I think party decorations are not considered a waste of money and time, I think this particular decorations are key elements in all kinds of party but most of all in birthday parties. Apart from being a decoration element, are perfect and inoffensive toys for kids to play, so I think they are important in children parties. I use to buy in a web site where you can find balloons with animal shapes and imprimed balloons which the kids love. You can see them here, I hope you like it http://www.comercialpersan.com/en/products/types/animal-figures-balloons/