Build-A-Bear Workshop

I’ve been here way too much with my 6 year old son. He has 3 Build-​A-​Bear monkeys from the Providence location alone.
If you’re not familiar with the BABW concept, they offer unstuffed animals that children can select to stuff & accessorize. They have a presentation where your child helps stuff the bear & make it their own with accessories.
Every time we’ve been in the staff has treated us well & are always friendly & outgoing. Whether making sure we get the proper discount or helping to find the right item they extremely helpful.
They do rotate stock so when a new monkey style comes in we can get it but we have to wait until all the previous styles have sold. There are plenty of options for all children & even some cartoon/​movie characters too. It can get a bit pricey with all the add ons & accessories but kids love it.

I am a frequent flyer at all places catered to the wee ones. I’ve seen the good, the bad and the nasty.
This place is good. Very good, in fact.
Stopped here on a Sunday… unknowingly fifteen minutes before closing. The young staff was accommodating and was super patient and enthusiastic with the families waiting in line. Kudos for that fact alone!
This spot is a special occasion stop for us. Birthdays, mostly.
It’s geared to the 8 and under crowd. You pick the animal and then you customize with stuffing as the hostess filling your animal tells a cute little diddy about how you are helping to bring the animal to life.
Outfits can get costly but it’s do-​able for under $ 30…bear and outfit included.
They sell gift certificates, too. A great adventure…

There are so few ways to keep a little one entertained at the mall, so this shop is a hit with my son.
Pros:
Staff is really friendly and obviously experienced with children
They acknowledge any occasion for your visit (we went for good behavior)
The process is quick and captivating for the little ones
There are so many add on options and stuffed animals to choose from
Cons:
The accessories can become costly
The box is introduced as your pet’s new home, which is later hard to convince kids to throw it out.
This is not an everyday stop, but really does reward special behavior or special events in a child’s life. I know that the lamb is a beloved friend of my 5 year old.