Build-A-Bear Workshop

My daughter loved this place. She’d give it 45 rainbows for a rating. That only goes so far for me though.
The store was clean and bright. All the employees where not only friendly but seemed to be great with kids. Mine’s easily frightened by big machines and they did a sweet and humane job of trying to keep her calm.
The process is sweet and fun for these kids. You make a little heart, imbue it with characteristics you want your new stuffed friend to have, and they have you put the heart inside the bear before they stitch it up, along with a little squeeze-​triggered sound box if you like.
My only complaints were the long lines, selection, and prices. There were only a few little overpriced accessories for the panda my kiddo chose, and they were all girl-​oriented and bright pink. Total purchase price for one bear with an «I love you» squeeze trigger wearing a dress and some shoes with a little car to sit in: $ 90 dollars.
Again, the kid loved this experience and I’m not saying I regret going. It’s her birthday and she seemed to love the whole process. But this isn’t the sort of place I could ever just take her on a whim, or repeatedly, as the cost is too prohibitive.