Katie is sharing her tips for saving money at Build a Bear Workshop:
Every mall has one, in fact most children under the age of fourteen can spot one from a mile away. It’s a Build a Bear Workshop! The bright yellow and blue trim beckon children to enter and stay awhile. Parents can’t help but say yes, and before they know it they are pulled into this alternate universe where stuffed animals are king. And while Build a Bear Workshops are looking to sell a stuffed animal custom made by your child, they are also selling an experience. The experience is delightful for children, unfortunately for parents it can come at a steep cost!
Well you don’t need to stress over the sight of a Build a Bear Workshop any longer. Saving money at Build a Bear is not hard as long as you know what you are doing. Below, you will find out exactly how to still get the fun animals you want while spending less.
10 Tips for Saving Money at Build a Bear:
1. Create a Build a Bear Account.
Visit Build a Bear online at www.buildabear.com and create a user account. When you do, you will get weekly notifications via email of upcoming specials and sales. You will also receive exclusive coupon offers and the chance to pre-order new arrivals.
2. Look for high value coupons.
Check the BAB website or the retail coupon database for Build a Bear coupons currently available. The best thing about BAB coupons is we aren’t talking $1.00 off coupons, but more like $5/$25 purchase or even $10/$25 purchase. Now those are some serious savings! (Note: There is currently a $10 off $40 purchase coupon. Use Code FRIENDS10).
3. Skip pricey accessories.
Certain accessories can be found for much less at retailers such as Walmart. For example, skip the $20 medical kit and get one for under $10 at a retail store. It won’t be a BAB brand, but still have the thermometer, stethoscope, etc. Many occupational accessories sold for the animals at BAB can be found for less elsewhere, so bypass them.
4. Search eBay.
You can typically find Build a Bear clothing and accessories for a fraction of the cost on eBay. Just buy from a reputable seller and keep your bear in style for much less! When you purchase your animal, give your child a coupon to pick an outfit out on eBay.
5. Set a spending limit.
Tell your children upon entering that there is a spending limit, and they will need to decide if the bulk of their money goes towards the doll or the clothing. For example, if the budget is $30, will they get a $30 doll and no clothing? Or, will they get a $20 doll and $10 in clothing. Be firm and use this as a chance to teach a lesson.
6. Ask about in store specials.
Ask one of the friendly employees about any specials being ran. You don’t want to miss out on the chance to save or score a freebie so be sure to ask. Many times they are offering free tote bags, t-shirts, and more.
7. Skip the in-season animals.
A clover covered bear will cost you more in March, and the pastel plush will cost you more around Easter. Avoid the specialty animals while they are in season and instead wait a few weeks when they will be discounted.
8. Utilize smart phone apps.
There are so many smart phone apps out there that reward you for shopping. Take advantage of these apps and while you might not get an in store discount, you can at least earn incentive points on your purchase. It is like getting paid to shop when you use these apps!
9. Use Swagbucks to earn gift cards.
When you take surveys at Swagbucks or search online, you earn points. You can redeem your points for a Build a Bear gift card, good at any Build a Bear store! Take a few minutes a day to participate in surveys or do your online shopping, and you could have a gift card in no time.
10. Flip through those magazines.
Many magazines such as Parents and Woman’s Day have been known to have Build a Bear coupon inserts. This is especially true when a new animal is released or around the holidays. Keep your eyes peeled for these tear out cards and save.
See how easy it is to save money at Build a Bear Workshops? By following these steps, you can easily save money on your next purchase while still having fun and enjoying the experience. So what are you waiting for? Try these tips out today!
Katie Femia is a wife and mother of three. She loves vintage finds, handmade goodness, the frugal life, and the long road to publication. You can find her at The Savvy Luna Bugg, the blog for frugalistas seeking simplicity through a handmade and vintage lifestyle.
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Bearlover says
At McDonald’s there is a coupon for ten dollars off when you spend thirty qbucks+, (you get it when you buy a happy meal)
Alea Milham says
Very cool! Thanks for sharing.