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What is Build-a-bear? Learn everything about Build-a-bear in our soft toy guide

29 February 2024

Build-a-Bear, a renowned company specializing in personalized stuffed animals, is recognized for its diverse range of cuddly creations. Renowned for the exceptional quality of its products, here's a comprehensive overview of Build-a-Bear.

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For over two decades, Build-a-Bear has become a household name, celebrated globally for its commitment to crafting high-quality, personalised soft toy bears.


With their soft toys coming in all shapes and sizes, Build-a-Bear provides a unique and memorable experience for individuals of all ages. Here are some key insights into Build-a-Bear:

Build-a-Bear facts

Year created: Build-a-Bear was created in 1997

Country of origin: Build-a-Bear was founded in the USA.

What Build-a-Bear is known for: Build-a-Bear is known for its workshop where people of all ages can customise their soft toys.

Average Build-a-Bear cost: On average, you can find Build-a-Bear soft toys ranging from £15 to £30, or more. This can be dependent on the specific choices made during the creation process.

What is Build-a-Bear?

Build-a-Bear is a famous brand known for its unique approach to creating high-quality, personalised soft toys. Central to the Build-a-Bear experience is the Build-a-Bear workshop, where individuals can actively participate in the design and assembly of their stuffed animals.


Whilst the hallmark of Build-a-Bear lies in the customisable nature of its workshop, its soft toys are crafted from premium materials. Their stuffed animals are durable and tend to become cherished companions for people of all ages. View our soft-toy bears.

A brief history behind Build-a-Bear

Build-a-Bear Workshop was founded in 1997 by Maxine Clark, with the first store opening in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Maxine Clark was inspired by a desire to provide a unique and interactive experience for people to create their own customisable soft toys.


With this approach, Build-a-Bear quickly gained popularity for its innovative approach, allowing visitors to select, stuff, stitch, and dress their furry companions, adding a personal touch to each creation.


The company quickly expanded its reach, opening Build-a-Bear workshops across the globe. Build-a-Bears' attention to detail and commitment to quality materials has created an enduring appeal for its soft toys.


Today, Build-a-Bear continues to be a brand known for creativity, personalised expression and an interactive experience of bringing its plush companions to life. It’s growing history continues to reflect a vision rooted in creating memorable and meaningful connections through its stuffed animals. Adopt a soft toy here.

A fun fact about Build-a-Bear

One of the most unique aspects of Build-a-Bear Workshop is that each soft toy created in-store receives a “birth certificate.”


The personalised certificate includes details like the date of creation, the chosen name for the stuffed animal and a unique ID number. This is another extra layer of fun and authenticity added to the entire Build-a-Bear experience.

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