Anyone who has read "We're going on a bear hunt" will know that finding the "big one" isn't always the best option but when you have a vast selection of bears to choose from, the bear hunt gets a little more exciting.

The Build-a-Bear concept is a very basic one, you don't simply just pick a bear off a shelf and pay for it, you lovingly create it, from choosing the bear, to the stuffing and even giving it a heart (and let's not mention the outfits just yet). The little one had never had the pleasure of "building a bear", so when we were told about the new range, we were excited to be given the opportunity to go and check it out. 

The array of bears to choose from was a little overwhelming for her to start with but she soon overcame this and went for the brightest bear she could find. No amount of persuasion was going to change her mind! (she is a determined one, that little girl).

The new range features, Toothy Shark and Sea Splash Dolphin to Octo-Fun Octopus, the Build-A-Bear Workshop Beach Buddies are the perfect collection to remember the summer with. Despite trying to convince her to have one of the new range, the "Rainbow" bear was still the favourite for our little one. 

The price is really reasonable, considering the whole experience (but you have to remember that this is for the bear only) and then on top, you have all the cute, amusing and frankly adorable additions that have the possibility to increase the cost of your bear.

 We chose a voice that had 6 different sayings ... including "you are my best friend" (see I told you it was adorable)

You get to decide just how cuddly your bear needs to be ..... we chose extra cuddly of course. 

And once our bear had her beating heart and a special wish inside her, she then needed a wash ....... obviously.

 And then came the difficult job of choosing an outfit .....

And shoes ...... so your bear can be the best dressed bear in town!

She wanted a car but we drew the line at that! The bear has only just been born, I am quite sure it is too young for a provisional licence!

And so we create Rainbow bears birth certificate. The keyboard is very child friendly and allows them to get involved (with some parental supervision of course).

And the best part? The final cuddle of course!!

Would I recommend the Build-A-Bear experience? Absolutely! You are not just buying a bear, you are creating an experience, you are building a special friend for your child and a memory they will treasure.

They also do birthday parties at Build-A-Bear, I might look at one for next year ....... that is perfectly acceptable for a 30-somethings birthday party right?

Disclaimer: We were given the opportunity to review the Build-A-Bear experience but all views, opinions and cuddles are our own!