Why are we paying double for Jellycats? How I scored the 2026 Valentine's drop from the US for way less

The 2026 Jellycat Obsession: Why is Everyone Obsessed?

Honestly, guys, the 2026 Jellycat Valentine’s collection has officially broken the internet. If you have been scrolling through TikTok or Reddit lately, you’ve probably seen the new Amuseable Heart Balloons and the revamped Rose Bouquets. It’s not just about them being soft anymore; it’s a full-blown collector culture. In Australia, the hype is even more intense because our local stockists seem to sell out within minutes of a drop.

What makes this 2026 collection special is the limited-edition run of the 'Lovable Lips' and the 'Be My Valentine' puppy editions. They are quirky, high-quality, and, let’s be real, they look great on a shelf or as a gift that actually says you put effort into finding something unique. But here is the problem: trying to find these in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane right now is like searching for a needle in a haystack, and when you do find them, the prices are eye-watering.

The 'Australia Tax' is Real: Comparing US vs. AU Prices

Have you ever noticed how a plushie that costs $30 USD somehow ends up being $80 AUD in our local boutique stores? I did the math, and it’s frustrating. Even with the current exchange rate in February 2026, we are often paying a 40% to 50% premium just for the privilege of buying locally.

US retailers like Nordstrom, FAO Schwarz, and the official Jellycat US site often have much deeper stock and significantly lower base prices. For example, the large Amuseable Pink Heart is retailing for about $45 USD (~$69 AUD) in the States, while I've seen it listed for nearly $110 AUD here. If you are buying more than one item, that price gap adds up fast. This is why more Aussies are skipping the local mall and looking toward the US market to get their fix.

How to Shop US Stores from Australia Like a Pro

So, how do you actually get your hands on these without a plane ticket to New York? Most US stores don't ship internationally, or if they do, the shipping costs more than the actual Jellycat. The workaround is actually pretty simple: you need a tax-free US address.

By using a reliable comGateway account, you get a dedicated US address to use at checkout. You shop at your favorite US stores, ship your items to that address, and then have them forwarded to your doorstep in Australia. If you've never done this before, don't worry—it’s a straightforward process. You can check out this step-by-step guide to see exactly how it works from start to finish.

What if the store won't take my Aussie credit card?

Sometimes, US retailers get picky about international credit cards or billing addresses. This is where a proxy shopping service becomes a lifesaver. If you run into a checkout wall, you can use the BuyForMe service. You just tell them what you want, and they handle the purchase on your behalf using a US-based payment method. It takes the stress out of the whole 'declined card' drama we've all dealt with.

The Secret to Affordable International Shipping

I know what you're thinking: "Isn't shipping from the US to Australia expensive?" It can be, but only if you do it wrong. The trick is consolidation. Instead of shipping one tiny plushie at a time, you can hold multiple purchases at your US address and ship them all together in one box. This significantly reduces your international shipping rates.

Before you hit 'buy' on that 2026 Valentine's collection, I highly recommend using a shipping calculator to estimate your costs. This helps you figure out if your savings on the product price outweigh the shipping fees (spoiler: they usually do, especially on multi-item hauls). You can also look into different international shipping options to find a balance between speed and cost.

Customs and Prohibited Items: What Aussie Buyers Need to Know

When importing goods into Australia, there are a few rules to keep in mind for 2026. For most personal imports under $1,000 AUD, you won't have to worry about heavy import duties, though GST is typically handled at the point of the shipping service.

More importantly, you need to make sure you aren't accidentally ordering anything that Border Force will seize. While Jellycats are generally safe (they are just plush toys!), some Valentine's gift sets might include restricted items like certain perfumes, seeds, or flammable materials. It's always a good idea to check the list of prohibited items before you finalize your cart. You might also like to check our guide on shipping fragile items to ensure your new Amuseable Heart arrives in perfect, fluffy condition.

Pro-Tips for Your Valentine's Haul

If you're planning on making this a regular hobby (because let's face it, Jellycats are addictive), you should look into Prime membership benefits for your forwarding account. This can give you access to lower shipping rates and faster processing, which is crucial when you're trying to get a gift delivered before February 14th.

To summarize the 2026 Valentine's strategy for Aussies:

• Shop Early: The US drops happen before the Australian ones.
• Compare Prices: Use the US MSRP to see how much you're actually saving.
• Consolidate: Buy a few items (maybe split an order with a friend) to save on shipping.
• Use a Forwarder: Don't let "We do not ship to your country" stop you.

Happy hunting, everyone! Whether you're grabbing the 2026 'Hugging Bears' or the classic 'Vivacious Vegetable' hearts, shopping the US market is the smartest way to beat the Australia tax and get the best of the Jellycat Valentine's collection.