Celebrating a child’s accomplishments in memorable ways. {+ Build-A-Bear Workshop Gift Card Giveaway}

February 7, 2013 by Marina · 108 Comments

In our family, we’re big about celebrating our kids’ accomplishments. It’s our way of showing them we’re super proud of what they’ve done, irrespective of how small or big the accomplishment may be.

An amazing grade on the final report card, weaning away, crossing over a big milestone…have all called for a celebration in our home.

Celebrating in memorable ways…

We’ve done everything from going out for a celebratory meal, gifting our achiever with a small prezzie (or a special book) to even spending a day doing something chosen by the V.I.P. (Very Important Person!) for the day.

Bunny girl recently became one of the first 1st graders in her school’s history to achieve “Millionaire” status on the Accelerated Reading Program. And Bunny Boo successfully potty trained himself at 2 1/2 years of age.

Both accomplishments are HUGE! (Yes, proud Mama alert!!)

So we decided to do a combined celebratory treat.

Around the same time, we were invited to visit our local Build-A-Bear Workshop… honestly, this could not have come at a more perfect time!!

A Bear-iffic Experience

I don’t know anyone who walked into a Build-A-Bear Workshop and walked out with a so-so experience.

As soon as your child steps in , it’s like “Creating Special Memories” mode kicks in.

My kids have always walked out beaming from ear to ear!

I think what makes the whole experience so “beary” special is the love ritual that takes place, right before the bear’s (or stuffed animal’s) heart is placed into its soon to be fluffy, cuddly body. (Read more about this ritual in my post highlighting Bunny girl’s first “bear making” experience.)

I have to add here that I’ve seen a grown man actually do the whole ritual for a bear he planned to surprise his fiance with! (Poor man was beet-red with embarrassment but seriously did all that he was asked to do!!)

What makes the money spent at a Workshop worthwhile is the look of pure determination and love on the face of a child right after their new “pal” is handed over.

After a lot of debating, Bunny girl chose a Rainbow bear with hearts on her paws while Bunny Boo picked a brown Labrador that reminded him of a friend’s pup that he absolutely adores. Both kids spent over 35 minutes minutes giving their “pals” a “bath” and picking out just the right clothes and shoes!

(No gentle nudges to hurry up the process were entertained whatsoever. They wanted only the best for their pals and they were going to make sure that is what they got!! Sigh! I applaud the patience of the sweet Bear-sonnel who walked around with the kids, helping them out with clothing suggestions, re-dressing the Bear/Pup and just being there for what they needed for their pals! )

Surprise your child with a visit this Bear-uary!

With Valentine’s right round the corner and some fun new arrivals to the Workshop, consider cele”bear”ating a special accomplishment or just the love you share with your munchkin, with a trip to the Workshop.

Contrary to what people may believe, making a Beary Special Pal is not expensive. You can buy a bear for as low as 10$.

It’s when you decided to do all the add-ons (clothes, shoes, accessories, sounds etc.) that things start to ring up at the counter!

With a little will-power you can stay within budget and still walk away with a sweet memory of a wonderful experience.

If you’re interested in the latest additions to the animal family, make sure you take a look at the Disney Princess Bears, Harajuku Hugs Pandas and Girl Scout Thin Mint Bears. {When we visited, the Bears hadn’t come in yet}

Tell me and enter for a chance to win a 25$ Build-A-Bear Workshop Gift Card…

I’d love to know what you’d pick up from the new collection, if you had the chance to make your own bear!

(Leave a comment below letting me know what your pick would be)

Additional Entry:

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Enter to #win a 25$ @buildabear #Valentine #GiftCard and Celebrate this Bear-uary! {#Giveaway ends 2/16} p.ost.im/p/dmU6LC #EBMommy

— Marina (@ebmommy) February 7, 2013

Terms and Conditions:

This giveaway will end on February 16, 2013 at 10:59 pm CST.
This is open to the US only, for entrants aged 18 years and older. The winner will be chosen by random.org.
The winner(s) will be announced on Energizer Bunnies’ Mommy Reports and emailed.
The winner(s) will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

**EBMR Disclaimer: Energizer Bunnies’ Mommy Reports received one or more of the products featured above for evaluation purposes and is an affiliate of one or more banners/products you will see on this site. Regardless, all opinions expressed in this post are still 100% my own**

Short URL: http://su.pr/1GNlXo

Filed Under: Live Giveaways, Reviews ·

About Marina

Marina is a Stay at Home Mommy to 2 Energizer Bunnies and wife to her best friend, Hubs. She is also the voice behind Energizer Bunnies' Mommy Reports.
What tides her through each day?...A hot cup of cardamom chai and Philippians 4:13!