If you’re planning to take part in the 2025 Build-A-Bear Black Friday Sale, there are a few key details worth knowing. Based on previous years, you can expect a mix of online and in-store deals, rotating offers, and some limited-time doorbusters that go quickly. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect this year.
Likely 2025 Sale Start and End Dates
The Build-A-Bear Black Friday Sale is expected to kick off both online and in physical store locations on Sunday, November 23, 2025. However, the sale is typically structured with staggered deals:
- Some promotions will run from Nov. 23 through Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.
- Other offers may extend beyond Cyber Monday (December 1, 2025).
- Doorbuster deals are expected to go live on Black Friday itself (November 28, 2025), with different sets of offers available online vs. in stores.
If past years are any indication, promotions will be refreshed throughout the sale window, so checking back frequently might be worth it if you’re looking for something specific.
Online vs. In-Store Offers
One of the standout features of Build-A-Bear’s Black Friday event is that they offer distinct deals online at buildabear.com and in-store. While many discounts overlap, some are exclusive to either platform.
Last year’s online-only doorbusters included:
- Gingerbread Frogs for $10 each
- Select plush toys on sale for $12 each
In-store doorbusters included:
- Buy One, Get One for $14 on Make-Your-Own furry friends
This setup is expected again for 2025 so be sure to check both online and local store offers to decide which is the better fit for you.
Types of Discounts to Expect
Across both online and in-store shopping, Build-A-Bear tends to offer a wide range of discounts during Black Friday. Here are the typical categories that go on sale:
- Plush Toys: You can expect anywhere from 30% to 50% off on hundreds of plush toys. Many of these include both popular and seasonal items.
- Gift Sets: These often come bundled with clothing and accessories, and usually see discounts in the 20% to 40% range.
- Make-Your-Own Furry Friends: Last year’s BOGO deals suggest a repeat of similar mix-and-match promotions.
- Holiday-Themed Merchandise: Includes winter-themed outfits, holiday accessories, and limited-edition characters.
- Pajamas and Apparel: Typically offered at up to 50% off.
These markdowns can apply to both classic characters and licensed lines (depending on inventory), though limited-edition items and newer releases are often excluded.
Exclusions to Keep in Mind
As with most Black Friday events, not everything will be discounted. Here are a few categories that are typically excluded or see minimal discounts:
- Brand new releases (especially licensed collections)
- Customization services (e.g., sound chips, scents, embroidery)
- Gift cards
- Some online exclusives that are already discounted outside the Black Friday event
Cyber Monday
After the initial Black Friday weekend, Build-A-Bear usually transitions into a separate Cyber Monday sale. Often, this includes:
- Additional markdowns on leftover Black Friday inventory
- Flash deals and daily specials
- Bundled online-exclusive sets not found in stores
Cyber Monday deals typically launch early on Monday, December 1, and may continue for about 48 hours into Tuesday night or while supplies last.
Last Year’s Black Friday Ad
Black Friday Ad History
Are you interested in seeing some of Build-A-Bear Workshop’s older Black Friday ads? Then follow the links below to view a full history dating back to 2014.
- 2024: Page 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- 2023: Page 1, 2 and 3.
- 2022: Page 1 and 2.
- 2021: Page 1 and 2.
- 2020: Page 1.
- 2019: Page 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- 2018: Page 1 and 2.
- 2017: Page 1, 2 and 3.
- 2016: Page 1.
- 2015: Page 1.
- 2014: Page 1
Questions & Comments
What are you planning on getting at Build-A-Bear this Thanksgiving weekend? Let us know in the comments below.
That seems a little hypocritical that a company so family-centered makes their employees work on actual Thanksgiving night while they should be home with their own families. Instead they’ll be making screaming children stuffed bears and having to listen to middle aged mothers gripe about the deals not being good enough. I feel sorry
Hi Ginny — I agree with you 100%. Thanksgiving is the one holiday that regardless of religion or personal beliefs, is celebrated by all Americans. Everyone should have the day off from work.
I bought my first born son a teddy bear right before he was born. He still loves it even though he’s now 7. Now when my second son is on his way, we will build a bear for him too! We still have two months to do it so I’m hoping for a good deal on the customized bear.