Build a Bear Workshop in New York City

Recently a friend asked me for information on the Build a Bear Workshop in New York City. He wanted to make something special for his girlfriend for Christmas. Being a huge fan (and quite a big kid), I jumped at the question, overloading him with information. Then it hit me - write a hub about it.

I'd spent many a day at the Build a Bear Workshop in the city as a kid. Even now, I look for excuses to go, my latest being that my husband - whose never heard of it until he came to the states - wants to check it out. It's a fun place for kids of all ages and families of all sizes. Back when I was in school it was a popular destination for fun holiday field trips. For those of you who don't know what Build a Bear is, I'll explain it in this hub. I'll tell you the location here in New York, it's hours and prices. I'll attempt to fill you in on the products they offer as well.

According to Build a Bear, the workshop is "The most furry fun stuffed into one fabulous place!".

Build a Bear was founded in 1997 in St. Louis. It is currently a global company having store locations in the United States, the UK, Canada, Ireland, France, Australia, Puerto Rico and Asia. The workshop offers its customers a unique and interactive experience to make their own custom stuffed animal. They offer a wide variety of animals to choose from and loads of fun clothes and accessories for your new friend. The company also offers its customers the opportunity to enjoy their own virtual world called Build a Bear Ville.

In New York City
Here in New York, we have the largest Build a Bear workshop in the world located on 46th Street and 5th avenue in Manhattan. This workshop is highly rated by its guests for their variety and customer service. It was also published in the 2006 ZAGAT Survey of New York City Shopping. A huge Build a Bear float is featured in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, often accompanied by today's youth's favorite artists such as Miranda Cosgrove and Victoria Justice. The New York City Build a Bear Workshop offers all the same great products and much more, including New York Themed accessories. Like all Build a Bear Workshops, the prices vary according to the animal you choose and the accessories you choose to purchase for that stuffed animal, if any. The workshop hours are from 10AM to 7PM Monday Through Friday.

When you first walk into the store you'll enter a teddy bear themed world with eight teddy bear-making stations. When you're ready, you'll be directed to the first stuffed animal-making station called Choose Me. At the choose me station you will be able to see all the animals the store has to offer and be able to choose the one you want. There are 30 or more varieties of stuffed animals to choose from. I'm talking bunnies, bears, dogs, cats and so much more. They range in price from $10-$25.

Next you'll go to the Hear Me station. At the hear me station you'll be able to choose from several sound selections. The sound chip you choose will be placed inside your new friend during the stuffing process. You have the choice to either record your own ten second sound clip or choose one of their prerecorded sounds such as: Animal sounds, giggles, messages like "I love you" or songs like "Take me out to the ballgame".

After that you'll then go to the Stuff Me station. At stuff me, one of the build a bear master bear associates will help you fill your stuffed animal with stuffing. You choose how much or how little you want to be in your animal. Also at this station you will be asked to choose a small satin heart and place it carefully inside your stuffed animal.

Next you'll go to the Stitch Me station. Stitch me is pretty self explanatory. Here a master bear associate will stitch the last seam neatly shut. But before doing that he or she will insert a barcode to ensure that it can be returned to it's owner if ever the stuffed animal is lost. This step is part of the Find a Bear ID program the store offers.

Next you'll go to the Fluff Me station. Here you'll get to groom your new stuffed animal by brushing them and ensuring that they are nice and soft.

Next you'll go to the Dress Me station. Here you'll get to dress your bear up with clothes and accessories. The workshop features a bear apparel boutique which boasts clothes and accessories for all styles and occasions. They even have brand names such as Sketchers. They also offer organization and sports team support apparel and accessories.

Now you'll head over to the Name Me station. This is actually just a computer where you'll answer questions about your new toy, like, it's birth date and name. The stuffed animal will be entered into the Find a Bear Program and you will be given a birth certificate for your new friend.

Finally you'll finish your bear making fun at the Take Me Home station. Here you'll receive your animals birth certificate, which will feature a code which will allow you register your animal on buildabearville.com where you can bring him or her to life even more. You will also receive a Stuff for Stuff Club membership which is a rewards program they offer. Then your stuffed animal will be placed in a "Cub Condo" which you'll then be able to carry home. The final step is of course payment for your new furry friend.

This is a great place to visit with your kids, friends, family or even coworkers. No matter what age you are, this place will bring the kid out in you and they're very friendly and accepting of everyone who comes in. If you're planning a trip with the family to New York City be sure to check out the build a bear here. You will be amazed and your kids will have a blast, I promise you that. Maybe me and my family will see you there!

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