Any current info on doing a budget Build a Bear Party?

[dvcnewgirl]

I survived my son's Chuck E Cheese party. Now on to my daughter's BAB party. Any current info on how to do a budget BAB party? Thanks all!

 

[PrincessNoelle'sMom]

I had a BAB party for my daughter a few years ago. She invited 10 girls and I allowed them to do the least expensive bears ($10) but they could choose any Disney princess outfit (around $15). The entire party cost $250. Not too bad considering and the girls loved it! My advice, pick a smaller number of children or pick less expensive items and you can stay in the price range. Have fun!

 

[QVCshopper]

Here's my response to another similar thread on the Family board.


We just had my DD's 7th birthday at BAB. We spent $150 (6 kids total, each one got to spend $30--two of those kids were mine). When I booked online, they gave me a "deal" if I increased my $25 amount per child to $30; then the birthday kid was free. I'm sure you could do less, but this let the kids dress them and with so few children, it wasn't a big deal.

We had cupcakes/juice in the food court 1/2 an hour before the party, walked down and they built their bears. It was very cute and everyone loved it I think. My daughter got an extra bear that everyone signed, a sash, and a photo with everyone.

I also got back $30 in BAB bucks, probably $20 of those were from the party alone (but not positive). Honestly, I thought it was a fairly reasonable party, considering everyone got to keep a bear. And it was fun! Just doing cupcakes/juice alone saved a good amount.

So, if I were you, invite just a couple kids (you need six to be a party) and hopefully they can come. My guests drove about 20 minutes.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

Here's my response to another similar thread on the Family board.


We just had my DD's 7th birthday at BAB. We spent $150 (6 kids total, each one got to spend $30--two of those kids were mine). When I booked online, they gave me a "deal" if I increased my $25 amount per child to $30; then the birthday kid was free. I'm sure you could do less, but this let the kids dress them and with so few children, it wasn't a big deal.

We had cupcakes/juice in the food court 1/2 an hour before the party, walked down and they built their bears. It was very cute and everyone loved it I think. My daughter got an extra bear that everyone signed, a sash, and a photo with everyone.

I also got back $30 in BAB bucks, probably $20 of those were from the party alone (but not positive). Honestly, I thought it was a fairly reasonable party, considering everyone got to keep a bear. And it was fun! Just doing cupcakes/juice alone saved a good amount.

So, if I were you, invite just a couple kids (you need six to be a party) and hopefully they can come. My guests drove about 20 minutes.

When did the discount pop up? I have looked at a couple of different dates and put in my info and it never had any discounts. Thanks!

 

[QVCshopper]

Well, I wouldn't call it a discount, more like an offer. It popped up after I put in my dates and said I wanted to pay $25/kid. Then, the website responded that if I raised it to $30/kid, they wouldn't charge for the birthday child... so basically $25 x 6 = $150 OR $30 x 5 = $150. Maybe you'd rather start with $20, though, instead of $25--or less. It's really up to you.

I let the kids chose whichever bear they wanted, but you can restrict it to the $15 or $10 ones if you want--you confirm that with the store as the party gets closer. They do want each child spending whatever amount you agree to in the beginning.

It was a fun party, though. I only spent $10 on cupcakes, and maybe another $5 on the plates/napkins and juice boxes. It really wasn't too bad, IMHO.

 

[missycj96]

I just got a coupon for 20% off a party. It was in a magazine - i'll have to check which one (i think good housekeeping). I used their online invites to make cute invitation. Fine to let the girls make just 10 or 10 and 12 dollar bears.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

I just got a coupon for 20% off a party. It was in a magazine - i'll have to check which one (i think good housekeeping). I used their online invites to make cute invitation. Fine to let the girls make just 10 or 10 and 12 dollar bears.

Any info would be great!

 

[iluvdiscruises]

I did my daughter's a few years ago in early April...I waited until they deeply discounted their special Valentine's animal (that year it was a great pink monkey with hearts on it). I pre-bought un-stuffed monkeys. Then, the day of the party, I gave the kids a choice of the monkey or a $10-14 animal and an outfit. Most picked the monkey (I paid $8 each...they were reg. $22 or $24). I did have a monkey or two left over and was able to exchange them for the new animals (paying the difference).

Definitely make sure you are in the free reward card program...I agree with a PP...you definitely get a nice reward after the party - they add up fast!

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

a freind of mine did a build a bear party and had the kids do the bears there then let them open there goodie bags which each a bear shirt in them. She paid $1.50 each for the shirts at the craft store and did iron ons that said "sarah's 6th birthday" with the date on the back.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

I did my daughter's a few years ago in early April...I waited until they deeply discounted their special Valentine's animal (that year it was a great pink monkey with hearts on it). I pre-bought un-stuffed monkeys. Then, the day of the party, I gave the kids a choice of the monkey or a $10-14 animal and an outfit. Most picked the monkey (I paid $8 each...they were reg. $22 or $24). I did have a monkey or two left over and was able to exchange them for the new animals (paying the difference).

Definitely make sure you are in the free reward card program...I agree with a PP...you definitely get a nice reward after the party - they add up fast!

Great idea! Did you do an actual party? She will be in March.

a freind of mine did a build a bear party and had the kids do the bears there then let them open there goodie bags which each a bear shirt in them. She paid $1.50 each for the shirts at the craft store and did iron ons that said "sarah's 6th birthday" with the date on the back.

cute!

 

[missycj96]

I checked. The coupon was on one side of a coupon in the feb good housekeeping with jennifer hudson on the cover

 

[iluvdiscruises]

Great idea! Did you do an actual party? She will be in March.
Yes, we did an official party...the girls LOVED it..,it's much better as a real party...they do the bear parade, sing, etc. It's really nice.