Build-A-Bear Workshop Celebrates the Holidays {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, mywildcrazyworld!}

Sometimes when we are getting ready to leave the house, my kids dawdle and take their sweet time putting on their shoes and complaining that they can't find their hat.

Other times, all it takes is mentioning that we're going somewhere that they know and love, and they are nearly running out the door and starting the car for me. After all, when we're heading to experience the fun and magic of Build-A-Bear Workshop, there's just nowhere that they'd rather be.

After having thoroughly enjoyed our past experiences at Build-A-Bear Workshop, as soon as Big Sister E and Little Sister B set foot inside the store, they took off to see what was new. As usual, Build-A-Bear Workshop has come up with a wide selection of characters, outfits and ways to celebrate the holidays, and this season they are especially inviting visitors to "get their wish on."

With brand-new furry friends from the latest holiday movies (e.g. adorable penguins from Happy Feet Two and cute chipmunks from Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked!), classic and celebrity characters, hi-tech Kinect enabled bears, gifts that give back, holiday traditions, customized presents and fun stocking stuffers, Build-A-Bear Workshop will be on everyone's wish list this year.

After a warm greeting from a friendly Bear Builder Associate, we started off our visit with what is always the most difficult task of the entire trip: choosing which furry friend to make. With so many adorable animals to pick from (starting at only $10), how do you ever make a decision?

After examining each one, Big Sister E decided on the bright Colorful Hearts Bear, while Little Sister B went with Erik (from Happy Feet Two), as she is a big fan of penguins.

Seeing that we had made our choices, the Bear Builder Associate stepped in and we chatted about the next step in the process: adding sound.

A completely optional add-on, there is everything from talking to animal noises to music to recording your own sound available to be hidden inside your new furry pal. What better way to make your new friend come to life or to send a message to a lucky recipient?

Next up was the large and impressive Stuff Me station, where Big Sister E had no problem stepping on the floor pedal to make the fluffy stuffing fill up her bear. She even got to help twice, as Little Sister B wasn't sure about the loud whirring noise that the machine made when it was in use and preferred to watch from afar.

However, Little Sister B was happy to come over when it was time for her and her sister to participate in the Build-A-Bear Workshop tradition of picking out and preparing a heart for their furry friend.

From rubbing the fabric heart on their heads to give their new pal intelligence and on their hearts to make them loving, they both grinned along as they participated before sticking the heart inside their animal.

After our new pals were all stitched up and ready to go, we moved over to the Fluff Me station so that they could be "washed," fluffed and ready to get dressed. Little Sister B was a little scared by the noise of the machine as it blew air but still gave her new penguin a nice brushing.

Then it was the clothes; the many, many clothes. With outfit options ranging from simple (shorts and a t-shirt) to elaborate (full ball gowns and tuxedos), there isn't an apparel or accessory item that Build-A-Bear Workshop has overlooked.

I am always in disbelief of all of the adorable little sunglasses, hair bows, types of shoes, bow ties, pajamas... there were even strollers made for a child to push their bear or a little wardrobe for a place to keep your stuffed friend's clothes stored.

After browsing... and browsing... and browsing... Little Sister B decided on a pair of pink ballet slippers for her penguin while Big Sister E picked out a pair of holiday-themed pajamas for her bear and happily put them on her at a Dressing Station.

Heading over to the computer stations, both girls were sure to customize a birth certificate for their new friends and had a good time picking out names to enter in. Build-A-Bear Workshop gives you options of including as much or as little personal information as you are comfortable with, as well as signing up for their newsletter and more.

As usual, we had such a great time at Build-A-Bear Workshop! I always appreciate that no matter how much time you want to spend or what size budget you have, there is something for everyone available. You can opt to give a gift card so that your recipient can create their own new pal, or you can easily pick up any number of things that are great on their own.

A new holiday outfit for their favorite friend?

A premade character to tuck into a stocking or wrap for under the tree?

Or how about an even smaller way to finish off a package or add a little something to a card in the mail?

Whether for a special occasion or just to bring a big smile to a child's face, Build-A-Bear Workshop really does provide kids with a magical experience - there just isn't any comparison to making your own best friend! The unique and entertaining time that kids of all ages have is sure to be one that is talked about for quite some time to come... I know it has been here!

Whether you are a grown up searching for the perfect stuffed animal for that special someone, or a child discovering the joy of creating a personalized furry friend, Build-A-Bear Workshop has options that are sure to bring smiles long after the season is over.

This December you can feel even better about your purchase because Build-A-Bear Workshop is once again partnering with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and giving guests at their stores and online the option of adding a $1 donation to show their support.

Be sure to check out the numerous Build-A-Bear Workshop locations across the country (and the world!) to find one near you, as well as downloading their free app and visiting their entertaining Bearville for games, virtual gifts, and more. And, thanks to their generosity, one person will have the opportunity to get started making their own new furry friend (or choosing a new outfit for an existing pal) as well, because...

One lucky person will win a $10 gift card to Build-A-Bear Workshop!

To enter to win: Tell me if the child in your life has been to Build-A-Bear Workshop before and how much they enjoyed it (or, if they have never been there, why you think that they would love it).

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow Build-A-Bear Workshop on Twitter and/or Like them on Facebook.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN a $10 gift card to Build-A-Bear Workshop! A great gift, as kids ♥ @buildabear! http://bit.ly/vbeXM7 @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #win

1 Extra Entry (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
2 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on January 3rd at 11:59pm CST. By entering this sweepstakes, you are agreeing to these official rules. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited by law. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and must be 18 years of age or older.

A big thank you to Build-A-Bear Workshop for providing a gift card for me as well as a $10 gift card for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.