Balloon Party Lights are the latest and greatest rage for parties and special events. Never heard of them? You will - and soon. This innovation in party lighting is sweeping the globe.

Balloon lights are wildly popular in Australia and Sweden, among others, and are currently being used for large functions in the United States. I believe they will soon be as common at celebrations as a cake and candles!

What IS a balloon light, you say? It is a small brilliant LED (light-emitting-diode) unit, placed inside ordinary latex or helium balloons, which when activated, turns your party into a veritable light show! Simply insert one into a latex balloon containing air or helium, twist to activate, and watch the fun begin!

Balloon lights can be set to provide constant or blinking light, all from the same unit, for spectacular effects. (The way batteries are inserted will determine if it blinks or not.) They also come in a variety of colors and are reusable.

HERE ARE SOME FUN USES FOR BALLOON LIGHTS:

KIDS PARTIES- Tie a bunch to your mailbox to show where the party is!

SLUMBER PARTIES - No nightlight needed - let balloon lights glow as your kids sleep!

PARTY FAVORS - Kids will want to take them home after the party, so add them to your goodie bags.

WEDDINGS - Turn your wedding decor into a unique and classy fantasy setting with bright white balloon lights ! Add a few in the color of your wedding party for a special personal touch.

WATER ACCENT - Balloon lights are waterproof and can also be used underwater in pools, fountains... even in your cocktail bowl!

EVENING POOL PARTIES - Float balloons in your swimming pool that sparkle and and blink the night through.

LIGHT A PATH - Use to light a twinkling garden path or to illuminate special features of your garden.

TABLE DECORATIONS - Tuck a few balloon lights inside your centerpiece to give it a special glow.

BALLOON ARCHES - Welcome guests to your party with a fanciful illuminated balloon arch!

BALLOON SCULPTURES - Add a whole new dimension to balloon creations with the use of light.

MORE CREATIVE USES FOR BALLOON LIGHTS:

Balloon lights can be used for so much more than parties. Here are some twists on the traditional:

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT - RC Enthusiasts attach balloon lights to their planes, cars, and boats to light them up for nighttime runs.

GUIDING LIGHT- Tie a lit balloon to your child's wrist or stroller - they'll never get lost!

YOUR MESSAGE IN LIGHTS - Spell out someone's name, a message, a wedding proposal, whatever - by attaching balloon lights to a wall, fence or other flat surface.

For example: Spell out "USA" in red, white and blue balloon lights for a Fourth of July display.

HALLOWEEN DECOR - Place balloon lights inside carved pumpkins and luminarias and set outside on Halloween night. Safer than ordinary tea lights, and they last longer, too.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS - Place in greenery on mantel or staircase for a warm glow. Scatter in snow on your lawn for a magical holiday feel. Highlight your manger scene.

FROSTY WITH A TWIST - Make your snowman unique by adding lighted buttons or glowing eyes.

SPORTING EVENTS - Cheer your team on as they burst onto the field through an illuminated balloon arch. Or, highlight your concession stand with balloon lights in bunches to boost your sales.

TRADE SHOW BOOTHS - Make your booth stand out from the crowd by showcasing your company or product in balloon lights. A bunch of flashing balloons will make you the star of the show. No wires to deal with either.

CAR DEALERSHIPS - Tie lit balloons from cars to attract customers. They'll stop in just to see how they work!

Whichever way you use them, balloon lights are a fantastic accent and conversation piece for any celebration, special event or anyplace people gather.