Awesome place to get part items like balloons,pinyatae,plates,cups,ect Plenty of parking.Friebroy employees read more

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To celebrate my father's upcoming birthday, my sisters and I hatched a plan to throw a surprise party for him. Typically, my sisters handle the bulk of the logistics related to decorations, but given the ample time afforded by my retired-bastard schedule, I offered to pick up a few of the requisite decorations in addition to my straightforward duty of simply procuring food and/or dessert (typically Mitchell's ice cream ). My original plan involved simply obtaining the desired balloons and dessert plates from a local Party City store. My detachment from the party-setup scene was made evident by my sisters who informed me that the local Party City stores had been shut down a while ago. My sisters informed me that I could go to the Diddams store located in San Mateo (a 20 minute drive from my home). When I arrived, I was greeted by SEVERAL staff members with a VERY friendly "hello". While attempting to track down and consider options, I was assisted by two representatives working on the floor, Aricela (sp?) and Jairo (sp?). Aricela was extremely PATIENT and KIND in providing assistance tracking down several items. Jairo was FRIENDLY and HELPFUL in his numerous attempts to check the storage area for a couple of things that were unavailable on the display cases. At the counter, Jose was very COURTEOUS and PROFESSIONAL in preparing the balloons that I purchased and in ringing me up to finalize my transaction. Side Note: I ended up having side conversations with Aricela, Jairo, and Jose as they were all extremely FRIENDLY and, not surprisingly, very KIND in indulging my desire to practice my green-belt level of Spanish EPILOGUE As things turned out, I returned home to find that the top layer of a stacked set of balloons I purchased completely deflated by the time I arrived home. I ended up returning to the store to inquire about how the issue could be remedied. As luck would have it, the store manager, Jason, was present and he was able to quickly address the issue by allowing me to simply grab a pre-constructed version of the balloon stack without question. The timing of my return was quite fortunate in that I was able to introduce myself to Jason and inform him, face-to-face, of the COURTESY, PATIENCE, and KINDNESS extended to me by several members of his team. KUDOS to Aricela, Jairo, Jose, and Jason - keep up the great work in providing EXCELLENT and FRIENDLY service to all your customers! read more

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This is my first time at Diddams, stumbled here by chance and I wasn't disappointed. Helping out with a "Trunk or Treat" for Halloween and our group decided on a "Hawaiian" theme. Who knew it'd be so hard to find Hawaiian themed items in October? I thought it was a "common" theme, and possible year-round. Went to Party City and they had nothing, didn't want to spend too much time down a rabbit hole on Amazon. In fact, there were so much merchandise of various themes (Ex: Cinco De Mayo) in off season months. Lots of options if you're hosting a baby shower, they even have aisles of different color themes. I'm sure I can find the items cheaper online, but I was in a pinch and needed these things ASAP. Most items were reasonably priced. Rent probably is expensive. Customer service was ok, as expected. I'll visit again in the future. #22/2024 read more

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I brought my toddler here Saturday night for some balloons. I couldn't look away from my toddler long enough to take a better look at the person who assisted me and get his name but the person who assisted me ( I believe he had long hair) was very friendly, patient, kind and quick. I am absolutely coming back for more party supplies. read more

I called the day before Easter and their answering service said they were open every day. I traveled 45 minutes to the store to find out they are closed. Extremely lame! read more

Recently brought in 20 of my own normal sized (~12inch) latex balloons to have helium filled here for a party. $2 per balloon. Put in my order the afternoon before and it was ready for pickup the next morning. Efficient and fast! Will definitely be coming back to them for other party balloons and supplies next time, they have a huge selection. read more

Hubs and I came here looking for Jellycat's (which they have), but there's also so much more! Seasonal decor, party supplies (of course), and even a surprisingly good selection of toys, craft kits, and cute little plushies. We live in the East Bay, and our local Party City has gone out of business-- oh how I wish we had a Diddams nearby! This place easily blows Party City out of the water in terms of selection and quality of products. Store was clean and well kept; employees acknowledged us as we entered and exited. Priced seemed reasonable and on par with what we'd expect. Honestly, what's not to like about this place? read more

Dissapointing. My daughters birthday party is tomorrow and I managed to get a balloon right before they closed. However the balloon was overfilled and popped on the way home. Theres no other reason why it wouldve popped. Paid almost 15 dollars for this balloon, wish I could get my money back. read more

Diddams Party and Toy - Party Supplies Near Me - San Mateo, California

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You're amazing. Love the selection. I'm grateful you're around for my party decor needs.

Awesome store with lots of options for both kid and adult parties. Happy to support a small business.

They had very limited options for princess decorations. This was very surprising. So we had to resort to unicorn theme. I was able to get some balloons which I waited around for about 5 min or less. read more

The team really enjoy their work and extend their positive energy with their customers. I went in to grab a few balloons for my neighbor's 89 birthday. Staff happily assisted me, answered my questions and allowed me to change my mind. I didn't get all of their names, but Jason was exceptional! Thank you San Mateo Diddams Team! read more

The store has a nice selection and do a great job with the balloons. But I find it to be a total rip off that you have to purchase the balloon weight for $2.30 even if you're buying a single balloon. Seems if it's a law that they have some kind of weight they can figure it out. The weight is $.50 less than the balloon I needed. read more

I've been a customer at this store for more than six years and have been there twice in the last week to get random gifts and items for my kids friends and myself. I just realized I've never written a review after I stopped by today and had a really good experience shopping there with my kids. From streamers and balloons to special Harry Potter and retro candy, I've always been able to find what I'm looking for. Most of the people working there are friendly, but Jose is especially an excellent service rep for the store. He's always helpful, friendly and connects with customers. He has saved me time from looking around the store by telling me exactly where to find items on multiple occasions. Don't know if he's a manager but he is or would be a good one. Also, parking is always easy. Even though I primarily shop Amazon these days, this is one of the stores I will drive to to pick up items in person. We definitely plan to return. read more

Diddams Party and Toy - Party Supplies Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Love the customer service is great here Love coming In for all my party needs They have so many things to different themes pretty awesome Over all 5 stars just remember they close at 5 on Saturday's !!! read more

Diddams Party and Toy - Love this place - Party Supplies Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Angela was horrible. My son was so excited because today was his birthday. She coldly told him, "You are going to have to wait. ". He even asked me, "Daddy, how come she is so mean?" Then "Angela" just continue to move in slow motion. She made sure to tell me that my son needs to pay for the balloon he picked up and explained to me why she couldn't fill it with air. The items at Diddams are nice, but the service at the one on El Camino in San Mateo is a big turn off. If "Angela" was having a bad day, I get it. We all have bad days. But don't be rude to a 6 year old. It's best to excuse yourself and go home. read more

This is your one stop shop better than party city go to store for any type of gathering or get together. This is my go to for all party supplies.. the decor and options along with party favors are by far the best out there. read more

Diddams Party and Toy - Party Supplies Near Me - San Mateo, California

With time to spare before closing (enough to make a beeline to grab something and head to the cashier), the store clerk still wouldn't open - stood there to hold the door closed and literally shook her head at folks trying to quickly go in. Adding insult to injury, she even stood next to signage that very clearly states 5 pm so fair warning to you all. Is it worth even shopping there when the business already has slim pickings AND they don't want to stay open to hustle for business? Bottomline, not being able to stay open as stated on their signage is such poor customer service. Guess they don't want to make money. read more

Went here to get some Minecraft decor for my brother's bday! Prices are reasonable and they had everything I needed. The staff there are so sweet! Since it's almost October they have lots of costumes and accessories for Halloween as well. This place is giving "party city" and I love that. Definitely will be back for some balloons and decor! read more

Outstanding service and communication while I had purchased a large balloon arrangement for a party. And excellent customer service and delivery. A+ read more

Far too overpriced for everything. They barely had any balloons to blow up. I don't recommend this place at all.

Very pleased with this store! I have been wanting to check it out for some time and I was so excited to see how many different items they had. Most of all so very happy that they carry Meri Meri items I have been eyeing online. The items are the same price as buying them direct but without the wait. Amazing to see things in person before buying and happy to buy local instead. I also signed up for their loyalty club and already used two coupons I received. The store is lots of fun for my toddler to explore! The staff has been friendly and answered my questions about possible future balloon orders. So thankful for this place already! Will definitely support this gem of a party store for years to come! read more

i was actually a little disappointed in this store. they did not have much in the way of plastic partyware. like disposable serving spoons and such. i know its hard to carry everything, and halloween does take up a lot of space. but, i was expecting it to be as good or better than party city. read more

DON'T purchase upcharge for longer lasting balloons. Purchased these Sunday, only 3 minute drive to deliver gift (literally a few blocks away), paid extra .40 each for Hi-Float that they advertised would add an extra 5-7 days but everything was partially deflated by 2nd day (even mylars were losing a lot of air). These were kept in a temperature controlled room (indoors!), so no reason to deflate this quickly. Feel completely ripped off! read more

Diddams Party and Toy - Disappointed. Hi-float extra charge, ONLY 3rd day!! - Party Supplies Near Me - San Mateo, California

Love party shopping this place has a lot to Choose from but it is a hit or miss. Sometimes you find what you are looking for or something you didn't even realize you wanted. They have a big store to roam around even social distances. If you have no idea for what you may want to buy or how you would like to decorate stop By and see what they have I'm sure you will Find some type of party theme they have many to choose from. Parking lot is shared with other shops which makes it sometimes hard to find a spot and some spots are real Small read more

worst store ever!! they kept following us around, and started yelling at us, we didn't do anything. They also kicked us out while screaming. keep in mind, we're minors, we're 17. Never coming here again, don't bring ur dirty little kids!! read more

Worst return policy ever!! I bought a Disney Princess Crown Tulle Canopy at Diddams in San Mateo for my daughter's birthday. After open the package , the canopy is broken. I try to return the item. I returned within 10 days, but the sale clerk did not accept my return due to I opened the package. If I don't open the package, how can I find out the broken canopy. The receipt stated that " Returns and exchanges 30 days with receipt seasonal items candy are final sale". This shop is very irresponsible for what they sell, and they don't honor their return policy. I will contact CC company and ask for charges dispute. DISHONEST SHOP and never shop here again! read more

I love coming to Diddams for all my party and costume needs. They carry a great selection of both. Their toy section is a hidden gem with lots of educational toys as well as plushies and Legos among other things. The staff are friendly and very helpful. I love being able to go to a local, family-owned store instead of a corporate, big-box party store. I almost forgot to mention how awesome their candy section is. They have just about any candy you could want and for a good price. read more

This Diddams is located next to Santa Ramen and Nijiya. There is usually ample parking here. The day after Halloween they were having some great sales! I occasionally cosplay so I went into get a groovy bow tie for like $2. It was great. I'll probably go back sometime soon to see if I can scout out other good deals. Here's a picture of my cat modeling the bow tie. read more

Diddams Party and Toy - Bow tie from Diddams - Party Supplies Near Me - San Mateo, California

I went in to get party supplies and to my surprise a worker Angela came up to me to tell me to watch my daughter that she had drop some items when clearly it was not my daughter plus she stopped what she was doing just to follow us had all the extra time instead of continuing her work she went up front to talk to her coworkers what was for lunch! Like really read more

Went in looking for glow in the dark supplies for a school event. Manager with blond hair was watching me and my kids like hawks. Sure, my two year old was exploring the store playing with a light up phaser gun we were intending to buy, but she made me feel very uncomfortable by following us. To top it off, I asked my older son to take my toddler outside so that I could pay and my older kid happened to be absentmindedly holding onto the empty shopping basket BECAUSE I asked him to watch my toddler. Manager announces loudly on the intercom "the basket left the store" as if we were trying to steal the basket!! I mean I get that it's tough times, but she was barking up the wrong tree, and considering I drove 20 minutes to specifically shop here and buy frivolous items, she just lost a repeat customer. This is why Amazon prime wins. Every time. read more

Very nice; well stocked and clean party store for all occasions. I can't wait to go back And purchase some balloons for a graduation party and a upcoming Surprise 75th Birthday Celebration. Nice assortment of candy and toy gift items for birthdays. Highly recommend this store on El Camino in San Mateo. read more

5 day float balloons didn't last 18 hrs. I would not recommend the balloons here. They were more expensive than other stores and the balloons were actually only filled to 3/4 size. I paid extra for 5 day high float but it didn't even last 18 hours. read more

Diddams Party and Toy - 5 day float balloons didn't last 18 hrs - Party Supplies Near Me - San Mateo, California

Super disappointed! The girls that helped me when I order my ballons were super helpful. I order hot pink "3" & "0", 4 pink latex and 4 white latex ballons. I was told that I had to buy a weigh by law so I picked out a sparkling gold. I paid for them and it was done. My friend picked it up for me a week later and the "3" & "0" were two different pinks, I was missing a pink latex ballon and the weight wasn't tied on the balloons. I feel that this location has gone done in customer service as well as stocking of the shelves. When I called to let them know I didn't receive my fill order the numbers listed on google and yelp were both disconnected . Rather go to Daly City or San Carlo next time. read more

Diddams Party and Toy - Two different pinks - Party Supplies Near Me - San Mateo, California

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I stood in line for 10 minutes to order a birthday balloons for my two sisters (real sister and sister in law share the same birthday) , but I was finally called to order and was told I could only order 1 Mylar ballon due to a helium shortage. Obviously I couldn't get just 1 ballon for two sisters so I left. As I'm getting into my car , I see someone leaving the store with two Mylar balloons. Pretty lame. read more

Wouldn't sell me a balloon without having to buy a balloon weight. Wouldn't tie it to my bag or water bottle. Claimed it was illegal to sell it without weight. Meanwhile, party city and safeway both provided clips and weights. Rip off. read more

While I've always loved the selection of items in the store, I'm very disappointed with their website. I'm not sympathetic with their complaints about people not shopping locally because it's clear they haven't spent any resources to update their website to be competitive with the likes of Amazon. read more

Best place to get supplies!! Love this small business and the service was phenomenal!

What a fun place! It's much bigger on the inside than the outside leads you to believe. I was dragged here by the boyfriend who insisted I picked out a balloon for my birthday (he's very sweet). I was under the impression that balloons were quite expensive, but I found a cute little cupcake Mylar baloon that was only $3.99. Once we picked out a balloon, we were drawn to another area where they had lots of board games and puzzles! A kid (or a kid at heart like us) would have a lot of time exploring all the toys and gadgets they had. Baking? Knitting? Throwing a party? Teacher looking for cute pumpkin stickers? This place has it all! Now that I know what this place offers, I look forward to coming back when the occasion presents itself. read more

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Dirty, poorly stocked, and a young immature staff. Diddams used to be the best place to go for anything party-related and so much more. They have party supplies for any and every theme, fun and quirky books and toys, nostalgic candies, a wide balloon selection, and a really kick ass costume section during the fall months. But on my last few visits to the San Mateo location, I found that a lot of items were out of stock. I chose a balloon to be blown up, only to find out they didn't have any. I chose again, 4 more times. All out. At that point, what DO you have?? Prices seem to be average, if not a little high. Back in the day, I definitely felt more like I was getting a good deal. Parking is a pain on the weekends or after work. The icing on the cake is undoubtedly the staff. All employees are high school and college aged, and working their first job, which is fine. Except they are left unmanaged and to their own devices. Last time I was there, 4 people were behind the counter carrying on a personal conversation detailing their sex lives. One employee inattentively rang up customers as a line built up, while all of them carried on with the gritty details. Unfortunately not the only incident like this, which is why I usually avoid Diddams, and this location specifically. read more