We're reader-supported and only partner with brands we trust. When you buy through links on our site we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated and are subject to change.

When it comes to celebrating kids’ birthdays, there’s nothing quite like a visit to your local Build-A-Bear Workshop. But let’s be real — Build-A-Bear stuffed animals, their clothing, and accessories can put a serious dent in your wallet that not even the free Build-A-Bear stuffing can fill.

In this guide, we’ve assembled our best tips and tricks on how to save money at Build-A-Bear Workshop, all without sacrificing the fun and excitement of creating a special furry friend. From discounts to DIY options to how much their birthday parties really cost, we’ve got you covered.

Download the Krazy Coupon Lady app for more money-saving tips, deals, and coupons, or text HACKS to 57299.

 

1. Build-A-Bear Workshop prices start at $14 to build your own plush toy.

A little kid holding a Build-A-Bear Birthday Bear while sitting in a stroller

Let’s cover the most important question first: How much is a Build-A-Bear going to cost you? When you visit a Build-A-Bear Workshop in person (or when you shop their website), you can “build” plushes of all shapes, sizes, and themes. But prices start at $14 for a basic plush bear without any personalization, outfits, or accessories.

Prices only go up from there depending on which type of plush you select and how you customize it. They have Build-A-Bear Pokemon characters, Star Wars, Peeps, Disney, Mario, and more. Once you get into these themed options, the prices can creep up to around $75. And that’s not counting clothing or other accessories.

Here are a few of the cheapest options for stuffed plushes at Build-A-Bear:

Compare those prices to some of the more expensive Build-A-Bear characters:

 

2. Join the Build-A-Bear Bonus Club to earn $10 in rewards for every $100 you spend.

A person looking at a cellphone displaying the Build-A-Bear website page about their Bonus Club

The Build-A-Bear Bonus Club is a free loyalty program that lets you to earn points and get access to exclusive offers, discounts, and perks. As long as you’re at least 18 years of age, you can join their Bonus Club and start earning points for every dollar you spend at Build-A-Bear workshop or online.

For every $1 you spend on an eligible purchase (even if it’s with a gift card), you’ll earn 1 point. Once you reach 100 points (or $100 spent), you’ll receive a $10 reward certificate via email.

The best part about joining the Bonus Club? Your child will get to take part in the Pay Your Age promotion, which lets you pay a dollar amount equal to your child’s age for a Birthday Treat Bear (instead of the usual $14).

 

Additional perks of the Build-A-Bear Bonus Club:

  • Early access to new releases before the public
  • Exclusive offers
  • Double points days
  • Birthday coupons like $10 off a $30 purchase
  • Birthday month freebies like a special birthday heart ceremony, sticker, and party hat

Related: Take advantage of tons of these birthday freebies and discounts — we even found a few that apply to kids.

 

3. Save up to 50% with a Build-A-Bear coupon or promotion.

Someone looking at the coupons and promotions on the bottom of the Build-A-Bear website

When you visit the Promotions & Events page on BuildABear.com, you’ll see all the current discounts and offers.

When I checked in May 2023, they had several promotions going on:

Related: Ever gotten unwanted text messages from Build-A-Bear? You may be eligible to get $500 in the Build-A-Bear settlement.

 

4. Buy a discounted Build-A-Bear gift card and save up to 30%.

Someone taking a Build-a-Bear gift card from the Extreme Value gift card display in Sam's Club

Paying with a discounted gift card is one of our favorite hacks for saving money at any store. Here are the best offers we’ve seen on Build-A-Bear gift cards:

 

5. Get up to 50% off when you shop the Build-A-Bear Workshop clearance section.

A little kid looking through some Build-A-Bear options on the shelf

Shopping the clearance section at BuildABear.com is a great way to knock up to 50% off regular prices on things like clothing and accessories.

Here are a few recent Build-A-Bear clearance deals we’ve found:

 

 

6. Plan a Build-A-Bear Ultimate Experience party and get up to $30 worth of included freebies per guest.

As long as you have a group of five or more guests, you can book a Build-A-Bear party. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a birthday party, so you could go in with family or friends on a party and reap the savings on clothing items and bear carriers that come with certain packages.

Here’s what all Build-A-Bear Party packages include:

  • Furry friend for each guest ($14+ value)
  • Party leader
  • Special heart ceremony
  • Party games and activities
  • Name tag stickers
  • Bear ear paper party hats
  • Photo prop photo op
  • Light-up cupcake keepsake plush for the Birthday Guest of Honor

 

Option 1: Super Smiles Party Package ($20 per guest)

With this package, you’ll get about $1.95 worth of “freebies” per guest:

  • One furry friend per guest (up to $14 value)
  • One T-shirt for each furry friend ($7 value)
  • Cub Condo ($0.95 value)

 

Option 2: Fantastic Fun Party Package ($28 per guest)

This package comes with about $7.95 worth of freebies per guest:

  • One furry friend per guest (up to $20 value)
  • One clothing item for each furry friend (up to $15 value)
  • Cub Condo ($0.95 value)

 

Option 3: Awesome Adventure Party ($35 per guest)

This package includes about $11.95 worth of freebies per guest:

  • One furry friend per guest (up to $26 value)
  • One clothing item for each furry friend (up to $15 value)
  • Bear Carrier ($5.95 value)

 

Option 4: Ultimate Experience Party ($45 per guest)

This package includes a whopping $29.45 worth of freebies per guest:

  • One furry friend per guest (up to $36 value)
  • One clothing item for each furry friend (up to $15 value)
  • One footwear item for each furry friend (up to $9 value)
  • One sound (up to $8.50 value)
  • Bear Carrier ($5.95 value)

 

Option 5: Silver Celebration Party ($60 per guest)

While this package is the most expensive, you do get about $27.95 worth of included freebies per guest:

  • Mascot appearance
  • Signed Birthday Card
  • Birthday bear ears headband for the Guest of Honor ($5 value)
  • One furry friend per guest (up to $36 value)
  • One clothing item for each furry friend (up to $15 value)
  • One footwear item for each furry friend (up to $9 value)
  • Wristie or head accessory (up to $9 value)
  • One sound (up to $8.50 value)
  • One scent ($4.50 value)
  • Bear Carrier ($5.95 value)

 

7. Shop for knockoff Build-A-Bear clothing on Amazon and save 50%.

Someone looking up some cheaper Build-A-Bear clothes on Amazon

It’s amazing how quickly the bill can add up at Build-A-Bear, and it’s always due to the usual suspect — the clothing! Most Build-A-Bear outfits cost around $13 to $15, and the shoes are typically priced at $8. But you can actually snag lookalike clothing and shoes on Amazon for up to 50% off retail prices.

You’ll find a pretty good selection of outfits priced between $7 and $8, although I have found a few pieces for as low as $2.

Here are a couple of Amazon clothing deals that are similar to those you can buy at Build-A-Bear:

 

8. Stack the Build-A-Bear military discount with other promotions and save an additional 10%.

Build-A-Bear offers a 10% military discount that you can stack with other promotions like their BOGO 50% off.

Note: You can only use the Build-A-Bear military discount in-store, and must show your photo ID during checkout.

 

9. Buy new, unstuffed bears on eBay to save up to 50%.

build-a-bear-030421a

Quite a few eBay sellers offer unstuffed bears and animals at a discounted price. You’ll just take your unstuffed bear into a Build-A-Bear Workshop location to get it stuffed for free!

While you can get a bargain on new Build-A-Bear furry friends on eBay, be sure to research the item’s authenticity, condition, the seller’s ratings, and additional shipping costs to avoid any scams. When you do find a good deal, you can buy in multiples to stockpile gifts for events like baby showers and birthdays.

Here are a few current eBay deals:

 

10. Follow Build-A-Bear Workshop on social media to stay on top of current promotions.

You can be up-to-date on the newest arrivals and sales when you follow Build-A-Bear on Facebook and Twitter. Or add Build-A-Bear to your list of favorite stores on The Krazy Coupon Lady app.

How To Save at Build-A-Bear Workshop: Prices, Discounts, Gift Cards & Hacks