Build-A-Bear Workshop Recalls Heartwarming Hugs Bears Due to Choking Hazard

Source: CPSC · United States

Build-A-Bear is recalling about 36,000 Heartwarming Hugs weighted plush bears in the U.S. because the zipper slider on the side pouch can detach, posing a choking hazard that may lead to serious injury or death for children.

What this CPSC product recall tells you, and what most readers miss

This notice was issued by CPSC on May 6, 2026 and geographically references United States. Its severity classification of "high" signals how the issuing agency weighs the risk of harm if no action is taken — "critical" and "high" tier alerts typically carry direct consumer actions, while "medium" and "low" tend toward informational guidance or monitoring advisories. The category it belongs to — Product Recalls — determines the regulatory framework behind it, which shapes what remedies (refunds, replacements, recalls, evacuations) are available to affected individuals and who holds statutory responsibility for enforcement.

Most readers skim a notice like this, check whether they are personally affected, and move on. The more useful lens is to read it as a data point about the issuing system: how quickly CPSC detected the hazard, how precise the geographic or product-identifier scope is, and whether similar notices have clustered in the same category or region in the last 90 days. Cluster patterns frequently precede a broader regulatory action — a single localized CPSC product recall is isolated; three of them within a quarter often indicate a supply-chain, infrastructure, or seasonal driver that will keep producing notices until something structural changes.

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What Happened

The recall involves the Heartwarming Hugs weighted plush bear with model number 034464, where the zipper slider on the side pouch can detach, posing a risk of serious injury or death from a choking hazard to children. The product is intended for ages 3 years and up and includes a caution for adult supervision due to its heated or cooled element.

Which Products Are Affected

The affected product is the Build-A-Bear Workshop Heartwarming Hugs Bears. About 36,000 units were sold in the United States, with an additional 520 sold in Canada. These were sold at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and online at www.buildabear.com from January 2026 through March 2026 for about $48. The model number 034464 is located on the label sewn into the back side of one bear leg.

What You Should Do

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. If unable to return to a store, contact Build-A-Bear at 844-541-0144 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT on Sunday, or email ProductHotline@buildabear.com, or visit www.buildabear.com/recalls for a free return shipping label and further instructions on obtaining a refund.

Why This Matters

This recall highlights the potential dangers of choking hazards in children's products, which can result in serious injury or death, underscoring the need for rigorous safety standards in toys.

Source

Information from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: [https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Build-A-Bear-Workshop-Recalls-Heartwarming-Hugs-Bears-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Choking-Hazard-to-Children]

Original source: CPSC Official Notice ↗

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this CPSC product recall.

What is this CPSC product recall about?
Build-A-Bear is recalling about 36,000 Heartwarming Hugs weighted plush bears in the U.S. because the zipper slider on the side pouch can detach, posing a choking hazard that may lead to serious injury or death for children.
Which agency issued this alert?
This alert was issued by CPSC. The original notice is available at the source link at the bottom of this article.
How severe is this alert?
This alert is classified as "high" severity. Take precautions and monitor for updates.
What area is affected?
This alert affects United States. Check with CPSC for the most current geographic scope.
Where can I find more Product Recalls updates?
Browse the full Product Recalls feed on Areazine at areazine.com/recalls/cpsc/ for the latest updates from CPSC and other agencies.