Busting open a piñata at a birthday party is a Mexican tradition that has been embraced by all. The aesthetic of colorful paper, ribbons, and often, for today’s kids, a favorite character or icon, adds an instant festive vibe to any gathering.
After a recent trip to Mexico City, regretful that I didn’t bring home any handcrafted souvenirs, I headed to Oakland’s International Boulevard to see if any of the merchants there had the same items I had admired but failed to purchase in Mexico. I discovered a piñata mecca, and after chatting with some of the shopkeepers, I wanted to urge you all to shop local (skip Target!) when it comes to party decor. Instead, support these Oakland-based, family-owned small businesses.
Here are four spots that charmed me with their piñata selections. (Though I went home with a vibrant-colored paper skeleton instead!)
Where to get piñatas in the East Bay
Magdalena’s Party Supply
3822 Foothill Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601
Not only does this tiny storefront sell huge piñatas, but Magdalena will custom make one, combining a child’s age with the theme of their choice. I saw a custom order waiting for pickup for a first birthday with the child’s name written on the piñata in a cowboy design. However, I also saw a mom come in asking for Sleeping Beauty, and, after some negotiation, leave with a fairly generic-looking princess. All business here is conducted in Spanish, so bring a Spanish-speaking friend if you’ll struggle to communicate.
See hours on Yelp >
La Popular
3610 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601
This shop was more of a general gift and novelty store with a little bit of apparel, plus handcrafted Mexican imports. An array of piñatas hang from the ceiling. The options included numerals, Captain America, Batman, a 49ers player wearing a helmet, a really cool dinosaur, a baseball, and some princesses.
See hours on Yelp >
Dulcería La Rosa
3606 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601
Right next to La Popular is a convenience store stocked with aisles of candy, packaged snack foods, plus traditional piñatas hanging from the ceiling. Here, the dominant offering is a style of piñata with a picture of a licensed character (think Mickey Mouse, K-Pop Demon Hunters) on it, rather than shaped as that character.
See hours on Yelp >
Alexa’s Party Supply
4701 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601
As a party supply store, this shop offers party decor from streamers and balloons to piñatas and party rentals. A Labubu piñata was the first one I noticed.
See hours on Yelp >
Note that some of the shop names have variations between Google Maps and the sign on the front of the store.
