Disclosure: I received a Build-a-Bear gift card to facilitate this review. The opinions are 100% my own.
Who doesn't love a teddy bear? Stuffed animals are probably Nugget's favorite thing to play with. I also love them because he can roll around with them and not get hurt. I am sure, as a little boy, Nugget is going to be into making and building things. This is why I couldn't wait to take him to make his own teddy bear.
Build-a-Bear is the ultimate toy making experience. You get to construct your new furry friend from choosing your teddy to taking them home. Build-a-Bear had lot of different options from a raccoon to a snowman, they even had a German Shepherd. We stuck with the tried and true teddy bear.
The different animals that you can pick range in price from $10-$25. You then add additional clothes and accessories from there. When you choose the animal it is just the shell. Next you get in line to have your friend stuffed. This was really fun!
The employees are Build-a-Bear were great! I watched them interacting with the kids while they were stuffing the bears and they had a whole routine to make the experience special. Nugget can't stand or step yet, so when the team member asked if Nugget wanted to help push the stuffing into the bear, he decided sitting would be the best way to assist the lady. After your teddy is stuffed, you grab a heart and (I hope I get this right) kiss it so your bear is loved, rubbed it so your bear is warm, and rubbed it on your tummy so your bear is never hungry. I am sure I missed something, but it was so cute watching everyone so excited to put their hearts in the bear.
After you are done stuffing your bear, you need to prepare your new friend to get dressed by doing the only logical thing possible...giving teddy a bath. They have a cute bath station set up with little brushes for the kids.
Next up, we went shopping to dress Nugget's new friend. They have quite the selection of bear clothes and accessories.
They even had a wheelchair and crutches if you wanted to make a "Get Well" bear! In addition to your everyday street clothes, Build-a-Bear had costumes, Steeler's gear, military uniforms, and seasonal holiday wear. With all the clothes, you are able to add shoes, hats, glasses....and get this...they even have bear boxers! After you choose the clothes, you go to the Dressing Room to deck out your bear.
Now that your bear is all dressed and ready to go...He needs a name! There are several computers set up that allow you to scan the tag on your bear to get started making their birth certificate. You enter some simple information and pick up your printed certificate at checkout. Nugget named his teddy Dabdoob, Arabic for teddy bear.
Big or small, Build-a-Bear is a great treat for anyone. It is way more fun than just going to the store and buying a toy. The different clothes and accessories create longevity by allowing you to change up the teddy from time to time thus keeping your child's interest. From their website I learned that they also offer birthday parties for 6 or more kids. How fun would that be? Head over to their website to check out all the different teddies they offer and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest to stay up on all things Build-a-Bear!
