The Little-Known Loophole Aussie Collectors Are Using to Snag the Viral Crying Horse From US Stores

The Crying Horse Craze: Why Everyone is Obsessed in 2026

If you’ve spent more than five minutes on social media this January, you’ve seen it. The "Crying Horse" has officially become the first major viral phenomenon of 2026. It’s that minimalist, emotive desk companion that somehow captures the collective mood of the year perfectly. Whether it’s the limited-edition ceramic finish or the smart-ambient lighting that glows when it “cries,” this piece of decor has moved from a niche US boutique item to a global must-have.

For those of us down under, the obsession is real, but so is the frustration. Most of the primary stockists—boutiques in New York and Los Angeles—haven't set up international distribution yet. If you try to check out with a Sydney or Melbourne address, you're usually met with the dreaded "We do not ship to your country" message. But don't worry, there's a workaround that the pro-shoppers are already using.

Check our guide on: Why the Crying Horse is Trending Everywhere and How to Ship One to Australia

The Shipping Hurdle: Why US Retailers Are Making It Hard for Aussies

It’s a common story in 2026: a product goes viral, demand spikes, but the logistics can’t keep up. US retailers often hesitate to offer shipping from USA to Australia because of the perceived complexity of international paperwork and the high cost of direct courier services. When they do offer it, the flat-rate shipping fees are often more expensive than the Crying Horse itself.

This is where local knowledge becomes your best friend. You don't have to wait for a local distributor to pick it up (which could take months). You can act like a US resident and bypass these restrictions entirely.

The Insider Solution: Using a Reliable Package Forwarder

The secret that seasoned Aussie collectors use is a US-based shipping address. By signing up with comGateway, you get a tax-free US shipping address that you can use at any American online store. When you buy your Crying Horse, you simply ship it to this address instead of your home in Australia.

Using a reliable package forwarder ensures that your item is received in a secure warehouse, inspected if you wish, and then forwarded to you using premium couriers at a fraction of the cost of direct retail shipping. This is the exact method people used to get the early tech releases last year, and it works perfectly for the Crying Horse today.

The Step-by-Step Logistics Playbook

Setting this up is actually much easier than most people realize. If you’re worried about the technical side, there is a clear how it works section on the provider's site, but here is the quick rundown for 2026 shoppers:

• Register: Get your personal US address instantly.
• Shop: Head to the US store selling the Crying Horse and enter your new US address at checkout.
• Notify: Once the store ships the item, it arrives at the warehouse.
• Ship: Log in and tell the warehouse to send it to your Australian front door.

You might also like: Read more: 5 Simple Steps to Get the Viral Crying Horse from the US to Australia

Crunching the Numbers: Estimating Your Shipping Costs

Nobody likes a surprise bill at the end of the transaction. Before you commit to your purchase, you should use a shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost based on the dimensions of the Crying Horse. Since it’s a relatively lightweight item, the costs are usually quite manageable, especially if you choose to consolidate it with other US goodies you’ve been eyeing.

Remember that in 2026, international shipping rates fluctuate based on fuel surcharges, so getting a real-time estimate is the smartest move you can make before hitting that 'Buy' button.

What to Watch Out For: Aussie Customs and Prohibited Items

When importing goods into Australia, you need to be aware of the Australian Border Force regulations. Most Crying Horse models are made of ceramic, plastic, or resin, which are perfectly fine to import. However, if you are buying a special edition that includes organic materials or specific types of batteries, you should check the prohibited items list first.

Items like restricted goods can lead to delays or even seizures at the border. Generally, standard home decor items don't fall into this category, but it pays to be informed so your viral treasure doesn't get stuck in customs limbo.

A Note on GST and Duties

As of 2026, Australia continues to apply GST to low-value imported goods. Usually, the forwarder or the courier will handle the collection of this, making the process seamless for you. If your total order exceeds AUD $1,000, be prepared for additional import duties and processing fees.

Troubleshooting and Support

If this is your first time using a forwarding service, you might have questions about insurance or what happens if the box arrives damaged. Most reputable services have an extensive FAQ or help center that covers everything from tracking numbers to package consolidation. If you ever feel stuck, their support teams are usually very responsive to Australian customers who are navigating the time zone differences.

Final Verdict: Is the Crying Horse Worth the Effort?

In the world of 2026 interior design, the Crying Horse isn't just a trend; it's a conversation starter. While it might seem like a lot of steps to buy from a US store, using a package forwarder actually opens up thousands of other retailers that previously felt off-limits to Australians. Once you have your US address set up, the Crying Horse is just the beginning of your international shopping journey. Enjoy your new piece of 2026 history!