Critical Alert
Build-A-Bear Workshop Recalls Heartwarming Hugs Bears Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Choking Hazard to Children
This recall is associated with reported fatalities. Consumers should take immediate action.
Source: CPSC
CriticalRecall #26457
Build-A-Bear Workshop Recalls Heartwarming Hugs Bears Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Choking Hazard to Children
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc., of St Louis, Missouri · Build-A-Bear Workshop Heartwarming Hugs Bears
Product Description
This recall involves the Heartwarming Hugs weighted plush bear with model number 034464. It has a side pouch containing a heart filled with 2.5 pounds of ceramic beads, which can be heated or cooled for comfort. The pouch is secured with a zipper. The product is graded 3 years+ and carries a cautionary statement advising adult supervision due to the heated/cooled element. The model number is located on the label sewn into the back side of one bear leg.
Hazard
The zipper slider on the side pouch can detach, posing a risk of serious injury or death from choking hazard to children.
Remedy
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Heartwarming Hugs Bear and return it to a local Build-A-Bear Workshop store to receive a refund in the form of original payment or a gift card for the original purchase price redeemable toward any available Make-Your-Own furry friend and any other available merchandise. If a consumer is unable to return their Heartwarming Hugs Bear to a local store, they can visit www.buildabear.com/recalls for more information or call Build-A-Bear to receive a free return shipping label to return the recalled bear and to receive a refund check in the form of original payment or in the form of a digital gift card to use on the firm's website.
RefundReplace
Reported Injuries
There has been one consumer report in the United Kingdom of the zipper slider detaching while in use, and no reports in the United States. No injuries have been reported.
411 Press Analysis
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc., of St Louis, Missouri is recalling about 36,000 (in addition 520 were sold in canada) of Build-A-Bear Workshop Heartwarming Hugs Bears following reports of fatalities linked to the product. The CPSC announced this recall on April 30, 2026. The zipper slider on the side pouch can detach, posing a risk of serious injury or death from choking hazard to children. This is among the most serious recall classifications issued by the CPSC. Consumers are urged to stop use immediately and obtain a full refund. Anyone who has experienced problems with this product should file a report with the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov in addition to contacting the manufacturer.
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