Planning a big bash or stocking up on craft goodies? Oriental Trading Company shines as your one-stop shop for fun finds at rock-bottom prices. From spooky Halloween setups to classroom art kits, they pack a huge catalog full of items that make events pop without breaking the bank. This guide dives deep into what makes Oriental Trading tick, from their story to smart shopping tricks, so you can score the best deals on party supplies, crafts, and bulk buys.
The History and Evolution of Oriental Trading Company
Oriental Trading started small back in 1932. A guy named Harry Watanabe kicked it off in Omaha, Nebraska, selling cheap novelties from a tiny store. Over the years, it grew into a powerhouse by focusing on fun, affordable goods for groups and events.
From Novelty Retailer to E-commerce Giant
Early days meant catalogs mailed out to homes and businesses. Folks ordered trinkets and toys in batches. By the 1990s, they jumped online, turning into a massive web store that ships worldwide.
Today, Oriental Trading rules the bulk party supplies game. They stock millions of items, all aimed at making your dollar stretch further. Their shift to digital sales let them reach teachers and planners everywhere, without the limits of brick-and-mortar spots.
You can trace their success to simple roots: buy low, sell high-volume. That keeps prices down and quality steady for everyday use.
Market Position and Target Audience
Oriental Trading targets folks who need lots of stuff cheap. Think teachers grabbing classroom crafts, event pros setting up weddings, or parents filling goodie bags. Churches and scouts love their themed kits too.
Compared to spots like Party City, Oriental Trading wins on bulk value. You pay pennies per item when buying cases, unlike pricier single buys at specialty shops. Their edge? Endless variety under one roof, perfect for budget shoppers hunting Oriental Trading bulk buys.
Stats show they serve over a million customers yearly. That trust comes from reliable stock and fast delivery, setting them apart in the party supply world.
Navigating the Vast Product Catalog
With thousands of options, Oriental Trading’s site feels like a treasure hunt. Easy filters help you zero in on needs, whether it’s holiday decor or school supplies. Let’s break down the main categories to see what fits your next project.
Party Decorations and Themed Events
Oriental Trading excels in seasonal gear. For Halloween, grab ghost garlands or pumpkin cutouts in packs of 100. Christmas brings twinkly lights and Santa inflatables, all scaled for big crowds.
Life events get love too. Wedding banners come in bulk rolls, while graduation favors suit class parties. They even offer licensed stuff like Disney characters on plates—check for trends like superhero themes.
Bulk shines here: one order of 500 streamers covers a school dance easy. Prices drop as quantities rise, making it smart for group buys.
- Halloween picks: Glow sticks in cases of 144 for under $20.
- Wedding must-haves: Table scatters sold by the pound.
- Grad tips: Tassel keychains for 72 guests at a steal.
These options turn plain spaces into festive zones without the hassle.
Arts, Crafts, and Educational Supplies
Craft fans flock to Oriental Trading for basics like glitter glue and pipe cleaners. Foam stickers and bead sets spark kid creativity in DIY sessions. Seasonal kits, such as Easter egg dyes, arrive ready to use.
Educators save big on classroom stock. A pack of 1,000 construction paper sheets costs little, freeing cash for other tools. Their VBS supplies include Bible story crafts for whole groups.
Pro tip for teachers: Search “Oriental Trading educational crafts” for age-sorted bundles. Mix colors and shapes to build skills on the cheap. One kit often serves 20 kids, cutting per-use costs in half.
You’ll find eco-friendly options too, like recycled paper crafts. That appeals to green-minded buyers planning art days.
Novelty Items, Toys, and Giveaways
Need quick favors? Oriental Trading’s novelties fit the bill. Bouncy balls or temporary tattoos come in mega-packs for parties or prizes. Stocking stuffers like mini puzzles fill holidays fast.
For giveaways, think logo stickers or key rings—great for business promo. Toys range from puzzles to plushies, all under $1 each in bulk.
Bulk buying pays off huge. A case of 288 slinkies might run $50, or about 17 cents apiece. That’s ideal for arcade prizes or fundraiser grabs.
- Party favor ideas: Glow bracelets for night events.
- Toy trends: Fidget spinners in rainbow sets.
- Giveaway gems: Custom pencils for school sales.
These small joys add punch to any event, keeping guests smiling.
Maximizing Value: Shopping Strategies and Discounts
Smart shoppers treat Oriental Trading like a goldmine. Hunt deals to stretch your budget on party supplies and crafts. Follow these steps to cut costs without skimping on fun.
Utilizing Coupons, Sales, and Loyalty Programs
Start by signing up for their newsletter. You get 10% off your first order, plus alerts on flash sales. Check sites like RetailMeNot for Oriental Trading coupon codes—ones for 20% off crafts pop up often.
Sale sections rotate weekly, slashing prices on overstock like summer toys. Pair a code with a sale for double savings. Loyalty perks include points on buys, redeemable for freebies after a few orders.
Don’t sleep on holiday promos. Black Friday deals can halve bulk prices, perfect for year-ahead planning.
Understanding Bulk Pricing and Case Packs
Oriental Trading tiers prices by quantity. Single items cost more per unit than cases. For example, 12 feather boas might hit $15, but a case of 144 drops to $1 each—huge win for costumes.
Cases pack tight for shipping ease. Buy full boxes for projects like 500 birthday banners; savings hit 50% or more. Use their calculator tool to compare.
Real example: Teachers need markers for art class. Twelve-pack runs $10, but 144-pack? Just $40 total. That’s classroom magic on a dime.
Watch minimums though—some cases require 10-unit buys. Plan around that for max value.
Shipping Thresholds and Free Shipping Offers
Free shipping kicks in at $99 most days—easy to hit with bulk picks. Bundle a few categories, like decor and favors, to cross the line quick. Smaller orders? Flat rates start low, around $7.
Big items like inflatables add fees, but Oriental Trading caps them fair. Opt for ground shipping to save on bulky hauls. Pro move: Order during free ship events, which happen monthly.
Track orders online for peace of mind. Most arrive in 5-7 days, keeping your event on schedule.
Oriental Trading for Business: Resale and Fundraising Opportunities
Business owners and groups turn to Oriental Trading for profit potential. Low entry costs mean quick flips on hot items. See how to tap this for your venture.
Sourcing for Small Retailers and Pop-Up Shops
Seasonal trinkets sell fast at markets. Grab Easter plushies in bulk for resale markup. Trending novelties like viral toys move quick—buy cases to stock pop-ups.
Inventory stays simple: Low-cost goods mean low risk. Track sales with their wholesale options; minimums suit small ops. Popular lines include holiday ornaments and beach toys.
Tip: Mix evergreen crafts with trends. Beads for jewelry-making resell year-round, boosting steady income.
Fundraising and Organization Purchases
Schools and churches bulk-buy for events. VBS kits outfit whole camps cheap. Auction fillers like gift baskets pack with Oriental Trading novelties for easy raises.
Non-profits qualify for tax-exempt status. Upload your info on their site for instant savings—no sales tax on qualifying buys. That’s extra funds for causes.
Groups love one-stop sourcing. A church fair might snag 1,000 candy bags for under $100, turning profit fast.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Oriental Trading
Oriental Trading stands tall with unmatched variety in party supplies, crafts, and bulk buys. Their history of smart growth delivers value that beats competitors, especially for groups and planners. From history to hacks, this guide shows why they’re essential for events big and small.
Key strengths? Endless options, deep discounts on cases, and easy online access. Whether you’re a teacher crafting lessons or a parent prepping parties, Oriental Trading saves time and cash.
Ready to dive in? Head to their site today, snag a coupon, and build your next bash. Your wallet—and guests—will thank you.
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