Build-A-Bear Pay for Age: Literally Everything You Need to Know

Creating an adorable, personalized stuffed animal from the Build-A-Bear Workshop is a great way to celebrate your child’s birthday. And Build-A-Bear has a very low age discount.bearIt’s better to resist. Your child will receive a teddy bear at a discounted price (the price you pay is the same as your child’s age).

If you’re unfamiliar with the Build-A-Bear concept, here’s how it works: Whether you shop online or in store, you can choose your stuffed animal and customize it with clothes, embroidery patterns, and even special sound effects. By creating unique stuffed animals, you are creating completely custom, huggable treasures.

But the costs of the Build-A-Bear experience can add up. This is why pay-for-age promotions are so popular. You may remember the headlines from a few years ago about the chaos surrounding Build-A-Bear’s launch of its pay-for-age program (which included long lines and an entire event shutdown). But the current program is different from that ill-fated one-day promotion. It is well established and easy to use.

So if you’re considering participating in Build-A-Bear Pay Your Age (aka the Count Your Candles program), we’ve compiled a complete guide on everything you need to know. Most importantly, know the following: You must register for the Build-A-Bear Bonus Club. Take part in the Pay Your Age promotion (luckily it’s free and easy to sign up for).

What is the Build-A-Bear Pay Your Age discount?

Build-A-Bear’s “Pay Your Age” promotion (officially called Count Your Candles) is exactly what the name suggests. The price of the bear is the age at which your child changes. For example, when your child turns 5, you pay $5 for a birthday bear. It can only be purchased in stores, not online.

While the bear itself is discounted, Costumes and accessories are sold separately so you will have to pay extra for those items. Also keep in mind that the discount only applies to special birthday bears (pictured above, options may vary by store) and not to animals in store.

Bring your child to a bear-making workshop any time during their birthday month and simply pay the dollar amount equivalent to their age for the birthday bear.

You don’t have to go to the store on your child’s actual birthday. If you go in the month of your child’s birthday, it’s okay.

Please note: the minimum price you must pay is $1, and there is a limit of one bear per child per birthday.

Can I choose a different bear or stuffed animal for my candle counting at Build-A-Bear?

The Build-A-Bear candle counting program only includes birthday gift bears. The regular retail price for this bear is $14. It is impossible to replace this bear with any other stuffed animal. So if your child likes other teddy bears, unicorns, bunnies or other stuffy things, please know that they are not eligible for the promotion.

Can I make a reservation for Build-A-Bear Count Your Candles online?

This promotion is only valid in-store, so be sure to call the store before you arrive to make sure they have the birthday bear in stock. Availability may vary by store, so if a store is unavailable, the store may offer alternative selections or visit another time to honor the Build-A-Bear Pay Your Age offer, even if your child’s birthday falls last month. We can provide you with options.

If you have more than one child with birthdays in the same month, please let us know the quantity when you call to ensure we have enough birthday gift bears in stock.

How do I show proof of age for a Build-A-Bear candle discount?

Importantly, you do not need to provide your child’s identification or written proof of age. When you and your child enter the store, let them know that you are celebrating a birthday (birthday) and would like to participate in the candle counting promotion.

Does Build-A-Bear pay age discount online?

Not available online. Available only at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and stores. However, you can purchase Bear’s clothing and accessories in stores or online, but these are separate costs and are not part of the birthday promotion.

Being in the store is part of the experience. Your child will experience a birthday heart ceremony, receive a birthday heart for your furry friend, a birthday cake photo prop, birthday stickers, a birthday party hat, and ring a birthday bell to announce their birthday throughout the store.

Is anyone eligible?

yes. However, for a child to be eligible, the accompanying adult must be 18 years of age or older and a Build-A-Bear Bonus Club member. If you are not a club member, this promotion will not run, so make sure to register!

When does the Build-A-Bear Pay You Age event take place?

In addition to the Count Your Candles program (all children are eligible during their birth month), Build-A-Bear has used Pay Your Age events in its stores. The first incident in 2018 forced the store to close as demand far exceeded supply and staffing. The event was held again in 2019, but the number of “tickets” was limited and distributed through a lottery system. The event was spread over several days to avoid crowding. Then, in 2020, the Pay Your Age event was canceled due to the pandemic, and we haven’t seen one since. However, Build-A-Bear hosts many in-store events. For example, we recently saw a Double the Fun event offering two furry friends for $45.

What is the Build-A-Bear Bonus Club?

Build-A-Bear Bonus Club is a loyalty rewards program that is free to join. Earn points with every purchase you make to earn rewards (1 point per dollar spent, $10 reward for every 100 points earned). You’ll also get early access and special benefits. You can also participate in various events such as no-line online sales.

This program automatically enrolls you in the Bear Finder ID program. This allows you to assign your bear an ID barcode that can be scanned if it is lost (and returned).

When you check out in store with your birthday bear, you’ll be asked to share your account details, such as your email address or Bonus Club account number.

Can I host my child’s birthday at Build-A-Bear?

yes. Build-A-Bear offers children’s birthday parties. You can make a reservation here. Packages start at $20 per person and go up to $60 per person. Guests can take their stuffed animals home, but the price they pay determines what accessories and clothing are included.

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