# DIY-Style Holiday Workshops Build-A-Bear's Toy Workshop Strategy is Rolled Out in Multiple Cities By Kalin Ned | Published 2019-03-12 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toy-workshop References: [pymnts](https://www.pymnts.com/news/retail/2018/whirlpool-sears-appliances-bankruptcy/) & [ir.buildabear](http://ir.buildabear.com/news-releases/news-release-details/build-bear-workshopr-opens-rockefeller-center-holiday-season) Build-A-Bear has come to be known for its [immersive toy workshops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jellycat-caf). Becoming somewhat of a ritual in the eyes of the North American consumer, the activity that the business offers enjoys great popularity due to the hands-on experience. To reach a larger audience, Build-A-Bear launched its toy workshops accross family-focused venues across the country — from a permanent retail space at [FAO Schwarz](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-and-fao-schwarz) to temporary locations at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's. The DIY-style toy workshops allowed children to Make-Their-Own experience, ultimately tapping the movement of [personalization for authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squeezeaway). The Rockefeller location, for example, boasted a dance-on piano that promoted activity, as well as a build-your-own RC race car station which engaged creativity. Beside the toy workshops, the activation also included magic shows and "a grocery shopping experience designed for kids." Photo Credits: Shutterstock ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.3/10 - Popularity: 97% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Immersive Toy Workshops:** Creating interactive and hands-on experiences for consumers through toy workshops. - **Personalization Movement:** Tap into the growing trend of personalization to offer authentic and customized experiences. - **Family-focused Activations:** Develop family-focused venues that offer a variety of activities to engage both children and adults. ### Where This Applies - **Retail:** Leverage the immersive toy workshop concept to create unique retail experiences. - **Entertainment:** Combine interactive toy workshops with additional entertainment elements, such as magic shows, to attract a larger audience. - **Event Management:** Establish temporary toy workshops and activations at venues like Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's to provide interactive experiences for families. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Branded Creativity-Focused Workshops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creativity-workshop-series.md) - [Teddy Bear Metaverses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buildabear-tycoon.md) - [Special Birthday Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birthday-promotion.md) - [Festive Collaborative Plush Workshops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-and-friends-workshop.md) - [Interactive Holiday Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bearlieve-bear.md) - [Toy-Inspired Music-Themed Workshops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creativity-workshops.md) - [Gen Alpha Creativity Workshops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creativity-workshop.md) - [Stuffed Toy Sports Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buildabear-workshop-1.md) - [Adult-Targeted Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/build-a-bear-after-dark.md)