Build-A-Bear Workshop Supports Autism Speaks (Review)

In our household, we absolutely LOVE Build-A-Bear Workshop!

Shaun got his first bear from Build-A-Bear Workshop when he was just 9 months old. His daddy was deploying to Iraq and we wanted him to have something special from Daddy before he left, so we made him his 'Daddy Bear' to cuddle and hear Daddy's voice while he was away. A few months later, we made Daddy a 'Shauny Bear' for Father's Day so that he could hear Shaun's voice (baby talk) until he came home. For military families, Build-A-Bear Workshop is a fun, unique way for kids to stay connected with their parents while deployed.

But even for non-military kiddos, it's such a wonderful experience! From birthdays, to vacation souvineers, or even just because...we love the experience of going into the store and making our very own bear. Since his initial bear as baby, his collection has grown to about 6 or so. With his love of plush, I suppose it would only make sense that he loved Build-A-Bear Workshop!! So, when we heard the news that they were launching a new bear supporting Autism Speaks for Autism Awareness Month, we could not have been more thrilled!! Starting tomorrow, March 27th, you can make one of these bears for yourself in stores!! 

Here is a little more info:

• The Autism Speaks Bear ($18) arrives on March 27 and $1 from the sale of this bear will be donated to Autism Speaks.
• An Autism Speaks bear-sized Tiny Tees shirt ($7) will also be available, with 50 cents from every tee sold going directly to the charity.
• Throughout April, Guests can also donate $1 (or more) to Autism Speaks when they check out at Built-A-Bear Workshop stores in the United States or online at buildabear.com.
  
  Build-A-Bear Workshop was kind enough to send us one of these wonderful Autism Speak Bears to review before it was available in stores! Shaun was beyond thrilled when his bear arrived. At this age, he does not yet understand what Autism is, or that he has it. He does know that Mommy and Daddy told him that this was a very special bear that was unique and amazing...just like him. So naturally, he decided to name his bear Shaun!

If you've been to a Build-A-Bear Workshop before, you know what kind of quality to expect. This bear is no different- it's great quality and super soft, perfect for snuggling. What makes this bear special is definitely the details. The light blue is stunning in person, and perfect for the Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue campaign!  The puzzle piece on its chest is perfect as well, but my favorite part is definitely the feet! It brings in the multicolored look that is probably more often associated with Autism Awareness, and brings in a lot of fun!

As an Autism family, we love anything that raises awareness for our little man and others like him. We especially love it when it is such a well known company!! Even with the prevalence of Autism right now (1 in 88 children, using the conservative numbers), there are still so many people who don't know the first thing about it. I could go on and on about that topic, but that's not what this post is about...the point is I think it's wonderful for such a well known and well loved company as Build-A-Bear Workshop to have this unique bear to raise awareness, on the chance that someone sees these bears at their local store and decides to do some more research. And besides all that, they are ridiculously CUTE!!

Overall, we absolutely ADORE this au-some bear!!



Disclaimer: Build-A-Bear Workshop sent me this product in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.