Build-A-Bear Workshop
The world's only Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop, offering exclusive Sanrio plushies and a magical creation experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff attention
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The world's only Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop, offering exclusive Sanrio plushies and a magical creation experience.
"This is not a 'regular' Build-a-Bear, it is just HK & Friends - however, I did see maybe 2 normal bears but, there isn't a selection like the normal stores."
🎯 Exclusive Item Alert!
Pink tags mean exclusives! Ask staff about discontinued items like Mocha.
✨ Make it Special
Staff like Deandre and Kai make the heart ceremony memorable, even for adults!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exclusive Sanrio Plushies
Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop
Snag limited-edition Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, and other Sanrio characters found nowhere else!
LA-Exclusive Merchandise
Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop
Discover unique, Los Angeles-only items like a special denim and pink Hello Kitty bear.
The Heart Ceremony
Stuffing station
A special moment where you place a heart inside your new friend, often made extra memorable by staff.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hello Kitty & Friends Theme
Beat the Crowds & Exclusives
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Exclusive Item Alert!
Pink tags mean exclusives! Ask staff about discontinued items like Mocha.
✨ Make it Special
Staff like Deandre and Kai make the heart ceremony memorable, even for adults!
🛍️ Outfit Hunting
Finding outfits for specific characters can be tricky; check availability early.
⏰ Arrive Early
Lines can be long, especially for new releases.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Exclusive Item Alert!
Pink tags mean exclusives! Ask staff about discontinued items like Mocha.
✨ Make it Special
Staff like Deandre and Kai make the heart ceremony memorable, even for adults!
🛍️ Outfit Hunting
Finding outfits for specific characters can be tricky; check availability early.
⏰ Arrive Early
Lines can be long, especially for new releases.
🧸 Kidult Fun
Don't be shy! It's a fantastic experience for adults who love Sanrio.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique, highly themed Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop, praising the exclusive Sanrio characters, friendly staff, and memorable 'heart ceremony' experiences. Some note that the store can get crowded and wish for more outfit options for specific characters, and prices can be on the higher side.
"I love love this Buildabear x Sanrio!!!! the decor the store is super duper cute and the staffs are friendly and welcoming! The minute I entered the store i was greeted and felt very welcomed. The bear builder Deandre i believe that's his name was very helpful and explained step to steps on how to build a sanrio plush bear since it was my first time there and he introduced me to the exclusive plush and etc. He truly made my day and made building a sanrio plush a special experiences! I got a Pekkle as seen on the pics and enjoyed our convo as he was stuffing my Pekkle and how i mentioned i was from the Bay Area and etc and when it was time to do the heart ceremony which me and my bf did together,Deandre made it the best heart ceremony I've ever experienced in any other regular Build-A-Bear store that i went to. Deandre truly made my trip to this location the memorable! Thank u Deandre u're pawsome!!!"
Mimosa Nguyen
"Perfect Birthday experience! ✨️💕🎀🎂 I had SO much fun picking out the cuties I was going to take home. Kai was amazing & made the Heart Ceremony so very special. Please do yourself a favor and just go! You don't have to be a kid, just a kidult who loves Hello Kitty & Friends.
Tips- The pink tags indicate it is an Exclusive item & ask which ones are being discontinued! I found thatMocha is, and prioritized getting her as well.
PS- This is not a "regular" Build-a-Bear, it is just HK & Friends- however, I did see maybe 2 normal bears but, there isn't a selection like the normal stores."
MISS Julesinwonderland
"Came across it while having dinner, because I forgot this place was even here. I really wish they had more of the outfits that went with all the different characters they had. I got Pom n finding an outfit for him was kind of difficult. It was like 10 min before closing when I went in so it was not busy at all. The employees were really nice and helpful. Way too expensive for what it is, but I’d always wanted to do a build a bear before 😭 I was always too poor as a kid."
D Kurtuluş
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
This unique workshop is located at Westfield Century City Mall in Los Angeles. You can reach it via car, with parking available at the mall, or by public transportation. Many TikToks show it within the mall's vibrant atmosphere. +1
Yes, Westfield Century City offers ample parking. It's recommended to check the mall's website for current parking rates and any validation options.
While this is the only Hello Kitty and Friends themed workshop, there are many other Build-A-Bear Workshop locations. You can use the 'build a bear near me' or 'build a bear store near me' search terms on their website or Google Maps to find the closest one.
The workshop generally follows the mall's operating hours. It's best to check the Westfield Century City website or the Build-A-Bear website for the most up-to-date hours, especially around holidays.
As it's located within a modern mall, the workshop is generally accessible. Westfield Century City provides accessible parking and pathways.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you typically do not need pre-purchased tickets to enter the workshop. However, for special events or new collection releases, it's wise to check their social media or website for any special entry requirements or VIP access information.
The cost varies depending on the plush character and any accessories or outfits you choose. Prices for the Sanrio characters can range, and it's advisable to check 'build a bear prices' or 'build a bear cost' for general estimates, though exclusives might have different pricing.
Build-A-Bear occasionally offers promotions and coupon codes. Searching for 'build a bear workshop coupons' or 'build a bear workshop promo codes' can help you find current deals, though exclusive items may not always be included.
Yes, birthday parties are a popular option! The workshop offers 'build a bear workshop birthday party' packages, and the staff often make these celebrations extra special. It's recommended to book in advance.
Build-A-Bear generally has a policy for exchanges on unstuffed items. For stuffed animals, it's best to inquire directly with the store staff about their specific return or exchange policy, especially for exclusive items.
🎫 🧸 Onsite Experience
This is the world's only Build-A-Bear Workshop dedicated to Hello Kitty and Friends. It features exclusive Sanrio characters, themed decor, and LA-specific merchandise not found in other locations. +1
You can find popular characters like Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, Pochacco, and Pekkle. They also release seasonal and holiday-themed Sanrio plushies. +1
Absolutely! Many adults visit to relive childhood memories or because they are fans of Sanrio. The staff are welcoming to all ages and aim to make the experience special for everyone.
It's a traditional part of the Build-A-Bear process where you place a special heart into your plush before it's stuffed. The staff often make this a sweet and memorable moment.
Yes, there are themed outfits and accessories available for the Sanrio characters. However, some reviewers note that finding specific outfits for certain characters can sometimes be challenging.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, absolutely! The workshop is highly photogenic with its vibrant Sanrio theme. Many visitors share their experiences and creations on TikTok and Instagram. +1
Look for the themed backdrops, displays of exclusive plushies, and the general colorful decor. The stuffing station and the area where you choose accessories are also popular photo spots. +1
Generally, personal photography is allowed and encouraged. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other guests' privacy and avoid blocking staff or creating congestion.
Popular hashtags include #BuildABear, #HelloKitty, #Sanrio, #BuildABearWorkshop, #HelloKittyAndFriends, and location-specific tags like #LosAngeles or #CenturyCity. +1
While staff are friendly, it's best to focus on your own creation. If Hello Kitty herself makes an appearance for an event, photos might be possible, but always check event details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Arrive early to avoid long lines, especially during peak times or weekends. Consider visiting on a weekday if possible for a more relaxed experience. While the focus is on Sanrio, the hands-on nature of building a bear is universally appealing to children. Be prepared for the cost, as plushies and accessories can add up, but the memories created are often priceless.
💖 Sanrio Superfans & Kidults
Don't miss: Keep an eye out for discontinued items and ask staff about them. The heart ceremony can be a surprisingly touching moment, even for adults. Be prepared for the possibility of crowds, especially when new collections drop, but the unique offerings make it worth the visit for dedicated fans.
🎁 Gift Givers
Gift-giving tips: Consider purchasing a gift card if you're unsure of their favorite character. Alternatively, if you're local, you could discreetly find out their preferences or even go with them to build a bear together. The exclusive nature of the items here makes it a great place to find something truly special that they won't find anywhere else.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Hello Kitty & Friends Experience
This themed workshop offers more than just plush toys; it's an event. From the moment you step inside, you're surrounded by the cheerful aesthetic of Sanrio. The selection of characters is curated to include fan favorites like Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, Pochacco, and Pekkle, often featuring seasonal and holiday variations. The exclusivity of these items, particularly the LA-exclusive merchandise such as a special denim and pink Hello Kitty bear, draws visitors from far and wide.
Beyond the characters themselves, the workshop provides a hands-on, interactive experience. The process of choosing a friend, adding stuffing, and participating in the heart ceremony is designed to be engaging for all ages. Reviewers consistently highlight the friendly and helpful staff, who often go the extra mile to make the experience special, especially for birthdays or for those fulfilling inner child dreams.
Navigating Exclusives and Discontinued Items
It's crucial for collectors and fans to be aware of the pink tags, which signify exclusive items. Furthermore, as noted by reviewers, some characters or items may be discontinued. Asking staff about which items are being phased out can be a strategic move to secure a desired plush before it's gone. This proactive approach can help ensure you don't miss out on a rare find.
While the workshop focuses on Sanrio, there might be a very limited selection of non-Sanrio bears. However, the primary appeal and inventory revolve around the Hello Kitty and Friends theme. This means that if you're looking for a vast array of generic Build-A-Bear characters or outfits, a standard Build-A-Bear location might be more suitable. This workshop is for the dedicated Sanrio enthusiast.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit