My shortcut for getting the 2026 LEGO Bird of Paradise to Italy before it hits local shelves

Why I’m chasing the 2026 Botanical Collection

I’ve been eyeing the LEGO Icons 'The Botanical Collection' Giant Bird of Paradise (2026 Edition) since it was first leaked. While many of my fellow collectors in the Philippines have been using US shipping hacks for years to avoid their massive local markups, we in Italy face a different problem: stock delays. The 2026 edition features updated leaf textures and a more sustainable plastic composition that I just couldn't wait for.

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I realized that waiting for local European retailers to get their shipments would take weeks, if not months. By ordering directly from a US retailer, I managed to get this set on my shelf while my local LEGO store still had the 2021 version on display. Plus, with the current exchange rates, I actually saved a few Euros even after considering the costs of international shipping.

My shortcut to buying from US stores

The fastest way to get your hands on US-exclusive releases or early drops is to shop exactly where the stock is most plentiful. I usually browse the US LEGO Shop or major retailers like Target and Amazon US. The problem I hit immediately was that these stores don't ship directly to my address in Rome. That’s where a package forwarding service becomes essential.

I found that the most efficient "speed run" involves using a tax-free US address. This allows me to buy the set without paying US sales tax, leaving me more room in my budget for the actual shipping home.

Why I chose a freight forwarder

I decided to use comGateway for this specific haul. I needed a reliable freight forwarder that could handle delicate LEGO boxes without crushing them. My goal was to get the package from Oregon to Italy as quickly as possible. When you forward packages through a dedicated hub, you often get access to better international shipping rates than if you tried to convince a small eBay seller to ship globally.

I also recommend checking the shipping fees beforehand. Because LEGO sets can be oddly shaped, knowing the costs upfront prevents any surprises when the box arrives at the warehouse.

Shipping Estimates for Italy

Based on my recent experience with the 2026 Bird of Paradise set, here is what you can expect for your shipping logistics. This set is surprisingly dense for a botanical build.

I suggest using the shipping calculator to get a precise quote for your specific city in Italy, as rates can vary between Milan and smaller coastal towns.

My step-by-step process

If you want to replicate my "speed run" for this LEGO set, here is how it works in practice:

• I signed up for a freight forwarder account to get my US address.
• I placed my order on the US LEGO site using that address as the delivery point.
• Once the package arrived at the warehouse, I received a notification to choose my shipping method.
• I checked the prohibited items list just to be safe, though LEGO is perfectly fine for Italy.
• I selected DHL international shipping for the fastest transit time to Rome.

Dealing with import tax in Italy

One thing I learned the hard way is that you must account for import tax and VAT when the package enters Italy. Since this is a high-value collectible, the Italian Customs agency will likely apply a 22% VAT plus any relevant administrative fees. Even with these costs, the speed of delivery and the certainty of getting the 2026 edition made it worth it for me.

Using a professional parcel forwarding service makes this easier because they provide the necessary documentation for customs, which speeds up the clearance process significantly. I’ve found that FedEx international shipping also offers great tracking transparency for these customs stages.

If you are looking for a way to beat the local wait times, this US-to-Italy route is definitely my preferred method for 2026.