Build-A-Bears Pay Your Age Program A Complete Guide To Birthday Bear Savings

Oct. 31, 2025, 11:30 p.m.

Tags: birthday build bear

Build-A-Workshop has established itself as a beloved destination for children's birthday celebrations, with over 25 million workshop birthdays hosted over more than 25 years. Among its most popular promotions is the "Pay Your Age" program, which allows children to receive a special Birthday Treat Bear for a price equal to their age. This comprehensive guide examines how this program works, eligibility requirements, what's included, and tips for making the most of this birthday offer.

Understanding the Pay Your Age Promotion

The Build-A-Bear Pay Your Age promotion, also referred to as the "Count Your Candles" offer, provides children with the opportunity to obtain a special Birthday Treat Bear at a significantly reduced price. Under this program, customers pay an amount equal to the child's age for the bear, with a maximum price of $14 according to the promotion details. This means a child turning three would pay $3 for their bear, while a one-year-old could take home a bear for just $1.

The Birthday Treat Bear is a special edition bear created exclusively for this promotion. It's important to note that this promotional bear is typically valued at $14, making it an excellent deal especially for younger children. The program is designed to make the Build-A-Bear experience more accessible to families while still maintaining the brand's signature quality and customization options.

The promotion is available throughout the entire birthday month of the child, rather than being limited to the actual birthday date. This flexibility allows families to visit the workshop at their convenience during that month without needing to schedule specifically for the birthday itself.

Eligibility Requirements and Registration

To participate in the Pay Your Age promotion, several eligibility requirements must be met:

First, participants must be members of the Build-A-Bear Bonus Club. Membership in this program is free and serves as the gateway to accessing the birthday promotion. Those interested can sign up through the official Build-A-Bear website or at a physical workshop location. The registration process requires basic contact information and can typically be completed quickly.

During the visit to claim the birthday bear, customers need to provide their Bonus Club account email to the store staff. Notably, no proof of age or birth certificate is required for the child. The program operates on an honor system, with parents simply stating the child's age and providing their registered email.

The promotion is strictly limited to in-store visits and cannot be redeemed through online purchases. Additionally, the birthday child must be physically present at the workshop to receive the discounted bear. This requirement ensures that the experience remains personal and special for the child celebrating their birthday.

What's Included in the Birthday Bear Offer

The standard Pay Your Age promotion includes the base Birthday Treat Bear priced according to the child's age. However, the experience extends beyond simply obtaining the stuffed animal. When participating in the promotion, children can enjoy several additional elements that enhance the birthday celebration:

The bear comes unstuffed, allowing the child to participate in the stuffing process
Children can choose from a variety of bears and other animal options
The workshop experience includes the traditional Build-A-Bear stuffing ceremony
A special heart can be placed inside the bear as part of the signature experience
The option to participate in a heart ceremony where wishes can be made

While the bear itself is offered at the discounted price, it's important to note that the $14 (or age-based price) does not include any clothing or accessories. Additional items such as outfits, sound chips, or accessories require separate payment and can significantly increase the total cost of the experience. Sources suggest that the "upsell" on accessories is where the overall price tends to increase substantially.

Depending on the specific location, additional birthday-themed elements may be available, including: - Birthday party hats - Birthday cake photo props - The opportunity to ring the birthday bell for the workshop to hear

However, not every Build-A-Bear Workshop location offers all these extras, so calling ahead to confirm availability at a specific store is recommended.

Special Promotions and Events

In addition to the standard Pay Your Age promotion, Build-A-Bear occasionally offers special deals and limited-time promotions. One notable promotion is the Birthday Blitz offered during August, which has been identified as the month with the highest number of birthdays according to the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics.

During this special promotion, families who book a party for five or more guests in August can enjoy a complimentary experience for the birthday Guest of Honor. When the party is held before January 31, 2025, the birthday child gets to build their furry friend at no cost. Party packages for other attendees start at $20 per person, which includes a make-your-own stuffed animal with customization options.

This promotion reflects Build-A-Bear's recognition of the importance of birthdays in their business model. According to Sharon Price John, President & CEO at Build-A-Bear Workshop, birthdays account for approximately one-third of the company's total retail business, making it a significant focus for promotional activities.

The company has also evolved its approach to handling high-demand promotions. In the past, Build-A-Bear hosted local events for the Pay Your Age promotion that sometimes led to stores temporarily shutting down due to overwhelming crowds. To manage demand better, the company has transitioned to offering these promotions primarily through the birthday program structure rather than large-scale events.

Tips for Maximizing the Build-A-Bear Experience

To ensure the best possible experience when taking advantage of the Pay Your Age promotion, several strategies can be helpful:

First, consider calling the local Build-A-Bear Workshop before visiting to confirm availability of the Birthday Treat Bear. Sources indicate that these special bears can sell out, and checking ahead can prevent disappointment or the need to make an additional trip.

Planning the visit during off-peak hours can also enhance the experience. Weekday mornings or early afternoons typically see fewer crowds than weekends or after school hours, potentially reducing wait times and allowing for a more relaxed experience.

While the base bear is offered at the discounted price, setting a budget for additional items is advisable. The cost of outfits, sound chips, accessories, and other customization options can add up quickly. Deciding in advance which extras are most important can help manage expectations and expenses.

For families with multiple children celebrating birthdays close together, it may be worth coordinating visits to take advantage of any potential multiple-child discounts or promotions. While the standard Pay-Age program is limited to one child per visit, some locations may offer special packages or deals for multiple siblings.

When visiting the workshop, arriving early can provide several advantages. Not only does it help secure a spot in case of unexpected crowds, but it also allows more time for the child to enjoy the full experience without feeling rushed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit for the Pay Your Age promotion? The program does not specify a minimum or maximum age limit, though the maximum price is capped at $14. This means even teenagers could theoretically participate, though the promotional bear is primarily marketed toward younger children.

Can I use the Pay Your Age offer more than once? The promotion is designed for a child's birthday celebration and is typically limited to once per child per year. Some sources suggest that the offer may be available during the entire birthday month, but it's generally intended for the child's annual birthday celebration.

What happens if my child's birthday is at the end of the month? The promotion is available throughout the entire birthday month, so even for children with birthdays near the end of the month, the full month should be available to redeem the offer.

Can I combine the Pay Your Age offer with other promotions? The source materials don't explicitly address whether multiple promotions can be combined. It's advisable to check with the specific Build-A-Bear location for their policy on combining offers.

What payment methods are accepted? While the source materials don't specify accepted payment methods, most Build-A-Bear locations typically accept cash, credit cards, and sometimes mobile payment options.

Conclusion

Build-A-Bear's Pay Your Age program represents an excellent opportunity for families to create memorable birthday experiences at a reduced cost. By offering a special Birthday Treat Bear for a price equal to the child's age, the program makes the iconic workshop experience more accessible while still maintaining the quality and personalization that the brand is known for.

Understanding the program requirements—including Bonus Club membership, in-store redemption, and the birthday child's presence—helps ensure a smooth experience. While the base bear comes at the discounted price, families should budget for additional customization options if desired. Planning ahead by calling locations, visiting during off-peak hours, and setting a budget for extras can further enhance the experience.

The additional party promotion offered during August provides another way for families to celebrate birthdays with Build-A-Bear, particularly for those planning larger gatherings. With birthdays accounting for approximately one-third of Build-A-Bear's business, it's clear that these promotions are not just marketing tactics but central to the brand's identity and relationship with its customers.

For families seeking to create special birthday memories without breaking the bank, Build-A-Bear's Pay Your Age program offers a compelling combination of affordability, quality, and experiential value that has made it a cherished tradition for millions of children and families.