Build-A-Bear Workshop, Thin Mints and a Giveaway?

Sounds like an odd combo doesn't it?

When you think of Build-A-Bear Workshop you think of cute cuddly teddy bears, dogs, cats and monkeys that YOU can customize to fit any occasion or any special person.

When you think Thin Mints your mind immediately goes to Girl Scout cookie sales and those delicious little bits of Heaven.

And giveaway, well you think GIVEAWAY! 

But today- they're ALL connected!! 

In 2012 Build-A-Bear Workshop went into business with the Girl Scouts of America when they released the "beary" first Girl Scout Bear. This was the 100th Anniversary of the Girl Scouts so how appropriate is it they released the 100th Anniversary Bear? I waited for this bear for MONTHS due to the problem of it selling out. My daughter (also a Girl Scout) was so excited when she finally got her bear, so appropriately named "Juliette Lowe" after the founder of the Girl Scouts.

But what is the connection between these two powerhouses?

First let us explore their history...

Brief Girl Scout history:

The Girl Scouts was founded in 1912 by Juliette "Daisy" Lowe. She believed that all girls should be able to develop physically, mentally and spiritually, thus creating the Girl Scouts. This was an important move on her part. Later (after her passing) a "branch" of the Girl Scouts was to be named after her, the first two years "Daisy." Cookie sales began almost as quickly as the Girl Scouts themselves. What better way to raise money to support a great cause? This has stood true since 1917 when it began. 

From a personal stand point, Girl Scouts is fabulous! My daughter has learned to be more independent and "runs" her own cookie business. Packing up her wagon and going door to door (with me of course!) and selling her heart out. Last year it was an astounding 550 boxes sold! She reached her goal and then some- this year she has decided she wants to sell 600, and she's well on her way! 

Did you know that about 53% of female business owners were Girl Scouts? That's some food for thought!

Brief Build-A-Bear Workshop history:

Build-A-Bear Workshop was founded in 1997 in Saint Louis, Missouri by Chief Executive Bear Maxine Clark. Maxine wanted to create an experience like none other. She succeeded. Build-A-Bear is now a worldwide company with stores or franchises in at least 5 different continents! (One franchise I absolutely love is "Build-A-Dino located in Disney World Florida!) Build-A-Bear is on the Fortune 100 list of best companies to work, and from visiting my local store enough, they never have a "bad" day! 

The connection between the two? You wouldn't know it if I didn't tell you! Maxine Clark was a Girl Scout in her youth!

How Build-A-Bear Workshop works:

1- My children can tell you step by step without missing a piece! Enter into the store and you are guaranteed to be greeted by one of the employees with a smile and a warm "Welcome!" Pick out your empty animal, step aside to the sound booth and decide if your animal is going to sing, talk or just be to cuddle.

2- A new addition I love is the SCENTiments available to purchase. Do you like the smell of Chocolate? Peppermint? Cupcakes? Let them know you want to add a scent! The smell lasts for a long time and can always be changed out later by returning to the store.

3- After making your animal sound and smell nice, it's on to the stuffing! Children love doing this part! Making their animal as soft or as firm as they would like, it's like making your best friend. Once it's stuffed to your liking the beary wonderful employees will sew up the back for you, then sending you on to "bath" your new friend. This bath involves high powered fans and brushes to allow you to knock off the extra fur or fluff that might be on the outside of the animal.

4- Dress your animal! This is so fun! We spend easily an hour or more picking out clothing alone! They have everything; select Disney characters, military personnel, Star Wars characters, t-shirts, skirts, shorts and even wigs! The possibilities are endless. My Princess has 30 bears and not a single one has come home looking the same. 

5- Don't forget to name your animal! This part makes it "yours"! Name your animal anything you want, and be sure to put who it is to and from. This will print a birth certificate with a number on it for you to use online at Bearville.com to bring your new friend to life. Great fun on that website- many times!

To get to the part you've all been waiting for- my review! ((Wait you're telling me that's not what you were waiting for??))

This year as a continuence of the partnership with Build-A-Bear Workshop and the Girl Scouts of America they are releasing a Thin Mint Bear! She's too cute! I received her for review purposes and I believe that once my daughter gets her hands on her it won't be mine for much longer! .

This bear will be sold to the public beginning on February 1, 2013 for $15. The outfit she is wearing is actually a step up from where my daughter is but that's perfectly fine! I will keep this one back until she bridges over and then she will have it. The Uniform for each level is sold at the stores or online for $12.50, as well as a hoodies and skirt for the same price. And wouldn't you know it- they have Girl Scout panties for the bears LOL these can be purchased separately for $3.50.

On the condition of the bear itself, it is very well made, as always. The stitching on the bear appears to be flawless; same with the clothing. Not a single stitch is busted and the uniform vest is so detailed! It even comes with a set of numbers so I can add her troop number to it. Great detail in the clothing. 

As always I am very pleased with Build-A-Bear Workshop. They never fail me and always provide a great gift in times of need such as a last minute birthday party, a newborn baby, or even graduation! 

This is definitely my "go to" store!

Now HERE'S what you've been so patiently waiting for!!!

GIVEAWAY!!!

Thanks to the wonderful sponsors at Build-A-Bear Workshop Miss Priss is giving away a $25 Bear Bucks Gift Card! 

((This can be used online or in the store!))

Use the rafflecopter below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway