Like many cynical people...the idea of the Build-a-Bear store is sickly sweet and nauseating to me. But the truth of the matter is it was fun to help my niece build-a-bear when we went to use her birthday gift certificate. I suppose what I enjoyed the most was the fact that SHE was enjoying the experience and that we did it together and shared fun time. She ended up with a cute fluffy bear (like there isn't a cute fluffy bear in the store) that wears a pink ribbon and a pink outfit. I have to admit that it's very clever...the thought of creating one's own playmate...it does create a sense of ownership. To this day...a couple of years after our first experience there...she still keeps her bear in a place of honor on her bed.
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