Build a Bear

[suzannews]

Anyone hosted a party or been to a party at Build a Bear? From what I read, the kids first pick the bear then the outfit. So whats the average you spend on each kid? I saw 3 cute $10 bears listed....so I'm thinking if I give them a choice of those 3 then they pick the outfits and accesories....am I looking at more than $25 a kid?

Any positive or negative info?

Thanks!

 

[FreshTressa]

We did one for my DD last year. we spent about $20 per kid for outfit and bear. Some parents added some money. Some parents stayed and some left, it was hard to keep track of the kids whose parents left. It went kind of fast, but the kids really liked it. It didn't quite seem worth the money to me.

The biggest drawback for us was the one we had it at didn't have a place to have birthday cake, so we had to go to the mcdonald in the mall and I had to buy happy meals for all the kids, and they didn't reserve spots at that particular one, so we were just in booths at mcdonalds eating happy meals and cake.

Our other choice was Red Robin, but I didn't want to have to pay 9+ dollars per adult (some parents stayed) and 5 dollars per kid for the meal, plus tip and all after already spending so much on the bears. I would have loved to have just had cake, but the restaurants wouldn't allow that!

So, if you can find a place to have cake, it would be okay.

 

[bsnyder]

DD had her 9th birthday party at Build-A-Bear, in March. It was wonderful, but pricey. Our problem was the lengthy guest list....DD had a hard time whittling it down, and I'm a sucker when it comes to the argument of not wanting to leave someone out, who's feelings would be hurt.

It's very doable at $25 per child. They'll get the bear and an outfit. A couple of kids chose a more expensive bear, and then only got an accessory, not the clothes. It was their choice.

The employees are wonderful! They're all cheery, enthusiastic types and the kids really responded to them. The also monitor the spending limit you've set, and help guide the kids so that they stay under that amount.

Oh, and I did get some type of coupons, like disney dollars, for future purchases. The amount is based on how much you spend (but I can't remember the formula) so we got quite a few of them. We used them for some birthday gifts for her friends, and I think I used some for a couple of outfits for DD's Easter basket. So that did lower the overall cost of the party some.

The party was a big hit, and SO easy! I'd highly recommend it!

 

[suzannews]

Thanks! It's good to know that the employees will watch the spending based on a pre determined amount.

 

[jel0511]

We had DD's 5th birthday party at Build a Bear and the kids had a blast. We had 24 kids, and it did get a little confusing trying to keep track of everyone, but most of the parents stayed, so that helped. Almost all of the Build A Bears will not allow you to have any food on premisis, so you have to go to another location for that. We took the kids and parents to Rainforest Cafe and they had a blast!!! We did set a spending limit and told them EXACTLY what they were allowed. They were allowed the $10 Bear and an outfit. If they wanted to spend more, the parents had to pay for it. They were good at this, but it did get a little annoying for the children. Some parents were spending an extra $20 for their kid and others weren't so there were some slightly disappointed kids who couldn't get the sketchers for their bear. DD wants to do it again, so we might have another Build A Bear party next year, but I want to do a Formal Tea Party out, so we'll see who wins!!

 

[rbuzzotta]

It can get pricey and since the kids in the age group don't understand how much things cost, it is important to inform the employees of the cost limit.

My DD went to one and they had 25 kids and at $25. per bear plus pizza.......it cost a pretty penny!!!

I always give Build a Bear gift cards now for birthday gifts!! The kids love them!!!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Geesh, I am glad my kids are older. It looks like parents are spending over $500 on a birthday party. I think the most expensive one I did was a $75 hay ride with bonfire. Just call me cheap.

 

[AngieBelle]

Wow, that's a lot for a birthday party! I've been in the store when there were parties going on- looks like fun, but I don't know how parents afford to do that for big groups! My birthday parties growing up were always either at home or at the park. All we spent money on were party goods, food, and craft supplies (we usually did some sorta craft each year.) except the one yr we did miniature golf for my 9th birthday.

Hey, let me know if you want to go the cheaper route! I'd love to help plan a themed party. When I was younger, I loved planning my own parties so much that I'd start doing it months before my birthday.

 

[bsnyder]

Originally posted by jel0511
Some parents were spending an extra $20 for their kid and others weren't so there were some slightly disappointed kids who couldn't get the sketchers for their bear.

That's unfortunate, and IMO, it's extremely rude!

I didn't have this problem (the girls were older, so none of the parents stayed for the party....most spent the time shopping in the mall). But, if I had a younger child, I'd politely but FIRMLY request that parents who stayed NOT give their children any extra money to spend. If they want to buy something extra, they should come back for another Build-A-Bear visit with their child, and not create hurt feelings at party.

If you can avoid having the other parents interfere , the dollar limit you set is really not a problem. I was worried about it, as I had visions of me having to explain to tearful 9 year olds why they couldn't get a certain outfit, or worse, caving in and ending up spending a whole lot more than I had intended. Who wants to be the heavy at a party? Not me! But the employees really do handle this whole part of it very well. I didn't have to say a word.

 

[jel0511]

Bet - I agree, I was totally floored, and didn't even know this was allowed! Since all the parents did stay, they were helping their kids dress the bears. They were taking the "additional" accessories and paying for them separately, then bring them back and dress the doll with them. Since I had SO MANY kids, it was hard to notice until it was too late. I never would have thought of doing this is if my child was the guest at the party. I'll remember this if DD wants to have her party there again next year!!!!

 

[bsnyder]

Lori, I'm just imagining applying this to other types of children's parties. If your kid went to a bowling party, would you pay extra so your child could bowl a few extra games while the other kids (including the birthday child) stood around and watched?

Geez! I think some people just don't think!

 

[Dodie]

My friend just had one for her daughter. She allowed $20 per child. She actually worked through it with the store quite a bit beforehand because she wanted to spend less, but, realistically determined that $20 was about as low as you could go to get something decent.

 

[elgerber]

We just had a Brownie field trip to Build a Bear on Saturday. The limit was $20 per girl, so we told them they could all pick a $10 or $12 bear. Then the outfits were supposed to be an $8 or $10 outfit, depending on the bear they chose. Instead of that, one of the leaders and I went and picked 1 of each of the $8 outfits and brought them to the girls to pick from. This way they didn't overwhelmed by all the selections and want the more expensive ones. It worked very well, and they had a pretty good selection of $8 outfits. My dd got a bridal outfit with a really pretty headpiece. It's a very nice outfit, and it was $8. There was also a bunch of pajamas (so darling, lot's of girls picked those) a denim dress, a flowered dress, gymastics outfit, basketball uniform, white blouse with plaid skirt. It was a lot of fun, and if you set limits and ask them to set the price limited outfits aside for you, it can be kept reasonable.

Erika

 

[jel0511]

Originally posted by bsnyder
Lori, I'm just imagining applying this to other types of children's parties. If your kid went to a bowling party, would you pay extra so your child could bowl a few extra games while the other kids (including the birthday child) stood around and watched?

Geez! I think some people just don't think!

Bet, I know, it was VERY weird, but I guess it's the society around me. It's just that most of the kids have EVERYTHING, so they have to HAVE everything, even at a birthday party for someone else. Hey, look, I spent tons of $$$ on my 5 Yo's party, so I guess I'm partly to blame, since my 5YO has everything probably too. I just wouldn't do that!! I'd either go back after the party, or next time we're in the mall for more stuff for the bear. But of course since my DD has an addiction to Build a Bear, I have probably 7 of those bears in my house and TONS of outfits so that wouldn't applied here. I'll just learn for the next party and try to avoid it again..... Live and learn....

 

[2bemarried]

Oh my....to get a bear and outfit for $20.00 is GREAT. I love build a bear for myself and have a hard time coming out of there without spending 40.00