Build a bear

[Gemini]

I know some of you have experienced Build a Bear Workshops.
This will be my first time! OH and I plan to take GD, 5, over the Easter holidays, her Easter present from us.
Any tips from seasoned bear builders?
I know the costs can mount up, it will probably be a one off though as we don't have one in our town.

[Oma]

We took J when he was young he made Soldier bear and we allowed one Soldier outfit with boots and helmet , then he spotted the tent and camouflage net and guns etc but we said no he could get them another time ,and he did his other Grandparents bought them the next week ,if your not careful it can get very expensive . I wouldn't pay for the recorded message you can put in as its a waste of money it never gets used .

[Clover]

I LOVE Build a Bear! In fact I made my own when GD was in to them! Now much to her disgust/amusement I actually collect them! Only from Charity shops though.You never know one day they could be collectable and unless they've been put in the skip by then when I'm no longer around my GD might be glad I saved them! I justify my obsession by saying I'm donating to charity!
AS the clothes are incredibly expensive I have been known to knit and sew outfits for them myself. Obviously not as nice as the originals but passable enough to cover their dignity!How daft am I?

Be prepared for a lot of difficult decisions to be made by the new owner!There are a lot of different animals to choose from,not just bears.Also a little thought beforehand as to the new family member's name can save time at the computer when composing the "birth" certificate!

[Libra Gran]

Oh Gemini she will love it,probably she will opt for the Frozen bear as I believe she's a fan. I think the thing is to set a budget as it can get expensive.T chose the whole gamut of frozen outfit and then we allowed her to choose another out fit from the reduced section. It can work out costly if your not careful,our girls absolutely love them. M&T have the little beds and a kennel and lots of accessories that's where the money goes. E & N still has all 14 of their's although they are of an age now where they have grown out of it all. Great fun though,wish I had thought of it Id be rich now.They really like the Grandparents to get involved as well,you must take lots of pics.

[WeeGranny]

After seeing what my great nieces spent on them last year and how tatty they looked, I have to say I'm not a fan.....but children seem to love the shop!

[Glammanana]

I think anything that the little ones love comes with a massive price tag its called "guilt trip your grandparents to part with their cash" lol. We have been to the one in Liverpool 1 a few times and I feel so sorry for some of the parents/GPs at what they are spending but the little ones love them,I expect now we will all be looking for Paddington Bear for this years must have or similar.

[Daisy]

Crikey - I hope none of my GCs ever want to build a bear! I was terrified of my teddy bear as a child and unless they are extremely benign I'm still not keen. That's before you start remortgaging the house! Why are they so expensive? I know that's a silly question, but I've never been to a bear building shop/event so I have no idea!

[Gemini]

Daisy, I have been prewarned by reading Libra Grans accounts of Build a Bear visits, plus I have looked at the website!
I am looking forward to it, I think GD will love it, and probably choose the Frozen bear I'm guessing

[Daisy]

I am sure you're right about Gd loving it, Gemini. I just hope I don't get asked to do it for any of my GCs (although I think the boys are past that stage now!) Has she started thinking about names for her bear yet?

[Libra Gran]

I must confess the little girl in me would love to pick one just for myself,as children we could never be allowed luxury's. Gemini Im sure your GD like mine isn't a greedy child,once we say you have this amount to spend their very good.Mind I am worse than them when I see all the little shoes and accessories. Plus it's the sort of gift you can add to at other special times.

[Gemini]

Daisy, she doesn't know about it yet. It is our Easter present, so I will make certificate for her with build a bear logo on, and put it in her Easter card . We will go the 2nd week of the holidays, so she'll have a little time to think of a name
.

I am sure you're right about Gd loving it, Gemini. I just hope I don't get asked to do it for any of my GCs (although I think the boys are past that stage now!) Has she started thinking about names for her bear yet?

[Gemini]

Today's the day! GD is very excited! She is staying the night.It makes it more fun for her, and mum and dad can have a night off

[Plantaholic]

What a lovely surprise for her. Pics please.