2024 update:
Build-A-Bear’s Cubscription subscription box service was discontinued in 2022.
If you have children — or grandchildren — you’re likely familiar with Build-A-Bear Workshop. Since the late 1990s, kids have been able to personalize their own stuffed animals at Build-A-Bear by choosing, stuffing, outfitting, accessorizing, and naming their new plush friend. The brand is successful in no small part due to the hands-on nature of the buying experience.
So, when we heard about the Build-A-Bear subscription box called “Cubscription,” we wondered how interested kids would be in a Build-A-Bear animal that comes pre-selected, stuffed and accessorized. The overarching question in our minds was: What makes the Build-A-Bear subscription box special? So, we set about finding answers.
How Does the Build-A-Bear Subscription Work?
The Build-A-Bear Cubscription box is curated by the CultureFly subscription service, makers of the JoJo Siwa Box, L.O.L. Surprise! Box and more. CultureFly is responsible for crafting unique subscription boxes with original products for collectors and fans. The boxes they create for the Build-A-Bear Cubscription are indeed unique and original, featuring exclusive items — including the adorable stuffed animal — that can’t be found elsewhere.
Here’s what you need to know:
How often will I get a box? After signing up as a Build-A-Bear Cubscription Box subscriber through the Cubscription by Build-A-Bear site, you will receive a box once every three to four months.
When will I be billed? Billing takes place approximately two months prior to shipping. For example, a box that will be received in May will be billed during the third week of March.
What does a box cost? When signing up for the quarterly subscription plan, you will be billed $29.99, plus a flat rate for shipping in the U.S. of $7. If you sign up for the annual plan, it will cost $26.99, plus $7 for shipping per box, billed once per year.
Can I cancel the subscription? Subscription plans (both quarterly and annual) can be canceled at any time. To avoid paying for the next box, you would need to cancel before the billing date for that box.
What’s Inside the Build-A-Bear Cubscription Box?
Each shipment contains between six and eight custom-made, exclusive Build-A-Bear items that can’t be found in stores or anywhere else. This includes a new stuffed animal in every box, complete with accessories for both child and the furry friend. Each box provides matching shirts for the child and the stuffed animal to give the child an opportunity to create a “twin” with their new friend. This is what three recent Build-A-Bear Cubscription boxes contained:
Spring – Good Vibes Cubscription Box
The Rainbow themed, Good Vibes Only box featured an adorable sloth plush toy as well as the following:
- A booklet explaining the box contents and a place to write the name of the new friend
- Phone amplifier
- Kids’ Good Vibes Only bomber jacket
- Matching furry friend Good Vibes Only bomber jacket
- Lanyard and ID badge with charm
- Slap bracelet
Summer – Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy Cubscription Box
The outdoor-play themed, Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy box featured a sweet frog plush toy as well as the following:
- A booklet explaining the box contents and a place to write the name of the new friend
- Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy ringer T-shirt
- Matching furry friend Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy T-shirt
- Beach ball
- Waterproof backpack
- Exclusive Cubscription bento box
Fall – Autumn Tails Cubscription Box
The camping themed, Autumn Tails box featured a frisky fox plush toy as well as the following:
- A booklet explaining the box contents and a place to write the name of the new friend
- Raglan baseball-sleeve T-shirt
- Matching tee for furry fox friend
- Storage playmat and carryall for toys
- Insulated thermos
- Decals
How Much Does the Build-A-Bear Subscription Cost?
The Build-A-Bear subscription box is a quarterly plan that costs $29.99 plus shipping. There is also an annual plan with a slightly discounted rate of $26.99 plus shipping, which would be billed annually.
How Much Does an Individual Build-A-Bear Cost?
Personalizing a Build-A-Bear Workshop plush toy in one of the Build-A-Bear Workshops can vary a great deal. For example, the stuffed animal alone can range in price from $10 to over $50. From there, the cost becomes more individualized, depending on accessory and clothing choices. Having said that, our research shows that most people spend between $45 and $80 building and outfitting a Build-A-Bear.
What Are the Benefits of the Build-A-Bear Subscription?
It’s Convenient: If you don’t live near a mall, having the Build-A-Bear Cubscription Box delivered right to your door can be an excellent alternative to making a trip to a distant store. However, if it’s your child’s birthday, finding your way to a store to take advantage of the Count Your Candles program may well be worth the trip.
It’s Automatic: Once you sign up, the Build-A-Bear subscription box will automatically arrive at your house to delight its recipient every season (four boxes a year).
It’s Exclusive: The Build-A-Bear plush toy, matching shirts and accessories cannot be found in stores or anywhere else.
How Can I Get a Deal on a Build-A-Bear Cubscription?
Sign up to receive news and updates from CultureFly by providing your email address and mobile number and unlock an offer for 15% off. CultureFly also promises future special deals once you have an active subscription and CultureFly account. If you are looking for ways to save at Build-A-Bear, here are 12 of them.
So… Is The Build-A-Bear Subscription Box Worth It?
Cubscription Box by Build-A-Bear isn’t meant to be a substitute for the Build-A-Bear Workshop experience. It’s a subscription box experience, with very little in common with the Build-A-Bear Workshop. When assessing the subscription box on its own merits, we find that it is enjoyed most by youngsters between the ages of 3 and 9, especially those with active imaginary play styles. The matching outfits and accessories are met with excitement by youngsters who enjoy dressing up, playing with an imaginary twin and using props.
The plush toy is always adorable and well-made. The fact that the entire contents of the subscription box is unique, cannot be found in a store and arrives at a convenient, not-too-often, quarterly frequency for the cost of roughly $37 makes this a worthwhile subscription box service for a select group of youngsters. We especially like it as a gift. For those friends or grandparents who are interested in sending a quality gift several times a year, the Build-A-Bear Cubscription box should not be overlooked.
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