🕑 12 min read📄 1,412 words📅 Updated Mar 26, 2026
🎯 Quick AnswerFive Below is one of the best places to find discount party supplies, offering a wide array of decorations, tableware, and favors all for $5 or less. Their diverse inventory, including craft and seasonal sections, allows for creative, budget-friendly party planning. Shoppers can find everything from balloons and streamers to unique DIY materials to create memorable celebrations without overspending.
Throw an Epic Bash: Discount Party Supplies at Five Below
Let’s be real: party planning can feel like a high-stakes game. You want to create a memorable experience, a fabulous atmosphere, and a joyous occasion for your guests. But then you look at the price tags for balloons, streamers, plates, and favors, and suddenly, that joy turns into a bit of a panic. Your budget starts screaming, and the dream party starts looking more like a quiet night in. Sound familiar? I’ve been there more times than I care to admit.
But what if I told you there’s a place where you can grab everything you need for an epic celebration without emptying your wallet? A place where ‘discount party supplies’ doesn’t mean sacrificing style or fun? For well over a decade and a half now, Five Below has been my absolute secret weapon for throwing incredible parties on a shoestring budget. And today, I’m pulling back the curtain to share all my insider tips and tricks with you.
As someone who’s been obsessed with finding a good deal and throwing fantastic parties since before 2010, I’ve refined my approach. I’ve learned to spot the gems, visualize the potential, and transform simple, affordable items into show-stopping decor. Forget the stress; let’s dive into how Five Below can make your next party planning adventure genuinely exciting and affordable.
Table of Contents
- Why Five Below is My Secret Weapon for Party Planning
- My Go-To Sections for Discount Party Supplies
- The ‘Party Zone’ Aisle: Your First Stop
- Beyond the Basics: Unexpected Finds
- Dollar Deals & Impulse Buys
- Smart Strategies for Scoring the Best Discount Party Supplies
- Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible
- Theme It Up (Without Breaking the Bank)
- DIY Magic with Five Below Finds
- Don’t Forget the Favors
- Common Pitfalls When Buying Discount Party Supplies (And How to Avoid Them)
- My Top 5 Must-Have Five Below Party Essentials
- Making Your Party Pop: Real-Life Examples
- What are the best places to buy discount party supplies?
- FAQ About Discount Party Supplies at Five Below
- Ready to Party for Less?
Why Five Below is My Secret Weapon for Party Planning
I remember one year, back in 2014, I decided to throw a surprise 30th birthday for my best friend. I had grand visions, but a very modest budget. I started looking at traditional party stores, and my heart sank. A few themed plates, napkins, and a banner were already adding up to more than I wanted to spend. That’s when I pivoted to Five Below, and it completely changed my party-planning game.
What makes Five Below so fantastic for discount party supplies? It boils down to a few key things:
- Unbeatable Value: While Five Below has expanded its offerings beyond the strict $5 limit in recent years, introducing items up to $10, $20, and even occasionally higher, the core value proposition remains strong. The vast majority of party essentials are still incredibly affordable, meaning you can stock up without constant budget anxiety.
- Surprising Variety: From seasonal decor to everyday party basics, they have a wider range than you’d expect. You’ll find colors, themes, and fun items that can be easily mixed and matched.
- Constant Refresh: Their inventory changes frequently, so there’s always something new and exciting to discover. This keeps things fresh and allows for unique party themes.
- Versatility: Many items aren’t explicitly labeled ‘party supplies,’ but with a little creativity, they can be transformed into amazing decor or favors.
The evolution of Five Below’s pricing model, while a shift from its original concept, has actually broadened the scope of what’s available for party planners. It means you might find larger decor pieces, more intricate craft kits, or even small electronics that can enhance a party’s atmosphere, all still at prices significantly lower than specialty stores. It’s about smart shopping and knowing where to find the deals within their expanded range.
Expert Tip: Don’t let the expanded price points deter you. Use the Five Below app or website to scout for deals and new arrivals before you go. Many of the core party items remain at the original low price points, and the higher-priced items often represent incredible value for their category.
My Go-To Sections for Discount Party Supplies
When I walk into a Five Below, I don’t just head straight for the party aisle, although that’s a great starting point. I approach it like a treasure hunt, knowing that amazing discount party supplies can pop up anywhere. Here are the sections I always hit:
The ‘Party Zone’ Aisle: Your First Stop
This is the obvious one, but it’s where you’ll find the foundational elements for any party. I always scan this aisle for:
- Balloons: They have a decent selection of Mylar balloons for birthdays, graduations, and other celebrations, often for just a few dollars. Look for numbers, letters, and popular character designs. Don’t forget the balloon weights!
- Tableware: Plates, cups, napkins, and sometimes even cutlery in various colors and patterns. I usually grab solid colors that can complement any theme, or mix-and-match patterns for a playful look.
- Banners and Streamers: Basic ‘Happy Birthday’ banners, or simple colored streamers that can be draped, twisted, or cut for a festive look. Their seasonal banners can often be repurposed for general themes.
- Party Favors: Small toys, stickers, temporary tattoos – perfect for goodie bags, especially for kids’ parties. Keep an eye out for multi-packs to save even more.
Beyond the Basics: Unexpected Finds
This is where the real magic happens for me. Thinking outside the box is key to finding unique discount party supplies:
- Craft Aisle: This is a goldmine! Glitter, glue, craft paper, small canvases, paint, pipe cleaners, googly eyes – all perfect for DIY decorations or activity stations. I’ve used their craft kits to create custom centerpieces, photo booth props, or even personalized party hats. For a recent ‘galaxy’ themed party, I grabbed glow-in-the-dark paint and small canvases for guests to create their own ‘starscapes.’
- Seasonal Section: Don’t just think holidays. This section often has general themed decor (think summer luau, spooky Halloween, festive winter) that can be adapted. I once found tropical-themed plastic cups and leis in the summer section that were perfect for a jungle party, even in the fall. Their Valentine’s Day section often has pink and red items great for any love-themed event, not just February 14th.
- Candy Aisle: Essential for any party! Not just for eating, but for candy buffets, goodie bag fillers, or even decorating a cake or dessert bar. Colorful candies can be a major part of your decor.
- Room Decor/Home Goods: Sometimes you can find small decorative items, string lights, or even cute storage bins that can double as part of your party decor. For example, I’ve used their small LED light strips to add ambiance to a dessert table, or their mini artificial plants to create a lush centerpiece. You’d be surprised what you can find to spruce up a space! Look for items like decorative trays, small vases, or even fun throw pillows that can add a pop of color.
Dollar Deals & Impulse Buys
Near the registers, you’ll often find bins of items for $1, $2, or $3. These are fantastic for:
- Extra Favors: Small novelty items that are perfect fillers for goodie bags or as small prizes for games.
- Table Scatter: Confetti, small toys, or decorative gems can quickly add sparkle to any table.
- Last-Minute Additions: Sometimes you spot something that just perfectly ties your theme together, like a specific colored ribbon or a fun gadget.
Smart Strategies for Scoring the Best Discount Party Supplies
It’s not just about what you buy, but how you buy it. My years of budget party planning have taught me a few tricks.
Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible
Start looking for party supplies a few weeks, or even a month, before your event. This gives you time to browse different Five Below locations (as inventory varies) and to snag seasonal items before they sell out. However, don’t go in with a rigid list. Be open to what you find. If you planned for blue napkins but they have an amazing deal on teal, be ready to pivot slightly. Often, the best deals come from adapting your vision to what’s available.
Theme It Up (Without Breaking the Bank)
A strong theme doesn’t require expensive licensed products. You can create a fantastic theme using color palettes and general motifs. For a ‘Tropical Paradise’ theme, focus on green streamers, bright yellow plates, and any faux flowers or leis from the seasonal section. For a ‘Glam Birthday,’ use black, gold, and silver tableware, combined with some LED string lights and glitter from the craft aisle. Five Below excels at providing the foundational colors and textures you need to build any theme.
DIY Magic with Five Below Finds
This is where your creativity truly shines. Instead of buying expensive pre-made decorations, grab a few basic items and transform them:
- Custom Banners: Buy plain cardstock or poster board from the craft aisle, markers, and glitter. Design your own personalized banner for a fraction of the cost.
- Centerpieces: Use small vases or decorative bins from the home goods section, fill them with craft pom-poms, faux flowers, or even colorful candy. Add some battery-operated tea lights for extra charm.
- Photo Booth Props: Grab plain masks, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and colorful paper. Let guests create their own silly props for memorable photos.
Don’t Forget the Favors
Party favors don’t need to be extravagant. Five Below offers a plethora of options that are both fun and affordable. For kids, think mini coloring books, stickers, bubbles, or small novelty toys. For teens or adults, consider fun socks, a small bag of gourmet candy, or a cute keychain. Buying in multi-packs from the dollar deals section can significantly reduce your per-favor cost.
Common Pitfalls When Buying Discount Party Supplies (And How to Avoid Them)
Even with amazing prices, there are a few traps budget party planners can fall into. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Impulse Overload: It’s easy to get carried away with all the cool, cheap stuff. Stick to your list as much as possible, and only allow yourself one or two true impulse buys that genuinely fit your theme.
- Quality Control: While Five Below offers great value, some items (especially small toys or certain craft supplies) might not be top-tier quality. Check items for defects before buying, especially if you need a specific number for favors or activities.
- Ignoring the ‘Beyond Five’ Items: Don’t dismiss items priced above $5 without considering their value. Sometimes a $10 LED light strip or a $15 larger decor piece can be a better deal than similar items elsewhere and significantly elevate your party.
- Not Checking Inventory: Five Below’s stock rotates quickly. If you see something you love, especially for a specific theme or season, grab it. Don’t assume it will be there next week.
- Overlooking Versatility: A common mistake is only looking for items labeled ‘party.’ Remember, the craft, seasonal, and home goods aisles are full of hidden gems waiting to be repurposed.
My Top 5 Must-Have Five Below Party Essentials
If I could only pick five items to kickstart any party from Five Below, these would be them:
- Solid-Colored Plastic Tablecloths: Inexpensive, come in a rainbow of colors, and instantly set a base for your decor. Plus, easy cleanup!
- LED String Lights or Fairy Lights: Instantly add ambiance and a magical glow to any space, whether draped over a table or strung along a wall.
- Basic Craft Supplies (Glitter, Markers, Cardstock): Essential for DIY banners, custom signs, or last-minute creative touches.
- Mylar Letter/Number Balloons: For just a few dollars each, you can spell out names, ages, or messages, creating a personalized focal point.
- Colorful Candy/Snacks: Doubles as edible decor and a crowd-pleasing treat. Choose colors that match your theme for extra impact.
Making Your Party Pop: Real-Life Examples
Let me share how I’ve used Five Below finds to create memorable events:
Kids’ ‘Dinosaur Dig’ Birthday (Age 7): I grabbed brown plastic tablecloths for a ‘dirt’ base, small plastic dinosaurs from the toy section, and craft sand from the craft aisle. I set up a ‘dig site’ with paintbrushes (also from Five Below) for kids to excavate. Green streamers and balloons completed the jungle feel, and dinosaur-shaped cookies were decorated with icing and sprinkles from their candy section. Total decor cost was under $40.
Adult ‘Boho Chic Brunch’ (Age 30): For a more sophisticated vibe, I focused on natural textures and soft lighting. I found small faux succulents and decorative baskets in the home goods section, which served as centerpieces. White and gold paper plates and napkins added elegance, and several strands of warm LED fairy lights created a cozy atmosphere. I even found some cute glass jars that I filled with fresh flowers from a local market. The overall aesthetic felt much pricier than the $50 spent at Five Below.
What are the best places to buy discount party supplies?
Beyond Five Below, here are some other fantastic options for stretching your party budget:
- Dollar Tree / Dollar General: Excellent for true $1 items, particularly for basic tableware, balloons, and small favors.
- Target’s Dollar Spot (Bullseye’s Playground): Often has trendy, seasonal decor and craft items for $1-$5 that can be perfect for party themes.
- Online Retailers (Amazon, Temu, Shein): Can offer bulk packs of specific themed items or unique decor, but be mindful of shipping times and potential quality variations.
- Thrift Stores/Secondhand Shops: Great for unique props, vintage serving dishes, or even costume pieces that can add character to a themed party.
- Local Grocery Stores: Often have surprisingly good deals on balloons, basic tableware, and sometimes seasonal decor.
FAQ About Discount Party Supplies at Five Below
Has Five Below changed its ‘everything $5 or less’ policy?
Yes, Five Below has evolved beyond its original $5 price point. While many items, especially core party supplies, remain at $5 or less, they now offer a wider range of products up to $10, $20, and sometimes higher, often labeled as ‘Ten Below’ or ‘Twenty Below’ zones. This expansion allows for a greater variety of items while still maintaining a strong value proposition compared to other retailers.
Can I find specific themed party supplies at Five Below?
While Five Below does carry some popular licensed character themes and seasonal party kits, its strength lies more in providing a wide array of solid colors, versatile patterns, and basic decor items that can be mixed and matched to create your own unique theme on a budget. Look for general motifs in the seasonal aisle that can be adapted.
Are Five Below’s party supplies good quality?
For their price point, Five Below’s party supplies generally offer good value. Items like plastic tableware, balloons, streamers, and basic craft supplies are perfectly adequate for a party. More intricate items or toys might vary in durability, so it’s always a good idea to inspect them before purchase, especially if you need them to last beyond the event.
Yes, Five Below has an online store where you can browse and purchase many of their party supplies and other items. However, in-store inventory can sometimes differ from online, and finding specific, rapidly changing items might still require a visit to a physical location. Shipping costs also need to be factored into your budget.
Ready to Party for Less?
Throwing an epic party doesn’t have to mean maxing out your credit card. With a little creativity, a strategic approach, and the treasure trove that is Five Below, you can craft a celebration that looks fantastic and feels unforgettable, all while sticking to your budget. So next time you’re planning a bash, skip the expensive specialty stores and head straight to Five Below. Happy party planning!
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