Review: Build-A-Bear Small Fry

I adore Build-A-Bear. We have many in our house from the Cardinal Bear my niece gave Little Miss for her second birthday to the Obi Wan Kenobi leopard Mister Man got with his kindergarten teacher and more. This year, we started a new tradition of doing back to school bears, which the wee ones loved.

There is a whole new line of bears now, and they are adorable. The smallfrys (yes, their spelling) are smaller little animals that come in a little french fry box.

Tell me this isn't the cutest thing ever. I love how on the back it provides the "nutritional information" for the bear. Ours has 100% of our daily allowance of hugs, fun, laughter, friendship, and self-expression. That's somewhat lost on the wee ones, but I appreciate it - and older kids will, too. It's the right message to send to children about what's important.

The smallfry we received is tie-dyed pink and orange (to my eyes anyway) and is reminiscent of the peace bears that Build-A-Bear has right now. She's adorable with little eyelashes sewn on that gives her a cute little personality. And since she's so tiny, the wee ones are playing with her like she's a little sister to some of their other animals. Watching them having their other bears teach this one how to do things is precious. I only wish that I'd thought to capture it on video (before now).

I have only two small issues with these. They come pre-stuffed, which was a bummer for the wee ones because they associate Build-A-Bear with truly making their own bears. Also because they are smaller, the wee ones want to take their little bear with them everywhere they go. I'm one of the moms who keeps toys in the house because I'm afraid of them getting lost, so this is new for me. So far, she's gotten a little dirty, but she isn't too worse for wear.

We have gotten several questions from people about where we got the bear because she is so cute. When I tell them, I explain that there are other options, too - a kitty, a monkey, a frog, a bunny, and more. They are only available for a limited time, however - until October 31 or while supplies last.

You can get your own smallfry from Build-A-Bear either online or in store. There are eight different smallfrys - and you can also dress them up just like you do the regular size bears. They also come with a code for buildabearville that offers a virtual accessory bag to carry the smallfry and a doll house style furniture item. Each smallfry is $12.

In the interest of full disclosure, I was sent a Small Fry bear by Build-A-Bear. They did not ask me to promote anything, and I received no compensation. All opinions expressed are my own.