Checking Our list #39: Build-a-Bear Workshop Review & $25 GC Giveaway

Last March you may remember me writing about taking Kaelyn's pacifier away. Wanting to make sure that when we took it, she had something meaningful to have with her at night to take its place...we decided to go to Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Kaelyn picked out an animal, put her pacifiers inside and now has a very special friend who she will cherish always. It was at that point I realized just how much I love Build-A-Bear Workshop and the experience they give children (and even adults) to make their own stuffed animal. Whether it's something for yourself, or someone else...this is a great way to create a very personal and meaningful gift and friend. She has not wanted to part with the Build-A-Bear Workshop Monkey she created that day, nor has she stopped talk about the fun she had getting to make her very own stuffed animal. That's why I knew she'd be tickled to learn we were going to have the opportunity to visit Build-A-Bear Workshop again.

We were sent a $25 Gift Card to use at Build-A-Bear Workshop and I couldn't wait to give Kaelyn and Kaden each the opportunity to create their own furry friend. When we arrived, the first stop was picking out a friend. They have a whole wall full of adorable choices....some Christmas friends like Rudolph and Clarice and others like puppies, cats, etc.

Kaelyn was instantly drawn to the gray kitty who is unbelievably soft. Kaden looked over all the choices and kept pointing at Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, so that was the one he got to make.

Once the kids had their animal, it was time to stuff them to the perfect huggable size. They each got to pick out a heart, make a wish, kiss it and stick in their furry friend. By standing on the pedal they are filled with stuffing and then sewn up. Such a neat way to get the kids involved.



Next we headed over to the Fluff Me station where you give your new friend a shower (air that blows out of the shower head when a pedal is pushed) and brush them to fluff them up. Kaelyn was excited to do hers and help Kaden with his too!

I think picking out the clothes was Kaelyn's favorite part. With everything from adorable Pjs to dresses and more...there is a lot to choose from. She went right for their display of fun Christmas outfits and picked out a super cute little outfit for her kitty. Kaden got adorable Bumble Pjs for his.


Once each of them were dressed, the final stop was to name their new friend. Kaelyn decided to name hers Cassidy and Kaden's we named Bumble. At checkout we got a birth certificate printed out with each of their names and of course, the adorable signature box as a house for each.


We all had a great time (even my husband and I)! The kids love their furry friends and it was so fun that they could be a part of making them every step of the way. Being a little bit older and really experiencing all that Build-A-Bear Workshop has to offer...Kaelyn is especially attached to her kitty and hasn't wanted to part with it since that day. There's just something special about making it herself, which is what I love about Build-A-Bear Workshop so much. It's such a fun and friendly place and a wonderful experience for children to create something special for themselves or someone else.With so many great choices, it would be the perfect opportunity to make a special child in your life a gift they would cherish always.




And, if you're not near one of their stores, Build-A-Bear Workshop has a great selection of cuddly friends and accessories right on their website, making it possible to purchase and make adorable gifts with the click of a button! How neat and convenient is that?! You can even customize them with a song!

There are many great options to choose from at Build-A-Bear Workshop this holiday season. If you're looking for a unique and meaningful gift for a child on your list, or great stocking stuffers, Build-A-Bear Workshop would be perfect.

Win It: One lucky reader is going to win a $25 GC to Build-A-Bear Workshop!

Mandatory Entry - Visit the Build-A-Bear Workshop website and tell me a store near you.

Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry- Enter the Build-A-Bear Workshop $25 GC Giveaway at Thanks, Mail Carrier

2. 1 extra entry- Like Build-A-Bear Workshop on Facebook

3. 1 extra entry- Follow Build-A-Bear Workshop on Twitter

4. 1 extra entry- Sign up for the Build-A-Bear Workshop Email Newsletter (bottom of homepage)

5. 3 extra entries- Grab our Checking Our List Holiday Gift Guide Button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.

6. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Build-A-Bear Workshop) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

7. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

Checking Our List 39: #WIN a $25 GC to @buildabear #momsbalancingact http://bit.ly/ieJxOW Ends 1/7

8. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

9. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

10. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

11. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

12. Enter any of my other Holiday Gift Guide giveaways running now. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete. Be sure to leave your email address with your comments or make sure it's visible in your profile so that I have a way to contact you if you win!

This giveaway will end January 7th and is open to US Only!

**I was provided a $25 GC to facilitate this review and paid for the extra out of my own pocket. One winner was also provided a $25 GC. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.**