Okay, mama, let’s be honest: Halloween is creeping up, and your kids are already bouncing off the walls with excitement (and probably sugar from your hidden candy stash). But before you drown in costume glitter and candy wrappers, let me toss a magical idea your way — a trip to Build-A-Bear. Trust me, it’s not just a store; it’s a whole memory-making experience.

This year’s Halloween collection is full of pumpkin-headed bears, posable bats, cute witches, and even glow-in-the-dark costumes (which make it super easy to spot your kid while trick-or-treating)! And yes, your kid can customize it all — because naturally, their Pokémon Litten needs light-up sneakers, and a vampire teddy totally rocks a tutu.

You might not have thought to put Build-a-Bear on your Halloween bingo card alongside pumpkin patches and apple picking, but it’s a weather-proof, meltdown-free activity that doesn’t involve getting hay stuck in your hair or cleaning up glitter. Plus, their new spooky friend is going to last way longer than the rotting pumpkin on your back stoop.

So go on — grab your pumpkin spice treat, wrangle the kiddos, and head to Build-A-Bear. Let them create their Halloween sidekick while you soak in that sweet, sweet moment of peace (and maybe grab a little bear for yourself — no judgment here).