Furry gifts with a cause


You just can’t go wrong with these snuggly friends. You can customize each donation bear by adding a personal message, fashion items and accessories to create a gift as unique as the recipient. Priced at $25 or less, a $1 donation will be made to the designated causes through the Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation. What a great way to spend your money and give back to the organizations that make the world a better place.

German Shepherd

For pet lovers

Our animal companions have a special place in our hearts, and caring for a pet has been shown to help developmental skills in children. This cuddly German Shepherd ($22) is part of the Kennel Pals lineup and benefits domestic pet organizations and animals in crisis situations.

WWF amur leopard

For wildlife wonks

Visiting the zoo is a memorable experience for people of all ages. Providing shelter and sanctuaries for many endangered species, it’s one of the most educational activities for a child. Bring back the nostalgia with the WWF Amur Leopard ($25), which supports the World Wildlife Fund to protect endangered animals and their habitats. Since the partnership began in 2000, Build-A-Bear Workshop has donated more than $1 million to WWF.

Champ bear

For health nuts

Just this year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that one in 88 children (one in 54 boys and one in 252 girls) have autism. In 2006, Build-A-Bear launched Champ — A Champion Fur Kids ($18) — an adorable bear that helps raise funds for children’s health and wellness issues including autism, pediatric cancer and juvenile diabetes.

Paperback pup

For bookworms

Reading is one of the most important skills children learn. It promotes academic excellence, basic speech formulation and a broader knowledge base. The new Paperback Pup ($18) donates a portion of the sale to First Book, a national organization that provides new books to children in need. Thus far First Book has distributed more than 100 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families throughout the United States and Canada.

More on gifts

The girlie-girl gift guide
Festive Hanukkah gifts for your gal pal
Body care gifts for beauty babes


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