Build a Bear

There's a 'Build a Bear' outlet in our nearest shopping centre. It's a shop selling basically only the one type of toy (stuffed animals wearing a load of customizable kit) that I had been vaguely aware of in the past, but following the visit of a 'Build a Bear' enthusiast nephew I have now become quite familiar with the concept. I must say the whole place comes across to me as blatant tribute to the retail industry. There is one wishy-washy nod given to the concept of emotional attachment (or 'kids love their toys' or something similar like that; don't ask me to be more specific as it's all so contrived and ghastly and fake): each soft toy purchased there ...  Read the complete review

On a recent trip to London, I couldn't resist a visit to the Build a Bear shop. I have wanted to build a bear for quite some time, but have never before had an occasion to do it, but what better occasion than treating my two year old toddler to a present when Mummy was away. ** Idea of the shop ** You can buy cuddly toys in every shop imaginable these days so what makes Build a Bear different? Honestly nothing unless you want to personalise the bear you are buying. The idea behind the shop is that you go in and choose your toy without it's stuffing to start with, which can then be stuffed just the way you want it, whether that be soft or hard. ...  Read the complete review

The very first time that my daughter walked into a build a bear workshop I was so sure she would never leave. Her eyes got as big as saucers and all she could do was spin in circles as she took it all in. She came to a stop on one of the employee's hands filled with soft snuggly animals of all types. Squealing with delight she ran over bursting with conversation of what she wanted to make. The first animal she was to build was a Unicorn princess that has a music box as well as a wish sewn safely inside. It is a Moment that will live for ever as a childhood fantasy come true. She chose her skin and almost was not willing to let the skin be stuffed not ...  Read the complete review

Build a bear is exactly as the name suggests, a place where you can make a teddy bear and customise it to make a unique and special furry friend. I am basing my review on the experience I have had in the Bluewater branch of Build a bear. Bluewater is a giant shopping centre in Kent. The concept of build a bear is very simple yet the experience of making a bear from a childs point of view is complex and magical. Our first experience of build a bear was when my little girl received a gift voucher as a 6th birthday gift, I didn't know too much about it and although I passed the store everyday on my way to work I always thought of it as a bit ...  Read the complete review

My first encounter of Build a Bear was seeing their shop in Covent Garden, London. I pretty much stopped dead in my tracks upon sight of the store (when I realised you can make bears and even better- buy individual clothes and accessories for your bears) and had to be ushered into the shop to prevent myself becoming a hazard stood gawping in the middle of the street (!). Once inside, I saw the range of things Build a Bear do and sell: not only can you make your own bear from a choice of animals, you can dress them and register them with Build a Bear (they get a Birth Certificate and a Lifetime Paw Pass so your Furry Friend can return to the store with you ...  Read the complete review