36K Build-A-Bear Workshop bears recalled. See affected toy

Tens of thousands of Build-A-Bears are being recalled due to a choking hazard.

The recall affects about 36,000 units of Heartwarming Hugs weighted plush bears sold in the United States, and 520 sold in Canada, according to a notice published by the Consumer Product Safety Commission on April 30.

The zipper slider on the bear's side pouch can detach, possibly causing a risk of serious injury or death from a choking hazard to children, per the notice. The bear has a side pouch containing a heart filled with 2.5 pounds of ceramic beads, which can be heated or cooled for comfort.

The product is for ages 3 years+ and carries a cautionary statement advising adult supervision due to the heating/cooling element.

There have been reports of the zipper slider detaching while in use in the United Kingdom. No injuries have been reported as a result of the issue, according to the notice.

How to identify the bear?

The affected toy is identifiable by its model number, 034464, located on the label sewn into the back of the bear's leg. The toy was sold at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores from January 2026 through March 2026 for about $48.

Remedy

Consumers are advised to stop using the bear and return it to their nearest Build-A-Bear Workshop store to receive a refund in either their original form of payment or a gift card.

Those unable to return the bear to the store can visit www.buildabear.com/recalls for more information or call Build-A-Bear to receive a free return shipping 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 at USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected].