He’s small. He’s brown. He’s usually wearing a red t-shirt that’s slightly too tight for his cotton-stuffed belly. If you grew up watching PBS Kids or flipping through the yellow-spined books by Margret and H.A. Rey, you know exactly who I’m talking about. But finding a Curious George Build a Bear isn't as simple as walking into your local mall and pointing at a bin. Honestly, it’s a bit of a scavenger hunt these days.
The partnership between the Build-A-Bear Workshop and the Curious George brand (owned by Universal Studios) hasn't been a permanent fixture like the classic Lil’ Cub or the endless iterations of Paw Patrol. Instead, it has popped up in waves, leaving collectors and nostalgic parents scouring eBay and Mercari.
Why the fuss? George represents a specific kind of childhood innocence that doesn't feel like a "product," even when he literally is one.
The History of the Curious George Build a Bear
Build-A-Bear first introduced the world’s favorite mischievous monkey back in the mid-2000s, specifically around 2006. This coincided perfectly with the release of the Curious George animated feature film starring Will Ferrell. It was a massive marketing moment. Universal wanted George everywhere, and Build-A-Bear was the premier place for "experiential" toys.
The original 2006 plush was distinct. He had that signature fuzzy texture, a curved tail, and—most importantly—the official "Curious George" logo embroidered on the bottom of his right foot. This is the "Holy Grail" for many collectors. If you find one at a garage sale without that paw patch, it might just be a generic monkey. Always check the feet.
Years later, around 2016-2017, we saw a re-release. It wasn't exactly the same, though. The newer versions often felt a bit softer, perhaps a bit more "squish," reflecting the changing materials used in toy manufacturing.
What Makes Him Different from Other Monkeys?
You might think, "A monkey is a monkey, right?"
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Wrong.
The Curious George Build a Bear has a specific facial structure that mimics the Rey’s original illustrations. He doesn't have a mouth in many versions—just like the book character. It’s a stylistic choice that some kids find adorable and some find... well, a little quiet. His ears are smaller and tighter to his head compared to the "Happy Hugs" Teddy or the "Bananas Monkey" line that Build-A-Bear often carries.
He also came with specific accessories that are now harder to find than the monkey itself.
- The classic red t-shirt with yellow lettering.
- A pint-sized version of the Man in the Yellow Hat’s iconic headgear.
- Sometimes, a small felt banana he could "hold" via elastic bands.
If you’re looking at a listing online and it includes the yellow hat, you’re looking at a gold mine. Those hats get lost easily. They fall off during play or get tossed in a random toy box, never to be seen again. A George without his hat is just a monkey; with the hat, he’s a centerpiece.
The Resale Market Reality
Let’s talk money.
Because the Curious George Build a Bear isn't currently in active production at most workshops, the "aftermarket" is where the action is. You aren't going to pay the standard $20-25 retail price.
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On sites like eBay, a mint condition George with tags can go for anywhere from $40 to $80. If he’s "pre-loved"—which is code for "matted fur and smells like old crayons"—you might snag him for $15. But then you have the "stuffed vs. unstuffed" debate. Serious collectors often prefer buying him unstuffed so they can take him to a local Workshop, get the "Heart Ceremony" done, and have him stuffed fresh.
Kinda weird? Maybe. But it’s part of the brand’s magic.
There's a specific segment of the "Kidult" community—adults who collect toys—who track these monkeys religiously. They look for the "pre-stuffed" versions sold at theme parks versus the "make-your-own" versions. Universal Studios Orlando, for instance, has occasionally stocked George plushes that look strikingly similar to Build-A-Bears but lack the internal "B-A-B" silk tag.
Always look for the side seam tag. No tag, no pedigree.
Why He Disappears from Shelves
Licensing is a headache.
Build-A-Bear has to pay Universal for the right to use George’s likeness. When that contract ends, the stuffing machines stop. It’s not that George isn't popular; it’s that the "lifestyle" cycle of toys moves fast. Right now, the focus is on Bluey, Pokémon, and whatever Disney+ show is trending. George is "evergreen," which ironically means he gets benched frequently because he doesn't need a "push" to stay relevant. He’s just always there, in the background of our culture.
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He’s a "seasonal" or "limited run" character. This creates a sense of artificial scarcity. You’ll see him during the back-to-school season or perhaps around the holidays, then poof, he’s gone for three years.
Caring for an Older George
If you managed to find a Curious George Build a Bear at a thrift store, he probably looks a bit rough. Monkeys lead hard lives.
First, check the fur. If it’s "pilled" or crunchy, it’s likely been through a high-heat dryer. Don't do that. If you need to wash him, put him in a pillowcase, tie it shut, and use a cold, gentle cycle. Air dry only. Use a pet slicker brush—the kind with the tiny wire bristles—to brush out his fur once he’s damp. It’ll make him look brand new.
Also, check the voice boxes. Many of these monkeys were sold with a "chatter" sound chip. Over ten years, those batteries leak. If you feel a hard lump in his paw or chest that doesn't make sound, it’s time for "surgery." You can carefully snip the stitches on his back (the "stitching hole" is always on the spine), remove the old battery pack, and sew him back up with a ladder stitch.
The Emotional Value
Honestly, the reason people keep searching for the Curious George Build a Bear isn't about the resale value. It’s about the "Man in the Yellow Hat" dynamic. Every kid feels like George—curious, prone to accidents, but fundamentally well-intentioned. Having a George that you "built" yourself adds a layer of responsibility. You aren't just his owner; you're his guardian.
It’s one of the few toys that bridges the gap between the Greatest Generation (who read the books in the 40s) and Gen Alpha (who watch the 3D reboots).
How to Find One Today
- Check Local "Stash" Stores: Some Build-A-Bear outlets in tourist heavy areas (like Disney Springs or Pier 39) carry "legacy" stock longer than mall stores.
- Search Specific Keywords: When looking online, don't just search for "Curious George." Search for "Build a Bear Monkey 2006" or "George Plush Red Shirt."
- Verify the Foot: Demand a photo of the bottom of the feet. If it doesn't have the George logo or the Build-A-Bear paw patch, it’s a knockoff.
- Visit the "Bear Hospital": If you find a damaged one, Build-A-Bear used to offer a repair service. While they can't always replace licensed fabric, they can fix seams and add new stuffing.
Finding a Curious George Build a Bear takes patience. It’s not like buying a generic teddy bear where you have infinite options. You're looking for a specific piece of history. But when you finally find that little brown face staring back at you from a shelf, it feels like a win.
Go check the secondary markets now. Prices fluctuate based on nostalgia trends, and with rumors of new George media always swirling, the cost of these plushes only goes up when he's back in the spotlight. Look for listings labeled "EUC" (Excellent Used Condition) to ensure the fur hasn't lost its luster. If you're a purist, hunt for the 2006 original—it’s the most authentic representation of the monkey who just wanted to see how things worked.