Build A Bear party - anyone had one or been to one?

auburnbride2be

We are thinking about doing this for DD's upcoming bday. Just curious about how these parties are if anyone has experience. My biggest concern is budget and parents feeling obligated to spend money to upgrade their child's animal b/c I can only do the basic animal for each child.

Mrs.Guz

My niece had one 3 years ago. My biggest piece of advice is keep your guest list very short. My niece had like 15 kids and it was pure chaos!!  But other than that, the kids seemed to have fun and everyone seemed fine with the basic bear. Afterwards, everyone went to the food court and my SIL had ordered chickfila for everyone.

emowens

We went to one last year for a 4th bday.  My daughter loves build a bear and she had a blast.  She knows not to ask for clothes for her bear, but I'm sure there will be some kids that want/like clothes.  However, I think that's not your responsibility, that's the parent's to explain to their own child that...this is what the party is about and you should be grateful you are getting a bear/animal.  We also went to the food court after and we just had cupcakes (not even lunch) and then all the kids got to ride the carosel.  It was fun!

UGAbride

We've been to one, and I'd agree with keeping the guest list relatively small.  Otherwise there ends up being a lot of waiting around, plus it just gets crowded in the store.  When I have taken the kids, I just go with the expectation that we'll buy an outfit for their bear, that's half the fun   I think the other part of the equation is where to do the cake, what to do with presents, etc, assuming your store is in a mall like ours is (ie there is no place you can reserve, so you have to hope you can find space for a large party in the food court...so planning for a non mealtime would probably be essential).  The kids do enjoy these parties, I think all the logistics get considerably easier with a smaller guest list in this case. 

heymommy

I have had two for my daughter there, one at age 5 and then again at age 7. Easiest party ever! After, we have cookie cake in the food court. I always schedule it so we are eating the cookie cake after at 3pm ( snack time). I do not serve a lunch before.

 

It is one of the easiest parties you will ever do and it really is not that costly. The person running the party is always sure to explain the $$ limits at the start. If the parents want to buy more they can.