Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Build-A-Bear Workshop Supports Autism Speaks (Review)

In our household, we absolutely LOVE Build-A-Bear Workshop!

Shaun got his first bear from Build-A-Bear Workshop when he was just 9 months old. His daddy was deploying to Iraq and we wanted him to have something special from Daddy before he left, so we made him his 'Daddy Bear' to cuddle and hear Daddy's voice while he was away. A few months later, we made Daddy a 'Shauny Bear' for Father's Day so that he could hear Shaun's voice (baby talk) until he came home. For military families, Build-A-Bear Workshop is a fun, unique way for kids to stay connected with their parents while deployed.

But even for non-military kiddos, it's such a wonderful experience! From birthdays, to vacation souvineers, or even just because...we love the experience of going into the store and making our very own bear. Since his initial bear as baby, his collection has grown to about 6 or so. With his love of plush, I suppose it would only make sense that he loved Build-A-Bear Workshop!! So, when we heard the news that they were launching a new bear supporting Autism Speaks for Autism Awareness Month, we could not have been more thrilled!! Starting tomorrow, March 27th, you can make one of these bears for yourself in stores!! 



Here is a little more info:

  • The Autism Speaks Bear ($18) arrives on March 27 and $1 from the sale of this bear will be donated to Autism Speaks.
  • An Autism Speaks bear-sized Tiny Tees shirt ($7) will also be available, with 50 cents from every tee sold going directly to the charity.
  • Throughout April, Guests can also donate $1 (or more) to Autism Speaks when they check out at Built-A-Bear Workshop stores in the United States or online at buildabear.com.

    Build-A-Bear Workshop was kind enough to send us one of these wonderful Autism Speak Bears to review before it was available in stores! Shaun was beyond thrilled when his bear arrived. At this age, he does not yet understand what Autism is, or that he has it. He does know that Mommy and Daddy told him that this was a very special bear that was unique and amazing...just like him. So naturally, he decided to name his bear Shaun!

If you've been to a Build-A-Bear Workshop before, you know what kind of quality to expect. This bear is no different- it's great quality and super soft, perfect for snuggling. What makes this bear special is definitely the details. The light blue is stunning in person, and perfect for the Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue campaign!  The puzzle piece on its chest is perfect as well, but my favorite part is definitely the feet! It brings in the multicolored look that is probably more often associated with Autism Awareness, and brings in a lot of fun!

As an Autism family, we love anything that raises awareness for our little man and others like him. We especially love it when it is such a well known company!! Even with the prevalence of Autism right now (1 in 88 children, using the conservative numbers), there are still so many people who don't know the first thing about it. I could go on and on about that topic, but that's not what this post is about...the point is I think it's wonderful for such a well known and well loved company as Build-A-Bear Workshop to have this unique bear to raise awareness, on the chance that someone sees these bears at their local store and decides to do some more research. And besides all that, they are ridiculously CUTE!!




Overall, we absolutely ADORE this au-some bear!!



Disclaimer: Build-A-Bear Workshop sent me this product in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.



22 Comments:

  1. Both my brother and my cousin have Autism. While my brother at 22 is a little old for a bear (plus his "Boo Bear" would be most outraged at someone new), I know my 6 year old cousin would love this!

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a wonderful thing for Build-a-Bear to do! I am a new follower from the Made in a Day Blog Social! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love Build-a-Bear. When my oldest was born I bought him one (almost 15 years ago) Then I started that tradition when each child was born. We still have all 3 bears in the house. They may be a little worn out and faded, but the memories will last forever. I think the autism bear is adorable, and I am glad to see such a fantastic company supporting this cause.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi! Stopping by and following your awesome blog from Made in a Day Social Hop. So excited to see Build-a-Bear doing this fantastic support. That bear is so cute, too! I am a third grade teacher, and I have 2 students this year with Autism. We have an amazing Autism program. I always love seeing support. I look forward to reading more of your blog. :)

    Kathy
    www.lifeonlakeshoredrive.com
    www.lifeonlakeshoredrive.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. My kids love Build a Bear! Their Easter flower fun bunny is so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hey there! Stopping by from the GFC hop and am now following you via GFC and your social networks! I really have to bring my little one in to build a bear; I can't believe we haven't done this already :o)

    ReplyDelete
  7. My boys love Build a Bear, anytime we walk by one My 3year old always wants to make a bear. We have so far gotten the boys each one for each birthday. The first birthday my husband and myself record our voices telling them "happy first birthday we love you" after that is the only bear we make the rest is completely up to them. Autism, I was going to school to become a special education teacher (before your life plans changed lol) I wanted to mainly get Autism education so that I could work with all the amazing kids, I hope one day to go back and do so.I love reading your blog and seeing pictures of your beautiful family!

    ReplyDelete
  8. My little grandsons love Build a Bear. They are always asking to go and find a new friend.

    ReplyDelete
  9. As an education major, Autism awareness has always been important to me. Also, my daughter has been wanting to do a BAB for her new sibling on the way!

    ReplyDelete
  10. My daughter would love the Harajuku Hugs Panda. Thanks for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have a friend whose little boy is autistic. He is so smart! I got tickled the other day, He was doing something and his Mom said "how many times have I told you not to do that?" He said "How many times have I told you not to be mean?" Even his Mom couldn't keep a straight face lol And, yes, your little boy is adorable!

    ReplyDelete
  12. My daughter has Autism and we are constantly spreading the word about Autism Awareness, I am planning on taking part in the walk for Autism here in town! This bear is adorable and I'm glad Build-A-Bear is shining blue!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love Build-A-Bear for my daugther.

    ReplyDelete
  14. My two little grandsons just love going to Build a Bear. They would love the Rockin' E.B.

    ReplyDelete
  15. My daughters love Build-A-Bear and this is fantastic promotion for spreading Autism Awareness!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love Build-a-Bear. my son love Build-A-Bear

    ReplyDelete
  17. I have a nephew with autism and me and my mom are always looking and doing things to support autism awareness. I got the email the other day bout the build bear and instantly we looked at each other said we had to get one.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'd like to win this so I can give it to a foster child or a child off of the Salvation Army tree at Christmas time :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I want to win one because I do not have a Build A Bear and two because this is a cute bear. My son has autism and I try to bring awareness about autism every chance I get.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I want to win b/c my sons have never been to build a bear and I would love to take them for a great experience.

    jennifer marie

    lilnursejen at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. 1. So stinkin' cute! :-)
    2. My daughter is dying for one of the new My Little Ponies.

    ReplyDelete
  22. There are several creates along with types of power units. Essentially the most significance attribute involving just about any machine, on the other hand, can be the number of PSI, as well as force for every sq inches, that may be developed. Right here is the normal variety of machine PSI evaluations along with precisely what responsibilities these are beneficial to filling out: How to Build a Pressure Washer (Easy Guide)

    ReplyDelete

"Pleasant words are as a honeycomb: sweet to the soul and health to the bones." Proverbs 16:24