Build a Bear, Frog, Cow, Bunny...
Written: Aug 14 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: FUN, Reasonable prices, Lots to choose from
Cons: Not enough store locations!
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| Carey-ann's Full Review: Build-A-Bear Stuffed Bear |
I'm hooked. I discovered the magic of the Build-A-Bear Workshop after a friend told me about them. The closest store was only about an hour away from me, so my husband and I packed up the kids on a Sunday and trekked off to the mall for an adventure.
We easily found the store, and the fun began. The store was pretty crowded, but that didn't damper our experience. It didn't take too much convincing to get Daddy to invest in a couple of new stuffed animals.
Choose Me, Stuff me, Stitch Me, Fluff Me
First, you must choose your special animal. There are several bears to choose from, a cow, dog, bunnies, frog, turtle, cat, and koala. They range in price from $10 to $25. The girls chose the floppy dog, and curly bear.
Then, you take your animal to be stuffed. There is a large stuffing machine operated by one of their master bear stuffers. You or your child gets to start and stop the machine and work the foot pedal to control the stuffing. My kids were intrigued by the watching the machine and all of the stuffing flying around in it. You can also choose to put a music/sound box in your animal for an extra $3-$8. (We chose a bark for the dog, and a giggle for the bear).
When the stuffing is done, you pick out a satin stuffed heart for your bear, rub it between your hands, kiss it, make a wish, and place it in your animal. They stitch up your animal and it is off to fluff.
There is a magical bathtub where you fluff your animal using air and brushes. I found this step more for fun than anything, but I guess it depends on which animal you choose.
Off to the computer to create your animal's birth certificate. The computer is easy to use even for little children. You choose a name(they even have a list to help you) and answer a few questions to complete your birth certificate. It gives your critter's new name, date of birth, color, height/weight, and your name.
Now--you have choices to make! There are outfits galore to choose from for your new friend. Complete outfits ranged from $8 up to $15 with a few exceptions. Most were $10. There is also a slew of accessories to choose from. These are all optional, and the animals are cute enough without the outfits. My older daughter did get an outfit, (Daddy's idea), but my 1 year old didn't. They are both just adorable.
I absolutely fell in love with this experience. I'm not a big stuffed animal person, and in fact, like to avoid them as they tend to add up. But, when you help create it, it really becomes special.
That next week, I talked my friend into going back with me and I made my own floppy bunny!
If there is a store near you, I recommend doing it! It is great fun, and your child will remember the experience forever. The prices really are good, you can get the whole experience for $10, with no extras.
You can also go to www.buildabear.com and order them as well. It also gives store information so you can find the store closest to you.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Carey-ann
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Member: Carey
Location: Virginia
Reviews written: 55
Trusted by: 13 members
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