How to Have a Build-A-Bear Birthday Party

Everyone loves Build-a-Bear's amazing selection of furry friends but having a birthday party at an official Build-a-Bear location can be pricey and isn't always an option.

If you have a family member that would love to invite some guest along with their furry friends to a birthday party you might want to think about having your own Build-a-Bear party at home.

Here are some ideas to get you on your way to a "beariffic" birthday party!

If you want official Build-a-Bear invitations you can design and print them for free at the Build-a-Bear Workshop website. Think about making your invitations more personal by adding a note for each guest while designing them. And when the party is over you can go back to the workshop website to design and print matching Build-a-Bear thank you notes.

If you want your invitations to be more unique consider making your own out of yellow and blue card-stock. Let your child help you decorate your invitations with bear shaped die cuts and stickers--found at most craft and paper stores. Don't worry if they aren't perfect, by letting your child help you are creating memories that will last a lifetime!

Build-a-Bear doesn't sell party supplies but it is easy to decorate with their workshop colors--yellow and blue. You don't have to go overboard on decorations, all you need are balloons and streamers. These items are fairly inexpensive and create a fun party atmosphere. If you want to go the extra mile pick up matching paper plates and cups. If you child doesn't like yellow and blue decorate with their favorite colors instead.

Dress a Bear

A Build-a-Bear party wouldn't be complete without a new outfit for the furry friends in attendance. Ask the guests to each bring a bear or 18 inch doll to the party to dress. Let them pick and outfit and transform their friends into skaters, cheerleaders, ballerinas, princesses, mermaids and more.

Parents can buy doll or bear clothes and accessories for less by choosing off brands like Little Adventures and Sophia’s Doll Clothes. Remember that Animals from Build-A-Bear Workshop fit 18 inch size doll clothes.

Pin the bow or hat on the Bear

Use butcher paper to draw a large teddy bear to hang on the wall. Have party participants try to pin the bow or hat on the bear while blindfolded.

Bear Bean Bag Toss

Cut a bear shape out of cardboard with a hole for the mouth, and toss a bean bag through the mouth or sit teddy against a wall and kids can toss bean bags in the bear’s lap.

Decorate a Bear Cookie

Have guests frost and decorate bear-shaped cookies to take home or eat there.

Remember birthday parties should be fun and not stressful so stick with these fun party tips and you're sure to have a "bearrific" party on your hands!