The perfect location for children to build a bear, have fun and make lasting memories
Even as a recent report comes out saying young people are becoming “hostages to handheld devices” it’s nice to see they can still enjoy the simpler things in life, like becoming inordinately attached to a special fluffy toy. After all there’s nothing to say you can’t play Minecraft on your mum’s iPad whilst chewing contentedly on the ear of a well-loved cuddly rabbit.
Knowing her own daughters’ love for cuddly toys local businesswoman Kelly Chamberlain spotted the opportunity to create Suffolk’s first and only dedicated bear building shop, now located in Ipswich’s Tower Ramparts Shopping Centre. With her 8-year-old daughter acting as design consultant (who better?!) Kelly has made sure The Bear Garden is the perfect place for youngsters looking to build a bear, and for their parents to spend time making a special and personal toy to treasure.
At The Bear Garden children can choose, stuff, dress and accessorize a cuddly bear or animal for themselves or as gift. If you’ve never had the opportunity to build a bear before, this is how it works when you visit the shop:
• Choose your cuddly toy – bear, horse, rabbit or one of many other animals
• Stuff with super-soft fluff, either by hand or with one of the machines
• Optionally choose an AROMABearapy scent package to make your bear smell delicious!
• Choose a set of clothes from the wide range
• Choose a name for your new friend and record it on his/her birth certificate
Children love choosing from the many outfits and accessories to personalise their bear and make it the only one of its kind. Every bear also comes with its own birth certificate with its chosen name and the date it was created.
The range of animals to choose from is vast and includes:
• “Honey” the Bear - a traditional plush bear that is a fan favourite! His long, soft nose is perfect for getting into honey pots so be sure to hide your honey when you take him home!
• “Bluey” the Husky – This plush cuddly dog has big blue plastic eyes and looks very playful, plus he stands on all 4 feet!
• “Bamboo” - a super cute panda with big blue eyes and a realistic facial and ear structure, to make him the best in the Zoo!
• “Dyno” the Dinosaur - a very soft, bright, flashy fabric dinosaur, who has a very friendly happy face and smile.
• “Fearless” the Friendly Dragon - this awesome plush toy has embroidered eyes and nose for added safety. Don’t be afraid, he’s friendly not fearsome!
• “Star” - is just that, a STAR! This is a super soft, cute unicorn is a best-seller; he is a soft pink colour with bright pink contrasting feet and horn, and white, frilly fabric around the feet and mane.
And there are many more including tigers, rabbits and of course cats. All the toys are 16” tall so their clothing and accessories are compatible with Build A Bear and Bear Workshop bears; this allows children who already have a favourite teddy to visit The Bear Garden when their special friend is in need of a new outfit.
The Bear Garden - Maternity Heart Beat Teddy Bear
This bear includes special module which can record up to 20 seconds of baby’s heart beat. It’s very simple to use – simply take it to an anti-natal appointment, and once recorded the module can be embedded into any of the shop’s cuddly toys. A unique and rather wonderful gift for a baby shower or for any mum-to-be.
The Bear Garden - Bear Building Parties, Great Activities For Children
The Bear Garden host bear building parties at the shop or the team can visit events or home-based parties with their mobile stuffing machine. There is no sewing required when building a bear so it’s very safe for little ones, and very easy for grown-ups too.
All parties require a minimum of 6 children; book a minimum of 7 paying guests in store and the Birthday child goes FREE!
Hosted parties start from only £14.99 per child, or the store can provide everything you need for a DIY party where the children can hand-stuff and build a bears themselves. These activities for children are great fun and a ready-done, mess-free party for you, with a lovely toy they can take away instead of a party bag. That’s what any parent would call “a win-win”!
The Bear Garden - Buy Bear Kits Online
If you’d like to buy online then The Bear Garden’s website offers kits which come with your choice of bear or animal plush skin, bag of stuffing, wish insert, birth certificate, full instructions and teddy drawstring gift bag so that you can build a bear at home. All are suitable for children over 3 years old and can be posted UK-wide.
