The world is a brighter, lighter, happier place thanks to balloons. A bunch of these bobbing decorations are guaranteed to be seen at everything from Bar Mitzvahs to birthday celebrations and have become the essential party item since the Aztecs first created them from cat's bowels. What else can be used to brighten up the dullest of spaces than a collection of perky, party friendly balloons! They're relatively cheap, they come in all different shapes, sizes and colours, and if you give one to a young child you're bound to get a gappy grin in return.

Balloons weren't always designed for fun and amusement in the early days though. The Aztecs' earliest balloon prototypes were carefully scoured, turned inside out, sewn with an airtight seal made from vegetable thread and used as sacrifices to the gods. This ingenious invention was also seen in a series of cave engravings found inside the ancient pyramid of Mikerinos. It would seem that balloons have been bouncing around for ages.

The popularity of balloons continued to develop over the centuries until just prior to the first world war when scientists discovered that these streamlined spectacles could be used to calculate ascension formulas for flying planes. Around this time hydrogen was the popular gas of choice due to its unrivalled lifting power, however in the 1920s, when the balloon began to be used for advertising purposes, hydrogen was replaced by helium due to its safer properties.

Synonymous with fun, festivities and merriment, the helium balloon soon became a must have item on parade floats and eye-catching window displays throughout the world. When Helen Warny released 50,000 helium-filled balloons decorated with her name in New York, she unwittingly started a balloon printing trend which would be copied across the globe. Helium balloons have remained popular accessories ever since, providing a burst of colourful decoration and resulting in high voiced shenanigans on many a drunken night. You know who you are!

Today's market is brimming with printed balloons designed to make a special occasion extra special. Getting married? Get the bride and groom's name etched in gold. Just had a baby? A cute little teddy bear balloon will look great in the nursery. Balloon printing has become extremely fashionable in the last few years thanks to advanced balloon printing techniques and sturdier materials. With such charming designs to choose from, catchy logos and increased longevity, the market for printing balloons is positively booming. Go to a party, fair, circus, sale, trade show or any other event that offers a relief from the monotonous grind of work and routine and you'll bump into a balloon.

So next time you bump into everyone's favourite lightweight companion, remember they won't let you down until they pop!

About the Author

Peter Airdee is from England and is a freelance copywriter.