Party Rentals FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

So you've heard about our DIY party rentals — foam pits, balloon garlands, and everything in between — and you're wondering how it all works. You're in the right place! We've rounded up the most common questions we get about our rentals so you can plan with confidence and focus on what actually matters: making memories with your little ones.

What rentals do you offer?

We offer two main DIY rental items designed specifically for children's parties: foam pit balls and balloon garlands. Our foam pit is a ball-pit-style experience that kids ages 0–5 absolutely love, and our pre-styled balloon garlands are ready to hang and instantly elevate any party space. Both options are available at a fraction of what you’d pay through a traditional vendor, so you get the wow-factor without the wow-price-tag.

How far in advance do I need to reserve?

We recommend booking your rental at least 1–2 weeks in advance, especially during peak party season (spring and summer). That said, we’ll always do our best to accommodate last-minute requests when availability allows. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of locking in your preferred date!

How do I make a reservation?

Booking is simple! We use Booqable to manage our rentals or you can email us at info@littlelanternkits.com. Our site links directly to the Booqable page so you can reserve and purchase curated options easily but for custom solutions please reach out.

How much does a rental cost?

Rental pricing is designed to be significantly more affordable than hiring a full-service vendor. Exact pricing depends on which items you rent and the rental duration. All pricing is listed on our rentals page.

What's included with my rental?

Each rental includes everything you need to get up and running. For the foam pit, that means the foam pieces, pit enclosure, and play mat so you can safely use the pit inside or outside.

For balloon garlands, you’ll receive all of the inflatable pieces you need for your selected set, elastics and ring hooks to connect everything, and two water bladders per 7ft arch so everything can stand on its own even in a light breeze. We do NOT recommend placing these items outside in heavy wins.

Balloon rentals come with flowers and three clusters pre-inflated. You can selectd pre-inflated 5 clusters for a $20 fee. We will inflate 12 clusters upon request but not inflate the backdrops. They're simply too large to fit in a vehicle when inflated. You will be provided with a balloon pump to inflate the rest of your items yourself.

View tips and tricks for set up here.

How does pickup and drop-off work?

All rentals must be picked up and dropped up from us in the Pleasant Hill area. When you book, we’ll coordinate the logistics together. Typically this will be a porch pickup and drop-off at any time the day prior to your event. If you need the items for longer you can book additional days for $10 each.

Do I need to set it up myself?

Yes — these are DIY rentals, which is what keeps the cost so low! But don't worry, setup is easy. You can view tips and tricks for set up here and we are available to answer any questions. The foam pit doesn't require assembly and the balloon garland is relatively easy to assemble. We encourage you to allow 1-2 hours for set up of balloon arches but take down should be around 20 minutes.

What ages are the rentals suitable for?

Our rentals are designed with little ones in mind — specifically kids ages 0 to 8. The foam pit is especially popular for babies and toddlers who love to explore, crawl, and play. Older kids in that age range have a blast too! As always, adult supervision is required for children in the foam pit at all times.

Can I use the rentals indoors and outdoors?

Yes! Our rentals work great for both indoor and outdoor celebrations. The foam pit is perfect for backyard birthday parties and parks, and the balloon garland looks equally gorgeous inside a living room or out on a patio. Just let us know your setup when you book and we'll make sure everything works for your space.

We do not encourage use of balloon garlands in heavy wind. If the items are damaged or stained and we are unable to address the problem, you will forfeit your deposit.

How long is the rental period?

Standard rental is three days but you can add additional days for $10 each for up to five days of total rental time.

What is your cancellation policy?

Life happens, and we totally understand! If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let us know as soon as possible. We ask for at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice may be subject to a cancellation fee. If you need to reschedule, we'll do our best to find a date that works based on availability.

Where do you serve?

We're based in Pleasant Hill, CA and primarily serve the East Bay area, including Concord, Walnut Creek, Martinez, Lafayette, and surrounding Contra Costa County communities. If you're a bit further out, reach out anyway — we may still be able to help or recommend options near you.

What happens if something gets damaged?

We ask that all renters treat the equipment with care and return it in the same condition it was received. Normal wear and tear is expected, but damage beyond that may be subject to a replacement or repair fee. All renters are required to sign our liability waiver before the rental is confirmed. You will have the opportunity to review it before booking.

Still have questions? We'd love to hear from you!

Drop us a line at info@littlelanternkits.com or head to our Contact page — we're happy to chat through all the details and help you plan something truly special for your little one's big day.