CPSC2026-04-30

Build-A-Bear Workshop Recalls Heartwarming Hugs Bears Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Choking Hazard to Children

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc., of St Louis, Missouri

Build-A-Bear Weighted Bear Zipper Can Detach—Stop Use

A zipper slider on the side pouch of Build-A-Bear's Heartwarming Hugs weighted bear (model 034464) can detach and pose a choking hazard to children. The pouch holds ceramic beads used for heating or cooling. One detachment has been reported in the UK, with no injuries reported so far.

  • Stop letting children use this bear immediately.
  • Check if you own one: look for model number 034464 on the label inside the bear's leg.
  • Return the bear to any Build-A-Bear Workshop store for a full refund or gift card.
  • If you can't visit a store, go to www.buildabear.com/recalls or call Build-A-Bear for a free return shipping label and refund.
Hazard

The zipper slider on the side pouch can detach, posing a risk of serious injury or death from choking hazard to children.

Remedy
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Heartwarming Hugs Bear and return it to a local Build-A-Bear Workshop store to receive a refund in the form of original payment or a gift card for the original purchase price redeemable toward any available Make-Your-Own furry friend and any other available merchandise. If a consumer is unable to return their Heartwarming Hugs Bear to a local store, they can visit www.buildabear.com/recalls for more information or call Build-A-Bear to receive a free return shipping label to return the recalled bear and to receive a refund check in the form of original payment or in the form of a digital gift card to use on the firm's website.
Sold at
Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and online at www.buildabear.com from January 2026 through March 2026 for about $48.
Affected count
About 36,000 (In addition 520 were sold in Canada)
Injuries reported
There has been one consumer report in the United Kingdom of the zipper slider detaching while in use, and no reports in the United States. No injuries have been reported.
Manufactured in
China
Remedy type
Refund
Products
Build-A-Bear Workshop Heartwarming Hugs Bears
Consumer contact
Build-A-Bear at 844-541-0144 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT on Sunday or by email at ProductHotline@buildabear.com, or online at https://www.buildabear.com/recalls or https://www.buildabear.com and click on "Recall" at the bottom of the page for more information.

Official notice

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Build-A-Bear-Workshop-Recalls-Heartwarming-Hugs-Bears-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Choking-Hazard-to-Children

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