Why Squishmallows are trending in 2026
The obsession with Squishmallows hasn't slowed down as we move through February 2026. If anything, the market for these plush toys has become more specialized. While you can find standard versions in most UK toy shops, the real excitement right now is happening across the Atlantic. Collectors are currently keeping a close eye on us trends to see which rare drops are hitting the shelves.
Recently, the Squishmallows 'Valentine's Squad' 2026 Walgreens Exclusives have become the most talked-about items on social media. Interestingly, this trend has gained significant traction on French social platforms, where users are highlighting just how rare these 12-inch plushies are outside of the United States. When a product is exclusive to a specific US drugstore chain, its value in the UK and Europe often triples overnight because they are simply not distributed here.
The allure of the Walgreens exclusive Valentine Squad
The 2026 Valentine's Squad features a unique aesthetic that differentiates it from previous years. Walgreens has secured the exclusive rights to several key 12-inch characters that aren't available at Target, Walmart, or Amazon. These plushies feature high-quality embroidery and seasonal themes that make them a primary target for serious collectors. Because Walgreens does not offer international shipping, these items remain elusive for those living in the UK.
The rarity is the main driver. When you see a specific character trending on Instagram or TikTok, it's often one of these drugstore exclusives. For a collector in London or Manchester, seeing these items online is one thing, but actually getting a hand on them involves overcoming several logistical hurdles that most people don't realize exist until they hit the 'checkout' button.
The hidden barrier for UK collectors
If you have ever tried to buy something directly from a US-only retailer like Walgreens, Sephora, or even the US Apple Store, you might have run into a brick wall. Many of these stores have strict security protocols that automatically decline orders if they detect an international credit card. Even if you are using a tax-free us address provided by a forwarder, the store may still cancel your order because your billing address is in the UK.
This is the "hidden barrier" that many fans face. You find the Squishmallow you want, it is in stock, but the transaction simply won't go through. Retailers often flag orders that use freight forwarding addresses or non-domestic payment methods as a way to prevent fraud or control their inventory. This leaves UK buyers in a frustrating loop where they can see the product but cannot purchase it.
How the BuyForMe service solves canceled orders
The most effective way to handle these difficult US stores is by using the comGateway "BuyForMe" service. This service acts as an assisted purchase solution where a dedicated team in the US buys the item on your behalf. Since the purchase is made using a US domestic credit card and a local billing address, the retailer views it as a standard domestic transaction.
This is the safest way to guarantee your order doesn't get cancelled at the last minute. Instead of you struggling with the checkout process and facing repeated declines, you simply tell the BuyForMe team what you want from the Walgreens website. They handle the payment and the communication with the store. This service is a lifesaver for getting those 2026 Valentine Squishmallows that would otherwise be impossible to acquire from overseas. If you have more questions about how this works, you can always check the help center for more details.
Shipping your 2026 squad to the UK
Once your Squishmallows reach the US warehouse, you need a reliable way to get them to your doorstep. Using a parcel forwarding service allows you to bridge the gap between US-only shipping and your home in the UK. One of the benefits of using comGateway is the ability to consolidate multiple items into one box, which can significantly reduce the total cost of delivery.
Before you commit to a purchase, it is always a good idea to estimate shipping cost using an online tool. 12-inch Squishmallows are lightweight, but they can be bulky. Some forwarders offer vacuum-packing options to reduce the volume, which is something to look into if you are ordering the entire squad. This ensures you aren't paying more for the space the air takes up inside the box than for the plushies themselves.
Budgeting for UK import costs
When you are importing collectibles from the US to the UK, you need to be aware of the local regulations regarding import tax and VAT. Since the UK left the EU, the rules for imports have become more strictly enforced. Generally, any shipment valued over £135 will be subject to customs duty, and almost all imports are subject to a 20% VAT (Value Added Tax).
Checking our guide on import duties will help you understand how these fees are calculated. Usually, the courier will contact you to pay these fees before they deliver the package to your door. Factoring these costs into your budget at the start ensures that there are no surprises when your rare 2026 Valentine's Squad finally arrives in the country. While it adds to the total price, for many collectors, it is a small price to pay for an exclusive item that won't be found in any local shop.
Final thoughts on the 2026 hunt
Securing the Squishmallows 'Valentine's Squad' 2026 Walgreens Exclusives from the UK requires a bit of strategy. By using a freight forwarder and an assisted purchase service, you can bypass the common checkout errors that stop most international buyers. It turns a frustrating experience into a simple process of waiting for your new favorites to arrive at your door.
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