New Accessories for Bears and Pets

Build-A-Bear recently came out with a new set of accessories: a dog backpack, a saddle, and new hats have all been introduced into the Build-A-Bear collection. Since Build-A-Bear hasn't announced this, I figured it'd be great to tell you.

Let's start with the pets section. No doubt you've noticed that Build-A-Bear has custom-made accessories for their stuffed dogs. This spring, Build-A-Bear came out with their Helping Paw Backpack, complete with zippered pockets and an "Assistance Dog" label (too bad they put "Dog" on the label; I can think of other animals who might be happy to own a backpack that looks like the Helping Paw backpack). No doubt this release is in connection with the author promotion: if you haven't heard, Build-A-Bearville will be hosting an author who wrote a book on assistance dogs.

Horse-lovers will be mad at me if I exclude this one: a brand-new Build-A-Bear saddle. Though not the first Build-A-Bear saddle to be released, it certainly is unique. It's made to accomodate a Build-A-Bear sitting in the saddle and a Build-A-Bear underneath the saddle, making it a double win for customers. The set comes with a matching bridle and cute stirrups, and it's all only for $6. Get it quick - this is one item I have a feeling Build-A-Bear will raise the price on.

In the way of bear accessories, Build-A-Bear's hats are my favorite. Build-A-Bear has re-released some of their old hats, yes, but they've also introduced some new ones (or ones that haven't been seen in awhile) that are too cute to miss. Take, for example, the Straw Floppy Hat. Though you may wonder why it's called "Straw Floppy Hat" instead of "Floppy Straw Hat," you can't wonder about how cute it'll look on your bear. Couple this hat with a Gingham dress or a pink-and-jeans outfit for a cute combination. Of course, I'm biased toward this hat because it reminds me of the hat Julie Andrews wore in The Sound of Music, which happens to be my favorite musical. :)

Other new accessories include a huge selection of purses and other hats (some made to mimick Build-A-Bearville clothes), but the accessories mentioned above were my favorites.

Thanks for reading my blog! Tune in on Thursday to read an interview with a fun-loving bear, and read up on Build-A-Bear news this Saturday during our main post. Thanks again and have a great day!

~Lilli

Fashion Forcast

Spring fashions are exploding into Build-A-Bear stores. For the last two months, Build-A-Bear has been steadily releasing their spring collection, complete with countless new outfits. Build-A-Bear has been following the latest trends: Camo stuff for Hello Kitty, sparkles added to every outfit, an adorable Tye Dye Bubble Outfit has been released, denim wear is increasing in popularity, and your sweet teddy bears can wear a skull-and-crossbones t-shirt. (EW!) I think all those outfits are cute (except for the last one.) Their theme with their new dresses is bright pink: Fushia Bubble Dress and Floral Belted Dress are vibrant. The softer Gingham print is more desirable, in my opinon. (so it's good they've released it!) Sparkles are SO in. Build-A-Bear seems to have more shimmery, sparkley things than last year. And for the Limited Too girls, Build-A-Bear Limited Too merchandise has gone to skirts. A final note to notice is the increase of Hannah Montana stuff for bears - but I suppose that will only last as long as the show.

So, this year we may expect the slow death of the Hello Kitty wear, the dawn of brighter pinks and tons of sequins, and more cute bear skirts!

See you on Saturday for my weekend post.
~Lilli