{"id":40545,"date":"2026-03-09T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/where-to-buy-party-supplies-online\/"},"modified":"2026-03-23T19:30:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T18:30:33","slug":"where-to-buy-party-supplies-online","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/where-to-buy-party-supplies-online\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to Buy Party Supplies Online: Price Breakdown by Store"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/1ckf\" title=\"GiftExpress\" class=\"pretty-link-keyword\"rel=\"nofollow sponsored \" target=\"_blank\">GiftExpress<\/a> wins on price for most basic party supplies, but not everything. We compared per-unit costs for plates, cups, napkins, balloons, tablecloths, and utensils across four popular online stores so you can see exactly where to buy party supplies online and save the most <a href=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wy8j\" title=\"Quicken\" class=\"pretty-link-keyword\"rel=\"nofollow sponsored \" target=\"_blank\">money<\/a>.<\/p><div id=\"relatedsearches1\" class=\"every-content-2 every-entity-placement\" style=\"height: 450px;\"><script>console.log(\"RSOC loading..\");<\/script>\r\n<!-- Initialize Google CSA object - Required for ad functionality -->\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" charset=\"utf-8\">\r\n\t(function(g,o){g[o]=g[o]||function(){(g[o]['q']=g[o]['q']||[]).push(\r\n\t\targuments)},g[o]['t']=1*new Date})(window,'_googCsa');\r\n<\/script><\/div><style>\r\n  #relatedsearches1,\r\n  #relatedsearches2 {\r\n    \/* Base container styles - final appearance *\/\r\n    margin-bottom: 20px;\r\n    padding: 15px;\r\n    background-color: #111827; \/* Final background color (gray-900) *\/\r\n    border-radius: 8px;\r\n    min-height: 250px; \/* Restore a reasonable min-height *\/\r\n    box-sizing: border-box;\r\n    overflow: hidden;\r\n    position: relative; \/* Needed to contain the absolute overlay *\/\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* REMOVED .skeleton-active styles *\/\r\n\r\n  .skeleton-overlay {\r\n    position: absolute;\r\n    inset: 0; \/* Cover parent *\/\r\n    z-index: 10; \/* Ensure it's on top *\/\r\n    pointer-events: none; \/* Prevent interaction *\/\r\n    border-radius: 8px; \/* Match parent *\/\r\n\r\n    \/* --- Skeleton visuals applied directly to the overlay --- *\/\r\n    --skeleton-bar-height: 35px;\r\n    --skeleton-gap-height: 15px;\r\n    --skeleton-unit-height: calc(var(--skeleton-bar-height) + var(--skeleton-gap-height));\r\n    --skeleton-padding: 15px;\r\n    --skeleton-bar-color: #374151; \/* gray-700 *\/\r\n    --skeleton-bg-color: #1f2937;  \/* gray-800 *\/\r\n    --skeleton-shimmer-color: rgba(52, 211, 153, 0.1); \/* emerald-400 10% *\/\r\n\r\n    background-color: var(--skeleton-bg-color);\r\n    background-image:\r\n      linear-gradient(to right, transparent, var(--skeleton-shimmer-color), transparent),\r\n      linear-gradient(var(--skeleton-bar-color) var(--skeleton-bar-height), transparent 0);\r\n    background-size:\r\n      200% var(--skeleton-bar-height),\r\n      calc(100% - (2 * var(--skeleton-padding))) var(--skeleton-unit-height);\r\n    background-repeat: repeat-y;\r\n    background-position:\r\n      calc(-200% + var(--skeleton-padding)) var(--skeleton-padding),\r\n      var(--skeleton-padding) var(--skeleton-padding);\r\n    animation: shimmer 1.5s infinite linear;\r\n    \/* --- End Skeleton Visuals --- *\/\r\n\r\n    \/* --- Visibility Control --- *\/\r\n    opacity: 0;\r\n    transition: opacity 0.3s ease-out;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .skeleton-overlay.skeleton-visible {\r\n    opacity: 1;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  @keyframes shimmer {\r\n    to {\r\n       background-position:\r\n        calc(200% + var(--skeleton-padding)) var(--skeleton-padding),\r\n        var(--skeleton-padding) var(--skeleton-padding);\r\n    }\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* No longer need rules for .skeleton-loading class or :empty *\/\r\n\r\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The short version: no single store is cheapest across every item. Your best bet is splitting your order between two stores depending on what you need. Here's the full breakdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How We Compared Prices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We pulled prices from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/1ckf\" title=\"GiftExpress\" class=\"pretty-link-keyword\"rel=\"nofollow sponsored \" target=\"_blank\">GiftExpress<\/a>, Amazon, Dollar Tree (online), and Oriental Trading in March 2026. Every item is a basic solid-color option, not licensed characters or specialty designs. We calculated the cost per single unit so you can compare apples to apples regardless of pack size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few things to keep in mind: Amazon prices shift daily, Dollar Tree's online store charges $1.25 per item (not $1 anymore), and shipping costs vary. We've noted where free shipping thresholds matter, because a &#8220;cheap&#8221; order that costs $8 to ship isn't actually cheap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Full Price Comparison Table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the main table. All prices reflect the cost per single unit when you buy the most common pack size available at each store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Item<\/th>\n<th><a href=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/1ckf\" title=\"GiftExpress\" class=\"pretty-link-keyword\"rel=\"nofollow sponsored \" target=\"_blank\">GiftExpress<\/a><\/th>\n<th>Amazon<\/th>\n<th>Dollar Tree<\/th>\n<th>Oriental Trading<\/th>\n<th>Winner<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>9&#8243; dinner plates (per plate)<\/td>\n<td>$0.08<\/td>\n<td>$0.15<\/td>\n<td>$0.17<\/td>\n<td>$0.10<\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/1ckf\" title=\"GiftExpress\" class=\"pretty-link-keyword\"rel=\"nofollow sponsored \" target=\"_blank\">GiftExpress<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>7&#8243; dessert plates (per plate)<\/td>\n<td>$0.06<\/td>\n<td>$0.12<\/td>\n<td>$0.15<\/td>\n<td>$0.08<\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/1ckf\" title=\"GiftExpress\" class=\"pretty-link-keyword\"rel=\"nofollow sponsored \" target=\"_blank\">GiftExpress<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>9 oz cups (per cup)<\/td>\n<td>$0.05<\/td>\n<td>$0.08<\/td>\n<td>$0.07<\/td>\n<td>$0.06<\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/1ckf\" title=\"GiftExpress\" class=\"pretty-link-keyword\"rel=\"nofollow sponsored \" target=\"_blank\">GiftExpress<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Luncheon napkins (per napkin)<\/td>\n<td>$0.03<\/td>\n<td>$0.04<\/td>\n<td>$0.04<\/td>\n<td>$0.03<\/td>\n<td>Tie: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/1ckf\" title=\"GiftExpress\" class=\"pretty-link-keyword\"rel=\"nofollow sponsored \" target=\"_blank\">GiftExpress<\/a> \/ Oriental Trading<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Beverage napkins (per napkin)<\/td>\n<td>$0.02<\/td>\n<td>$0.03<\/td>\n<td>$0.04<\/td>\n<td>$0.02<\/td>\n<td>Tie: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/1ckf\" title=\"GiftExpress\" class=\"pretty-link-keyword\"rel=\"nofollow sponsored \" target=\"_blank\">GiftExpress<\/a> \/ Oriental Trading<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Plastic tablecloth (per cloth)<\/td>\n<td>$1.20<\/td>\n<td>$1.75<\/td>\n<td>$1.25<\/td>\n<td>$1.50<\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/1ckf\" title=\"GiftExpress\" class=\"pretty-link-keyword\"rel=\"nofollow sponsored \" target=\"_blank\">GiftExpress<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Latex balloons, 12&#8243; (per balloon)<\/td>\n<td>$0.06<\/td>\n<td>$0.07<\/td>\n<td>$0.10<\/td>\n<td>$0.05<\/td>\n<td>Oriental Trading<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Plastic forks (per fork)<\/td>\n<td>$0.03<\/td>\n<td>$0.04<\/td>\n<td>$0.05<\/td>\n<td>$0.03<\/td>\n<td>Tie: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/1ckf\" title=\"GiftExpress\" class=\"pretty-link-keyword\"rel=\"nofollow sponsored \" target=\"_blank\">GiftExpress<\/a> \/ Oriental Trading<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Plastic spoons (per spoon)<\/td>\n<td>$0.03<\/td>\n<td>$0.04<\/td>\n<td>$0.05<\/td>\n<td>$0.03<\/td>\n<td>Tie: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/1ckf\" title=\"GiftExpress\" class=\"pretty-link-keyword\"rel=\"nofollow sponsored \" target=\"_blank\">GiftExpress<\/a> \/ Oriental Trading<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Plastic knives (per knife)<\/td>\n<td>$0.03<\/td>\n<td>$0.04<\/td>\n<td>$0.05<\/td>\n<td>$0.03<\/td>\n<td>Tie: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/1ckf\" title=\"GiftExpress\" class=\"pretty-link-keyword\"rel=\"nofollow sponsored \" target=\"_blank\">GiftExpress<\/a> \/ Oriental Trading<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Prices collected March 2026. All items are basic solid-color options in the most common pack size.<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GiftExpress takes the win on plates, cups, and tablecloths. Oriental Trading matches or beats them on balloons and utensils. Amazon and Dollar Tree are more expensive per unit on almost everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What a 50-Person Party Actually Costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Per-unit prices are helpful, but what matters is the total bill. Here's what it costs to supply a 50-guest party with plates, cups, napkins, a tablecloth, utensils, and a pack of balloons at each store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/where-to-buy-party-supplies-online-inline-1.webp\" alt=\"Hands setting a party table with colorful plates and napkins in a sunny backyard\" class=\"wp-image-40680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/where-to-buy-party-supplies-online-inline-1.webp 1376w, https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/where-to-buy-party-supplies-online-inline-1-300x167.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/where-to-buy-party-supplies-online-inline-1-1024x572.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/where-to-buy-party-supplies-online-inline-1-768x429.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Item (qty for 50 guests)<\/th>\n<th>GiftExpress<\/th>\n<th>Amazon<\/th>\n<th>Dollar Tree<\/th>\n<th>Oriental Trading<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Dinner plates (50)<\/td>\n<td>$4.00<\/td>\n<td>$7.50<\/td>\n<td>$8.50<\/td>\n<td>$5.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Dessert plates (50)<\/td>\n<td>$3.00<\/td>\n<td>$6.00<\/td>\n<td>$7.50<\/td>\n<td>$4.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Cups (50)<\/td>\n<td>$2.50<\/td>\n<td>$4.00<\/td>\n<td>$3.50<\/td>\n<td>$3.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Luncheon napkins (100)<\/td>\n<td>$3.00<\/td>\n<td>$4.00<\/td>\n<td>$4.00<\/td>\n<td>$3.00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Tablecloths (3)<\/td>\n<td>$3.60<\/td>\n<td>$5.25<\/td>\n<td>$3.75<\/td>\n<td>$4.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Forks, spoons, knives (50 each)<\/td>\n<td>$4.50<\/td>\n<td>$6.00<\/td>\n<td>$7.50<\/td>\n<td>$4.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Balloons (25)<\/td>\n<td>$1.50<\/td>\n<td>$1.75<\/td>\n<td>$2.50<\/td>\n<td>$1.25<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Total<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>$22.10<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>$34.50<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>$37.25<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>$25.25<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Total cost for a basic 50-person party setup before shipping. GiftExpress saves roughly $12-15 vs. Amazon or Dollar Tree.<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That $22.10 at GiftExpress is before shipping. They offer free shipping on orders over $49, so you'd need to add more items to hit that mark or pay around $6-8 for delivery. Oriental Trading has a similar threshold at $49. Amazon Prime members get free shipping, and Dollar Tree charges a flat delivery fee that varies by order size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even with shipping factored in, GiftExpress usually comes out ahead for orders of this size. For smaller parties (under 20 guests), Amazon Prime's free shipping can close the gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Store-by-Store Breakdown<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">GiftExpress: Best Overall Value<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GiftExpress sells party supplies in bulk packs, and that's where the savings come from. A 50-pack of dinner plates runs about $4, while Amazon charges nearly double for a similar pack. Their color selection is solid, with 20+ solid colors available in most items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tradeoff: GiftExpress is a specialty party supply store, so you won't find much else there. You're making a separate order just for party supplies. Their website is straightforward but not fancy, and shipping takes 3-7 business days on standard delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Amazon: Convenient but Pricier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Amazon's strength is speed and convenience. Prime members get next-day or two-day delivery, and you can add party supplies to a cart you're already filling with other stuff. The per-unit cost is higher on almost every item, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where Amazon does well: themed and licensed party supplies (think Bluey or Marvel), specialty items like balloon arches, and last-minute orders when you need things tomorrow. For basic solid-color supplies, you're paying a premium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dollar Tree Online: Not the Deal It Seems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dollar Tree's in-store pricing used to be unbeatable. But their online store tells a different story. Pack sizes are small (often 8-14 items per pack at $1.25 each), which pushes the per-unit cost above both GiftExpress and Oriental Trading.<\/p><div id=\"every-2754958986\" class=\"every-content-4 every-entity-placement\"><div class='content_4' style='min-width: 300px; min-height: 250px;'>\r\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have a Dollar Tree nearby and can shop in person, the math changes. In-store, you skip shipping costs entirely. But for online ordering specifically, Dollar Tree is the most expensive option on this list for most items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oriental Trading: Strong Runner-Up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oriental Trading is the closest competitor to GiftExpress on price. They win outright on balloons and tie on utensils and napkins. Their bulk packs are large (often 50-100 units), and they run frequent sales that can drop prices below GiftExpress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oriental Trading also carries a huge selection of themed decorations, party favors, and craft supplies. If you need supplies plus activities for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/lm87\" title=\"Zulily\" class=\"pretty-link-keyword\"rel=\"nofollow sponsored \" target=\"_blank\">kids<\/a>' party, you can get everything in one order. Their free shipping threshold is $49.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which Items Are Worth Buying Where<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/where-to-buy-party-supplies-online-inline-2.webp\" alt=\"Pastel helium balloons tied to a chair at a party in bright natural light\" class=\"wp-image-40686\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/where-to-buy-party-supplies-online-inline-2.webp 1376w, https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/where-to-buy-party-supplies-online-inline-2-300x167.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/where-to-buy-party-supplies-online-inline-2-1024x572.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/where-to-buy-party-supplies-online-inline-2-768x429.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want the absolute lowest total cost, here's how to split your order:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Buy From GiftExpress<\/th>\n<th>Buy From Oriental Trading<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Dinner plates<\/td>\n<td>Latex balloons<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Dessert plates<\/td>\n<td>Foil balloons<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Cups<\/td>\n<td>Party favors<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Tablecloths<\/td>\n<td>Themed decorations<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Napkins (or either store)<\/td>\n<td>Craft\/activity supplies<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Utensils (or either store)<\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The catch with splitting orders: you might pay shipping twice. If your GiftExpress order is under $49 and your Oriental Trading order is also under $49, you'll eat two shipping charges. In that case, pick the store where you're buying the most items and get everything there. The per-unit savings on a few items rarely justify a second shipping fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shipping Costs and Free Shipping Thresholds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shipping can wipe out your savings if you're not careful. Here's what each store charges:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Store<\/th>\n<th>Free Shipping Minimum<\/th>\n<th>Standard Shipping Cost<\/th>\n<th>Delivery Speed<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>GiftExpress<\/td>\n<td>$49<\/td>\n<td>$6-8<\/td>\n<td>3-7 business days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Amazon (Prime)<\/td>\n<td>$0 (with membership)<\/td>\n<td>$0 with Prime \/ $6-9 without<\/td>\n<td>1-2 days (Prime)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Dollar Tree<\/td>\n<td>$35 (store pickup) \/ varies for delivery<\/td>\n<td>$8-12<\/td>\n<td>5-10 business days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Oriental Trading<\/td>\n<td>$49<\/td>\n<td>$7-10<\/td>\n<td>5-9 business days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Always check the free shipping threshold before placing your order.<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For parties with 30+ guests, your GiftExpress or Oriental Trading cart will likely hit $49 naturally. For smaller gatherings, Amazon Prime's included shipping makes it competitive even though the per-unit prices are higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips to Save Even More<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>Order 3-4 weeks before your party. Rush shipping adds $10-20 and kills any savings.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Buy one color scheme instead of mixing. Multi-color packs cost more per unit because pack sizes are smaller.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Check GiftExpress and Oriental Trading's clearance sections. End-of-season colors (pastels after Easter, red\/green after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/vmz3\" title=\"sendflowers.com\" class=\"pretty-link-keyword\"rel=\"nofollow sponsored \" target=\"_blank\">Christmas<\/a>) drop 40-60%.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Skip the pre-made party kits. They bundle items at a markup. Buying plates, cups, and napkins separately is almost always cheaper.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Round up your order to hit free shipping. Adding a $5 bag of balloons is smarter than paying $8 for delivery.<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Amazon Is Actually the Right Call<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Amazon isn't the cheapest for basic supplies, but there are situations where it makes sense:<\/p><div id=\"relatedsearches2\" class=\"every-content-5 every-entity-placement\"><script>console.log(\"RSOC bottom loading..\");<\/script>\r\n<\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\" charset=\"utf-8\">\r\n    console.log('[DEBUG] Ad script block started');\r\n\r\n    \/\/ Debug function to log important events and states\r\n    function debugLog(type, message, data = null) {\r\n        const timestamp = new Date().toISOString();\r\n        console.log(`[${timestamp}] [${type}]`, message);\r\n        if (data) {\r\n            console.log('Debug data:', data);\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/\/ Validate required parameters before initialization\r\n    function validateConfig(config) {\r\n        const required = ['pubId', 'styleId', 'relatedSearchTargeting', 'resultsPageBaseUrl'];\r\n        const missing = required.filter(param => !config[param]);\r\n        \r\n        if (missing.length > 0) {\r\n            throw new Error(`Missing required parameters: ${missing.join(', ')}`);\r\n        }\r\n        \r\n        if (config.relatedSearchTargeting !== 'content' && config.relatedSearchTargeting !== 'query') {\r\n            throw new Error('relatedSearchTargeting must be either \"content\" or \"query\"');\r\n        }\r\n        \r\n        return true;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/\/ Enhanced URL parameter parsing function with title fallback for referrerAdCreative\r\n    function getUrlParameter(name, defaultValue = '') {\r\n        try {\r\n            const urlParams = new URLSearchParams(window.location.search);\r\n            const value = urlParams.get(name);\r\n            \r\n            \/\/ Special handling for referrerAdCreative\r\n            if (name === 'referrerAdCreative' && !value) {\r\n                let siteTitle = document.title || defaultValue;\r\n                \r\n                \/\/ Clean up the site title if needed\r\n                if (siteTitle !== defaultValue) {\r\n                    siteTitle = siteTitle.replace(' \u2013 Everyday Guide \u2013 Your Source of Information for Daily Topics!', '').trim();\r\n                    debugLog('WARNING', 'Using modified page title as fallback for referrerAdCreative', {\r\n                        originalTitle: document.title,\r\n                        cleanedTitle: siteTitle,\r\n                        source: 'document.title'\r\n                    });\r\n                    return siteTitle;\r\n                }\r\n            }\r\n            \r\n            return value ? decodeURIComponent(value) : defaultValue;\r\n        } catch (error) {\r\n            debugLog('ERROR', `Failed to parse URL parameter: ${name}`, error);\r\n            return defaultValue;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/\/ Add tracking domain and CID handling with validation\r\n    function getTrackingParams() {\r\n        const trackingDomain = getUrlParameter('td', '');\r\n        const cid = getUrlParameter('cid', '');\r\n        \r\n        \/\/ Only validate if tracking domain is provided\r\n        if (trackingDomain && !trackingDomain.match(\/^[a-zA-Z0-9.-]+\\.[a-zA-Z]{2,}$\/)) {\r\n            debugLog('WARNING', 'Invalid tracking domain format', {\r\n                provided: trackingDomain\r\n            });\r\n            return {\r\n                trackingDomain: '',\r\n                cid: cid\r\n            };\r\n        }\r\n        \r\n        return {\r\n            trackingDomain: trackingDomain,\r\n            cid: cid\r\n        };\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    const { trackingDomain, cid } = getTrackingParams();\r\n\r\n    \/\/ Get parameters from URL with defaults\r\n    const urlStyleId = getUrlParameter('styleid', '9024836547');\r\n    const urlTerms = getUrlParameter('terms', '');\r\n    const urlChannel = getUrlParameter('channel', '2273637055'); \/\/ edg 1871989443\r\n    const urlAdTitle = getUrlParameter('adtitle', '');\r\n    const urlCpid = getUrlParameter('cpid', '');\r\n    const urlOid = getUrlParameter('oid', '');\r\n\r\n    \/\/ Set tracking IDs immediately at script start, before any async operations\r\n    \/\/ Only call set_tracking_ids if it exists (tracker.js has initialized)\r\n    try {\r\n        \/\/ Debug tracker state\r\n        const trackerState = window._trackerInternalState || {};\r\n        const hasTrackerFunction = typeof window.set_tracking_ids === 'function';\r\n        const sessionData = sessionStorage.getItem('ctrkr_click_data');\r\n        let parsedSessionData = null;\r\n        try { parsedSessionData = sessionData ? JSON.parse(sessionData) : null; } catch(e) {}\r\n        \r\n        debugLog('TRACKING_DEBUG', 'Tracker state before setting IDs', {\r\n            trackerInitialized: trackerState.ready === true,\r\n            hasSetTrackingFunction: hasTrackerFunction,\r\n            hasSessionStorage: !!sessionStorage,\r\n            hasSessionData: !!sessionData,\r\n            clickId: parsedSessionData?.clickId,\r\n            existingParams: parsedSessionData?.adParams\r\n        });\r\n        \r\n        if (hasTrackerFunction) {\r\n            window.set_tracking_ids({\r\n                ad_client_id: \"partner-pub-9681717277196944\", \/\/ Your AdSense publisher ID\r\n                style_id: urlStyleId,\r\n                channel_id: urlChannel\r\n            });\r\n            \r\n            \/\/ Check if the params were actually set\r\n            setTimeout(() => {\r\n                try {\r\n                    const afterSessionData = sessionStorage.getItem('ctrkr_click_data');\r\n                    let afterParsedData = null;\r\n                    try { afterParsedData = afterSessionData ? JSON.parse(afterSessionData) : null; } catch(e) {}\r\n                    \r\n                    debugLog('TRACKING_DEBUG', 'Tracker state after setting IDs', {\r\n                        hasSessionData: !!afterSessionData,\r\n                        clickId: afterParsedData?.clickId,\r\n                        updatedParams: afterParsedData?.adParams\r\n                    });\r\n                } catch (e) {\r\n                    debugLog('TRACKING_DEBUG', 'Error checking session after update', e);\r\n                }\r\n            }, 50);\r\n            \r\n            debugLog('TRACKING', 'Successfully called set_tracking_ids');\r\n        } else {\r\n            debugLog('TRACKING', 'Tracker set_tracking_ids function not available');\r\n        }\r\n    } catch (e) {\r\n        debugLog('TRACKING_ERROR', 'Error in tracking setup', e);\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/\/ Define base URL constant\r\n    const BASE_RESULTS_URL = \"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/search-results\/\";\r\n\r\n    \/\/ Page level configuration for related searches\r\n    var pageOptions = {\r\n        \/\/ Required Parameters\r\n        \"pubId\": \"partner-pub-9681717277196944\",    \/\/ Your AdSense publisher ID\r\n        \"styleId\": urlStyleId,                       \/\/ From URL or default\r\n        \"relatedSearchTargeting\": \"content\",         \/\/ Must use 'content' for content pages\r\n        \"resultsPageBaseUrl\": BASE_RESULTS_URL,      \/\/ Placeholder, will be finalized later\r\n        \"resultsPageQueryParam\": \"q\",\r\n        \/\/\"ivt\": false,\r\n        \/\/ Safety and Filtering\r\n        \"adsafe\": \"low\",\r\n        \/\/\"adtest\": \"off\",\r\n        \"terms\": \"\",\r\n        \"referrerAdCreative\": \"\",\r\n\r\n        \/\/ Tracking and Analytics\r\n        \"channel\": urlChannel,                       \/\/ From URL or default\r\n        \r\n        \/\/ Additional Settings\r\n        'ignoredPageParams': Array.from(new URLSearchParams(location.search).keys()).join(', '),\r\n\r\n        \/\/ Callback function for ad loading\r\n        \"adLoadedCallback\": function(containerName, adsLoaded, isExperimentVariant, callbackOptions) {\r\n            try {\r\n                \/\/ Find the container element\r\n                const container = document.getElementById(containerName);\r\n                if (!container) {\r\n                    debugLog('ERROR', `Container not found: ${containerName}`);\r\n                    return;\r\n                }\r\n\r\n                \/\/ Find the overlay within this container\r\n                const overlay = container.querySelector('.skeleton-overlay');\r\n\r\n                \/\/ Fade out and remove the overlay\r\n                if (overlay && overlay.classList.contains('skeleton-visible')) {\r\n                    overlay.classList.remove('skeleton-visible'); \/\/ Start fade out\r\n                    debugLog('SKELETON', `Fading out overlay in ${containerName}`);\r\n\r\n                    \/\/ Remove from DOM after transition\r\n                    setTimeout(() => {\r\n                        if (overlay) { \/\/ Check if it still exists\r\n                             overlay.remove();\r\n                             debugLog('SKELETON', `Removed overlay from DOM in ${containerName}`);\r\n                        }\r\n                    }, 300); \/\/ Match CSS transition duration\r\n                }\r\n\r\n                if (adsLoaded && callbackOptions && callbackOptions.termPositions) {\r\n                    const terms = Object.keys(callbackOptions.termPositions);\r\n                    console.log('Related Search Terms Shown:', terms);\r\n                    console.log('Term Positions:', callbackOptions.termPositions);\r\n                }\r\n                \r\n                debugLog('CALLBACK', `Container: ${containerName}`, {\r\n                    adsLoaded,\r\n                    isExperimentVariant,\r\n                    callbackOptions\r\n                });\r\n\r\n                if (adsLoaded) {\r\n                    debugLog('SUCCESS', 'Related searches loaded successfully');\r\n                    \/\/ Remove legacy tracking call\r\n                    \/\/ window.trackEvent('adview');\r\n                    \/\/ Debug tracking state before sending event\r\n                    try {\r\n                        const eventSessionData = sessionStorage.getItem('ctrkr_click_data');\r\n                        let eventParsedData = null;\r\n                        try { eventParsedData = eventSessionData ? JSON.parse(eventSessionData) : null; } catch(e) {}\r\n                        \r\n                        debugLog('TRACKING_EVENT', 'State before ad_view event', {\r\n                            hasSessionData: !!eventSessionData,\r\n                            clickId: eventParsedData?.clickId,\r\n                            params: eventParsedData?.adParams\r\n                        });\r\n                    } catch (e) {\r\n                        debugLog('TRACKING_ERROR', 'Error checking session before event', e);\r\n                    }\r\n                    \r\n                    \/\/ Send tracking event using new API with parameters as fallback\r\n                    window.track_event('ad_view', {});\r\n                    \/\/ Track Facebook Pixel ViewContent event\r\n                    fbq('track', 'ViewContent');\r\n                    \r\n                    \/\/ Log terms and their positions if available\r\n                    if (callbackOptions && callbackOptions.termPositions) {\r\n                        console.log('Related Search Terms:', Object.keys(callbackOptions.termPositions));\r\n                        console.log('Term Positions:', callbackOptions.termPositions);\r\n                    }\r\n                    \r\n                    \/\/ Log container dimensions for debugging layout issues\r\n                    const rect = container.getBoundingClientRect();\r\n                    debugLog('LAYOUT', 'Container dimensions', {\r\n                        width: rect.width,\r\n                        height: rect.height,\r\n                        visible: rect.height > 0\r\n                    });\r\n                } else {\r\n                    debugLog('WARNING', 'No related searches available');\r\n                    container.style.display = 'none';\r\n                    \/\/ Remove legacy tracking call\r\n                    \/\/ window.trackEvent('noresult');\r\n                    \/\/ Debug tracking state before sending event\r\n                    try {\r\n                        const eventSessionData = sessionStorage.getItem('ctrkr_click_data');\r\n                        let eventParsedData = null;\r\n                        try { eventParsedData = eventSessionData ? JSON.parse(eventSessionData) : null; } catch(e) {}\r\n                        \r\n                        debugLog('TRACKING_EVENT', 'State before no_result event', {\r\n                            hasSessionData: !!eventSessionData,\r\n                            clickId: eventParsedData?.clickId,\r\n                            params: eventParsedData?.adParams\r\n                        });\r\n                    } catch (e) {\r\n                        debugLog('TRACKING_ERROR', 'Error checking session before event', e);\r\n                    }\r\n                    \r\n                    \/\/ Send tracking event using new API with parameters as fallback\r\n                    window.track_event('rsoc_not_monetized', {});\r\n                    \r\n                    \/\/ Log possible reasons for no results\r\n                    debugLog('DEBUG', 'Checking possible issues', {\r\n                        url: window.location.href,\r\n                        containerExists: !!container,\r\n                        containerVisible: container.offsetParent !== null,\r\n                        pageContent: document.body.textContent.length\r\n                    });\r\n                }\r\n            } catch (error) {\r\n                debugLog('ERROR', 'Error in callback', {\r\n                    message: error.message,\r\n                    stack: error.stack\r\n                });\r\n            }\r\n        }\r\n    };\r\n\r\n    \/\/ Configuration for the related searches containers\r\n    const rsblock1 = {\r\n        \/\/ Required Parameters\r\n        \"container\": \"relatedsearches1\",\r\n        \"width\": 700,\r\n        \r\n        \/\/ Optional Parameters\r\n        \"relatedSearches\": 6,\r\n        \r\n        \/\/ Reference to the callback in pageOptions\r\n        \"adLoadedCallback\": pageOptions.adLoadedCallback\r\n    };\r\n\r\n    const rsblock2 = {\r\n        \/\/ Required Parameters\r\n        \"container\": \"relatedsearches2\",\r\n        \"width\": 700,\r\n        \r\n        \/\/ Optional Parameters\r\n        \"relatedSearches\": 6,\r\n        \r\n        \/\/ Reference to the callback in pageOptions\r\n        \"adLoadedCallback\": pageOptions.adLoadedCallback\r\n    };\r\n\r\n    \/\/ --- Ad Initialization Logic ---\r\n\r\n    let adsInitialized = false;\r\n    const AD_INIT_TIMEOUT = 2500; \/\/ Timeout in milliseconds (e.g., 2.5 seconds)\r\n    let initTimeoutId = null;\r\n\r\n    \/\/ Function to inject skeleton overlay SYNCHRONOUSLY\r\n    function injectSkeletonOverlay(containerId) {\r\n        const container = document.getElementById(containerId);\r\n        if (container) {\r\n            if (!container.querySelector('.skeleton-overlay')) {\r\n                const overlay = document.createElement('div');\r\n                overlay.className = 'skeleton-overlay skeleton-visible';\r\n                container.appendChild(overlay);\r\n                debugLog('SKELETON', `Injected overlay into ${containerId}`);\r\n            } else {\r\n                debugLog('SKELETON', `Overlay already exists in ${containerId}`);\r\n            }\r\n        } else {\r\n            debugLog('WARNING', `Container ${containerId} not found for overlay injection.`);\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/\/ Function to hide skeletons if initialization fails\r\n    function hideSkeletonsOnError() {\r\n        ['relatedsearches1', 'relatedsearches2'].forEach(containerId => {\r\n            const container = document.getElementById(containerId);\r\n            const overlay = container?.querySelector('.skeleton-overlay.skeleton-visible');\r\n            if (overlay) {\r\n                overlay.classList.remove('skeleton-visible');\r\n                \/\/ Optionally remove after fade, but maybe just hide on error\r\n                debugLog('SKELETON', `Hiding overlay in ${containerId} due to init error.`);\r\n            }\r\n            \/\/ Also hide the main container if ads fail to load\r\n            if(container) container.style.display = 'none';\r\n        });\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/\/ Main function to initialize Google CSA ads\r\n    function initializeGoogleAds() {\r\n        if (adsInitialized) return; \/\/ Prevent double initialization\r\n        adsInitialized = true;\r\n        clearTimeout(initTimeoutId); \/\/ Clear the timeout if event fired\r\n        debugLog('ADS_INIT', 'Proceeding with _googCsa initialization.');\r\n\r\n        injectSkeletonOverlay('relatedsearches1');\r\n        injectSkeletonOverlay('relatedsearches2');\r\n\r\n        \/\/ Re-evaluate tracking params based on the final state from event-tracker.js\r\n        const trackerState = window._trackerInternalState || {};\r\n        const finalCid = trackerState.clickId || getUrlParameter('cid', ''); \/\/ Use state's CID or fallback to original URL param\r\n        \/\/ Note: Tracking domain (td) is primarily used by event-tracker, but include if needed for URL construction\r\n        const finalTd = (trackerState.trackingMethod === 'redirect' ? trackerState.domain : null) || getUrlParameter('td', ''); \/\/ Get TD if redirect, else fallback\r\n        \r\n        \/\/ Tracking IDs already set at the beginning of script\r\n\r\n        \/\/ Re-construct the results URL using the potentially updated CID\/TD\r\n        pageOptions.resultsPageBaseUrl = BASE_RESULTS_URL;\r\n        debugLog('ADS_INIT', 'Final resultsPageBaseUrl:', { url: pageOptions.resultsPageBaseUrl });\r\n\r\n        \/\/ Add referrerAdCreative only if urlAdTitle has a value (moved here to be part of final options)\r\n        if (urlAdTitle) {\r\n            pageOptions.referrerAdCreative = urlAdTitle;\r\n            debugLog('INFO', 'referrerAdCreative parameter included in configuration', { referrerAdCreative: urlAdTitle });\r\n        } else {\r\n            delete pageOptions.referrerAdCreative;\r\n            debugLog('INFO', 'No referrerAdCreative parameter provided, removed from configuration');\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        \/\/ Add terms if provided (moved here)\r\n        if (urlTerms) {\r\n            pageOptions.terms = urlTerms;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        \/\/ Update ignoredPageParams (moved here)\r\n        pageOptions.ignoredPageParams = Array.from(new URLSearchParams(location.search).keys()).join(', ');\r\n\r\n        \/\/ Debug log all parameters before initialization\r\n        debugLog('PARAMS', 'Page Options Configuration:', {\r\n            \/\/ Required Parameters\r\n            pubId: pageOptions.pubId,\r\n            styleId: pageOptions.styleId,\r\n            relatedSearchTargeting: pageOptions.relatedSearchTargeting,\r\n            resultsPageBaseUrl: pageOptions.resultsPageBaseUrl,\r\n            resultsPageQueryParam: pageOptions.resultsPageQueryParam,\r\n            referrerAdCreative: pageOptions.referrerAdCreative,\r\n            \r\n            \/\/ Optional Parameters\r\n            terms: pageOptions.terms || '(not set)',\r\n            maxTermLength: pageOptions.maxTermLength,\r\n            linkTarget: pageOptions.linkTarget,\r\n            \r\n            \/\/ Safety and Filtering\r\n            adsafe: pageOptions.adsafe,\r\n            adtest: pageOptions.adtest,\r\n            ivt: pageOptions.ivt,\r\n            \r\n            \/\/ Language and Encoding\r\n            hl: pageOptions.hl,\r\n            \r\n            \/\/ Tracking and Analytics\r\n            channel: pageOptions.channel,\r\n            \r\n            \/\/ Container Configurations\r\n            containerSettings: {\r\n                block1: {\r\n                    container: rsblock1.container,\r\n                    width: rsblock1.width,\r\n                    relatedSearches: rsblock1.relatedSearches\r\n                },\r\n                block2: {\r\n                    container: rsblock2.container,\r\n                    width: rsblock2.width,\r\n                    relatedSearches: rsblock2.relatedSearches\r\n                }\r\n            }\r\n        });\r\n\r\n        \/\/ --- Call Google CSA ---\r\n        try {\r\n            verifyScriptLoading(); \/\/ Verify dependent scripts\r\n            validateConfig(pageOptions); \/\/ Validate final config\r\n\r\n            \/\/ Log the final pageOptions before initialization\r\n            console.log('[DEBUG] Final pageOptions just before _googCsa:', JSON.stringify(pageOptions, null, 2));\r\n\r\n            _googCsa('relatedsearch', pageOptions, rsblock1, rsblock2);\r\n            debugLog('ADS_INIT', '_googCsa called successfully.');\r\n\r\n        } catch (error) {\r\n            console.error('[ERROR] Google CSA Initialization Failed!', error);\r\n            debugLog('ERROR', 'Google CSA Initialization failed', {\r\n                message: error.message,\r\n                stack: error.stack\r\n            });\r\n            \/\/ Hide skeletons and containers on error\r\n            hideSkeletonsOnError();\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/\/ --- Event Listener and Timeout --- \r\n\r\n    \/\/ Check if tracker is already ready *before* setting up listener\/timeout\r\n    if (window._trackerInternalState?.ready) {\r\n        debugLog('ADS_INIT', 'Tracker was already ready. Initializing ads immediately.');\r\n        initializeGoogleAds();\r\n    } else {\r\n        debugLog('ADS_INIT', 'Tracker not ready yet. Setting up listener and timeout.');\r\n\r\n        \/\/ Listener for the tracker signal\r\n        const trackerListener = (event) => {\r\n            debugLog('ADS_INIT', 'Received trackerInitialized event', event.detail);\r\n            window.removeEventListener('trackerInitialized', trackerListener); \/\/ Clean up listener\r\n            initializeGoogleAds();\r\n        };\r\n        window.addEventListener('trackerInitialized', trackerListener);\r\n\r\n        \/\/ Timeout fallback: Initialize ads if the tracker event doesn't arrive promptly\r\n        initTimeoutId = setTimeout(() => {\r\n            debugLog('ADS_INIT', `Timeout waiting for trackerInitialized event after ${AD_INIT_TIMEOUT}ms. Proceeding.`);\r\n            window.removeEventListener('trackerInitialized', trackerListener); \/\/ Clean up listener if timeout fires first\r\n            initializeGoogleAds();\r\n        }, AD_INIT_TIMEOUT);\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/\/ Add script loading verification\r\n    function verifyScriptLoading() {\r\n        debugLog('SCRIPT', 'Entering verifyScriptLoading');\r\n        debugLog('SCRIPT', 'Checking script loading status', {\r\n            adsScriptLoaded: !!document.querySelector('script[src*=\"ads.js\"]'),\r\n            googCsaAvailable: typeof _googCsa === 'function'\r\n        });\r\n        debugLog('SCRIPT', 'Exiting verifyScriptLoading');\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/\/ --- Modify constructUrlWithTracking to accept parameters --- \r\n    \/\/ (Keep the original getTrackingParams for initial values if needed elsewhere, or remove if redundant)\r\n    function constructUrlWithTracking(baseUrl, cid, td, styleid, channel) {\r\n        try {\r\n            const url = new URL(baseUrl);\r\n            \/\/ Add parameters if they exist\r\n            if (td) url.searchParams.set('td', td);\r\n            if (cid) url.searchParams.set('cid', cid);\r\n            if (styleid) url.searchParams.set('styleid', styleid);\r\n            if (channel) url.searchParams.set('channel', channel);\r\n            return url.toString();\r\n        } catch (error) {\r\n            debugLog('ERROR', 'Failed to construct results page URL with tracking parameters', {\r\n                baseUrl,\r\n                error: error.message\r\n            });\r\n            return baseUrl;\r\n        }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>You need supplies by tomorrow. Prime's speed is unmatched.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>You want licensed character themes (Disney, superhero, etc.). Amazon has the widest selection.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>You're buying specialty items like balloon garland kits, photo booth props, or LED decorations that GiftExpress and Oriental Trading don't carry.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Your total order is small (under $20). The shipping charges from other stores would eat your savings.<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For everything else, GiftExpress and Oriental Trading are the better buy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your Next Step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make a quick list of exactly what you need and how many guests you're expecting. Then price it out at GiftExpress first. If your cart hits $49 for free shipping, you're set. If not, check Oriental Trading for the same items and see which total (with shipping) comes out lower. For anything you need fast or can't find at either store, fill in the gaps on Amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The five minutes you spend comparing will save you $10-20 on a typical party order. That's <a href=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wy8j\" title=\"Quicken\" class=\"pretty-link-keyword\"rel=\"nofollow sponsored \" target=\"_blank\">money<\/a> better spent on food or the birthday cake.<\/p>\n      <div class=\"prli-link-to-disclosures\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/disclaimer\/\">(*)This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. Thanks.<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n      ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We priced out plates, cups, napkins, and balloons across four stores. Here&#8217;s the actual cost per unit and which store wins for each item.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":40535,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-40545","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40545","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40545"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40545\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40687,"href":"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40545\/revisions\/40687"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40535"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40545"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40545"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.everyday-guide.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40545"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}