Our Build-a-Bear Day Was Perfect!
As I had mentioned in an earlier post, we took our twin granddaughters to the nearest Build-a-Bear Workshop yesterday, as part of their Christmas presents.
This was a truly delightful experience, which brought buying a stuffed animal to a new level of enjoyment. Not only did they get to pick out which animal they wanted, but they got to put the heart in (after a cute little ritual), watch him being sewn up, and then they gave him a pretend bath, complete with bathtub and dryers!
After that, they picked out an outfit for each of them. They both wanted cheerleader outfits, in different colors, naturally, but then they picked different accessories for each of their creations. And such accessories they have! We had set a dollar limit on what they could spend, and they did a good job of individualizing their new pets and giving them unique names. One now has a rabbit named Stars, and the other has a poodle named Cookie! They even got to fill out the birth certificates on an easy to use computer screen.
Before we could leave the store, they had to swear to a cute pledge to take care of their new friends. All in all the experience was a perfect way to spend some time with them.
Just a few opinions: Don’t go if you are in a hurry, as this process takes time. Also, this is not a store to take a child to, unless they have some serious moolah to spend. Each of our granddaughters had $50.00 to spend, and they spent it all, plus a little extra due to tax. Our girls are just turning 9 years old. Much older, and they would not have enjoyed all the cutesy little rituals, but older children would certainly enjoy the creation process and picking out all the outfit.
It isn’t really build a BEAR anymore, is it? They got unicorns and rabbits and frogs and everything else. It is a great idea for a business. I’m glad to hear your girls had fun.
You’re certainly correct on that, T! We have sold several Build-a-Bear Workshop stuffed animals, but have never sold a bear LOL!
They found, or maybe more accurately – they created, a niche market, and they filled it.
We ALL had fun!