Photo:
So many options, so little time. Photo courtesy of Build-A-Bear Workshop
Update (7/12/2018): Well, get this: Build-A-Bear's Pay Your Age Day is such a hit that the company has had to close lines nationwide due to "crowds and safety concerns," per an email sent by Build-A-Bear Workshop.
Build-A-Bear says they recognize that "guests are disappointed" and "will reach out directly as soon as possible."
You know what would make us feel better? A teddy bear.
Original story (7/9/2018): One of my favorite birthdays: My parents picked me up early from school and took me to the mall. They bought me an Orange Julius and then took me to one of suburbia's most sacred spots: Build-A-Bear.
Sure, sure: Build-A-Bear is expensive but 11-year-old me didn't know that. All I knew was I got to make my very own stuffed animal. And it even sang a song ("I'm the birthday bear. Happy birthday! Happy birthday to yooouuu!").
So imagine my delight on learning that this Thursday, July 12, Build-A-Bear is making its magic more attainable.
During Pay Your Age Day, local families who visit a store in-person can pay their current age in dollars for any Make-Your-Own furry friend that's in the store. (That's a beary good deal when you consider that some of Build-A-Bear's animals cost upwards of $25 a pop.)
Pay Your Age Day is only for one day but it kicks off Build-A-Bear's Count Your Candles birthday experience. What's that mean? Kids 14 and under can "count their candles" (a.k.a. pay their age) for a Birthday Treat Bear if they visit Build-A-Bear during the month of their birthday.
Before you go, you do have to do one thing: An parent or guardian age 18 or older must enroll in the free Build-A-Bear Bonus Club rewards program (a.k.a. they want your name and email address).
Find a Build-A-Bear Workshop at Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, Southcenter in Tukwila, Tacoma Mall in Tacoma and Columbia Center in Kennewick. I'll just be over here trying to get the "Birthday Bear" song out of my head.
