A holder for an inflatable balloon includes an elongate blank formed from cardboard or similar biodegradable yet resilient material that can be folded at its mid region and having an opening at a first end for receiving the inflation stem of an inflated balloon, and in one embodiment has at its other end portion a pressing element and slots formed in the end portions to be aligned when the elongate element is folded upon itself to pinch the stem of the inflated balloon. In another embodiment, a receptacle is provided by engaging tabs and slots at the respective end portions.