topic Re: Build a Bear Experiences in Community Chat

Build a Bear Experiences

saltysails — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 17:05:34 GMT

I am thinking of taking my GD to build a bear. She is almost 4 years old. Is this something she would enjoy? Does anyone know what the average cost is to build a bear? TIA

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

hennypenny — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 17:15:27 GMT

I haven't been in a while, so I don't know the cost.

Your four year old grand daughter will be beyond the moon. It is fabulous. It will create a wonderful memory for the two of you. Let her do the choosing. It is fascinating to see what animals they choose, and what clothes.

A friend of mine asks for less stuffing to make them more cuddly. You can see if that is something that you like.

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

SahmIam — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 17:20:57 GMT

This used to be THE place for parties and to just spend a great time. Why "used to be"? The cost. OMG...you can't get out of that place for less than $80 plus. My kids loved it; picking out their furry friend, placed a little heat token with a kiss inside, grooming them, etc. I would allow 1 outfit (usually a t-shirt) and then off we'd go.

That was 8 years ago. The cost has skyrocketed and the parties aren't so great now. I went in with a friend to purchase something for her daughter and she spent almost $200 on the kitty plus outfits/accessories. NOTHING is cheap in that store; even the T-shirts start around $25.

If the money isn't an issue or you can avoid all the cute stuff they have, you're looking at a range of $35- $50 for just the animal. It's a fun thing to do and the children love it. Have fun!!

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

Krimpette — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 17:25:59 GMT

I've taken a couple of my grand nieces and nephew a couple of times. it's always been great fun for them (and for me!). Sadly, our closest one has taken away one or two of the "stations", as I noted on our last trip. But still fun. I always let them each pick out their own animal, as well as an outfit or two plus a some accessories. (Kids can take forever in making their decisions, but such fun to watch them!). We try to go on a week day when kids are in school so we can (usually) have the undivided attention of one of the store clerks. And the kids love carrying their purchase around the mall, usually in one of the Build-a-Bear "back packs". Fun times!

The bears themselves vary in price, but things can certainly add up when you consider any add-ons. Because I try not to limit them, I've probably averaged about $30-$35 per child, given whatever they select. I believe you can find prices on their website.

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

lulu2 — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 17:58:08 GMT

I've been there, done that on two occasions. Yes, the little ones enjoyed it. Yes, it is quite pricey by the time you build, dress and accessorize.

Let me add, it is tons cheaper than going to American Girl!

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

NycVixen — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 18:09:40 GMT

It's definitely pricey. I remember when my nieces went but they loved it.

I'm a professed lover of teddy bears and I still have several. I absolutely love them. I find them to be the perfect toy and companion for the young and old; a teddy bear just begs to be hugged and that translates into happiness.

I see it as an investment for your GD; it's an experience that has the super bonus of giving her a gift she will cherish. I remember fondly the teddy bears I had growing up and they were instrumental to my happy childhood years.

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

TaylorBrown — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 17:46:01 GMT

BABW is a wonderful place to children. It can hurt your purse, though. Animals start at $12 and go up to about $30. Then you pay for every extra thing i.e. shoes, undies, glasses and clothes.

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

I am still oxox — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 17:47:05 GMT

I have been to Build A Bear with my husband and with my GS troop at 4 I think her hands might be a bit to small to handle putting together all the peices and choosing the outift etc for the bear, in about two years she would be a perfect age. Also the cost is usually anywhere between 30-50 per bear

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

software — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 18:35:18 GMT

@saltysails wrote:
I am thinking of taking my GD to build a bear. She is almost 4 years old. Is this something she would enjoy? Does anyone know what the average cost is to build a bear? TIA

My advice, she will be a bit overwhelmed with the choices so what I would suggest is you go first & see what's available, what you think might interest her, or maybe you can browse their website for ideas.

This is a good time to go, the store has probably employs students for the summer and they are so patient with the little ones, particularly the ones there for their first time.

You might be able to check around for coupons, maybe the website or Groupon or wherever. Since the "bears" are a bit pricey, be sure your little GD understands how precious her new friend is.

And for Christmas and birthdays you can buy clothes for the "bear"

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

karlam — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 19:22:09 GMT

If you are a Costco member or know someone who is, you can get 4 $25 gift cards for $80.

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

Starliteshine — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 19:34:06 GMT

@saltysails I think she will love it. I have fond memories of taking my kids to Build A Bear. It was always the place they picked for their birthdays. Average is $50 but it can cost less depending on options. My kids always went for the voice recorded message box sewn inside the bear. We saved the animals in Space Bags and will pass them down to their kids. Very cool that their kids will hear their parent's voice as a youngster. If you tell Build A Bear this is her first visit, the employees should be highly interactive with her. You're depositing wonderful memories in her memory bank. Go for it!

Side note- save the box/home. The original boxes were worth $.

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

Trinity11 — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 19:37:07 GMT

I have been taking my grandson since he was 3 to Build A Bear. He loves it and last time he picked out a bear with a heart that was sewn in. Then he chose the outfit and accessories. It came to about $90.00 but he will only be little for a short time. So I love splurging on him. His smile lights up my world..... Also we received a coupon for the next bear....

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

Starliteshine — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 19:38:12 GMT

One more tip - we seldom bought the clothes unless it was a hat or something they had to have. We went to Salvation Army Thrift Store and bought newborn clothes for their animals. I gave them a budget of $10 and they left with a bag of clothes. Of course, we came home and washed everything. They loved being part of selecting and washing their furbaby's clothes.

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

saltysails — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 20:02:17 GMT

My GD lives out of state. We are lucky to see her one or two times a year. Thanks for all the feedback. I will tell DH not to be surprised if it comes to around $100. It does sound like loads of fun and I will try to take her during a week day.

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

Mominohio — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 20:11:25 GMT

My son is now 20, and we took him twice. He loved it because he really liked his stuffed animals when he was little. But I'm glad we waited a few more years to do it.

If you do this at this age, take lots of pictures or video as she goes through the building steps, to help her remember later.

It was expensive years ago when we went, so I'm sure it is even more so now. But it was definitely a great experience.

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

homedecor1 — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 20:19:49 GMT

@saltysails

a fun thing to do with GD. Last year I did it with mine for her 5th bday as our special day - when it was all said & done our bear was $85+/- from what I remember.

I only have 1 grandchild so I do spoil her a little bit more...and he sits proudly among the 50+ other stuffed animals on her bed🙂

Enjoy those fun moments they last a lifetime!

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

muttmom — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 21:47:35 GMT

I took my grandchildren and we had fun. I thought I paid about $60 each for a completely clothed bear.

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

SeasonedCitizen — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 22:25:15 GMT

There is a young family in our church who just had their 5th little one and had a great shower. i always give a gift to the kids at home so that they don't feel left out when the gifts come rolling in. Usually I give books but this time I gave the Costco bear cards--4 for $79. This gal knew she couldn't handle all 4 at the store in the mall and did it all on the internet site for Build a Bear. They each somehow managed to get a bear and one outfit keeping in the budget. Mom sent me the most adorable picture with all of them lined up on the couch holding their bears.

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

missy1 — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 22:31:54 GMT

I didn't know they were still around. Those places used to be so popular. I imagine the bears are expensive.

Re: Build a Bear Experiences

mrssims — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 05:33:37 GMT

You are so right. We went to American Girl for breakfast, took a photo, had "Kasha's" hair done, bought a bitty baby and laughed about how we were taken in. It was a one time a year adventure in downtown Chicago with $$$ more or less, depending on our granddaughter. Now she will be 13 soon and all the dolls have been sold and money went to college fund. It was fun while it lasted.