Build-A-Bear Workshop Review

My mom is so lucky Build-A-Bear Workshop was not around when I was younger or I probably would have been hooked!  As it is my tween sister has about ten so far, that she has on display in her room.  I just love how versatile Build-A-Bear animals are, from making one to cuddle with, give as a gift, or just collect.  There is also a Build-A-Bear animal for everyone, from babies to adults since there are so many different styles and accessories available.

This past weekend I took my boys for their first Build-A-Bear workshop experience and it was a hit for them!  I wasn’t sure how they would like it since they are boys and Build-A-Bear has a girly-stereotype, but it is definitely not just for girls.  My 2-year old, Gavin, made Frosty the Snowman on a motorcycle and my 3-year old, Aidan, made a Monkey wearing a Hockey uniform holding a basketball hoop!  They weren’t too excited to dress them but they are definitely playing with them and wanted to take them to bed with them last night.  Frosty the Snowman also has “magic” built into his hat as when you tip his hat he lights up and makes a sound.  I am hoping to display Frosty every year with our Christmas decorations as a reminder that Gavin made it, and Aidan’s hockey/basketball playing Monkey is going on his shelf.

When we first entered the store, my boys were so excited.  For about ten minutes they checked out the store and played with the animals and bear furniture (car, bed, and chair.)  Then they were memorized by the stuffing machine so I finally coaxed them into picking out their animals so they can stuff their own animals.  They picked out their animals and got in line.  Both boys were so excited to push the pedal to stuff their plush and pick out the heart for inside.

Now it was “bath time” for their plush and they blow-dried and brushed their animals, for probably much longer than they needed to!  Next stop was printing out a Birth Certificate which was easy and quick.  We just picked a name, typed in our information and it printed out a birth certificate.

Gavin could care less about an outfit, but was super excited to pick out an accessory, which he chose a motorcycle.  Aidan liked the clothes and picked out a hockey uniform (with dad’s help) and a basketball hoop that is for him and not his monkey!

I will say I used to think Build-A-Bear Workshop was kind of expensive and while it can be costly if you buy a lot of accessories and such, they usually have great deals and coupons and you really are paying for the experience.  You can of course just go in to buy pre-made plush or accessories, but I think making them is half the fun!  From picking out their animals to stuffing them to bathing them and dressing them, it was fun.  We probably spent at least 30 minutes in the store and my boys were definitely entertained and came home with a nice plush to play with and keep for years to come.  I have a feeling too, now that my boys know what the store is we will be stopping in there when we go to the mall!  I also think I will be making gifts for people from now on from their or at least giving gift cards so they can experience their own “Build-A-Bear Workshop.”

Mama’s Money Savers Disclosure: I was sent a gift card to facilitate this review but my opinion remains my own. Please see my Disclosure Policy.