You can usually save a lot of time on party supplies by going through a mail order company or by ordering online. You can browser through the 'store' without feeling pressured to hurry through, without your child knowing what you are buying, and usually you can find things that are unavailable in your local party store.

You have to be a little bit careful where you buy things online so that you get what you ordered in a timely manner. There are probably a lot of places that you can order party supplies, but the ones listed below have very good reputations, been in business a long time, and I have used them myself.

The Kid Party Ideas party supply store carries just about anything you could possible imagine for your next party (children's or adult's party). It's a no nonsense company that ships quickly and usually has the best prices... It's my top party supply pick. I highly recommend it.

Celebrate Express is one of the oldest party supply stores online. They primarily carry birthday party supplies, but also occasionally carry holiday supplies. I've used them several times and found them to be quick to ship, carried everything I needed (and usually much more than I needed), and they have always gotten my order correct. I highly recommend them.

Kids absolutely LOVE piñatas. Whenever we've had them at our parties, the kids couldn't wait to play the game and that was their favorite and most remembered part of their party. Ordering your piñata online means that you don't have to settle for whatever your local party store happens to stock... you get to pick the perfect themed piñata for your party. I highly recommend them.

Shindigz offers party supplies for any age (adults included) for just about any kind of party you could ever want to have. Birthdays, holidays, or anytime parties are all no problem. Recommended.

Oriental Trading Company is my absolute favorite mail order company. They carry an enormous selection of party favors, crafts, decorations, small toys, etc... everything you could possibily need to create a truly awesome party. The best part about this source is that they are extremely affordable.

This is my top pick for favors, prizes, decorations, etc.