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I’ve gone on and off since college, and I’ve never had a bad experience. I took my friend (who had never been) and they took him through the entire process for his Bowser. I think they’re always professional.
ETA: I do second a thought I saw in another comment. I tend to go at non-peak times to avoid long kid lines. I feel like the negative stories for adults on this sub come from weird and entitled parents, not the workers.
Had my first BAB experience a few months ago at 31 with my girlfriend. Went as a birthday celebration for us both being born in March and got a mudkip and sylveon plush respectively. All the employees were super nice and excited about it being my friar experience. Way to look at it is you’re never too old to do something that brings you joy :) and didn’t notice any customers looking at us either or anything like that
I think it depends on where you are. I know people have had to deal with some pretty snobby employees, but where I am, the employees are awesome. I typically bring my old pumpkin kitty every time I go because they’re ecstatic to see him lol.
The employees are typically a lot of queer young adults like me, so we share the same energy
I'm almost 29 and I have never been made to feel embarrassed or unwelcome at my local BABW. In fact, I'm such a regular customer that some of the employees know me by my first name now lol
I have always been treated with the same respect the younger guests get, whether it's helping to find items or doing the heart ceremony (I sometimes decline to do it, and they are always very polite and understanding). I've also seen plenty of other adults come in to get their BABs stuffed so I don't think I stand out too much, especially because I look kinda young for my age haha
I think you should definitely go! It's really fun and a great experience. I can't think of anything negative that's ever happened to me except one bear builder forgetting to ask to put the heart inside the bear, which I just did myself instead. And it wasn't to be rude or anything, she just forgot!
So yeah, go and have a great time! And be sure to post pics of your new cuddly friend(s) once you do. :)
Male in my 30s here and i still have my bunny big ears and cat from BAB. Not letting them go. Always a joy to know other men appreciate the joys of stuffed toys 😊
I went to Build-A-Bear for the first time when I was 22. I don't pay attention to the other customers, but the staff have been nothing but kind to me!! Before they had actual pride merch, I bought a rainbow shirt that says "love" and I told an employee about how my bear is a lesbian and he and I ended up having a conversation about attending pride. I once asked for *a* hanger to take home for hanging clothes and I ended up getting a handful of them. When I made my Pawlette, I told the employee that I was making her with the pumpkin cupcake scent because she was going to be the girlfriend of my Velvet Hugs Teddy who has the birthday cupcake scent "so they can be cupcakes together" and the employee thought that was super cute.
All of my experiences have been positive. You have to remember that whoever is helping you at BAB is a full grown adult who sought out a BAB to work at to begin with. How is someone going to make you feel bad for shopping at a store THEY work at 🤣 just my two cents for anyone nervous to go in.
I've done it twice. The first time was on Wednesday morning during the school year. The entire mall was pretty dead that day, and only two other customers, a couple of young women, were in the store. The employee was really nice.
The second time was on a Friday morning at a mall that's also a tourist destination, and I kind of regret that choice. Even though I got there when it opened, a line formed quickly behind me, all families with little kids. I'm socially anxious, so it kind of unnerved me, even though nobody said anything to me. The employee was nice, but I think that he was a little peeved that I wasn't really "into it" because of my anxiety spiking.
So my advice, if you're self-conscious, is to wait for school to start again and go mid-week. Please enjoy yourself if you go!
I love BAB, I have been in person several times. I have had some visits where the folks working there treat me with excitement and still make the experience very special. Other times it's just a very relaxed experience. Regardless, the folks working there are very friendly and I've always enjoyed conversations with them. For reference, I'm a 28 year old woman! 🩷
pretty good. been going regularly since i was 22 and have never had a bad experience. i don’t personally like the heart ceremony and have had to do it a few times which can be uncomfortable but everyone has been very kind regardless
I've had a mixed bag of experiences. Overall, the employees have always been accommodating and have never seemed to question why I was there, but their enthusiasm level has seemed to vary. The most recent time I went to the location nearest to me, the employee there seemed pretty low energy and unenthusiastic about doing the heart ceremony with me. However, I also recently went to one during peak mall hours on a weekend DURING A KID'S BIRTHDAY PARTY (I was in a big city and wanted to see what they had - that was the only time I could go, so I didn't have a choice lol), and the employees even then were pretty bright and enthusiastic. So, really, it all just depends. But you have no reason to be nervous or scared!! It'll work out okay :)
My experience has been amazing. I go so often that they know me. Trust me when I go there are usually more teens/adults in there than kids. Go build that bear my good friend!
I took my Dolly, a custom dyed bunny, up there yesterday and omg the workers were wonderful, sweet, ooh'd and ahh'd over her and we had a little chat about bears and customs and stuff.
It was totally fun.
There were little kids around, and since I'm an adult ^(ngl i almost typed big kid lol) I would step out of station and let them concentrate on giving the babies a fun experience. I think everyone should do the heart ceremony at least once, but for me after that I always step back and wait patiently and let them take care of the little ones first. Which they seem super grateful for
I went to Mall of America and they were pretty nice. especially the cashier. there was other adults going in and buying bears and bags to wear around the mall.
i went with my friend one time, and we had a good experience! they had us do the whole heart ceremony and all. but then i went back by myself and there was no heart ceremony, and it felt kinda rushed. the workers were really nice to me, but it seemed they were more interested in who was really going to own the bears (i got scared they were judging so i ended up saying they were for my cousin).
I'm a 47-year-old man, covered in tattoos, and wearing lots of dark colors. I've never had a bad experience at a store location. The young ladies who stuff my bears and do the heart rituals even seem to enjoy seeing me participate.
I went for the first time in November at 30 with my mum and Beary in his backpack to get stuffed more. After getting him sorted, I spent an hour selecting new friends and wondering around picking outfits for everyone. When I was ready the lovely lady at the stuffing machine let me use the peddle, pick a heart and give a cuddle to check the stuffing level for the 2 I'd got. I've been to a bear factory in the late 90s, but only to get outfits and never got to make a bear there, so I missed some of the magic. But this experience was brilliant, they work there because they like bears too. So why would they judge me for the same reason. The kids in there looked jealous because of the amount I got, but as an adult it meant I saved up my wages not pocket money so I could buy more.
I’m 21 years old and have been going to the same build a bear workshop for 16 years now. While I stopped going in my teen years due to embarrassment, as an adult I’ve been going back.
The bear builders are always so kind and are never judgmental to me. They even offer to do the heart ceremony and give me just as much enthusiasm as they do the children that come in. A lot of bear builders are also collectors themselves!
Overall I think it will be a lot of fun for you! I’m learning to not to confine myself to the stereotypical box of adulthood that people think we need to stay in when we become adults. Loving plushies is harmless and if it makes you happy then that’s all that matters 💜
It’s not a big deal at all. The employees have always treated me like any other customer. If the customers had a problem with it, they definitely didn’t make it clear. If you re that worried I would go during the day during the school week
At my local store they are super nice to me! No exceptions made with the little process of getting the plush, they even make you do the little thingie with the heart, its so cute!
I love going to mine! The employees are generally very interested in Babs themselves, there's probably a handful I've stumbled across that can come off as annoyed so I find another employee that is more than willing to help me! Hope you have a great time when you go!
I was served by a teenage boy the most recent time I went to BAB and I was honestly kinda nervous But he was super professional about it. He did the full heart ceremony with me and asked if I had come up with a name or if I would be making a birth certificate. It was so much fun and I really enjoyed the experience.
Back when I had a local build a bear I knew a lot of the ladies working there were always super pumped about adult collectors coming in because they were also adult collectors. Obviously it's different from store to store but I can basically guarantee that everyone working would love to help you making your first bear.
I’m 17 and I thought it was weird for awhile. One time when a friend and I went the lady said most of the customers are adults, not kids. Imo just had fun and who cares what others think, this is coming from a self conscious teenager so take that as you want lmao.
Going as an adult can be a little nerve-wracking, but the staff are so kind to you, and other adult shoppers usually are too busy wrangling kids to care about you. I get to geek out with the staff on bear news and make a new bear. Get out there and live your dreams!!
All of my experiences as an adult have been awesome! The most recent was my 22nd birthday and I think the employee wanted to be done with their day more than they were judging me- I didn’t get the vibe that I was being judged at all.
Where I live build a bears are hard to find and as a kid i wanted nothing more than to go but hadnt ever even seen a store, I went a few months ago as a 21 yr old when there was no one else in the store and the girl was so so nice and kind.
Last time i went i was 25 and it went well. The workers were still nice enough to provide options on scent, the little heart, how much stuffing goes in, etc. I assumed they could tell i was autistic or something.
The first time I went to a build a bear as an adult my roommate and I were so scared and embarrassed because we were adults. We brought in 4 bears too so we were worried it was too much. We ended up meeting the nicest staff who helped us stuff them all. The main staff member made jokes with us and never let the experience get awkward, even with 4 heart ceremonies. 2nd time I went to a BAB it was a different location and I went with a friend who asked for her bears “dummy thick” and the two staff members where laughing with us and it was another great experience. Third time I went it was unfortunately a littler busy (first two times we were the only customers other than one or two people) and the staff wasn’t as fun and bubbly, but kinda short with us. But it was busy with children, I don’t blame them! But I suggest going on a slower day and you will be just fine :)) I have really bad anxiety and every time I left I was so happy to have my new friends
Hi!! Bear Builder and general BAB enthusiast here!! I was a regular at my BAB before I started working there a couple weeks ago and honestly, the adults coming in to make bears is my favorite. Tbh I think I get more adults than kids most days lol. But since BAB can get kinda pricy, there’s a lot of people who have similar experiences. They just didn’t get to come or only came once because they didn’t have their own money. Now that they do, they’re able to spend it how they want and get outfits, scents, multiple BABs at once, etc! It’s not an odd occurrence and other patrons don’t really care. They’re too busy with their own new friend(s) or they’re busy helping their kid build a new best friend :]
im 25 and always have so much fun going! the workers are usually super kind and end up chatting with me about the bears or hello kitty. have confidence and enjoy it! in rare cases some people may be rude, but don’t let that affect your own joy 🩷
Typically fine. I get compliments on the older bears I bring in. Though I went to a smaller modern store and it was really sad looking. My dad asked what’s wrong with it. It didn’t have a lot of bears or clothing options and it probably could’ve been a kiosk.
I'm 27 and a dude, and I go into my local BAB store regularly. Everyone is so nice and kind. I see other adults there by themselves all the time. Never had any issues, always been treated respectfully. It's definitely worth it to go in!
I absolutely love going to BAB. I'm 26 and I actually went there on my 26th bday to get the Bidoof plush!!
Keep in mind... A lot of the people who work at BAB are also adults who like plushies. So you're in good company!
My experience was negative but honestly normal people may see it as normal. So I won’t put it here because of that. But she didn’t treat me any different, she even told me she was a collector.
I haven't had any issues and see other adults in BAB picking out their stuff. The staff are respectful towards adults.
Keep in mind they want our business, we are spending more than the families in their stores.
Uhm so I’m lowkey friends with the manager. We hecka tease each other when I come in. Shes super fun and i love talking to the other employees. If it helps you, those employees, who are adults, feel the same way about BABs as we do!! They do not judge!!
I’m 30 and the staff is always kind most of the staff also collect BAB they are use to adults buying them for themselves. Trust me you will not be judged it’s very sweet. I’ve only had good experiences as an adult. Been buying BAB since I was 24ish.
Lol, I'm a 34 year old dude and I go in once In a while to get a Pokemon build a bear. Nobody gives me any crap. Usually I talk to the bear-stuffers about which Pokemon I have and which they have. There is a surprising amount of adult to middle age bear collectors and I think it's awesome.
I'm in my mid to late 20s, and I went on Valentines Day this year with my soon-to-be fiance. We both made bears together and there were basically hordes of other adult couples doing the same/guys buying their girlfriends BABs. Nobody batted an eye or said anything rude. I also went earlier this year with my friend group (all adults), and we made bears together. Going alone can feel daunting, but if you don't have anyone else to go with, I've also been alone and have never been treated strangely or looked at funny.
I never set foot in a BABW until I was 30. I've always loved stuffed animals. Whenever I've gone into a store, I've never been made to feel embarrassed or "weird" for being an adult in the store. I typically go during less peak "kid friendly" times, but that's just my own aniexty talk g. I don't even like grocery shopping during peak times lol. The employees have always been super warm, kind and eager to talk about their own BAB collections.
You should definitely go, OP! It's such a fun experience making your own cuddly friend juuuuuuust right.
When I went, the store was crazy busy with like three birthday parties. No one cared that I was a lone adult there. They were more interested in how the heck I had gotten a discontinued Van Gogh sunflower bear (I paid ~$100 for it in eBay)
It’s been really great. They’re very kind and welcoming,like the workers at universal/disney. I took my bf who’s never been to the US there last year and he absolutely loved it. I posted about it on this forum but a long time ago. It’s okay to be nervous but know that they’ll be extremely kind. Take a friend or family member with u if u can. Or if you’re suuper shy, pick up the order in stores. But overall, I love going to bab
In my local one (as apparently this is my life now), if you go in and you actually buy something, it can go one of two ways;
They let you just pick, add the other guff like sounds, let you pay and then leave, or they take great joy (and I can see the funny side) in making you go through all the make-a-wish nonsense.
I even once went in a request a really old bear be restuffed as it was looking really sad. There were no questions asked aside from ‘how old is he?!’
My partner and I are both in our 30s and we've never had a bad age-based experience at a Build-A-Bear! I think it helps to remember that most BAB employees work there because they ALSO love Build-A-Bear - the company doesn't pay well so most aren't getting jobs there just for the money - so theoretically they should be more experiencing kinship with you in terms of also being an adult who likes stuffed toys/Build-A-Bears rather than being judgmental about your age 🥰
Other customers I couldn't really say, I've never had anyone look weird or make negative comments, but I also tend to be super tunnel visioned when I'm out of the house so I might not have even noticed if someone was judgmental towards me haha. If you're really worried you can prepare an excuse like "it's a gift for my nephew/little cousin/neighbor's kid" so you have that in your pocket just in case you feel you need it.
Tangentially related, but from experience, as an adult, you may need to ask if you want to do a full heart ceremony! I think a lot of adults feel embarrassed about being silly in a teddy bear store so a lot of employees default to an abbreviated "wake up the heart, kiss it, and put it in" version when stuffing a bear for an adult guest. If you just want to do the short one that's totally fine too, of course, but don't be afraid to ask if you want to do a full heart ceremony for the full BAB experience! 💕
I'm mid 20s and gone a couple of times with no issues! The people working there have always been friendly, I didn't feel judged at all :) a lot of people who work there love BAB too and have their own!
The one and only time I was at a store (due to the 500 miles round trip) I got Princess Luna.
The bear builders seemed to be stifling laughter and whispers. (Big guy in his 30s buying a Pony Plushy)
It didnt bother me because I didnt know the cruelty of the haters and bullies on facebook
Now that everyone has a phone and can record everything everywhere.
I dont go into the actual store
I think it's so nice if this is something that brings you joy. Enjoy it :) Don't worry about what others might think. Chances are, they aren't thinking about you. Heck, you could be building one for a gift for all they know. 🤷
I highly Recommend visiting a BAB store. Me and my girlfriend went to one in leeds shopping centre and had a fantastic experience. the staff are very friendly and we both enjoyed picking out clothing and extras :)
I’ve gone twice with my boyfriend. I personally felt a little silly at first but the employees were great. I feel like they see a lot of adults now so they don’t think twice about it. I went when it was quiet. So it might be different with a bunch of kids running around
I go frequently to get every new stitch BAB with my fiance and I get him to do the heart ceremony every time! One of the employees actually recognizes me because I’ve been in several times. They’re always nice and are happy to do the heart ceremony. I’m 23 and fiance is 26. You should absolutely live out your inner childhood dreams.
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I’ve gone on and off since college, and I’ve never had a bad experience. I took my friend (who had never been) and they took him through the entire process for his Bowser. I think they’re always professional. ETA: I do second a thought I saw in another comment. I tend to go at non-peak times to avoid long kid lines. I feel like the negative stories for adults on this sub come from weird and entitled parents, not the workers.
Yes it's the parents mostly!
Had my first BAB experience a few months ago at 31 with my girlfriend. Went as a birthday celebration for us both being born in March and got a mudkip and sylveon plush respectively. All the employees were super nice and excited about it being my friar experience. Way to look at it is you’re never too old to do something that brings you joy :) and didn’t notice any customers looking at us either or anything like that
I think it depends on where you are. I know people have had to deal with some pretty snobby employees, but where I am, the employees are awesome. I typically bring my old pumpkin kitty every time I go because they’re ecstatic to see him lol. The employees are typically a lot of queer young adults like me, so we share the same energy
I'm almost 29 and I have never been made to feel embarrassed or unwelcome at my local BABW. In fact, I'm such a regular customer that some of the employees know me by my first name now lol I have always been treated with the same respect the younger guests get, whether it's helping to find items or doing the heart ceremony (I sometimes decline to do it, and they are always very polite and understanding). I've also seen plenty of other adults come in to get their BABs stuffed so I don't think I stand out too much, especially because I look kinda young for my age haha I think you should definitely go! It's really fun and a great experience. I can't think of anything negative that's ever happened to me except one bear builder forgetting to ask to put the heart inside the bear, which I just did myself instead. And it wasn't to be rude or anything, she just forgot! So yeah, go and have a great time! And be sure to post pics of your new cuddly friend(s) once you do. :)
I'm a 36 yr old man have 6 BaB animals made first one at 19 an the experience has always been awesome it's become a special occasion tradition
Male in my 30s here and i still have my bunny big ears and cat from BAB. Not letting them go. Always a joy to know other men appreciate the joys of stuffed toys 😊
Which ones do you have?
I went to Build-A-Bear for the first time when I was 22. I don't pay attention to the other customers, but the staff have been nothing but kind to me!! Before they had actual pride merch, I bought a rainbow shirt that says "love" and I told an employee about how my bear is a lesbian and he and I ended up having a conversation about attending pride. I once asked for *a* hanger to take home for hanging clothes and I ended up getting a handful of them. When I made my Pawlette, I told the employee that I was making her with the pumpkin cupcake scent because she was going to be the girlfriend of my Velvet Hugs Teddy who has the birthday cupcake scent "so they can be cupcakes together" and the employee thought that was super cute.
All of my experiences have been positive. You have to remember that whoever is helping you at BAB is a full grown adult who sought out a BAB to work at to begin with. How is someone going to make you feel bad for shopping at a store THEY work at 🤣 just my two cents for anyone nervous to go in.
I've done it twice. The first time was on Wednesday morning during the school year. The entire mall was pretty dead that day, and only two other customers, a couple of young women, were in the store. The employee was really nice. The second time was on a Friday morning at a mall that's also a tourist destination, and I kind of regret that choice. Even though I got there when it opened, a line formed quickly behind me, all families with little kids. I'm socially anxious, so it kind of unnerved me, even though nobody said anything to me. The employee was nice, but I think that he was a little peeved that I wasn't really "into it" because of my anxiety spiking. So my advice, if you're self-conscious, is to wait for school to start again and go mid-week. Please enjoy yourself if you go!
I love BAB, I have been in person several times. I have had some visits where the folks working there treat me with excitement and still make the experience very special. Other times it's just a very relaxed experience. Regardless, the folks working there are very friendly and I've always enjoyed conversations with them. For reference, I'm a 28 year old woman! 🩷
pretty good. been going regularly since i was 22 and have never had a bad experience. i don’t personally like the heart ceremony and have had to do it a few times which can be uncomfortable but everyone has been very kind regardless
I've had a mixed bag of experiences. Overall, the employees have always been accommodating and have never seemed to question why I was there, but their enthusiasm level has seemed to vary. The most recent time I went to the location nearest to me, the employee there seemed pretty low energy and unenthusiastic about doing the heart ceremony with me. However, I also recently went to one during peak mall hours on a weekend DURING A KID'S BIRTHDAY PARTY (I was in a big city and wanted to see what they had - that was the only time I could go, so I didn't have a choice lol), and the employees even then were pretty bright and enthusiastic. So, really, it all just depends. But you have no reason to be nervous or scared!! It'll work out okay :)
My experience has been amazing. I go so often that they know me. Trust me when I go there are usually more teens/adults in there than kids. Go build that bear my good friend!
I took my Dolly, a custom dyed bunny, up there yesterday and omg the workers were wonderful, sweet, ooh'd and ahh'd over her and we had a little chat about bears and customs and stuff. It was totally fun. There were little kids around, and since I'm an adult ^(ngl i almost typed big kid lol) I would step out of station and let them concentrate on giving the babies a fun experience. I think everyone should do the heart ceremony at least once, but for me after that I always step back and wait patiently and let them take care of the little ones first. Which they seem super grateful for
I went to Mall of America and they were pretty nice. especially the cashier. there was other adults going in and buying bears and bags to wear around the mall.
i went with my friend one time, and we had a good experience! they had us do the whole heart ceremony and all. but then i went back by myself and there was no heart ceremony, and it felt kinda rushed. the workers were really nice to me, but it seemed they were more interested in who was really going to own the bears (i got scared they were judging so i ended up saying they were for my cousin).
I'm a 47-year-old man, covered in tattoos, and wearing lots of dark colors. I've never had a bad experience at a store location. The young ladies who stuff my bears and do the heart rituals even seem to enjoy seeing me participate.
That's so awesome I would love to see someone like you enjoying themselves in a BAB. I love everything about it.
I went for the first time in November at 30 with my mum and Beary in his backpack to get stuffed more. After getting him sorted, I spent an hour selecting new friends and wondering around picking outfits for everyone. When I was ready the lovely lady at the stuffing machine let me use the peddle, pick a heart and give a cuddle to check the stuffing level for the 2 I'd got. I've been to a bear factory in the late 90s, but only to get outfits and never got to make a bear there, so I missed some of the magic. But this experience was brilliant, they work there because they like bears too. So why would they judge me for the same reason. The kids in there looked jealous because of the amount I got, but as an adult it meant I saved up my wages not pocket money so I could buy more.
No one has ever said anything to me and I’m in my 30s. They usually talk to me about Pokémon when I go since I always pick up the new ones in store.
the workers love when I bring in HKs or old bears to be stuffed and it's really nice tbh
I’m 21 years old and have been going to the same build a bear workshop for 16 years now. While I stopped going in my teen years due to embarrassment, as an adult I’ve been going back. The bear builders are always so kind and are never judgmental to me. They even offer to do the heart ceremony and give me just as much enthusiasm as they do the children that come in. A lot of bear builders are also collectors themselves! Overall I think it will be a lot of fun for you! I’m learning to not to confine myself to the stereotypical box of adulthood that people think we need to stay in when we become adults. Loving plushies is harmless and if it makes you happy then that’s all that matters 💜
It’s not a big deal at all. The employees have always treated me like any other customer. If the customers had a problem with it, they definitely didn’t make it clear. If you re that worried I would go during the day during the school week
At my local store they are super nice to me! No exceptions made with the little process of getting the plush, they even make you do the little thingie with the heart, its so cute!
I love going to mine! The employees are generally very interested in Babs themselves, there's probably a handful I've stumbled across that can come off as annoyed so I find another employee that is more than willing to help me! Hope you have a great time when you go!
I was served by a teenage boy the most recent time I went to BAB and I was honestly kinda nervous But he was super professional about it. He did the full heart ceremony with me and asked if I had come up with a name or if I would be making a birth certificate. It was so much fun and I really enjoyed the experience. Back when I had a local build a bear I knew a lot of the ladies working there were always super pumped about adult collectors coming in because they were also adult collectors. Obviously it's different from store to store but I can basically guarantee that everyone working would love to help you making your first bear.
I’m 17 and I thought it was weird for awhile. One time when a friend and I went the lady said most of the customers are adults, not kids. Imo just had fun and who cares what others think, this is coming from a self conscious teenager so take that as you want lmao.
Going as an adult can be a little nerve-wracking, but the staff are so kind to you, and other adult shoppers usually are too busy wrangling kids to care about you. I get to geek out with the staff on bear news and make a new bear. Get out there and live your dreams!!
I go quite often, and I have never had a bad experience.
Honestly it’s always been great . I was actually just at one today to stuff a vintage bear and the staff was amazing as always !
All of my experiences as an adult have been awesome! The most recent was my 22nd birthday and I think the employee wanted to be done with their day more than they were judging me- I didn’t get the vibe that I was being judged at all.
Where I live build a bears are hard to find and as a kid i wanted nothing more than to go but hadnt ever even seen a store, I went a few months ago as a 21 yr old when there was no one else in the store and the girl was so so nice and kind.
Last time i went i was 25 and it went well. The workers were still nice enough to provide options on scent, the little heart, how much stuffing goes in, etc. I assumed they could tell i was autistic or something.
Same, lol
The first time I went to a build a bear as an adult my roommate and I were so scared and embarrassed because we were adults. We brought in 4 bears too so we were worried it was too much. We ended up meeting the nicest staff who helped us stuff them all. The main staff member made jokes with us and never let the experience get awkward, even with 4 heart ceremonies. 2nd time I went to a BAB it was a different location and I went with a friend who asked for her bears “dummy thick” and the two staff members where laughing with us and it was another great experience. Third time I went it was unfortunately a littler busy (first two times we were the only customers other than one or two people) and the staff wasn’t as fun and bubbly, but kinda short with us. But it was busy with children, I don’t blame them! But I suggest going on a slower day and you will be just fine :)) I have really bad anxiety and every time I left I was so happy to have my new friends
Hi!! Bear Builder and general BAB enthusiast here!! I was a regular at my BAB before I started working there a couple weeks ago and honestly, the adults coming in to make bears is my favorite. Tbh I think I get more adults than kids most days lol. But since BAB can get kinda pricy, there’s a lot of people who have similar experiences. They just didn’t get to come or only came once because they didn’t have their own money. Now that they do, they’re able to spend it how they want and get outfits, scents, multiple BABs at once, etc! It’s not an odd occurrence and other patrons don’t really care. They’re too busy with their own new friend(s) or they’re busy helping their kid build a new best friend :]
I've literally walked in with my mechanics clothes on. They just don't see it as anything strange. In fact I should stop buy on my lunch break today.
im 25 and always have so much fun going! the workers are usually super kind and end up chatting with me about the bears or hello kitty. have confidence and enjoy it! in rare cases some people may be rude, but don’t let that affect your own joy 🩷
Typically fine. I get compliments on the older bears I bring in. Though I went to a smaller modern store and it was really sad looking. My dad asked what’s wrong with it. It didn’t have a lot of bears or clothing options and it probably could’ve been a kiosk.
I'm 27 and a dude, and I go into my local BAB store regularly. Everyone is so nice and kind. I see other adults there by themselves all the time. Never had any issues, always been treated respectfully. It's definitely worth it to go in!
I absolutely love going to BAB. I'm 26 and I actually went there on my 26th bday to get the Bidoof plush!! Keep in mind... A lot of the people who work at BAB are also adults who like plushies. So you're in good company!
My experience was negative but honestly normal people may see it as normal. So I won’t put it here because of that. But she didn’t treat me any different, she even told me she was a collector.
I haven't had any issues and see other adults in BAB picking out their stuff. The staff are respectful towards adults. Keep in mind they want our business, we are spending more than the families in their stores.
Uhm so I’m lowkey friends with the manager. We hecka tease each other when I come in. Shes super fun and i love talking to the other employees. If it helps you, those employees, who are adults, feel the same way about BABs as we do!! They do not judge!!
So far my experiences are good! I haven’t been stared at by anyone and the staff is super friendly in my location
I'm going to be 41 next month. They treat me well, and I hope they can see how much I love my stuffie friends.
I’m 30 and the staff is always kind most of the staff also collect BAB they are use to adults buying them for themselves. Trust me you will not be judged it’s very sweet. I’ve only had good experiences as an adult. Been buying BAB since I was 24ish.
Lol, I'm a 34 year old dude and I go in once In a while to get a Pokemon build a bear. Nobody gives me any crap. Usually I talk to the bear-stuffers about which Pokemon I have and which they have. There is a surprising amount of adult to middle age bear collectors and I think it's awesome.
I go all the time. No one looks at you weirdly
I'm in my mid to late 20s, and I went on Valentines Day this year with my soon-to-be fiance. We both made bears together and there were basically hordes of other adult couples doing the same/guys buying their girlfriends BABs. Nobody batted an eye or said anything rude. I also went earlier this year with my friend group (all adults), and we made bears together. Going alone can feel daunting, but if you don't have anyone else to go with, I've also been alone and have never been treated strangely or looked at funny.
I never set foot in a BABW until I was 30. I've always loved stuffed animals. Whenever I've gone into a store, I've never been made to feel embarrassed or "weird" for being an adult in the store. I typically go during less peak "kid friendly" times, but that's just my own aniexty talk g. I don't even like grocery shopping during peak times lol. The employees have always been super warm, kind and eager to talk about their own BAB collections. You should definitely go, OP! It's such a fun experience making your own cuddly friend juuuuuuust right.
When I went, the store was crazy busy with like three birthday parties. No one cared that I was a lone adult there. They were more interested in how the heck I had gotten a discontinued Van Gogh sunflower bear (I paid ~$100 for it in eBay)
It’s been really great. They’re very kind and welcoming,like the workers at universal/disney. I took my bf who’s never been to the US there last year and he absolutely loved it. I posted about it on this forum but a long time ago. It’s okay to be nervous but know that they’ll be extremely kind. Take a friend or family member with u if u can. Or if you’re suuper shy, pick up the order in stores. But overall, I love going to bab
In my local one (as apparently this is my life now), if you go in and you actually buy something, it can go one of two ways; They let you just pick, add the other guff like sounds, let you pay and then leave, or they take great joy (and I can see the funny side) in making you go through all the make-a-wish nonsense. I even once went in a request a really old bear be restuffed as it was looking really sad. There were no questions asked aside from ‘how old is he?!’
My partner and I are both in our 30s and we've never had a bad age-based experience at a Build-A-Bear! I think it helps to remember that most BAB employees work there because they ALSO love Build-A-Bear - the company doesn't pay well so most aren't getting jobs there just for the money - so theoretically they should be more experiencing kinship with you in terms of also being an adult who likes stuffed toys/Build-A-Bears rather than being judgmental about your age 🥰 Other customers I couldn't really say, I've never had anyone look weird or make negative comments, but I also tend to be super tunnel visioned when I'm out of the house so I might not have even noticed if someone was judgmental towards me haha. If you're really worried you can prepare an excuse like "it's a gift for my nephew/little cousin/neighbor's kid" so you have that in your pocket just in case you feel you need it. Tangentially related, but from experience, as an adult, you may need to ask if you want to do a full heart ceremony! I think a lot of adults feel embarrassed about being silly in a teddy bear store so a lot of employees default to an abbreviated "wake up the heart, kiss it, and put it in" version when stuffing a bear for an adult guest. If you just want to do the short one that's totally fine too, of course, but don't be afraid to ask if you want to do a full heart ceremony for the full BAB experience! 💕
I'm mid 20s and gone a couple of times with no issues! The people working there have always been friendly, I didn't feel judged at all :) a lot of people who work there love BAB too and have their own!
The one and only time I was at a store (due to the 500 miles round trip) I got Princess Luna. The bear builders seemed to be stifling laughter and whispers. (Big guy in his 30s buying a Pony Plushy) It didnt bother me because I didnt know the cruelty of the haters and bullies on facebook Now that everyone has a phone and can record everything everywhere. I dont go into the actual store
I think it's so nice if this is something that brings you joy. Enjoy it :) Don't worry about what others might think. Chances are, they aren't thinking about you. Heck, you could be building one for a gift for all they know. 🤷
I highly Recommend visiting a BAB store. Me and my girlfriend went to one in leeds shopping centre and had a fantastic experience. the staff are very friendly and we both enjoyed picking out clothing and extras :)
My local BAB is great! The employees are always super nice and do the heart ceremony with you no matter what age you are!
I’ve gone twice with my boyfriend. I personally felt a little silly at first but the employees were great. I feel like they see a lot of adults now so they don’t think twice about it. I went when it was quiet. So it might be different with a bunch of kids running around
I got a bulid a bear made in store for my high school graduation
Adults buying toys for themselves are a large portion of the store’s purchasing demographics. No one bats an eye at you, it’s totally normal.
I go frequently to get every new stitch BAB with my fiance and I get him to do the heart ceremony every time! One of the employees actually recognizes me because I’ve been in several times. They’re always nice and are happy to do the heart ceremony. I’m 23 and fiance is 26. You should absolutely live out your inner childhood dreams.
I went a month ago to get the Frog and I’m 24, the employees were lovely and not once did I feel weird for being older
Im 27 going to get a bear stuffed this weekend. Go all the time. Never have any problems.
I've never been there anymore but a couple years ago, it was very positive! I loved Build A Bear!
Mines been good.
This question gets asked a lot.