Build-A-Bear Workshop

Xanadu Weaver

2023-12

We went here for our daughters 3rd birthday. It is expensive so plan ahead. They have several ads ons that definitely get ya lol. We got a birthday bear (which is pay your age (3)), a bday shirt, panties, skirt, hat, carrier, scent and heartbeat and my total was a little over $70. I did however qualify for 2- $10 for $5/ea. That was nice. The selection could have been better for the stuffies and the clothes honestly. The staff were absolutely amazing though. It's an experience.

Tristen Tharp

2023-05

It was super great!! Mia was super helpful. She helped us all have a great experience making our new friends. The store provides a great variety of animals, Pokémons, and movie characters. They also have a great deal 2 for $45. If your are looking for a great store in the mall, may I suggest Build-A-Bear.

Heather

2024-02

So disappointed!! Took my granddaughter here for the first time for her birthday and they were closed. The hours said they were open but the doors were closed! Staff was standing in there with the lights off. I don’t live near the city and have to drive a little over an hour. With all the horrible weather we have been having this was the first time I could get to DSM. I always took my daughter for her birthday and I wanted to start this with my granddaughter.

Ellen Paullin

2021-05

We had a gift certificate for my nephew for his bday, so off we went to build his bear. The store is cool. One of the ladies working was very helpful and nice. The other.....pretty crabby.Masks and distancing required as you pick out your stuff in store. They have about 40 different animals to choose from to start. Overwhelming for a 7 year old with ADHD! When he finally had his 2 picked out, crabby lady helped him to stuffing area. Picked out a couple of sounds. Went to add heart. She wouldn't let him have the bday heart until I said it was a bday gift. Weird.Anyway- we were there for 3 hours! Too long! It cost $115 for 2 animals with an outfit for each. Too much!He does love the animals. And they are cute. The one lady was super nice.

Kelli Brooker

2022-05

After walking by this place so many times last night we decided on a wimp to go in. As excited as I was, Laura also made this experience even more great. She didn't make us 30 year olds feel odd for wanting to build a bear!! When you walk in there is a wall to choose what stuffed animal. There were many choices from bear, monkey to Yoda. Then after you pick out the animal you can also pick out clothes. Which was so cute they really go all out with shoes and head bands! I choose the Denver Broncos jersey for my bear. After you do that you get to name your animal and then go on to stuffing it. She made it so cute and fun watching us stuff our bears! In the end before she sewed them up we got to pick out hearts for then, which was absolutely adorable! We loved it and highly recommend if you haven't built a bear to definitely check it out!

Charles Simpson

2024-01

I recently visited the Build-a-Bear Workshop at the Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines, IA, and it was an absolute delight! The moment I stepped into the store, I was greeted by the warm and welcoming staff, ready to assist me in my bear-building adventure.The highlight of my visit was creating my very own Grogu, inspired by Star Wars. The process was not only fun but also interactive, filled with personal touches that made the experience unique. From choosing the perfect plush body to stuffing it with just the right amount of fluffiness, every step was a joy.What stood out the most was the attention to detail and the quality of the materials used. My Grogu plush feels durable, well-made, and is incredibly cute! It's not just a toy; it's a keepsake that brings a smile to my face.The staff's expertise and friendly guidance made the entire process seamless. They were knowledgeable about the products and provided great suggestions to personalize my Grogu even further. The store's atmosphere was cheerful and inviting, making it a perfect spot for families, friends, or anyone looking to relive a bit of their childhood.I highly recommend Build-a-Bear Workshop at Jordan Creek Town Center to anyone in the West Des Moines area. Whether you're a Star Wars fan like me or just looking for a fun and creative experience, this place is sure to bring joy and a dash of nostalgia.

Amanda C

2023-05

A lot of times, my daughter ends up just coming along for the ride or the experience because there's not a lot she can do. In addition to being non mobile and nonverbal, she's also blind and has a global developmental delay. So, most of the time when we do things as a family with our other children, she just comes along for the ride, and often enjoys herself and giggles and laughs, but isn't typically able to be immersed in the activity in the same ways. I didn't get the name of the woman in this photo, but she's a rockstar! She deserves a raise, a paid vacation, and at the bare minimum, a big high five.From the moment we walked in, she made us feel like all four of our children, but especially this daughter, were welcome. She talked directly to her, instead of at her. She gave me insight and suggestions on things that she might like, and might benefit from. She showed me the switch device, that our daughter could use to be involved in the experience. She was so patient, and just so welcoming. She made us feel valued, and important. She definitely made the experience so much better and I didn't feel like she was necessarily going out of her way to be inclusive, but rather it was just a natural part of her personality. And that is something so incredibly rare as a mom of children with special needs.People often get intimidated or nervous or don't know how to act. I never once got that feeling from this woman. I honestly cannot say enough about how valuable that simple act of kindness was. I'm crying as I type this, it might not seem like a big deal to her or to most people, but it was a really big deal to our family. Our experience was excellent and I can't wait until we can go back!

Raegan B

2023-09

Every time we come here, we have a great experience. The workers are always so friendly. They are perfect at their job, especially with kids. Even if you're an adult stuffing a bear/whatever you chose, they still make it enjoyable! Smiles on all their faces. They greet you when you come in. They ask if you need help/have been helped.

Laura Jolene

2023-06

I forgot how amazing this place is! The workers were so helpful. Reasonable prices and a fantastic experience!

Alastair

2024-01

My friend and I went. The line took forever, but otherwise it's just what you would expect from Build-A-Bear. I didn't get anything, but my friend was very happy with her plush.

Abby

2023-08

I hope all the people that came into work today 7/22/23 get a raise. They’re working their butts off and this location is going to face its demise unless it retains who they have working there now. Brittany was super nice and had a great attitude and made the experience fun for my toddler. I hope management and corporate gives them their kudos for doing their best with the mass amount of people who came in.

Alistair Johnson

2023-08

Went there at 11 am and it was closed. There were two signs saying different hours and we had been there after open and before close for both. Came back at 11:30 and Noon and same thing. Not even a sign saying that they were closed early or that they would be back. Disappointing and very unprofessional.

Bethany Glosser

2023-09

Hours seem to change at whim of store owners. Guessing they are short-staffed, but consistency & customer service should be top priority for a store whose clientele are primarily children. And if celebrations are niche for your business, convenient hours are also important. Nowhere online had the correct hours posted.

Kristina Whiteley

2022-05

Build a bear is a fun store to visit if you love stuffed animals. They have so many stuffed from different movies and it's great. The only downside is the price of them. It's all expensive. You can't get a bear with an outfit for under $40-$50. The bears also seem to be getting smaller. That being said, I still need a toothless for my collection and they definitely still have him!!

Linda Lucero

2023-07

Granddaughter loved it. She is 5 and had fun making her own and dressing her new stuffed animals up. Loved that it wasn't super busy and she had time to do her thing ... staff was helpful. Creates a special memory for children of all ages. Even for adults

Liz Tarr

2023-10

Both of the ladies working were fantastic. Both were very helpful, friendly and very informative regarding their special edition products. BaB is always a great experience and I'll definitely be back!

Alison Conkling

2023-06

Such a GREAT experience!!! Our daughter was loving through every step. The staff were very kind and patient. They explained every step, and each option available. Great price and well worth the cost.

maggie mortimer

2023-07

The staff here are all super wonderful and friendly! They really go the extra mile to make your day and they helped make my birthday super special! Will definitely be back in the future when I can make the trip!

Jess Harless

2023-06

I have autism and use stuff animals to help keep calm. The staff never judges me or asks why I am getting them. The bears themselves are soft and perfect for cuddling for any age. It's fun for little kids, teens, parents, or anyone who wants to give a gift. Every bear that is made can be given a sent and/or sound, and you can make custom sounds aswell. Yes it can get expensive but I haven't seen anyone who didn't like the bear they made from all the outfits and bears they can make. The bears aren't always bears to, they have pokemon, Toothless from how to train your dragon, and other cartoon characters (from when I last went not long ago). It's really a great place to go.

Brian Connolly

2023-08

District manager has destroyed this location! Underpaying the employees to the point they all quit. The full time assistant manager wasn't even getting paid $15 an hour and the Bear builder start out at $9. The District Manager, Susan Praus, is an absolute piece of work. When the staff voiced their concerns they were ignored, when the put in their two weeks, she told them she could hire all new staff within the next two weeks. Well look how that turned out. Susan is fake, bitter, and selfish as she leaves the 3 remaining employees to run the store by themselves without her support. Please be patient with the people that are there. They are all part time employees that are forced to work through this mess Susan are made for them.

Mark Tyler

2023-11

The people were very friendly And very helpful we enjoyed our time in there and we're able to watch some children. Get them can help build them which was really fun for them.

Ed Kraus

2023-09

WRONG HOURS! Took my 2 year old for a birthday build a bear and instead, they don't open when the mall does. I'm just now reading past reviews saying the manager sucks too and has ruined that place. I mean, if they're not open when the mall does, and doesn't even pay well, it's no wonder we are highly disappointed with these people.

Desiree Miklus

2023-05

Kiddo LOVES coming here. The employees are super friendly and helpful and make it a great experience. We have quite the collection of BAB stuffies and accessories. And even better when one got a hole they sewed it right up for us!

TheLustyArgonian VR

2022-05

This was the cutest experience! The people working there were awesome! They were very welcoming and super friendly with my daughter and me. We had never been to build a bear, so they explained how to do it and made us feel like they were happy we came. The animals are a little expensive but you're really paying for the experience, and the experience was great. I'm so glad I brought my daughter here for her 10th birthday! We both really enjoyed it.

Katie M

2023-05

Karen (quite frankly the opposite) was amazing. She made sure we were helped as soon as we got there. She even started a wonderful conversation and made the experience a 10/10. I love this build a bear location, and would highly recommend .

Ashley Lockey

2023-05

The lady that waited on us on 9/16/2022, was amazing! We were her last customers of the day and she still had a smile and an upbeat attitude. She told us she loved her job. I had my 15 year old with me and my daughter said she even made her day! Even after we left she was still talking about her and how she was just so nice and sweet! Thank you build a bear rep!!!!

Ben Glover

2023-05

The pay-your-age birthday special is for one specific bear which is a bummer, so ended up spending more than anticipated. Too expensive for what you get, but some of it is the experience which my 3 year old enjoyed. A fun way to celebrate with kids, and the staff was pretty kind.

Jackie Martin

2022-05

My 3 yo had a blast building her first build a bear stuffy! $53 for the bunny, shoes, dress, and phone.

Sharon

2023-05

Birthday bear is a simple brown bear,for a dollar of each year. The lady that stuffed the bears was awesome friendly an funny.Of course each girl got a extra bear one had a Frozen song inserted..it the clothes an sound pcs that gets you at checkout. Price range $20 or 2 for $45 +..We will return for another Birthday

Emily Covault

2023-05

My kids were so excited to visit. Staff are friendly. Thanks for giving my older (13) children the same fun experience as the little kids