Serious riskCPSC
Build-A-Bear Heartwarming Hugs bear recalled for choking risk
The zipper slider on the side pouch of Build-A-Bear's Heartwarming Hugs weighted plush bear can detach and become a choking hazard for children. The bear contains a removable heart pouch filled with ceramic beads. One report of the zipper detaching has been received, though no injuries have occurred in the United States.
From the CPSC notice · Read the official notice ↗
What to do
- Stop letting your child use the Heartwarming Hugs Bear (model 034464) immediately.
- Return it to any Build-A-Bear Workshop store for a full refund or gift card.
- If you cannot visit a store, go to www.buildabear.com/recalls or call Build-A-Bear for a free return shipping label and refund by check or digital gift card.
Is yours affected?
Compare your label or packaging with the recalled product.
- Product
- Build-A-Bear Workshop Heartwarming Hugs Bears
- Sold at
- Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and online at www.buildabear.com from January 2026 through March 2026 for about $48.
- Sold in
- Nationwide
- Made for
- Children (3 years and older)
Photos from the CPSC
Details
- Units affected
- 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.
- Illnesses reported
- None reported
- Fix
- Refund
- Manufactured in
- China
- Company 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.
- Recall number
- 26457
In the CPSC's words
- Description
- This recall involves the Heartwarming Hugs weighted plush bear with model number 034464. It has a side pouch containing a heart filled with 2.5 pounds of ceramic beads, which can be heated or cooled for comfort. The pouch is secured with a zipper. The product is graded 3 years+ and carries a cautionary statement advising adult supervision due to the heated/cooled element. The model number is located on the label sewn into the back side of one bear leg.
- 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.