Perfect for parents, realtors, teachers, and anyone celebrating life’s little moments
Great for a mini balloon bouquet, gift add-on, table setup, or photo op
Ideal for spontaneous celebrations, milestones, school events, or “just because” days
Inflates helium-filled balloons for small-scale decorating at home or on-the-go
Lightweight and portable (just 2 lbs!); easy to store or carry in a tote
Contains 5.8 ft³ of helium/air mixture
Description
Celebrating something small, sweet, or totally spontaneous? The Balloon Time Mini Helium Tank is made for mini moments: the quick wins, surprise pick-me-ups, and the celebrations that don’t need a big setup to feel big. This lightweight, portable helium tank for balloons is easy to use and ready to go wherever the party takes you.
Just remove the cap by pulling the tab all the way around (like a whipped cream canister!), place your balloon on the black nozzle, hold in place, and gently tilt the nozzle to fill. Pro tip: stop inflating when your balloon looks like an egg, not a lightbulb. Overfilling can reduce float time or cause balloons to pop.
Under the best party conditions, helium floats standard latex balloons for 5 to 7 hours. For happiest results, inflate balloons 1 to 2 hours before your event and keep them indoors, away from heat or direct sunlight. Want to float even longer? Treat your latex balloons with an additive like HI-FLOAT (sold separately) before filling, and make sure you're using helium-grade balloons, not air-fill only.
Before you float off into party mode, here’s one last thing to keep in mind: balloon size really matters. This tank fills up to (20) 9-inch latex balloons, (16) 12-inch latex balloons, or (15) 18-inch foil balloons. Most latex balloons sold today are 12 inches, which use more helium than the smaller 9-inch ones. Your count may vary depending on how full you inflate or if any balloons pop.
We’ve spent more than 40 years making helium celebrations simple. When you're ready to party, we're ready to help.
Great for small celebrations and gift moments, pair the balloons with a gift bag, tissue paper, birthday card, or wrapping paper for a simple finishing touch.
Use the inflator to create balloon arches, garlands, and other party decorations that can complement gift bags, tissue paper, birthday cards, and wrapping paper for a complete celebration setup.
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.
Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 3.5 inches length x 3.67 inches width x 13.4 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1.7 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO, Alaska, Hawaii
Return details
This item must be returned to any Target store.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, delivered to the guest, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or picked up by the guest.
A: No. The Balloon Time Mini Helium Tank will not fill 24 18-inch balloons.
The Mini Tank is designed to fill approximately:
Up to 20 9-inch latex balloons
Up to 9 12-inch latex balloons
Up to 11 18-inch foil balloons
If you're referring to 24 pieces of 18-inch balloons, you'll need a much larger helium supply. Even the Balloon Time Jumbo Kit fills only up to 27 18-inch foil balloons.
If your 18-inch balloons are latex rather than foil, they'll require even more helium than 18-inch foil balloons, so the Mini Tank will fill far fewer than 11.
submitted byBalloonTime - 1 month ago
Brand expert
Q: What aisle is it in?
submitted by girl - 2 months ago
A: Please contact Target directly.
submitted byBalloonTime - 2 months ago
Brand expert
Q: Can it fill up 8 16inch and 6 18inch ballon's?
submitted by Lea - 3 months ago
A: Thank you for contacting us. The Balloon Time Mini Helium Tank is designed to fill approximately 8–9 standard 9-inch latex balloons.
Unfortunately, it would not contain enough helium to fill 8 balloons that are 16 inches and 6 balloons that are 18 inches. Larger balloons require significantly more helium than standard 9-inch balloons, so you would need a larger tank or multiple tanks for that quantity and size of balloons.
submitted byBalloonTime - 3 months ago
Brand expert
Q: can I take it in my luggage and fly with it?
submitted by liz - 3 months ago
A: Hello, and thank you for contacting us. Due to hazardous materials regulations, we strongly recommend contacting the airline or airport directly regarding their guidelines and restrictions for helium tanks.
Should you have any further questions or inquiries, please feel free to contact us at BalloonTime@wthg.com.
submitted byBalloonTime - 3 months ago
Brand expert
Q: What would happen if you inhaled it?
submitted by RandoGuyo - 4 months ago
A: Inhaling helium might seem funny because it temporarily changes your voice, but it’s actually unsafe and not recommended.
submitted byBalloonTime - 4 months ago
Brand expert
Q: Will this be able to fill (4) 32" balloons?
submitted by LP - 8 months ago
A: No. The Balloon Time Mini Helium Tank will not reliably fill (4) 32" balloons.
The Mini Tank is designed for smaller balloons and its estimated capacities are:
• Up to (9) 12" latex balloons
• Up to (10) 18" foil balloons
Because 32" balloons require much more helium, the Mini Tank cannot fill four of them to full float. For balloons that large you would need a larger helium tank such as the Medium or Jumbo.
submitted byBalloonTime - 8 months ago
Brand expert
Q: In the specifications, it states that this would fill (11) - 18 inch foil balloons if that is correct would this work on
1) 33" Foil Balloon, (2) 18" Square Shape foil and (2) 18" regular ?

submitted by D - 1 year ago
A: -D
Thanks for your question!
Based on the specs stating it can fill approximately (11) 18-inch foil balloons, here’s a rough breakdown:
One 33" foil balloon typically uses the same amount of helium as about 3–4 18" balloons.
Two 18" square-shaped foil balloons = about 2 standard 18" balloons.
Two regular 18" foil balloons = 2 more.
That totals around 7–8 standard 18" balloon equivalents, so yes, the Balloon Time Mini Helium Tank should be able to fill that mix — assuming all balloons are properly sealed and none overinflated.
submitted byBalloonTime - 1 year ago
Brand expert
Q: Is the tank refillable?
submitted by Sunny - 1 year ago
A: Hello and thank you for your question. No, these are not refillable but they are recyclable.
submitted byBalloonTime - 1 year ago
Brand expert
Q: Hi, will this inflate a 40 inch Mylar balloon? Thank you
submitted by bjbouch - 1 year ago
A: Hello and thank you for your question. The Balloon Time Mini is unlikely to fully inflate a 40-inch Mylar balloon on its own.
For a balloon that size, you’d need a larger helium tank (like the standard or jumbo size), or consider having it filled at a party store.
submitted byBalloonTime - 1 year ago
Brand expert
Q: Does it need to be stored in a certain temperature environment?
submitted by Krista - 1 year ago
A: The Balloon Time Mini Helium Tank should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally at room temperature (around 68–77°F / 20–25°C).
❗️Important Storage Tips:
Avoid extreme heat or cold. High temperatures can increase internal pressure, while cold temperatures may reduce pressure and affect performance.
Keep out of direct sunlight and away from open flames or heat sources.
Do not store in a car or enclosed space where temperatures can fluctuate drastically.
Proper storage helps maintain the tank’s safety and ensures the helium performs well when you’re ready to use it.
The helium tank has received mixed feedback from guests, with many expressing disappointment over its performance. While some found it easy to use and appreciated its compact size, others reported that it failed to inflate the advertised number of balloons and that the balloons deflated quickly. Guests noted that the tank is suitable for small gatherings but may not meet expectations for larger events. Overall, it offers convenience but may require careful handling to achieve the best results.
Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
2.5
2.5 out of 5 stars
345 star ratings
2.5 out of 5 stars with 345 reviews
quality
1.8 out of 5
quality: 1.79 out of 5
value
1.6 out of 5
value: 1.61 out of 5
21% would recommend
161 recommendations
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
2 September, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
Does not fill 20 balloons more like 8-9
Ange
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful?
1 out of 5 stars
30 August, 2026
(no review title)
Save yourself $30 do not buy this product. It only filled three balloons.
1 reply from BalloonTime team - 5 days ago
We’re sorry to hear our helium tank didn’t meet your expectations. That’s not the kind of celebration experience we aim to create. Our portable tanks are designed to bring joy to any moment—helping you decorate with ease at home, on-the-go, or anywhere in between. We’d love to hear more and see how we can help. Please reach out to our team at balloontime@wthg.com so we can assist directly. Thanks for sharing your feedback—it helps us keep improving for every celebration to come. 🎈
Melissa
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
1 out of 5 stars
29 August, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
Filled 5 small heart balloons and it was empty
Belanda
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1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
26 August, 2026Verified purchase
waste of money
I like the compact size but it only worked for 4 balloons not 30 like it says. It is not target's fault I will reach out to balloon time
Cristy
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful?
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
24 August, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
It did not even work. Very disappointing especially I bought it to use for my daughter’s birthday.
1 reply from BalloonTime team - 10 days ago
We’re sorry to hear our helium tank didn’t meet your expectations. That’s not the kind of celebration experience we aim to create. Our portable tanks are designed to bring joy to any moment—helping you decorate with ease at home, on-the-go, or anywhere in between. We’d love to hear more and see how we can help. Please reach out to our team at balloontime@wthg.com so we can assist directly. Thanks for sharing your feedback—it helps us keep improving for every celebration to come. 🎈
Am90
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1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
22 August, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
Didn’t last for more than 2 hours!
1 reply from BalloonTime team - 13 days ago
Hi there! We're sorry your balloons didn’t float as long as you expected — we know every moment of celebration matters! Latex balloons typically float 5–7 hours, but things like heat, humidity, balloon age and quality, and over- or under-inflation can shorten float time. It’s also important to make sure you pull the knot tight to seal the balloon. For a longer float time, use HI-FLOAT (sold separately), which coats the inside of latex balloons and helps them float longer. We’re here to help get your celebration back on track—just reach out to us anytime at balloontime@wthg.com. 🎈
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful?
2 out of 5 stars
8 August, 2026
Works well but one tank recieved completely empty!
I bought 3 of these helium tanks. 2 of them were fine but I recieved one that was COMPLETELY EMPTY and it couldn't blow up any balloons. So mad about that a waste of 30 bucks! It's very easy to use you just put a balloon on and push the nozzle. As for the amount of gallons I didn't count but I think it blew around 20 normal sized rubber balloons. They also had this "hi float" balloon gel in the party aisle and it supposedly makes the balloon float longer. If your store has it BUY IT. The balloons with the gel floated for a few days compared to around half a day without. I have only used the rubber balloons not sure about how the plastic foil ones work with the tank.
1 reply from BalloonTime team - 25 days ago
We’re sorry to hear our helium tank didn’t meet your expectations. That’s not the kind of celebration experience we aim to create. Our portable tanks are designed to bring joy to any moment—helping you decorate with ease at home, on-the-go, or anywhere in between. We’d love to hear more and see how we can help. Please reach out to our team at balloontime@wthg.com so we can assist directly. Thanks for sharing your feedback—it helps us keep improving for every celebration to come. 🎈
quality
3.0 out of 5
quality: 3 out of 5
value
3.0 out of 5
value: 3 out of 5
2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
3 August, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
i thought it worked fine at first but then after 2 hours, all the balloons just fell down? I read the product details and it specifies to blow up balloons 2 hours before event. it also says it’s a mixture of air and helium. so it’s not pure helium. did not work out for me
1 reply from BalloonTime team - 1 month ago
Thanks for your review. To clarify, our tanks contain a helium/air mixture with not less than 80[LK6.1][KC6.2]% helium, carefully formulated to float standard latex balloons for 5–7 hours and foil balloons for up to 4 days. Factors like balloon age, size, material, inflation, and even altitude can affect float performance. For even longer float times with latex balloons, use HI-FLOAT (sold separately), which prevents helium from escaping. If you have questions or need assistance, we’re always happy to help at balloontime@wthg.com! 🎈
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
25 July, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
Given all of the horrible reviews, I was hesistant to purchase this. It actually worked fine for what we needed it for. We filled 6 latex balloons that stayed afloat for about 7-8 hours. we did not attempt to fill the foil balloon so I am not sure how well that would do. overall was easy for my husband to use! purchased at target
quality
5.0 out of 5
quality: 5 out of 5
value
2.0 out of 5
value: 2 out of 5
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1 out of 5 stars
25 July, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
Balloons do not float. Not a single one floated. My tank has tons left in it but there’s no helium.
1 reply from BalloonTime team - 1 month ago
Oh no—sorry to hear your balloons didn’t float! 🎈 We know how frustrating that can be, especially when you’re trying to celebrate something special. One common culprit? Some balloons are made just for air—not helium—so they won’t float even if they’re inflated with a helium tank. We recommend checking the balloon packaging or label to confirm that they’re helium-compatible. Still unsure? We’re here to help! Send us a photo or a quick note at balloontime@wthg.com, and we’ll take a look. We want to help you get the most out of your celebration.
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1 out of 5 stars
18 July, 2026Verified purchase
Non functional product
Purchased for a birthday party and when we were ready to fill the balloons, we found this to not work. At all. It was squirting something at first but then began to sputter- maybe I purchased an empty container, but it was very inconvenient because we had to get the balloons filled at Safeway and ended up running around at the last minute. Probably wouldn’t purchase this specific product again.
1 reply from BalloonTime team - 2 months ago
Hi there, We’re sorry to hear our helium tank didn’t meet your expectations. That’s not the kind of celebration experience we aim to create. Our portable tanks are designed to bring joy to any moment—helping you decorate with ease at home, on-the-go, or anywhere in between. We’d love to hear more and see how we can help. Please reach out to our team at balloontime@wthg.com so we can assist directly. Thanks for sharing your feedback—it helps us keep improving for every celebration to come. 🎈
kk
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
18 July, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
My tank was completely empty. Zero helium. A complete waste of $30. Won’t be buying again.
1 reply from BalloonTime team - 2 months ago
Hi there, We’re sorry to hear our helium tank didn’t meet your expectations. That’s not the kind of celebration experience we aim to create. Our portable tanks are designed to bring joy to any moment—helping you decorate with ease at home, on-the-go, or anywhere in between. We’d love to hear more and see how we can help. Please reach out to our team at balloontime@wthg.com so we can assist directly. Thanks for sharing your feedback—it helps us keep improving for every celebration to come. 🎈
somers as
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
18 July, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
The balloons floated for only a few hours
1 reply from BalloonTime team - 2 months ago
Hi there! We're sorry your balloons didn’t float as long as you expected — we know every moment of celebration matters! Latex balloons typically float 5–7 hours, but things like heat, humidity, balloon age and quality, and over- or under-inflation can shorten float time. It’s also important to make sure you pull the knot tight to seal the balloon. For a longer float time, use HI-FLOAT (sold separately), which coats the inside of latex balloons and helps them float longer. We’re here to help get your celebration back on track—just reach out to us anytime at balloontime@wthg.com. 🎈
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
16 July, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
Filled One balloon then it stopped working
1 reply from BalloonTime team - 2 months ago
Thanks for your feedback—we’re sorry to hear you didn’t get as many balloons inflated as expected. Our Mini Tank is designed for the “Mini Moments” to fill approximately 20 nine-inch latex balloons. However, many latex balloons sold today are 11” or 12" in size, and larger balloons require more helium to fill. Our Mini tank will fill up to nine 12” balloons[SH4.1]. If you need more balloons, we recommend our Medium or Jumbo tank. Have more questions? We’re happy to help at balloontime@wthg.com! 🎈
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
28 June, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
Easy compact efficient
1 reply from BalloonTime team - 2 months ago
Thank you! We are thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with BalloonTime and that it met your expectations. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and your kind words reaffirm that we are on the right track. Once again, thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to serving you again in the future. Warm regards,
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
26 June, 2026Verified purchase
awful purchase
it says 20 balloons and it filled 4…awful do not buy
1 reply from BalloonTime team - 2 months ago
Thanks for your feedback—we’re sorry to hear you didn’t get as many balloons inflated as expected. Our Mini Tank is designed for the “Mini Moments” to fill approximately 20 nine-inch latex balloons. However, many latex balloons sold today are 11” or 12" in size, and larger balloons require more helium to fill. Our Mini tank will fill up to nine 12” balloons. If you need more balloons, we recommend our Medium or Jumbo tank. Have more questions? We’re happy to help at balloontime@wthg.com! 🎈
Olivia
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
23 June, 2026Verified purchase
Helium Tanks Hand Held
Perfect for a destination party or one night party. Helium doesn’t last more than 12 hrs or so
quality
4.0 out of 5
quality: 4 out of 5
value
5.0 out of 5
value: 5 out of 5
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2 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
16 June, 2026
80% helium at best, Helium/air mix.
If you are used to getting balloons filled at a store, those tanks typically are 99%ish helium. These tanks here are 80% helium at best. This is why you see a lot of complaints on float time/height. I believe these companies need to publish this percentage very visibily on the packaging. If you are purchasing, go into it knowing that size of your balloons, and lower your expectations. I treat these more like a inflator.
1 reply from BalloonTime team - 3 months ago
Thanks for your review. To clarify, our tanks contain a helium/air mixture with not less than 80% helium, carefully formulated to float standard latex balloons for 5–7 hours and foil balloons for up to 4 days. Factors like balloon age, size, material, inflation, and even altitude can affect float performance. For even longer float times with latex balloons, use HI-FLOAT (sold separately), which prevents helium from escaping. If you have questions or need assistance, we’re always happy to help at balloontime@wthg.com!
Ed
quality
2.0 out of 5
quality: 2 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
14 June, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
The quality was much worse than expected. I would not recommend this product.
1 reply from BalloonTime team - 3 months ago
Hi there, We’re sorry to hear our helium tank didn’t meet your expectations. That’s not the kind of celebration experience we aim to create. Our portable tanks are designed to bring joy to any moment—helping you decorate with ease at home, on-the-go, or anywhere in between. We’d love to hear more and see how we can help. Please reach out to our team at balloontime@wthg.com so we can assist directly. Thanks for sharing your feedback—it helps us keep improving for every celebration to come
quality
1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
value
1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful?
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
10 June, 2026Verified purchase
ABSOLUTE JUNK! Ruined our baby celebration. Wish I could give 0 stars!
I bought this mini helium tank for my baby’s celebration party, and it has been an absolute nightmare. The first tank I bought yesterday didn't work AT ALL this morning. With the party starting in just a few hours, my wife rushed back to the store to return it and buy a different brand. However, the store staff was incredibly mean and forced her into a strict exchange only. To ensure the new one actually worked, she even brought a balloon to test it in the store. It worked for that one test balloon, so she hurried back home. But guess what? After inflating just 3 small balloons at home, the tank ran COMPLETELY EMPTY! The packaging blatantly lies, claiming it "inflates up to 20 9'' latex balloons." Getting 3 balloons out of a tank is an absolute joke and a total scam. Because of this garbage product and terrible store service, our party preparations were rushed, chaotic, and all the balloons we bought went to waste. Do not risk your special events with this unreliable junk. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!
1 reply from BalloonTime team - 3 months ago
We’re sorry to hear our helium tank didn’t meet your expectations. That’s not the kind of celebration experience we aim to create. Our portable tanks are designed to bring joy to any moment—helping you decorate with ease at home, on-the-go, or anywhere in between. We’d love to hear more and see how we can help. Please reach out to our team at balloontime@wthg.com so we can assist directly. Thanks for sharing your feedback—it helps us keep improving for every celebration to come. 🎈