The History of Balloons

This birthday party staple was originally invented in 1824 by a scientist named Michael Faraday. Faraday created his balloons by pressing two pieces of tacky rubber together and coating the inside parts with flour to prevent unwanted sticking. He used the balloons for his science experiments with hydrogen, but he also sold his invention to the public as a do-it-yourself kit. Today, balloons are made from latex in an automated process that can create nearly any color, design, or shape imaginable!