Build-A-Bear Recalls Over 30,000 Bears—Here’s What to Do If You Own One
Build-A-Bear Recalls Over 30,000 Bears—Here’s What to Do If You Own One
Build-A-Bear Workshop has issued a major voluntary recall affecting over 36,000 weighted plush bears due to a significant choking hazard. The recall specifically involves the Heartwarming Hugs Bear 2, a popular weighted toy designed for comfort, which features a side pouch with a heart-shaped bag of ceramic beads. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada, the zipper slider on the bear's side pouch can detach, creating small parts that pose a risk of serious injury or death from choking to young children. If you own this product, you should immediately stop using it and keep it out of reach of children to ensure their safety.
Overview of the Build-A-Bear Heartwarming Hugs Recall
The safety of children's toys is a paramount concern for parents and manufacturers alike. On April 30, 2026, Build-A-Bear Workshop, in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, announced the recall of approximately 36,000 Heartwarming Hugs weighted bears in the United States and about 520 units in Canada. This recall is a proactive measure taken by the company following a report of a mechanical failure in the toy's design.
The Heartwarming Hugs Bear 2 is distinct from standard plush toys because it is weighted. It includes a side pouch that holds a removable heart-shaped bag filled with 2.5 pounds of ceramic beads. This bag is intended to be heated in a microwave or cooled in a freezer to provide therapeutic comfort. However, the mechanism used to secure this pouch—a zipper—is the source of the safety concern. Regulators found that the zipper slider can detach easily, presenting a small part that a child could accidentally ingest or inhale.
Identifying the Recalled Heartwarming Hugs Bear 2
For parents and collectors, identifying whether their specific bear is part of the recall is the first step toward safety. The recall specifically targets the version of the Heartwarming Hugs Bear that features a zipper closure on the side pouch. Earlier or later versions using different closure methods, such as Velcro, are not included in this safety notice.
To confirm your bear is affected, check the following details:
- Model Number: Look for model number 034464 (in the US) or 134464 (in Canada).
- Label Location: The model number is printed on the tracking label sewn into the back side of one of the bear's legs.
- Physical Feature: The presence of a side pouch secured by a metal or plastic zipper slider.
- Weight: The bear contains a heart-shaped bag filled with 2.5 lbs of ceramic beads.
The Nature of the Hazard: Why the Recall Was Issued
The primary hazard identified is a "small parts" choking risk. Toy safety standards are incredibly strict regarding items intended for children under a certain age, typically three years old. The Heartwarming Hugs Bear 2 was graded for ages 3+, but the detaching zipper slider creates a component small enough to bypass those safety thresholds.
While there have been no reports of injuries or incidents in the United States or Canada as of the official recall date, there was one documented instance in the United Kingdom where a consumer reported the zipper slider detaching during use. In the interest of "an abundance of caution," Build-A-Bear opted for a voluntary recall to prevent any potential tragedy. Choking remains one of the leading causes of unintentional injury-related death in infants and toddlers, making such recalls critical for public safety.
Detailed Product Specifications and Sales History
The affected bears were available for a relatively short window, which may help narrow down who needs to take action. They were sold at Build-A-Bear Workshop locations nationwide and online at the official company website. The period of sale for the recalled units was between January 2026 and March 2026. The retail price for the weighted bear was approximately $48 USD or $62 CAD.
| Recall Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Heartwarming Hugs Bear 2 (Weighted) |
| Affected Model Number | 034464 / 134464 |
| Quantity Recalled | ~36,000 (US), ~520 (Canada) |
| Hazard Type | Choking Hazard (Zipper Slider Detachment) |
| Retail Price | Approximately $48.00 |
| Sales Period | January 2026 – March 2026 |
Steps for Consumers: What to Do with Your Recalled Bear
If you have confirmed that your bear is part of the recall, the CPSC and Build-A-Bear advise the following immediate actions:
- Stop Use Immediately: Do not allow children to play with or sleep with the bear. Even if the zipper seems secure now, the failure can happen unexpectedly.
- Store Safely: Place the bear in a location where a child cannot access it until you are able to return it.
- Return to Store: Take the recalled bear to any local Build-A-Bear Workshop store. You do not need a receipt to participate in the recall.
- Remote Returns: If you do not live near a physical store, contact Build-A-Bear’s customer service to receive a pre-paid shipping label. You can then mail the bear back to the company.
Remedy and Refund Information
Build-A-Bear is offering a full remedy for all affected consumers. Upon returning the bear, customers are entitled to a refund. In most cases, this refund is provided in the form of an original payment reversal or a gift card for the original purchase price. This gift card can be used to purchase any other "Make-Your-Own" furry friend or merchandise available in the store or online.
The company has emphasized that the safety and well-being of their "guests" is their top priority. By providing a full refund or exchange, they aim to maintain the trust of the families who frequent their workshops. It is important to note that the ceramic bead bag itself is not the hazard, but the bear must be returned in its entirety to qualify for the refund.
Build-A-Bear's Commitment to Toy Safety
This incident, while serious, highlights the rigorous monitoring systems in place for the toy industry. Build-A-Bear Workshop conducts extensive testing through independent, third-party laboratories to ensure compliance with global safety standards. These standards include the ASTM/CPSC in the US and EN71 in Europe.
In a statement, Build-A-Bear noted that they pay strict attention to product safety standards and high-quality materials. When a design flaw is identified—even through a single report from overseas—the voluntary recall process allows the manufacturer to mitigate risk before injuries occur. This proactive approach is standard for reputable brands in the modern consumer market.
Historical Context of Build-A-Bear Recalls
While Build-A-Bear is known for high-quality products, it has faced recalls in the past, as is common for large-scale toy manufacturers. Previous recalls have included the "Starbrights Dragon" in 2015 due to a seam issue and the "Sulley" plush in 2013 due to a detaching eye. Each of these instances reinforces the importance of the tracking labels found on the legs of the toys, which allow the company to pinpoint exactly which batches are affected by a specific manufacturing or design issue.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the Build-A-Bear Recall
Is my bear safe if the zipper hasn't fallen off yet?
No. The recall is proactive because the zipper slider has the potential to detach during normal use. You should stop using it immediately regardless of its current condition.
Do I need a receipt to get a refund?
No, a receipt is not required. As long as the bear is identified as the recalled model (034464), you can return it to any Build-A-Bear Workshop for a refund.
Can I just sew the pouch shut myself?
Build-A-Bear and safety regulators strongly advise against attempting to repair or modify the product yourself. The only recommended action is to return it for a refund to ensure the hazard is completely removed from your home.
Are other weighted bears from Build-A-Bear affected?
Only the Heartwarming Hugs Bear 2 with the zipper closure is affected. Versions with Velcro closures or other weighted plush items that do not have this specific side pouch zipper are not part of this recall.
How can I contact Build-A-Bear if I have more questions?
You can call Build-A-Bear toll-free at 844-541-0144 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday, or email them at ProductHotline@buildabear.com.
Conclusion
The recall of the Build-A-Bear Heartwarming Hugs Bear 2 serves as a vital reminder to parents to stay vigilant about toy safety. While the weighted bear was designed to provide comfort and therapeutic benefits, the discovered flaw in the zipper mechanism poses a risk that outweighs its benefits. By following the official recall instructions—stopping use immediately and returning the item for a full refund—owners can protect their children from potential harm. Build-A-Bear’s quick action in issuing this voluntary recall demonstrates a commitment to consumer safety that remains a cornerstone of the toy industry.
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