Build A Bear

I've been to Build-a-Bear multiple times, creating bears for myself, as well as family and friends. I have been to multiple stores, but this one is by far my favourite.

The idea of Build-a-Bear is that you pick a bear (or various other animal/fantasy creature/doll) skin, which a store assistant then helps you to stuff. Included in the price of your bear is a little red heart - which you make a wish on, before placing in your bear. Young children may be asked to complete some Simon Says type tasks with the heart (holding it to their heart to fill it with love, etc) before making a wish. For $1, you can upgrade the red heart to a checkered one, with profit going to charity, and you can also add sounds, scents, or a lifelike heartbeat to the bear for $5-$15 a piece. Once everything is inside the bear, you give it a "hug test" to make sure it feels just right, then a barcode is added inside the bear before your assistant stitches it up. Another copy of the barcode (on your bear's ear tag) can be used to register your bear in store. If a lost bear is returned to any Build-a-Bear workshop Australia wide, they will contact you to make sure you get the bear back. Registration is included in basic price.

After this is where it gets expensive. Build-a-Bear stocks a variety of clothes, underwear, shoes, socks, and accessories of various themes in store. There are seasonal holiday items, sporting gear, musical gear, Disney costumes, mobile phones, iPods, and all sorts of formal and everyday wear available for your bear or other chosen animal. Then, there are extras such as beds, clothing storage, strollers, and sleeping bags.

Products are generally the same store to store although my vary. I have found that this particular store often has a bigger range or more variety compared to other local outlets.

While bears or other animals start at $15, they can be up to $35 - this is without any extras. If you are looking to add a basic outfit or accessory, you would be looking at around $40-$50 - a bear dressed in a full outfit with an accessory could cost up to $80, depending on what you have chosen.

It should be noted that products are of a super high quality, and Build-a-Bear are happy to "re-stuff" or stitch up any worn out looking bears, provided they still have some sort of Build-a-Bear identity attached (such as the tush tag).

Prices are a little bit expensive, but this can be put down to high quality products which can be personalized easily, and the great customer service provided by the business.

Staff are friendly and do a great job to help people of all ages! I would definitely recommend this for people of all ages - however if you are taking young children, it may be a good idea to set a price limit before entering the store, to avoid spending hundreds of dollars at once.

It can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour to fully build, clothe, and register your bear. Fun rainy day activity for school holidays, and great for special occasions. Build a Bear also offer parties in store.

we had a gift voucher to use here, and would recommend going there as a fun activity for any early primary school child.
the staff were very warm and friendly, and quickly engaged in easy conversation with my 6 y.o.
nothing was too much trouble, even though we were not big spenders, they still took the time to walk us through the process. be careful though, the accessories are addictive, and can be expensive!