Build-A-Bear ... It's not only for Bears ...
Written: Nov 06 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: fun and exciting experience for a child
Cons: not enough locations
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| sblaydes's Full Review: Build-A-Bear Stuffed Bear |
We discovered the Build-A-Bear Workshop a few months ago while we were visiting with good friends in the Orlando, Florida area. One hot afternoon during our visit my girlfriend and I trucked to the Florida Mall with all five kids in tow. As we turned a corner in the mall I saw my daughters face brighten and instantly heard her say .... please ... please .... Mommy .... may we please go into this store?!! Needless to say, and much to our sons dismay, we entered the Build-A-Bear Workshop. But believe it or not ... we left the store a while later with nothing in tow. Due to different circumstances (long line, impatient sons and the possibility of coming back for my girlfriends daughters birthday within the month) we left the store KNOWING that we would be back one day soon.
The Day Has Arrived ...
This past weekend we found ourselves once again in the Orlando area visiting with our good friends. On Sunday morning our husbands and sons went out golfing and my girlfriend and I decided that TODAY was the perfect day for a surprise for our girls.
Off to the Florida Mall we went ... anxiously awaiting the delight from our girls when they found out where we were going. Personally, I will never forget my daughters face when she walked around the corner and saw the Build-A-Bear Workshop. After she quickly verified with me that TODAY was the day she could get her Bunny ... she quickly ran to pull hers out of the bin and patiently waited to have her stuffed. For you see, she has known for months now that she would pick out a bunny instead of a bear. And every so often she would remind me ... that one day she wanted to get her bunny and bring her home ...
They Have More Than Just Bears ...
The first decision to be made upon entering the store is which animal are you going to be taking home with you?? As you will see, there is quite a selection to choose from. They are ...
Lil Cub $10.00
Classic Brown Teddy $12.00
Baby'S First Bear $12.00
Kuddly Koala $12.00
Curly Bunny $15.00 (This was my daughter's choice!) :)
Curly Bear $15.00
Black Bear $15.00
Bearemy $18.00 (This is their official mascot)
Floppy Dalmation $18.00
Floppy Frog $18.00 (My girlfriends 10 yr. old's choice!)
Floppy Cow $18.00 (Would have been my girlfriends choice!)
Floppy Bear $18.00
Floppy Pony $18.00
Floppy Kitty $18.00 (My girlfriends 7 yr. old's choice!)
Floppy Turtle $18.00
Floppy Monkey $18.00
Shaggy Dog $18.00 (Would have been my choice!)
Bunny Bigears $20.00
Centennial Bear II $22.00 (Second of five bears in their Teddy
Bear Centennail Series)
Our Founding Teddy $25.00 (The founding bear!)
Polar Bear $25.00
What's Next ...
Perhaps your child would like her new friend to have a voice. They will be able to choose from approximately 15 different voice boxes which can be sewn into their friend. Not only do they have some of the animal voices (such as a meow or moo ...) they also have songs (like Happy Birthday) to a simple saying of ... I Love You.
Next ... it is now time for your child's new friend to be stuffed. Here at the stuffing machine, your child will be able to assist in the stuffing of their new friend. While an employee from Build-A-Bear holds onto their new friend, your child helps by pressing the pedal on this machine to start the stuffing process. Once their friend is fully stuffed, your child will be asked to pick out a heart to place inside their animal. (Animals have hearts too you know!) After a quick kiss is given to the heart and placed into their animal, the barcode from your animal is also placed alongside the heart. Build-A-Bear does this so that if your animal is ever lost and returned to them, they would be able to contact you. (Your information is given to them later on ...) For some reason ... this really impressed my daughter and she was quick to point out this fact to my husband. :)
After the stuffing process is complete it is now time for your child's new friend to be stitched. With very watchful eyes ... my daughter watched this process very intently and was very happy when she was given her new friend, stuffed and ready to go. She quickly took her to the fluff me station and then off she went to find her a new outfit. You REALLY didn't think you would get out of the store with only the animal, did you ?!?!!!
Accessories, Accessories and yes ... yet more Accessories ...
What can I say ... Build-A-Bear has thought of every item that your child's bear could possibly want, and more! Listed below are just some of the items available ...
Print Jumpers $7.00 each
Coordinating Panties to go with the Print Jumpers $3.00 each
Solid or Print Boxers $4.00 each
4 pc. Poodle Skirt $12.00
Deluxe 4 pc. Ballerina Outfit $10.00
New Cheerleaders Outfit $10.00 (My daughter choose this one!) :)
Tuxedo & 2 Bow Ties $12.00
3 pc. Soccer Outfit & ball $10.00
Nite Shirt with slippers $8.00
One piece swimsuit w/ ball & goggles $12.00
Denim Hat & Jumper $8.00
Sweater &8.00
T-Shirt (with Build-A-Bear logo) $5.00
Solid Tee $4.00
Glasses - assorted ranging from $2.00 - $5.00
Beary Jane shoes $7.00
handbags $7.00
and so much more .....
And Finally ...
If your child hasn't already ... it is time for them to name their new friend. (A listing of names is available if your child is having a hard time coming up with one!) Build-A Bear has several computers in the store which are very child friendly. Your child (younger children will need help from their parent's) is able to make either a birth certificate or a story for their new friend. Once your child chooses which they prefer, follow the directions on the computer screen. Once all the information is entered, your child can press the print button and their selection will print off up at the check-out counter and will be waiting for them when you are ready to check-out.
Once you have purchased your child's new friend you will be given a home to carry them in. The home is basically a card board box, with handles and decorative prints on the outside of it, but I guarantee you that it will be more to your child! :) Once home they can decorate the box and put the name of their new friend on the outside, space is provided. :)
Additional Information ...
Build-A-Bear Workshop has a "Buy Stuff Club". When checking out you will receive a card that may be stamped with a bear stamp (of course!) for each $10.00 purchase made. When your "Buy Stuff Card" is stamped 10 times you will receive $10.00 off your next purchase of $10.00 or more. I asked if this was available for items purchased over the internet and our sales clerk said yes. She said to be sure to hold onto your receipt just incase you were not given the points (from your internet purchase) and just bring that receipt in with you the next time you shop in the store.
Build-A-Bear Workshop also allows you to Build-A-Party! To schedule your party, you will need to complete a request form noting the number of guests, request date of party, and your selection of bear (animal) and clothing and/or accessories. Also required is a 50% deposit which is refundable up to 72 hours prior to the party. Just a few examples of what is available for your party ...
Classic Teddy + T-Shirt = $17.00 per child
Floppy Bear + Pinafore Dress = $25.00 per child
Floppy Kitty + Boxers + Solid Tee + Cap = $30.00 per child
I do not see it noted anywhere in the brochure where you would be able to bring a cake, etc ... And from looking around the store, I do not see where there would be space for that sort of thing. So keep this in mind prior to booking your party.
Bear Bucks ... Yes! Bear Bucks can be purchased! They are also available in $5 and $10 denominations. These would make great stocking stuffers and/or birthday presents.
Was It a Good Purchase ...
Although it has only been a day since Roses (otherwise known as Curly Bunny) entered our lives ... in my mind, she was a very good purchase. She has left my daughters side only once ... and that was only while my daughter left for school this morning. I already have Roses sitting in the back seat of my car so my daughter will see her as soon as she gets finished with school. And I can see her smile already! Yes! It was definitely worth it!!
Build-A-Bear Workshop
World Bearquarters
1954 Innerbelt Business Center Drive
St. Louis, MO 63114-5760
1-888-560-BEAR(2327)
To schedule a party call toll-free 1-877-789-BEAR(2327)
www.buildabear.com
Recommended:
Yes
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