons?
It is very shiny and colorful.
By MotherShip from Chino Valley, AZ
Sandwich between two piece of clear adhesive backed vinyl like Mactac Seal firmly and squeeze our bubbles. Cut in the shape that fits best, leaving a small margin around the outside. Voila, place mats!
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Whenever you receive those Mylar balloons for birthdays ,showers, etc, save them! Cut the "tail" off and carefully peel both sides apart at the seam.
Mylar balloons are expensive; so don't throw them out. You can use them again. Here's what I do when a Mylar balloon gets tired.