Tried and Tested: The impressive Build-A-Bear Workshop

Trying to come up with the perfect present for a four-year-old girl’s birthday has been a bit of a mission, that is, until a recent trip to the Build-A-Bear Workshop. Upon discovery of this fantastic concept, the pain of trying to get ‘the right’ gift has been lifted away and the responsibility placed firmly in the hands of the impressive toy store and birthday child.

The national children’s toy retailer is designed around a clever child drawing concept. Children browse the shop and choose the furry skin of a soft cuddly toy that most appeals to them. After making the difficult decision, they then fluff it, stitch it, bring it to life with a heart and even create a birth certificate.

Chopsy Baby tested out the central Bristol Build-A-Bear Workshop, nestling in a quiet corner of the Mall shopping centre, formerly known as the Galleries.

The large, spacious store has rows of the cutest and fluffiest toys, all eagerly waiting for loving, sticky hands to pluck them from the shelves and put together. There certainly is a furry friend for every child and occasion.

Taking in a shy three-year-old with a quiet passion for cuddling up with a collection of loved and now manky dogs, a friendly employee gently guided our child through the process of picking out a toy and gradually bringing it to life.

Once the toy is selected, the child helps to fluff the toy with stuffing, add a heart and stitch it together. The assistant carefully geared the interactive experience at a level which suited the capabilities and mood of the child.

Despite initial reluctance to participate with name choosing, the experience was certainly enjoyed at a level not obvious at the time. Later in the day, our test child took a great deal of pleasure showing the new toy to family members and explaining that he had helped to make this dog ‘with the lady in the shop’.

Our child chose the 43cm Scruffy Puppy

http://www.buildabear.co.uk/shop/productdetail.aspx?ProductSKU=414724&Category=dogs&CallingPage=ProductSummary

This cuddly dog is a lovely size with soft fluffy fur and large paws which we would recommend to children aged over three years.

As well as creating your animal, there are added options including a voice box and a range of dainty outfits to dress it in.

The finished product, coupled with the overall experience is impressive and a perfect solution for those early school years birthday parties. The store runs parties with animals starting at just £9, a free photograph and a personal party leader.

The experience you get at the Workshop will depend on the time you put into it. To make the most of the process, it is best to reserve it for a time when both parent and child are not rushed and enjoy the time together, making it a special occasion.

Early morning weekdays are a perfect for pre-schoolers as these quieter times will allow you to make the most of the staff and give the child space to make those all important decisions.

We recommend the Build-A-Bear Workshop for birthday parties, a special birthday outing, a treat for a toddler, even a personalised gift for a newborn baby and their parents.

For more information, visit: www.buildabear.co.uk or phone 0800 542 0635

The central Bristol store is located on the bottom floor of the Mall in Broadmead