Peter Van The Party Man

Peter Van is famously known around Adelaide as the place to go for party supplies. Well it used to be anyway.
It has all the basics, balloons, cutlery, costumes, etc. However, with the growing number of shops you can really get a greater range of stuff at a cheaper price from many other places. For example, for my birthday we got all the balloons from a specific balloon shop. There are also brilliant and cheap costume shops all around Adelaide.
I don’t want to knock Pete too much though– it is a golden oldie. It is a good shop to go to when you want to find everything in the one place. It stocks almost all party parties, which saves you from driving around to numerous stores. Just be willing to cash out slightly more for stuff, but it is good quality. The shop is also good for working out what basics you need. I would recommend just going for a look, writing a list then working from there!

Coulrophobia… a fear of clowns. Each time I drive past this place I avert my eyes from the horrible, outdated, abomination of a mural, which no self respecting graffiti artist has altered… yet, perhaps they can’t bear it either (when it does happen, it wasn’t me ok!). With one eye closed and the other squinting I shall describe what they do, besides scare the bejesus out it me.
Here goes:
Balloons, party streamers, party plates, bowls, cups, etc everything for a parties. themed or not. They also hire equipment such as speakers, microphones, lighting, heilium cylinders, urns, outdoor heaters, bain maries and clown… oops I mean ‘crowd’ control.
They have been selling bread mix before it became fashionable to bake bread at home and there is a large variety available for the bread machine.
In a nutshell, they sell everhything you’ll need for a party or to make a perfect loaf of bread, scones, donuts, etc.
And Peter, please change that tired outfit or go join the circus and scare the animals.

I had high hopes for this place. It looks wacky, they have their own van which is always cruising about or parked loudly out front, and their shop name is very memorable. I walked in expecting to have my party needs not only met, but blown out of the water.
Sad clown face! I wasn’t blown away at all. The store is a mess, with things thrown all over the shop and no discernible order or signage, and a lot of things like balloons and streamers you can get at one of the big chain stores much cheaper. They do have a fantastic balloon range and we got some cool disco posters for a party we were having here, but I don’t go out of my way to come to this store and prefer a party store that doesn’t give me a dust and confusion headache.

Located on the corner of Springbank and Green Hill Road, there is so much more to this store than just helium balloons. Although this is definitely a good place to get those from!
Whatever the theme, Peter Van The Bread and Party Van caters to your party needs. There is a bunch of cool stuff here to add a bit of bling to your party zing. Lights, costumes, steamers, everything. I just don’t get how the bread part comes into it. Hmmm.
So what can you specifically expect to find here? Perhaps lets just make a list.
–Balloon decorations.
–Helium packages.
–Speaker hire.
–Light hire.
–Mic hire.
–Fancy dress attire.
–Disco balls.
–Light beams.
–Kids partyware.
–Party bag supplies.
–Hens night parties. etc etc.
Reasonably priced as well, so check Peter Van The Party Man out next time you’re planning a party and in the area.

I’ll never forget the first time I visited Peter Van’s. I was heading to Westfield Marion in search of a magician’s outfit for my son and while waiting at the lights at Goodwood Road, decided to swing into one of the parks out the front and take a quick look.
Boy, I’m glad I did. Not only did they have a very inexpensive top hat and cape (I can’t believe how hard it is to find a child’s size top hat. Don’t oodles of kids want to dress up as magicians?), my eyes were opened to a world of party products that I never knew existed.
If you’re colour coding a party, they not only have balloons in every shade, shape and style, but everything else to match. Before now, I’d just grabbed a packet of napkins in either a bright colour or with cartoon character from Woollies.
There is also a great range of dress up gear and accessories. During special seasons (christmas, easter, halloween) they offer all the stuff you need to get into the spirit.
This is now my one-​stop shop for all my parties.
I hope other people aren’t put off by its daggy exterior and venture into the wonders inside.

This shop has been here as long as I can remember and is pretty much still the way I remember it. So not much upgrading going on at this one.
But inside is a part paraphernalia heaven. They have all sorts. I love the piñata’s but never seem to buy one.
I like the fact I could just drop in here and pick up 3 or 4 helium balloons in whatever colour I chose whenever I wanted. If people were getting money in cards for birthdays (especially kids) I would dress it up a little with some helium balloons. Three or four was enough to hold the card up at about head height. Just something different and fun.
If you are doing any sort of home party and want the works though you could get it at this place. It has all the paltes, cups, hats, streamers, signs, you get the drift.

Don’t let the faded paint on the outside walls fool you, these guys know how to party… well at least decorate one.
The whole shop inside was full of ideas, colour schemes, patterns, designs and decorations I hadn’t even seen before. They had a great range of all the standard party supplies plus and were only too happy to help. They even gave my daughter a free helium balloon which was great… until every time we drive past it she asks if we can go get another balloon.
They’re definitely worth looking into when you want decos!