This is a partnered post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are that of the writer.
Birthdays are a pretty big deal around here. Selecting the perfect gift and searching through zillions of ideas on Pinterest — sound familiar? However, all those homemade piñatas and photo banners with pics from every.single.day of their lives can be overwhelming. For me, party planning had started to become a chore.
To preserve my love of parties, I needed a change. I wanted to share in the celebration with my family and friends, without mountains of stress and hot glue gun burns. That’s where Build-A-Bear came in.
My sweet middle child chose to have her 6th birthday party at Build-A-Bear, a workshop where guests can make their own stuffed animals. It was a lovely celebration with friends, but I may have enjoyed myself just as much as the children.
5 Reasons Build-A-Bear Parties are the Beary Best
Ease of Planning. Through the Build-A-Bear website, you can book your entire party online. Schedule a date, set a spending limit, and nab invites. That’s it! I’ve never had such a stress-free week leading up to a party, and it was glorious!
Best Party Favors Ever. Each guest joins in on the fun and selects a furry friend to stuff, bathe, dress, name, and take home. They are high quality and will be cherished for years and years. With bears ranging from $12-25, you can select a choice that’s just right for your guests and your budget.
So Many Unique Choices. My sweet girl had a Hello Kitty/Ladybug/Lilo & Stitch/Ninjago party when she turned 4, so that everyone would have things they liked. So it’s no surprise she selected a party with her guests’ diverse interests in mind this year. Build-A-Bear has so many adorable bears, but so much more. Build a minion, a dinosaur, or dragon. There’s something for everyone and new furry friends added all the time.
Special Attention for the Birthday Boy/Girl. It’s true that every child receives a special bear to take home, yet there is special focus on the birthday boy/girl. Some of the sweet ways to celebrate include:
- birthday sticker and sign
- special heart ceremony, filling up the child’s bear with love
- light-up candle keepsake for bear
- ringing the birthday bear so the whole workshop stops to sing “Happy Birthday“
The Party Host. A Build-A-Bear Workshop representative leads the entire party. Energizing chants, fun games, and admirable organization by our wonderful host made the party a fun day for everyone, and let all of the parents sit back and watch the fun.
I know what you’re thinking, and I was there too. Aren’t Build-A-Bear parties expensive? Sure, it can add up. First, tally up the decorations, food, favors, and coffee (to fuel the late-night Pinterest DIY sessions). When you compare that with the ability to pre-set a budget and helpful hosts who keep kids on track, you’ll be shocked at how affordable it can be.
Of course, the smiles on the birthday girl’s face make the day even more special. She’s loving this little video wrap-up of her special day. If you’re planning a birthday party, make sure to check out Build-A-Bear parties. Check out the party page for news and updates. It’ll be the bear-y best one yet!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
We LOVE Build-a-Bear (and Build-a-Dino in Disney), but we have never been to a party there. That sounds like a blast!
Melanie says
It’s so great! All the adorable-ness of Build-A-Bear, plus extra fun!
Melanie says
Parties at build a bear are not fun. They are a walk through shopping experience. I wrote about my experience further down in the reviews.
Jennifer says
Man, I wish you posted this sooner. My daughter turns 5 tomorrow and this would have been awesome for her. Maybe for next year if I remember!
Melanie says
Happy birthday to her! Next year!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
This looks like a fantastic party for any little boy or girl and their friends. Build a bear is like stuffing filled magic.
Melanie says
Everybody loved it. Even my teenaged niece was excited about building a bear.
LyndaS says
What a great idea. I love Build-A-Bear bears and it is so much fun making one.
jamie says
I know my daughter would love a build a bear party!
Katie says
My daughter would LOVE a party there. I can’t tell you how much we’ve spent there over the years with her!
Jennifer says
same here. We’ve spent way too much money there haha
Melanie says
Did you sign up for the rewards program? After a party, you really rack the points up!
Kelly Hutchinson says
Both of my kids just love the Build A Bear workshop. I have not thought o having a birthday party there. Great idea!
Melanie says
Your whole family would have a blast, Kelly.
Liz Mays says
Build-a-Bear is such a fun place! I’ve never been to a party there! They sound awesome for everyone involved.
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
I’ve never been to or hosted a Build-A-Bear party, but it sounds like the perfect thing for my youngest son!! I love the bear your daughter picked!
Melanie says
It is a very cute bear! The stars even light up!
Ellen ThatChicMom says
Oh how fun! My girls would die of happiness over a Build a Bear party!
Shell Feis says
I didn’t even know they did birthday parties! My son just had his somewhere else last month but would have loved to have it there. Maybe for his next one!
Kristi says
Our girls have been to a couple of Build-a-Bear parties and LOVED them. Super fun! Not sure if they love the animal or the clothing for the animal more:)
Melanie says
The clothes and accessories make each one so unique. I love that part.
Alicia says
We have reviewed Build a Bear quite a bit and love their products. They have some cute stuff.
Debbie Denny says
That is a fun party. Unforgettable experience for all.
Rosey says
OH man, I didn’t think to do a party there. That would be a perfect place for my son, he loves Build a Bear.
vanessa: BriteandBubbly says
Such a cute party. We love Build a Bear. I also love how they have Marvel and Star Wars themed bears now too.
Melanie says
There were minions there when we we visited. So fun!
Jeanine says
I had no idea there could be a build a bear party. That is a unique idea. We’ve never been to Build a bear. Would love to bring my kiddos!
Stacey says
A build a bear party sounds like so much fun! I like the Avengers ones.
Trisha Haas says
We go here a few times a year and every time its a huge hit. I can see a party there would be a BLAST!
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
I love that these stores help kids be creative and leave them with a toy they’ll treasure for ages! Looks like you had a great party!
Nolie says
What a great idea for a birthday party. I should check this out for my sons next birthday.
Veronica says
I have been to a few of these back n the day. Lol. My daughter had a few
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I haven’t gone to build a bear before. A party sounds like fun.
Kiwi says
Can I have my next party at this place?? I know I am an adult but I still want to lol! JK this is a fun party idea for the kiddies!
Annie Fajardo says
Thank you for this! We were thinking of having my 9 year old daughters birthday there . Is it too babyish for that age ? Also how about food? Do they let you bring food in and can you bring cake and sing? Thanks !
Melanie says
I had my party at build a bear today. It was not a great experience it was terrible and embarrassing. It was not a party no activities , no chants ..In fact they didn’t even do the things listed that said were offered. It is a shopping walk through. I can’t express to you and everyone enough do not have your party here. It is heartbreaking to have everyone show up and think you are going to have a magical day and it is not. My party literally only lasted 30 minutes. I had 10 kids attend.and I purchased the Fantastic party pac. The party ended so, quickly that we were early for our pizza the kids had to wait an hour for the pizza so, we ate the birthday cake first. Plus the table wasn’t set or anything because the time frame was off. These parties are suppose to last up to 2 hours. Mine again 30 minutes.