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Why this cake is taking the biscuit
I thought my plushie collection was complete until the Spring 2026 collection dropped. If you have been on TikTok lately, you have probably seen the Jellycat Amuseables Carrot Cake. It is a delightful slice of plush perfection, complete with little cordy legs and a tiny felt carrot on top. While it is technically part of the new season, trying to find one at a local boutique here in Japan has been like looking for a needle in a haystack—or a single raisin in a giant fruitcake.
See more about shipping to Japan
I noticed that while my favorite shops in Tokyo were sold out or hadn't even received their stock, major US department stores were still showing availability. That is when I decided to take matters into my own hands. I decided to shop US store options directly to see if I could snag one before they became the stuff of legend (and inflated resale prices).
I always keep an eye on popular products through various trend trackers, and it’s clear that the Amuseables line is currently the crown jewel of the 2026 toy market. I knew I had to act fast before the US stock vanished too.
My recipe for sourcing from the USA
Buying from the US while sitting in my apartment in Japan sounds like a lot of work, but I prefer the path of least resistance. The first thing I did was set up a tax-free US address. This is essentially a staging area in a state like Oregon where I don't have to pay US sales tax. It makes the "Lazy Method" of shopping even sweeter because I am saving money without doing any extra math.
I browsed several big-name retailers like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s. These stores are often the best bet for the Jellycat Amuseables Carrot Cake because they get massive shipments compared to smaller boutiques. Once I found it in stock, I realized I needed a reliable freight forwarder to handle the journey across the Pacific.
Avoiding the declined card blues with BuyForMe
One thing I have learned the hard way is that some US stores are quite picky. I’ve had my heart broken before when a store like Sephora or a major department store cancelled my order because I used a Japanese credit card or a shipping address they didn't recognize. It is a common hurdle for international shoppers.
To keep things simple, I used the BuyForMe service. This is my favorite shortcut. Instead of me fighting with the checkout page, I just tell the comGateway team what I want. They use a US domestic credit card to purchase the item on my behalf. It is essentially proxy shopping that guarantees the order goes through. Since they are using a local card and a local address, the store sees it as a standard domestic purchase. For a high-demand item like the Carrot Cake, this assisted purchase approach is the only way to ensure I don't miss out while the store processes my payment.
Shipping estimates for plushie lovers
Before I committed, I wanted to know exactly what I was getting into regarding the trek to Japan. I used a shipping calculator to get a rough idea. Here is what I found for a single Jellycat Amuseables Carrot Cake:
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs) |
| Box Dimensions | Small (Approx. 20cm x 15cm x 15cm) |
| Volumetric Warning | Low. While some plushies are huge, the Carrot Cake is relatively compact. However, if the retailer puts it in a massive box filled with air pillows, the volumetric weight might be higher than the actual weight. |
| Battery Check | None. This item does not contain lithium batteries, so there are no special air travel restrictions. |
I always recommend that you estimate shipping cost before you buy, especially if you are planning to add more items to your cart. Combining multiple items into one shipment is the best way to save on those international rates.
Getting it through Japan customs
Living in Japan, I am always mindful of the 16,666 JPY threshold. Usually, if my total order (including shipping) stays under this amount, I don't have to worry about the 10% consumption tax. For a single plushie, this is rarely an issue. However, if you are like me and end up buying five different cakes to gift to friends, you might want to check the FAQ or the help center for more details on import rules.
My package arrived at my door in Tokyo via a local courier just a few days after it left the US warehouse. No paperwork, no stress, and no phone calls from customs. I simply opened the box, and there it was—my perfectly plush slice of 2026's biggest trend. If you have questions about the process, the support team is usually very quick to help out. Now, I just need to find a spot on my shelf that is worthy of such a celebrated piece of cake.
