If you are a parent, it is likely you have heard of Build-A-Bear. And if you like me, your child has been to Build-A-Bear. And if you are truly like me, your child has been to Build-A-Bear multiple times. Full disclosure, as a blogger, I have had the opportunity to go and be comped a bear. That all said, my daughter has been lucky enough to go to Build-A-Bear several times. Her first time was at age four when her Nana took her to the mall. And then I have taken her multiple times for early birthday or Christmas gifts. We even went for a playdate. What???
Just in case you are wondering how it all works and what makes it special is that your child gets to pick out a bear or animal or superhero. But that is not all, your bear gets a birth certificate. But that’s not all, there are accessories like clothes, bags and you can also buy record a personalized message, you get the idea. The bears, for the most part, run from $12 and up, up.
This week, Build-A-Bear decided to run a Pay Your Age Promotion. Kids could just pay their age for a bear so if you are 5 years old, you just had to pay $5 for the bear. Well, what could go wrong? Apparently a lot. Parents across the country lined up at malls and stores waiting for hours for a bear. It was pandemonium, so much so that Build-A-Bear had to shut it down and had to offer a $15 voucher.
I am sure you wondering why would anyone stand in line for hours for a $12+ bear. I even commented that Time=Money!! Then I started to read Facebook comments and listen to the interviews of those standing in line. Talk about the lightbulb going off! DUH! A lot of people can not afford to buy a bear and all the accessories and if you have more than one child it’s cost prohibitive. You realize that parents are the same, they want to treat their child to something fun and cool but not everyone can afford to do that.
So I am taking my judging self to task for the fact that I can afford to buy daughter a Build-A-Bear and others can not and are willing to stand in line for hours to get a bear.
Instructions to Get Your $15 Voucher!
A parent must enroll in the free Build-a-Bear Bonus Club rewards program. This is super easy to do and it’s FREE!
Whether you were in line but were turned away were given a $15 voucher towards the purchase of a bear or customers who chose to avoid the lines, you can still get a $15 voucher in the U.S. and Canada.
- Log onto your Build-a-Bear Bonus Club account by midnight July 15.
- Click to print or screenshot the voucher.
- Limit one coupon per Bonus Club account.
- Valid for in-store purchases only.
The voucher is good through Aug. 31, 2018.
Diid you stand in line or know someone who did? Would love to hear your or their experience!
Disclosure: NYC Single Mom was not compensated for this post.
There are going to be long lines at our Build a Bear. People have been talking and posting about this all week
That’s awesome that you can pay depends on the age. This is such a great offer to all to save more!
Hoping people are made aware of the voucher!
I am one of the people that couldn’t afford a bear and yes, I had thought of going but didn’t have a way and after seeing the crowds I am glad I didn’t try it. As my stepdaughter did and came away empty handed. As for the $15 Voucher that will help some but still, the bears are pricy when we have to purchase an outfit and once they get an outfit my son would want accessories so even with the discount it isn’t feasible for my family.
The bear is not that expensive but the accessories… Can you just buy it online so he doesnt know about the accessories?
I heard about all the madness on the radio and TV. I have no children or grandchildren but I can imagine how crazy it was.
I kept seeing it on the morning news shows and was stunned at the lines.
I heard about it and knew it would be nuts. We live in a greedy nation, so I knew the line would be insane. Plus, my kids have plenty of toys. I did get the $15 voucher via my rewards account though. I’d buy myself the Blue Jurassic World raptor, but it’s currently sold out. Boo.
I heard about it. If my daughter had been younger I may have been one of the crazy ones in line. I love this option to get $15 off! Thanks for the details! I will pass along to those I know who have young girls and didn’t make it to BAB this week.
Yes please pass it on to those with younger kids.
That’s a pretty awesome deal especially for the kids who really love this! I think it’s going to give parents the chance to save loads!
I do hope people take advantage of the coupon if not to give now, save for upcoming holiday or birthday!
Such a shame this promotion blew up in the company’s face. Seems like they were trying to do something nice, but give them credit for trying to fix the mess they ended up in. $15 voucher is still a good deal. I heard they were honoring the age price if contacted with proof during the month of a child’s birthday. Wonder if that is for just this summer or the rest of the year. Though the price of their plush animals normally isn’t that bad it is the costumes and accessories where they get you and the prices start to get steep. Nice post helping people get info on how to get these vouchers.
it is the accessories that will get you!!
Pay your age and get your bear sounds fascinating. I can well imagine the swelling crowds to collect their bear. It is no wonder that they stopped that and started with the voucher.
I think unhappy parents were posting on instagram and twitter so much was a breaking point. And those lines!
I didn’t stand in line and didn’t even attempt to go- I didn’t think it would be THAT crazy, but knew it’d be more crowded than usual. I did think it was awesome that Build-a-Bear did it in the first place since like you said, a lot of people can’t usually afford their bears. I also like that they tried to make it right by giving the voucher! We will definitely be heading in to get some stuffies once the commotion dies down a little.
I agree it was good attempt to offer the promotion! And it was good that they offered the $15 off promotion. I do hope that people take advantage of them.
My son is older now, but I was broke throughout most of his early childhood, so Build a Bear was pretty much out for us. I think it’s great that BAB did this promotion, although maybe they didn’t realize how crazy it would be and should have planned a bit better? It’s great that they gave out vouchers, though.
My son’s bear Ted has traveled with us for years and spends the night in his bed. There is something very special about how his fur feels and the sweet look on his face. I was thrilled to hear they are offering a voucher to those who didn’t get to pick up their own “Ted” this week.
I don’t have kids, but I definitely heard about this mess! I’m glad that the company is giving people a little something for their troubles… it seems like this was rolled out poorly. (Not enough staff, etc.)
The lines were too long for me to wait in. I am glad so many people got what they wanted though!
There is no way on God’s green earth that I would stand in line but, I totally understand why people would. No judgment ever from me. I hope the kids can get a bear with this voucher, though it’s not much, it helps!
I am with you I do hope people take advantage of the vouchers. And there is very little I will stand in line for these days.
I had a friend that literally stood in line with her 2 year old and 10 year old for 5 hours. 5 hours outside, because the Build A Bear was out side. Honestly, my daughter has a few, but because they were sent to her through blogging promotions, like holiday editions. She’s never built one, and I would never stand in line to have paid her age. :-/
I dont know if I would stand outside with a 2 year old. I hope they were able to get the bear they wanted.
I agree, it’s nit something that you can easily afford especially if you have more than one child. I think this is the perfect way to give parents the chance to get their little ones a bear! I just love it!