Do You Still Shop at Build-a-Bear?
October 6, 2007 by Julie Bonner
Filed under Children's Toys, Life Around My House, Toy Talk
My husband and I took the kids to the mall today. My daughter got her ear’s pierced 6 weeks ago today and really needed some new earrings. Being forced to wear the same ones for 6 weeks was just absolute torture.
We walked around the mall and went into all the kids’ stores. The older our kids get, the better they get at window shopping. What a blessing! We made it out of there with two 79 cent hot wheels cars and earrings. Not bad, not bad at all. 
We also went into Build-a-Bear and noticed something. It was totally dead. There was just us and one other mom in there. I thought that was odd. Was is just a fluke? It was a busy Saturday afternoon and the mall was packed, but not that store. That’s when we started wondering if it’s like that everyday.
I wonder if toys like Webkinz, which have an interactive online world, are taking over. What do you think? Have you shopped at Build-a-Bear in awhile? We sure haven’t.
My friend took her daughter there for her birthday. I couldn’t get over the prices! It’s insane. I was at Michael’s and saw these dogs, cats, and bears that are just as cute with accessories that you can buy. The animals were only $5.99 each and most of the accessories were $2.99. These were a lot more frugal choice than Build A Bear and if you use your Michael’s coupon every week, you’ll really save big!
I’ve ever even seen one.
@Karen – A couple of years ago we took our youngest there for his birthday. We didn’t invite any friends, just took our 3 kids and we ended up spending about $50 per kid. Crazy! And their animals are just sitting in their rooms not being played with. I swear they smirk at me when I walk into the room.
@Jennifer – It was huge a few years ago, but not so much now. If Cedar is into stuffed animals he might like it, but I’d stick with Karen’s idea. Ilove Michael’s!!
We have a box of Build a Bear stuff packed away in the playroom. My youngest still plays with them every now and then, but no one has asked to buy any.
Hey Char! My kids get theirs out only after we’ve seen a commercial on tv. They say, “Oh yeah, I have one of those!” My two older ones are also responsible for saving their money and buying any toys they want, other than birthdays and Christmas of course…that would be mean, lol!, and it’s amazing how they learn to buy only what they really know they will use. I love allowance.