If, like me, you’ve only been barely aware over the past two decades about how the whole Build-A-Bear process works, it turns out it’s kind of a delight—but in the case of this Westfield Century City location, that might have to do with its congregation of Sanrio mascots. Whether you choose Hello Kitty or Badtz-Maru or My Melody, among many others, you can pick your unstuffed plush and assist as they get plumped up. (Don’t forget to make a wish before a little textile heart gets sewn inside of them.)
At $38, these Sanrio options are a few dollars more than the chain’s classic teddy bears. And the optional heartbeat, sounds, scents and accessories add up very quickly; my fully outfitted Cinnamoroll was nearly double that price by the time I loaded it up with every possible add-on. But if you skip all that and stick to an unadorned stuffie, I think it’s still a perfectly charming process for kids—and, yes, even adults.