WE ❤️ OUR MEMBERS!

Being in the Build-A-Bear Bonus Club means you’re part of a community that comes together to celebrate, give back and have a lot of fun! We’re excited to share some of our members’ stories with you!

Kyle’s Story – The Power of Hugs, 22 Years Later!

How long does a hug from a furry friend last? If you ask Kyle and his mother, Katie, they’ll tell you 22 years and counting!

In 1999, Kyle was in active duty with the U.S. Navy. Prior to leaving for basic training, Kyle had the holiday season to enjoy with family in St. Louis. He knew he wanted to surprise Katie with a special gift she’d be able to find comfort in while he was away.

With this gifting goal in mind, Kyle went to Build-A-Bear Workshop, a relatively new store that had just opened less than two years earlier in 1997. He selected a bear for his mom and dressed it in khaki shorts, a white T-shirt and a military dog tag to complete the look. According to Kyle, however, the best part of the gift was the personalized message he recorded for his mom and placed inside the bear: “I’ll always love you BEARY much!”

Anytime Kyle had a leave from the military and visited home, he’d see the bear sitting in his mom’s bedroom. “I knew the bear would always be there for my mom when I was gone,” Kyle said.

As for Katie, the bear Kyle made for her still provides comfort even after he surprised her with it 22 years ago. While mother and son live in the same city again and can hug in person anytime, Kyle’s bear still sits in Katie’s bedroom as a reminder of her son’s love.