My Favorite Places for DIY Party Shopping

I love shopping for a DIY party! Sometimes I’m a hunter; I have a specific item in mind and I know exactly what I’m looking for. Most of the time, though, I’m a gatherer; I buy anything party-related which I “might have” use for. 😂  A classic DIYer’s mistake, I know. But what can I do? I’m a hoarder, especially when it comes to possible party supplies. I will find use for them in this party…or the next! These places have aided my incessant search for all things party. Check them out! 

1. DIVISORIA. A DIY party planner’s haven. This post won’t be credible if we didn’t have Divisoria in it – or if we didn’t start with it! And, as if you didn’t know already, the great thing with Divi is that we can haggle if we’re buying in bulk – perfect for those buying give-aways, prizes, party decors, etc. It can get overwhelming, so make sure you prep yourself for a full day of shopping!

I like to go to:

• 168 Mall – You’ll see sections where party supplies stores are gathered. Don’t buy the first thing you see from the first store you visit. I like to go around or start from the top floors. Scout, scout, scout! But bring your patience along with you (not your husband!😉)
• Anding’s – A short walk down the street from 168 Mall, it’s in a building whose entire second floor is devoted to selling toys, toys, and more toys! Perfect for give-aways, loot bags or prizes.
• Tabora & Ilaya Streets – For ribbons, fabrics, jars, sinamay, boxes, baskets, etc. The stalls are just lined up on the streets so make sure you know exactly what you’re looking for for a quick shopping trip!

Where: Manila / You can check the parties with Divisoria finds here.

Download your Party Supplies Shopping in Divisoria map here.

Photos from mrsmommyholic.blogspot.com, gmanetwork.com, and istoryangdivisoria.wordpress.com. 

2. DAPITAN ARCADE. A flea market that’s slowly becoming a popular venue for party needs. It’s not as overwhelming as Divisoria; you’ll probably finish shopping in half a day (or less). When I’m here, I usually look for items I can use to style the party. They have a lot of export overruns like ceramics, baskets, wrought-iron and wooden pieces (see this party) that you can buy for a fraction of a price you’d pay in malls. I like buying the clean white ceramics which I always use in my dessert buffets (see Diner Party). They also have wooden letters that you can have custom-made, like in this party. You can also find quirky pieces like giant chess pawns or life-sized Santas which are perfect for a game-themed party, or simply, just decorating your home for Christmas!

Where: Kanlaon Street, Quezon City

Photos from Lucas’ Diner Party, www.shykulasa.info, and carlosandveronica.net.

3. UNIWIDE WAREHOUSE. It’s a warehouse. It’s dusty. Its shopping carts are rickety. But who cares?! The items are at rock bottom prices. Going through their melamine wares makes me want to throw one themed party after another. Imagine seeing different cute prints like Hawaiian, shabby chic, sports, cupcakes, etc. There’s no consistency in the items though, and quantity and quality of stocks are not guaranteed, so if you’re lucky, you’ll find just the right items for the party you’re preparing for. I went there once searching for things specific for a diner party and only ended up buying one plate with a Coca-Cola print on it. But that’s because I was looking for something specific. Had I unleashed my gatherer mode, I would’ve gone out with half the store in my shopping bag! They have a lot of other great finds like cookie jars, trays, toys, printed tapes and other decorative items you can use as centrepieces.

Where: There used to be a lot of branches, but the only one I know for sure that’s open is the one along Sucat Road.

Photos from mrsmommyholic.blogspot.com and leahdeleon.com.

Of course, I also visit department stores like…

4. LANDMARK Department Store. Lots of themed paper plates and paper napkins to choose from, not to mention decorative pieces great for styling! I bought a lot of items from Landmark for the kitchen-themed bridal shower that we did.  (Photos from Landmark’s official Facebook page.)

5. ROBINSONS Department Store. The home of Ball mason jars! I was in their Galleria branch one time and was pleasantly surprised to see a wide assortment of party supplies like paper straws, paper plates, paper napkins, cupcake holders and loot bags. I also love their home section! Lots of country/shabby chic finds which is my favorite theme. (Photos from Robinsons’ official website and Facebook page.)

6. THE SM Store. They have a good selection of frames which are perfect for signages in your party. They also have glass jars, cake stands, and candy scoops for dessert buffets and costumes for your kids like in this party. I haven’t seen that much paper plates and the likes, but I’m sure they’ve got it hidden somewhere, because you know what they say, they’ve got it all for you!  (Photo from The SM Store’s official website.)

Come back soon for the second set of my favourite places to shop for DIY party supplies. How about you? Where do you like to shop for your DIY parties?

If you haven’t yet, check out our party supplies directory and you just might find the perfect supplier for your party needs! If you need a little bit of help with your DIY planning, join Homemade Parties’ DIY Party planning community in Facebook!

(Opening photo from Robinsons’ official Facebook page.)