This summer we visited Build-A-Bear Workshop for the first time. I wrote about it here. The bears they made are firm favourites and have been loved and played with a lot since then. So when the children were invited to make Christmas Build-A- Bears I knew that they would be thrilled.

Our helper was a lovely guy named Roel who took the Purple children through each stage of the bear making process. He was great with the children, enthusiastic, funny, able to get on their level and really make the process very special for them.

First they chose the ‘skins’ , empty bears ready for stuffing. Wonder Girl chose a very cute bunny with snowflake design on her fur. Super Kid chose a polar bear, and Robo Boy a lovely jolly looking Santa. Next they chose a sound, Super Kid went for “We’re Walking in the Air”, Wonder Girl added a very cheery “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer”. Robo Boy went a little off topic and added the distinctly less festive One Direction’s “Beautiful”.

Then the bears were stuffed. The children control the pedal which fills their bear, and brings them to life.

Roel tells the children they need to start the bears heart. This is a fun part, where they get really involved, jumping, running and kissing the hearts to make them strong and happy.

The children put the hearts into the bear, Roel stitches them up and they’re ready for the some fluffing and brushing.

Then the children all dressed their bears. Faced with a wonderful display of Christmassy outfits Wonder Girl, as usual, was drawn towards the sequins and chose a fabulous sparkly red dress with fur collar, matching hat and sparkly red shoes. Robo Boy dressed his Santa in traditional Santa outfit, complete with boots, glasses and Santa sack. Wonder Boy’s polar bear got a real treat and is dressed in cowboy boots with attachable roller skates, elf hat, and a collar with lead. The lead is great as it means Super Kid can pull his bear around on the roller skates which he loves.

Finally they gave the bears names, and created birth certificates.Super Kid’s polar bear is named Faith so that he can remember his faith at Christmas. Wonder Girl went with Bunny for her bunny, and Robo Boy called his Funny, which suits Santa as he is a jolly chap.

The bears cost from £9 up to £16 with sounds, clothing and accessories on top. It’s  a little pricey but you are not just buying a bear, you’re paying for the whole experience. We spent an hour in the shop and the children really enjoyed themselves. I’m sure the bears will be loved for years to come, and for now the children are carrying them round everywhere we go so that our friends and family can meet them. Faith the roller skating polar bear is really putting in some miles!

*Disclaimer: We were given the bears for free for the purposes of this review.