Sites Like Oriental Trading: 12 Bulk Party & Classroom Supply Alternatives
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About Oriental Trading
Founded
1932
USA
Ships to
US, Canada
Editor-reviewed
Every recommendation read and refined by hand
Honest tradeoffs
Drawbacks listed, not hidden
No paid placements
Brands cannot pay to be ranked
Who actually keeps the Oriental Trading catalog in a desk drawer? A second-grade teacher planning a 24-kid Valentine's party for $40, a church volunteer ordering 144 foam crosses for vacation Bible school, a mom who needs 50 superhero party favors that won't survive the car ride home but absolutely will survive the party. That's the customer, and for that customer the value math still works: nobody else sells pencils, stickers, treasure-chest prize toys, and luau leis by the gross at these prices.
The catalog itself is a piece of Americana — pages of seasonal junk that somehow makes a classroom feel festive on a teacher's-salary budget.
The trouble is the gap between the photo and the box that arrives. The inflatable palm tree that deflates by hour two, the craft kits where the glue's already dried, the "144-piece" assortment that's really 144 nearly-identical erasers. Then there's the bulk commitment: you wanted 12 party hats and the minimum was 50, and now they live in your garage. Shipping eats the savings on small orders, and quality on novelty items is a genuine coin flip.
So where do you go when you still need cheap-by-the-case but want fewer landfill surprises?
The catalog itself is a piece of Americana — pages of seasonal junk that somehow makes a classroom feel festive on a teacher's-salary budget.
The trouble is the gap between the photo and the box that arrives. The inflatable palm tree that deflates by hour two, the craft kits where the glue's already dried, the "144-piece" assortment that's really 144 nearly-identical erasers. Then there's the bulk commitment: you wanted 12 party hats and the minimum was 50, and now they live in your garage. Shipping eats the savings on small orders, and quality on novelty items is a genuine coin flip.
So where do you go when you still need cheap-by-the-case but want fewer landfill surprises?
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12 brands
The 12 Best Alternatives to Oriental Trading
1
Dollar Tree
Est. 1986
Chesapeake, Virginia, USA
$
cheaper
Teachers and party hosts who want to buy exactly what they need in person without case quantities
The original impulse-buy party aisle — balloons, tablecloths, craft foam, and seasonal decor at a fixed low price, no bulk minimum required.
Pros
- Genuinely cheap fixed pricing
- Dollar Tree Direct sells true bulk cases online
- No minimum order in stores
Cons
- Quality is hit-or-miss on novelty items
- In-store selection varies wildly by location
- Online bulk requires case quantities
2
Party City
Est. 1986
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, USA
≈
similar
Themed birthday parties where you need matching plates, cups, and banners in one place
The deepest dedicated party assortment in America — licensed character themes, color-coordinated tableware, and balloons by the bag.
Pros
- Best licensed character coverage anywhere
- Color-matched tableware in dozens of shades
- In-store balloon filling
Cons
- Pricier than dollar stores per item
- Store footprint has shrunk
- Upsell-heavy checkout
3
Amazon
Est. 1994
Seattle, Washington, USA
≈
similar
Last-minute orders where two-day delivery matters more than the lowest unit price
The default fallback for bulk party favors and craft supplies, with reviews and fast shipping that Oriental Trading can't match.
Pros
- Reviews tell you which favors are junk
- Prime shipping beats catalog timelines
- Every niche craft item exists somewhere
Cons
- Pricing inconsistent across sellers
- Quality varies by third-party seller
- No single party aesthetic to browse
4
Discount School Supply
Est. 1988
Monterey, California, USA
≈
similar
Preschool and elementary teachers stocking an art cart for the whole year
Classroom craft materials in bulk — washable paint, construction paper, beads, and pom-poms — built for teachers, not party planners.
Pros
- Colorations house brand is genuinely good value
- Geared to actual classroom durability
- Bulk art supplies at fair per-unit cost
Cons
- Less party/novelty focus
- Shipping on bulk paint is heavy
- Not for themed party decor
5
Lakeshore Learning
Est. 1954
Carson, California, USA
$$$
pricier
Teachers who want craft materials that survive 25 kids and a full school year
Higher-quality classroom craft and educational supplies for teachers who got burned by flimsy novelty kits.
Pros
- Noticeably sturdier materials
- Real teacher-tested craft kits
- Physical stores for browsing
Cons
- Costs meaningfully more
- Not a bulk-novelty source
- Fewer party items
6
Walmart
Est. 1962
Bentonville, Arkansas, USA
$
cheaper
Hosts who want to grab decor, food, and favors in a single trip
One-stop shop for party tableware, balloons, craft supplies, and seasonal decor at near-dollar-store pricing with no minimums.
Pros
- Low everyday pricing
- No bulk minimums
- Grocery plus party under one roof
Cons
- Party selection thinner than dedicated stores
- Novelty quality basic
- Stock varies by store
7
Shindigz
Est. 1926
South Whitley, Indiana, USA
≈
similar
School dances, reunions, and big themed events needing large-format decor
Themed party decor, custom banners, and event backdrops — strong on milestone parties, proms, and grad events Oriental Trading underserves.
Pros
- Custom personalized banners
- Large-format event scenery
- Strong on school/prom themes
Cons
- Standees and scenery get pricey
- Less everyday party-favor focus
- Shipping on big items adds up
8
Smiffys
Est. 1894
Lincolnshire, UK
≈
similar
Costume-heavy events, school plays, and Halloween bulk buying
Wholesale costumes, novelty accessories, and party goods with deep dress-up and holiday ranges sold by the case.
Pros
- Massive costume catalog
- Trade/wholesale accounts available
- Strong holiday novelty range
Cons
- UK-based shipping for some lines
- Costume sizing runs inconsistent
- Less classroom-craft focus
9
Michaels
Est. 1973
Irving, Texas, USA
≈
similar
Crafters and party hosts who want better materials with coupon-driven prices
Craft and party supplies with a strong seasonal aisle, frequent coupons, and quality a step above novelty bins.
Pros
- Constant coupons make it affordable
- Better craft material quality
- Teacher discount program
Cons
- Full price is high
- Less true bulk pricing
- Party section smaller than craft
10
DollarDays
Est. 2001
Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
$
cheaper
Nonprofits and event coordinators buying hundreds of giveaway items
True wholesale bulk for nonprofits, schools, and event organizers — toys, school supplies, and giveaways by the case at trade prices.
Pros
- Genuine wholesale per-unit pricing
- Built for charity and school bulk
- Large case quantities
Cons
- High minimums on many items
- Utilitarian, not themed
- Quality basic on cheapest goods
11
Etsy
Est. 2005
Brooklyn, New York, USA
$$$
pricier
Hosts who want unique, photo-worthy details instead of mass novelty junk
For party favors and decor with actual craftsmanship — personalized tags, handmade banners, and custom party kits that don't deflate.
Pros
- Genuinely unique, personalized items
- Supports small makers
- Quality far above novelty bins
Cons
- Costs more per item
- Lead times on custom work
- Not for cheap-by-the-case buying
Visit Etsy
Full guide: Sites Like Etsy
12
S&S Worldwide
Est. 1906
Colchester, Connecticut, USA
≈
similar
Summer camps, after-school programs, and group craft sessions
Bulk craft kits and recreation supplies aimed at camps, schools, and group programs — Oriental Trading's craft side done more durably.
Pros
- Group-pack craft kits
- Made for camp/program durability
- Volume discounts for institutions
Cons
- Less party-decor focus
- Minimums on some kits
- Utilitarian catalog
Cheapest by the case
If the whole point of Oriental Trading was rock-bottom per-unit pricing, Dollar Tree (and its Dollar Tree Direct bulk cases), Walmart, and DollarDays beat it without the dried-glue surprises. DollarDays in particular is built for nonprofits and schools ordering giveaways in the hundreds. Dollar Tree wins if you want to buy in person and skip case minimums entirely.
Better quality, fewer landfill surprises
For teachers tired of inflatables that deflate by hour two, Lakeshore Learning and Michaels sell craft materials that survive a school year, while S&S Worldwide makes kits durable enough for summer camp. Etsy is the move when you want party details that photograph well and don't fall apart in the car ride home.
Best for themed events and big parties
When you need a coherent look rather than a bin of mismatched novelties, Party City owns licensed character themes and matched tableware, Shindigz handles prom backdrops and custom banners, and Smiffys covers costume-heavy events and school plays by the case.Which Alternative Is Right for You?
Buying for a classroom? Lakeshore Learning and S&S Worldwide give you craft supplies that outlast the school year, and Discount School Supply's Colorations house brand keeps the per-unit cost sane. Planning a themed birthday? Party City for licensed plates and balloons, or Etsy if you want personalized favors that don't embarrass the photos. Running a nonprofit fundraiser or carnival? DollarDays and Dollar Tree Direct sell true wholesale cases at prices Oriental Trading can't touch. Need it fast? Amazon, with reviews telling you which favors are junk before you buy. And if you simply want one trip for decor, snacks, and favors, Walmart still does that better than anyone. Frequently Asked Questions
QWhy is Oriental Trading so cheap, and are the alternatives better quality?
Oriental Trading hits low prices through bulk overseas novelty manufacturing, which is why inflatables deflate and craft kits arrive with dried glue. For better durability at similar or only slightly higher cost, Lakeshore Learning, S&S Worldwide, and Michaels are the upgrade. For cheaper still, Dollar Tree and DollarDays compete on price directly.
QWhat's the best Oriental Trading alternative for teachers buying classroom supplies?
Discount School Supply and Lakeshore Learning are built specifically for teachers, with washable paints, sturdy craft materials, and educational kits that survive a full year of 25 kids. S&S Worldwide is excellent for group craft packs, and Michaels offers a teacher discount plus constant coupons.
QAre there bulk party favor sites without high minimum order quantities?
Yes. Dollar Tree, Walmart, and Amazon let you buy small quantities in person or online without the case minimums Oriental Trading often forces. If you need true bulk for an event, DollarDays and Dollar Tree Direct sell wholesale cases but at genuinely lower per-unit prices.
QWhere can I get party decor that doesn't look cheap or fall apart?
Etsy for handmade, personalized favors and banners; Party City for color-matched themed tableware; and Shindigz for large-format event backdrops and custom signage. These cost more per item but skip the deflating-palm-tree problem Oriental Trading is known for.
QWhat's the best site for bulk supplies for a church VBS, camp, or nonprofit event?
DollarDays is purpose-built for nonprofits and schools buying giveaways by the hundreds at trade pricing. S&S Worldwide specializes in camp and program craft kits with volume discounts, and Smiffys covers costumes and dress-up for plays and themed events by the case.
Our Verdict
The Best Oriental Trading Alternative For You
Buying for a classroom? Lakeshore Learning and S&S Worldwide give you craft supplies that outlast the school year, and Discount School Supply's Colorations house brand keeps the per-unit cost sane. Planning a themed birthday? Party City for licensed plates and balloons, or Etsy if you want personalized favors that don't embarrass the photos. Running a nonprofit fundraiser or carnival? DollarDays and Dollar Tree Direct sell true wholesale cases at prices Oriental Trading can't touch. Need it fast? Amazon, with reviews telling you which favors are junk before you buy. And if you simply want one trip for decor, snacks, and favors, Walmart still does that better than anyone.