We had an incredible experience at Build-A-Bear in Fair Oaks Mall. My mother and I brought my three oldest children in for a special day while Grandma was in town. As a mom of four under seven, I'm very familiar with the chaos that can come with excited kids trying to make decisions -- and let's just say... it was a long process. From the start, both the manager, Rich, and another employee, Jaleesa, were fantastic -- friendly, knowledgeable, and incredibly patient. They offered help multiple times throughout our visit, without rushing us or making us feel like we were a burden. When it was finally time to bring their new stuffed friends to life, Rich went above and beyond to make it magical. The ceremony was full of energy, heart, and fun -- my daughter has said multiple times since that she'll never forget the day her bear was born. Jaleesa was also wonderful -- kind, helpful, and warm throughout the process, especially when it came to choosing outfits and final touches. I especially want to recognize Rich's enthusiasm, positive attitude, and the kindness he showed even while speaking with his team. It's rare to find people who truly love what they do -- but it absolutely showed here. As a mom, investing in toys like this for my kids is no small thing -- so I'm incredibly grateful that this wasn't just about the stuffed animals. It was an experience, a memory, and a moment my children will carry with them. We've visited this store before and had a good experience, but this time was unforgettable thanks to Rich and Jaleesa. We'll definitely be back -- and I'll be recommending this location to everyone I know! read more

Build-A-Bear Workshop - Toy Stores Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

10/14/23 Stopped by with some friends and noticed a lot of Halloween themed merchandise is out and about. Most of the stuff I saw is based on The Nightmare Before Christmas. The black women/men's dress boots are all sold out. Well, maybe not. There are one pair left on the princess frog. This place is pretty busy. The sounds of kids laughing with joy/glee warms the heart. I wanted to see if The Ursula Bear is still being sold. I bought one earlier on this year and only recently bought boots for her. I Saw the Harry Potter School Robes are back. It was tempting to buy a RavenClaw Robe, but resisted. My Ursula is a Slitherin for life....no!...FOREVER:) It was nice to visit this store again. read more

Build-A-Bear Workshop - 10/14/23 time to go home with Cinnamoroll. - Toy Stores Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

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I took my 2 year old son to build a bear for the "pay your age" birthday bear on monday. It was a negative experience that made me not want to return. We went Monday at 11:30am and there was only one person working there, unfortunately. He did not greet us upon entry and when I asked how we do the birthday bear, his only reply was "did you already sign up online?" When I said yes, he just directed us to where it was located. We picked one out and just kept waiting for him to come over and do the stuffing. Finally he comes and tells us to pick a heart out to put inside. He did not do the thing where they tell you to hold it to your heart and make a wish for your bear. My son is only two, but still, I heard him tell the group behind us that. After he finished stuffing, he didn't mention we could give him a "bath," so I took it upon myself to do it and show my son he could brush him. We just stood around while he finished with the previous group. There was no direction from him like you can pick out clothes and when I'm done, I'll meet you at the counter. Finally he finished with their group and goes back to the counter. Doesn't acknowledge us or ask us if we are ready to pay Until I walk up and initiate the transaction. I gave my son two dollars to give to him, which I thought was a cute moment. He didn't say "thank you" or even "happy birthday" despite knowing it was his birthday month. After ringing us up, he turns and starts taping a box. I thought maybe it was a box to take the bear home in so I stood around. Finally he looks up and says "oh you're done". And I'm like oh okay... how would I have known that, he didn't say Thank you, or have a nice day, come back and see us, nothing. This was a special day for my son and it could've been a lot more memorable if the guy acted like we weren't bothering him by being there. If you go for the birthday bear, I recommend going somewhere else or a different time. To make matters worse, it's been two days since we got the bear and the stitching has already ripped. If we paid more than two dollars for it, I would be complaining to the store. I'm going to have my mom stitch it up, because I don't want to go back. If you don't like kids that's fine...just don't work at a kid's store. Tl, dr: go somewhere else if you have a young kid celebrating a birthday and want it to be special. read more

Build-A-Bear Workshop - Ripped after two days. - Toy Stores Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

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After contacting their corporate office on Saturday evening about my experience. I was impressed that one of their Senior VPs (Roz) reached out on Sunday. I felt herd and she was amazing at listening and truly understanding and caring about making things right. read more

Everyone was so sweet and we had an awesome time.We're gonna be going to see the Glisten movie this weekend, she got a free ticket because she decided to make a Glisten reindeer! read more

The women there were fantastic! I brought in my old bear, and they were kind enough to add more stuffing and stitch him up for me. They even helped me with the new outfit I bought for him. I can't stress enough how friendly and professional they were. I also had my younger sister make a bear as well, today. I would highly suggest this location to others. Thank you! read more

Build-A-Bear Workshop - Toy Stores Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

This was a impulse stop while at the mall with the kids. The little ones saw the new build a bear characters and outfits (Star Wars and Mickey) and wanted to get one. We thought about it given the cost for a bit but saw they had a sale. We hadn't been to Build a bear in a long time so walking in there we didn't know where to start. Luckily the customer service was great and the sales reps walked us through the entire process. Also, they helped us pick out outfits and what not. Even though Build a bear can be expensive. The experience is what you pay for here and my kids loved it. Plus, from a parent view the customer service is what has me grading this a 5/5. Thanks for the great time! read more

Completely disappointed in this location. My husband and I brought my daughter here for her Valentine's Day gift. We get to the store and it's completely closed at 11:38am. Only signs posted were the entry and exit signs, along with the store hours for Sunday-Saturday (Sundays open at 11). Obviously calling the store was no help the phone just rang. I called build-a-bear guest services who was very helpful. After trying to reach a store manager/supervisor for 10 minutes, they were finally able to reach one who stated they were closed for "weather." No signs indicating so and no updated hours posted online. So we had to tell the 10+ families who had been waiting in line for 30+ minutes that the store were closed because the roads were wet. A lot of disappointed kids and aggravated parents. Do better, Build-A-Bear. "Weather" photos attached for reference. read more

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This is such a great place and have a great deal for my grandchildren. On their birthdays they can buy a bear for the dollar amount of their age. Both my granddaughters picked out really nice bears that otherwise would have cost a lot of money. Lots of fun to see them stuff the Bear as well. Very interactive for the kids. What a great concept. Never had these things when I was a kid. read more

Build-A-Bear Workshop - Storefront. - Toy Stores Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

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I had an amazing experience today! A staff member named Brianna helped me out by restuffing my 10 yr old build a bear. As a child, I had ripped open the chest of the bear to take out the weakened electronic heartbeat. However, this left a huge scar on the animal and I could not fix it. I recently learned that Build A Bear can make simple repairs in the store, so I came in today. Brianna guided me through the entire process with such enthusiasm and determination. She restuffed my bear and also sewed up my bear seamlessly. Thank you so much!~~~ read more

We had an amazing experience here using a $15 voucher a few days after their "pay your age" event. Our child picked out her own bear - which was only $12. I was expecting the staff to give me some odd looks or pressure us into another bear when the one she chose would have been free with the voucher. However, they didn't... they were so incredibly welcoming and energetic. read more

My daughter and I loved our visit. It's changed a lot from how it used to be about 10 years ago, everything is computerized. But people are helpful and knowledgeable. We picked out a rainbow leopard. My daughter named her Rayne (provinced RAIN) and loves her. Awsome place, I kinda want one and I'm almost 30!!!! read more

Build-A-Bear Workshop - Rayne :-) - Toy Stores Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

My daughter's pre-K teacher told me that she was teetering on advancing to the next reading level. As an extra incentive, I told her I would take her to Build-A-Bear if she could consistently demonstrate that she could read at the next level. (In fact, I had purchased a Palace Pet from Build-A-Bear online almost a year ago and was just waiting for an opportunity to give it to her under the right circumstances.) When she achieved her goal this week, I took her in today. We were greeted warmly by Brian, a young staffer who helped explain how everything worked to us. In spite of the fact that I wouldn't be making the entire purchase at the store, the staff was incredibly warm and welcoming and guided us through every step. Each staff member at each station explained every part perfectly, stepping back when my daughter needed to take her time with decision-making, but also making helpful suggestions when she seemed to have questions. My husband is currently on a short-term deployment overseas and we were able to FaceTime him in to have him share in our daughter's excitement and experience. The staff was very accommodating of this rather unusual occurrence. And then, of course, as we wrapped up the call, embarrassingly, I started crying. Brian quietly handed me a box of tissues and continued to engage my daughter while I composed myself. He sensitively and kindly handled a very difficult situation for me without missing a beat. I can't begin to express how grateful I am for his help. I will definitely return in the future! Thank you, Brian and the rest of the team, for making this a really wonderful experience. read more

Great service. Great selections. Overpriced. Its almost like your buying a little animal or human and not a stuffed animal. Insane. But good product and service read more

Not quite sure why I have never written a review for this place...my little one has us there at least on a quarterly basis to spend ridiculous amounts of money on stuffed animals and the mandatory costumes. This Thursday my little one had the pleasure of Mommy and Daddy both accompanying him to the store. What a treat! He was so excited to make a new cuddly toy and just couldn't decide! We got all the way through the process of making a new pug just like our loveable rescue dog...and as we got to the register, he decided he wanted to do something else lol! We literally had about $90 bucks worth of product in our arms; pug with clothes, a dog bed, two mini pugs, a doggy brush and some other goodies...we just left them there and started all over lol! The store associates were so pleasant and eager to help and our little man finally decided on a polar bear and an awesome Super Man costume. Of course...I can only assume that because he saw the Superman costume, all bets were off lol. We left with a very happy kid and because I used my Staples rewards to buy a gift card, we weren't broke after this week's visit. Little prince was happy - - Mommy was happy --- that's all that matters. We love this location and will obviously be back to add to the collection of bears/puppies/costumes that are slowly taking over our little ones playroom. read more

I don't know what has occurred. The customer service was horrible. The staff had no spirit. It made the experience less desirable. The occasion, was for a early Birthday present. Well, I learned my lesson. I will not be going back. At least, the present was fine. read more

My daughter loves coming here and when we do we are always greeted with a big smile and someone willing to help her pick just the right animal. read more

This place is great. They are always helpful. The staff always makes the experience great especially Raymond.

I love this build a bear, every employee here is exceptional. Your little one will not be disappointed.

Although I was hesitant I decided to try & host a birthday party here and will say that it was a fantastic experience that exceeded expectations! I can't laud the staff enough for their friendly & engaging personalities, as well as attention to detail. The staff took time to explain the process & details, entertained the children, were patient with the parents & everyone's wants/needs, while staying within my specified budget. A hearty thanks to the BABW staff, esp. Ms. Katie & Taylor for making the event a smooth and wonderful one! read more

Went here with my son the other day and he loved it. The employees were good with the kids and the selection of clothes and accessories for the stuffed animals was great. read more