US Department Stores vs. UAE Local Shops: The Jellycat Carrot Cake shipping reality

The TikTok frenzy over the Jellycat Amuseables Carrot Cake

If your social media feed looks anything like mine right now, you have seen the Jellycat Amuseables Carrot Cake. Part of the Spring 2026 release, this little plushie has become a massive sensation. With its textured layers and the signature Jellycat smile, it is currently the most sought-after piece in the collection. Collectors in the United Arab Emirates are already scouring local malls, but there is a bit of a problem. Most of the stock seems to be concentrated in major US department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s rather than our local boutiques.

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See more about shipping to United Arab Emirates

US Retailers vs. UAE Local Shops: Where the stock actually is

The common assumption is that it is easier to just wait for a local toy shop in Dubai or Abu Dhabi to get these in. However, US retailers vs. UAE local shops is a lopsided comparison right now. US stores often get priority for [us trends](https://www.comgateway.com/trends/) and seasonal drops. While a local shop might tell you they are "expecting stock soon," US department stores already have them on the shelves. Instead of hoping for a restock that might never come, many collectors are choosing to [shop us store](https://www.comgateway.com) websites directly to secure their Carrot Cake before they sell out globally.

Using a tax-free US address to skip the markup

One myth I hear a lot in the UAE community is that shipping a single plushie from America is too expensive. People think the shipping cost will double the price of the toy. That is only true if you use direct retail shipping. By using a [freight forwarder](https://www.comgateway.com/freight-forwarder/), you get a [tax-free us address](https://www.comgateway.com) in Oregon. This means you do not pay US sales tax, which already saves you about 7 to 10 percent. From there, you can [forward packages](https://www.comgateway.com/freight-forwarder/) to your doorstep in the UAE for much less than you would expect.

Shipping Estimates for your Carrot Cake

Before you hit the checkout button, it helps to know what you are looking at for logistics. The Jellycat Amuseables Carrot Cake is a relatively small item, but how it is packed matters. You can use the [shipping calculator](https://www.comgateway.com/calculator/) to get a precise number, but here are the general estimates for this specific 2026 release.

Box Weight and Dimensions

• Estimated Box Weight: Approx. 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs). The plushie itself is light, but the shipping box and protective paper add a little weight.
• Estimated Box Dimensions: Small. Usually around 20cm x 15cm x 15cm.

The Volumetric Weight Warning

Plush toys are the kings of volumetric weight issues. If a retailer decides to put your tiny Carrot Cake in a massive box filled with air pillows, your [shipping fees](https://www.comgateway.com/shipping_rates/) could be calculated based on the size of the box rather than the weight. To avoid this, a good [parcel forwarding service](https://www.comgateway.com/freight-forwarder/) will offer repacking services to shrink that box down to the smallest possible size.

Battery Check

The Jellycat Amuseables Carrot Cake is 100 percent fluff and fabric. It contains no lithium batteries or electronic components. This makes it a "simple" shipment, meaning you will not face any of the dangerous goods surcharges or strict airline regulations that come with shipping electronics to the UAE.

Estimating shipping fees for Dubai and Abu Dhabi deliveries

When looking at [international shipping rates](https://www.comgateway.com/shipping_rates/), remember that the first half-kilogram is usually the most expensive. To make the most of your money, check out other [popular products](https://www.comgateway.com/trends/) or [top us deals](https://www.comgateway.com/trends/) and bundle them together. Shipping three or four items at once via [package forwarding](https://www.comgateway.com/freight-forwarder/) is significantly cheaper than shipping them one by one. You can [estimate shipping cost](https://www.comgateway.com/calculator/) for a bundled package to see how much you save per item.

Clearing the air on UAE customs myths

There is a persistent myth that every package coming from the US gets stuck in customs for weeks or requires massive paperwork. In reality, for an item like a Jellycat plushie, the process is very smooth. As long as your total shipment value is under the current de minimis threshold, you generally only pay the 5 percent VAT. Most people find that [international shipping](https://www.comgateway.com/shipping_rates/) to Dubai or Abu Dhabi takes about 5 to 8 business days once it leaves the US warehouse. If you are tired of checking the shelves at the mall, let [comGateway](https://www.comgateway.com) help you bring the 2026 Spring collection home today.