Build-A-Bear Revives Bearemy from 1999 for 30th Anniversary Celebration
If you grew up visiting Build-A-Bear Workshop, there's a familiar furry face making a comeback that might bring back some childhood memories.
Build-A-Bear has brought back Bearemy, the beloved bear mascot first introduced in 1999, as the first release in a yearlong celebration of the company's upcoming 30th anniversary. And for fans who remember creating their own stuffed animals at the mall, there's even more nostalgia on the way.
The new Bearemy plush, inspired by the original mascot, became available at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and online on Oct. 27, while supplies last. The bear is part of the company's "30 Years of the Stuff You Love" celebration, which will continue throughout 2027.
In an Instagram post showing Bearemy being released from the vault, Build-A-Bear wrote, "Beloved for being our huggable mascot, Bearemy first appeared back in 1999, and he's just been released from the Build-A-Bear Vault to kick off our 30th anniversary year!"
Fans quickly filled the comments with memories of their own Bearemy bears. "My Bearemy was named Troy. As in Bolton. Clearly I got mine during peak High School Musical era," said one.
"I used to have a Bearemy bear back when I finished 7th grade," another commenter recalled.
The new Bearemy plush is priced at $40, and fans can complete the nostalgic look with a selection of accessories, including a vintage Build-A-Bear shirt and hat set ($18), a vintage varsity jacket ($14.50), red canvas high-tops ($9) and dark denim jeans ($8).
Build-A-Bear Is Bringing Back More Favorites From Its Past
Bearemy's return is just the beginning of the company's anniversary plans.
Starting in January 2027, Build-A-Bear will begin releasing more favorites from its archives, along with special-edition anniversary products and collaborations celebrating nearly three decades of stuffed-animal memories.
The company hasn't revealed exactly which other furry friends will make a comeback, but longtime fans may want to keep an eye out for future announcements.
On Instagram, fans also had plenty of suggestions for which nostalgic Build-A-Bear favorites should return next.
"Can you bring back the Bearville game please?" said one. "It was my favorite thing ever and I miss it so much."
"Bring back the Tie Dye animals, aquarium blue (Under the Sea) bear, Happy Go Lucky Frog, and the glitter bears PLEASEEEE," wrote another.
The anniversary celebration also includes a charitable component. For every Bearemy plush sold between Oct. 27, 2026, and Dec. 31, 2027, Build-A-Bear will donate $3 to the Build-A-Bear Foundation.
Build-A-Bear Is Celebrating 30 Years of Childhood Memories
Build-A-Bear Workshop opened its first store at the St. Louis Galleria in October 1997, introducing a shopping experience that allowed customers to stuff, dress and personalize their own teddy bears and other plush animals.
For many families, the experience became a childhood tradition, complete with choosing a furry friend, participating in the signature Heart Ceremony and picking out the perfect outfit.
"Reaching our 30th anniversary is a celebration of the millions of fans who have embraced Build-A-Bear and made us part of their lives," Chris Hurt, chief executive officer of Build-A-Bear Workshop, said in a press release.
Today, the company operates more than 650 locations worldwide, but its anniversary plans are looking back at the characters and memories that helped make the brand a childhood favorite.
Fans can find information about upcoming releases on Build-A-Bear's 30th-anniversary page.
Related: Build-A-Bear Just Launched a New Collection for Grown-Up Fans With 3 Unique Characters
This story was originally published by Parade on Oct 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
