Build-A-Bear Workshop

Call me a softie, but I think these are neat. We never had anything like this when I was a kid. We were usually stuck with the dolls our parents bought at the store. Yes, I had a Raggedy Ann and she had the standard accessories of all Anns. I still have her safely in storage somewhere. For you Londoners, you know the adventures of Paddington Bear, from the Darkest Peru. :)
So how cool is it for kids that they can not only choose their own doll, they get to see it brought to «life» and personalized with the accessories that they want?
This location has the the rotating stuffing machine and a large selection of bears, cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals to choose from. There are a TON of accessories available for dressing and customizing your bear, including shoes, wigs, different football uniforms. There are even bear-​sized Darth Vader and Jedi Knight outfits with light sabers!
While I was seriously tempted to get a suit-​dressed bear complete with sunglasses and tie, I declined.
Tips: They sell gift cards and all bears born at the store get an ID chip so that if they are ever lost, they can try to return him to you. And believe it or not, there is a build-​a-​bear app for your iPhone!