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Tens of thousands of Build-A-Bears are being recalled due to choking hazard.
The recall affects approximately 36,000 Heartwarming Hugs heavy stuffed bears sold in the U.S. and 520 sold in Canada, according to a notice issued April 30 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
According to the notice, the zipper slider on the bear’s side pouch can come undone, posing a choking hazard to children and causing serious injury or death. The bear’s side pouch contains a heart filled with 2.5 pounds of ceramic beads that can be heated or cooled for comfort.
This product is recommended for ages 3 and up and contains a warning that recommends adult supervision due to heating/cooling elements.
There have been reports of the zipper slider coming off during use in the UK. According to the notice, no injuries have been reported as a result of this issue.
How to identify a bear?
Affected toys can be identified by the model number “034464” on a label sewn on the back of the bear’s paw. The toy was sold at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores from January 2026 to March 2026 for approximately $48.
remedies
Consumers are encouraged to stop using the bear and return it to their local Build-A-Bear Workshop store for a refund using their original payment method or gift card.
If you are unable to return your bear to the store, you can visit www.buildabear.com/recalls for more information or call Build-A-Bear to receive a free return label. Customers who choose this option will receive a refund in the form of their original payment or a digital gift card.
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Please contact mdelrey@usatoday.com.
