Build-A-Party FAQ

Looking for a party that’s fun, entertaining and reasonably priced? Look at Build-A-Party by Build-A-Bear Workshop! Kids of all ages love Build-A-Bear parties because they’re empowered to create their own furry friends while enjoying the company of their human friends. There are so many reasons to celebrate with Build-A-Party. In addition to birthday parties, we host office team outings, scout troops, school groups and more.

It’s truly a celebration like no other. A Party Leader will guide your Guests through our Workshop, and clean up after they leave — so you don’t have to! It’s no-mess, no-stress fun! And we have packages to fit every budget. For as little as $14 per person, each Guest will experience all the magic of Build-A-Bear — while making their own full-sized furry friend to take home and love!

[Q] What kinds of occasions are right for a Build-A-Party celebration?
[A] If you have a reason to celebrate, a Build-A-Party event is right for you! Our parties are tailored for Guests of all ages, whether you’re planning a team outing, an event to benefit a local charity or a birthday party. Even corporate teams and organizations can join the fun with a Build-A-Bear Party!

[Q] What happens at a Build-A-Party celebration?
[A] At a scheduled party, each Guest makes their own furry friend! A party leader guides them through each step of the fun-filled bear-making experience. Then, if you choose, your Guests can personalize their new furry friends with their choice of hundreds of outfits and accessories like shoes, sunglasses and hats — they can even add a sound! Your Guests will enjoy special games that are only available through this one-of-a-kind, hands-on experience. At the end of the party, your Guests will walk out hand-in-paw with their new furry friend and special memories of an amazing experience. Please note: Each Build-A-Party has a 5-Guest minimum.

[Q] What is included in a Build-A-Party celebration?
[A] For each celebration, Build-A-Bear Workshop will provide:

Fun for every Guest
A furry friend for each Guest to make and take home
A Party Leader to guide the adventure (5 or more Guests)
Party games and fun-filled activities
Bear ear paper party hats
A fun photo opportunity with props just for parties
Just for the Birthday Guest-of-Honor: A plush, light-up cupcake keepsake

[Q] How much does a Build-A-Party cost?
[A] That depends on the party package that’s right for your occasion! Prices for a Build-A-Party start at $14 per Guest. Here are the party packages you can choose from:

BUILD-YOUR-OWN PARTY
Starting at $14 per Guest
You set your own budget, and select any furry friend for your Guests. You also can add clothing and accessories. Our Party Leader will help you stay right on budget!

SUPER SMILES
$20 per Guest
Furry friend up to $14
+ 1 tee for each furry friend

FANTASTIC FUN
$25 per Guest
Furry friend up to $18
+ 1 clothing item for each furry friend

AWESOME ADVENTURE
$35 per Guest
Furry friend up to $26
+ 1 clothing item for each furry friend
+ 1 drawstring backpack

ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE
$45 per Guest
Furry friend up to $36
+ 1 clothing item for each furry friend
+ 1 drawstring backpack
+ 1 footwear item
+ 1 sound

[Q] Can I schedule a party at a Build-A-Bear Workshop Outlet^TM?
[A] Our Outlet locations now offer the same great party packages as our other stores. A registered party of 5 or more Guests will include a Party Leader to guide the fun and keep your party on budget. You can still choose the Make-Your-Own Party package starting at $14 per Guest. Please note: Clearance items are not included in the party packages.

[Q] How do I schedule a party?
[A] It’s simple! You can book your party online, in-store or by phone. Just check out our online Party Booking Tool, visit your local Build-A-Bear Workshop, or call our Guest Experience team toll-free at 1-877-789-BEAR (2327). If you’re not sure where Build-A-Bear Workshop is in your area, please visit our Store Locator.

You’ll want to have the following information ready and be prepared to pay a deposit to reserve your date:

Your contact name, address and phone number
The Guest of Honor’s name and age (for birthday parties)
Your preferred party date, time and location (plus an alternate date and time)
The number of Guests you’re inviting
Your price-per-Guest budget

[Q] Do I need to make a deposit to book a party?
[A] We do require a deposit to reserve your party date for US Workshop locations. You will receive a $50 e-card at time of booking, which can be applied to the total cost on the day of your party. (The gift card is not required to be used to pay for your party and can be saved for future use if you prefer.) We accept credit/debit cards for booking online, in-store or by phone. If you need to, you may cancel your party for any reason. *Deposit not required in Canada.

[Q] Will I pay in advance or day of?
[A] Your purchase will be paid in full the day of the party. Don't forget to bring your deposit gift card with you if you wish to apply it to your total cost!

[Q] How many Guests do I need to invite?
[A] You will need to invite 5 or more Guests to schedule a Build-A-Party, including the Guest of Honor. If you would like to schedule a party with more than 20 Guests, please call our Guest Experience team toll free at 1-877-789-BEAR (2327) and we will do our best to make special arrangements.

Are parents included in the Guest count?
The Guest count will include the number of furry friends that will be built during your party. If a parent plans to build a furry friend, please include them in the Guest count.

What happens if some Guests booked do not attend?
You will only pay for the Guests in attendance, provided your party still meets the 5-Guest minimum. You will be required to pay for 5 packages if you have fewer Guests in attendance. In these cases, we suggest the Guest of Honor make an additional furry friend, or a parent can join in the fun!

[Q] How long will my party last?
[A] Parties usually last from 1 to 1 ½ hours, but this is just an estimate. The length of your party will depend on the number and age of your Guests, and any additional activity going on in the Build-A-Bear Workshop at the time of your party.

[Q] Will the Build-A-Bear Workshop store be closed to the public during my party?
[A] All Build-A-Party celebrations take place in the Build-A-Bear Workshop store with other non-party Guests. But your group will receive personalized attention from your dedicated Party Leader, who will guide your Guests through all the amazing experiences of your party, from building their own furry friends to fun games and entertainment. Select Workshops may also offer options to host your party before or after regular hours at your local Build-A-Bear Workshop. To learn more about Build-A-Party availability at your area store, please call our Guest Experience team toll free at 1-877-789-BEAR (2327).

What kinds of activities will the store provide? Each Party Leader brings their own personality and talents to provide a one-of-a-kind Build-A-Party experience. What will never change is that we put our ❤ into everything we do, so your party will be super-stuffed with FUN tailored to your group.

[Q] May I bring presents for my child to open during the party?
[A] Build-A-Bear Workshop does not allow opening of presents in our stores.

[Q] Should I, or another supervising adult, attend my child’s party?
[A] An adult must be present at every Build-A-Bear Workshop party. We also ask that a parent be present to accompany each child 3 years of age or younger. It isn’t necessary for all parents of children above the age of 3 to attend your party.

[Q] May I bring a clown, mime, fortune teller, or similar entertainment to my Build-A-Party celebration?
[A] As a one-of-a-kind Build-A-Party experience, your party will be super-stuffed with games, activities and each Guest making their own furry friend! Additional entertainment is not allowed.

[Q] Will I get a reminder before my party date?
[A] Yes, we’ll send an email reminder before your big day, which will include the time, date and location. It also will include instructions about how you can make your Build-A-Party even more special! If you have additional questions, please contact the Build-A-Bear Workshop at which you booked your party.

[Q] May I bring food or drinks to the party?
[A] We are not licensed to serve food or beverages in our stores, so Guests will not be able to bring in outside food or drinks.

Questions? Please call a Build-A-Party Party Planner toll free at 1-877-789-BEAR (2327), or contact your local Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Earn Points for Your Party! Your party purchase can earn points if you’re a Build-A-Bear Bonus Club member. Find out how!