What can I use if I don't have helium?

If I find myself in a situation where helium is not readily available, what alternative options do I have at my disposal? Are there any comparable gases that could serve a similar purpose, or perhaps innovative solutions that utilize non-gas alternatives? I'm particularly interested in understanding the viability of these substitutes in various applications, such as party balloons, scientific experiments, or even industrial processes. Additionally, could you elaborate on any potential drawbacks or limitations of these alternatives compared to helium?