Build-A-Bear has been an immensely popular store in Ontario for about the last 4-5 years, but from what I can gather, the workshops are still a novelty concept here in the maritimes.
These darling little stores have a lively, colorful and playful atmosphere that appeals to both young children and the young at heart. From the moment you step inside the store, you are surrounded by fun music, friendly staff, lots of excited children, and a huge array of stuffed animals and cute costumes for the plush critters.
The concept is simple: select the animal of your choice (or price range, as some varieties are more costly than others), head over to the "fluffing machine" to fill him with soft plush (a process which usually involves giving a little song or dance. Then, once you've filled your new friend, bring him/her over to the wardrobe area to dress them up: the outfitting possibilities are endless! For extra $$, you can record your voice onto a message recorder and put it inside the bear for an extra-special touch (you can change the messages as you please). And then, when you've built the perfect bear, you head over to the computers to give your Teddy a birth certificate so that he/she is certifiably legit. When you leave the store, you get to tote your new friend in a crate that looks like a dollhouse (kids will love the fact that they can color it in and customize it- plus, the inside of the box is set up like a closet so you cansplurge on extra bear outfits-ha!)
Kids will no doubt be fascinated by this store, but B-a-B also draws a considerable number of "big kids" looking to create a special handmade animal for their loved one. It's really cute watching guys from the teen, 20-something and 30-something crowd doing the little song and dance to fill their bears. And we GFs (and BFs too] appreciate the effort- I thought it was really sweet and romantic when my fiancé (then BF), surprised me with a Build-a-Bear that he made just for me. So guys, there's a winning gift idea for ya!
Bottom line: a surefire winner for kids of all ages!! read more