Why I'm finally getting my Jellycat Sky Dragon from US stores instead of waiting for New Zealand restocks

February 05, 2026

Why the Jellycat Sky Dragon is my current obsession

I have been a fan of plushie collecting for years, but the hype surrounding the Jellycat Sky Dragon in 2026 is on another level. It started as a massive trend in the Thai collector community and quickly spread to us here in New Zealand. There is just something about that soft, pale blue fur and the majestic wings that makes it a must-have for my shelf.

Why I
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However, if you live in Auckland or Wellington, you probably know the struggle. Every time a local boutique gets a shipment, it disappears in minutes. I realized that waiting for domestic restocks was a losing game. Read more: Can New Zealand residents bypass domestic stock shortages for the Jellycat Sky Dragon?

The logic behind the US market supply chain advantage

I started looking into why my friends in the States were posting photos of their dragons while I was staring at "Sold Out" buttons. It turns out that global logistics favor the US market. Major department stores in America often receive restocks months before the supply chain trickles down to Southeast Asia or Oceania. Check our guide on Read more: Why Are New Zealand Collectors Settling for 'Out of Stock' When the Global Supply Chain Favors the US Market?

By using comGateway, I found I could shop like a local in the US. They gave me a tax-free us address in Oregon, which meant I didn't have to pay US sales tax on my purchase. This is the smartest way to shop us store options like Nordstrom or the official Jellycat US site when the local Kiwi stock is non-existent.

My shipping estimates for the Sky Dragon

Before I committed to the purchase, I wanted to make sure I wasn't going to be shocked by the freight costs. I used the shipping calculator to get a rough idea of what it would cost to fly my dragon to New Zealand.

Metric Estimate
Box Weight Approx. 1.2 lbs (0.55 kg)
Box Dimensions Medium (approx. 12" x 8" x 6")
Lithium Batteries None (Standard plush toy)

A quick note on volumetric weight

I should warn you that while the Sky Dragon is light, the wings and tail mean it might be packed in a slightly larger box. Most international carriers calculate costs based on the box size rather than just the weight. If your plushie arrives in a giant box filled with air, the cost might be higher than expected. I always recommend checking the support or FAQ page if you are unsure about how weight is calculated.

How I used a package forwarding service from New Zealand

My strategy was simple: I signed up for a parcel forwarding service to bridge the gap between the US and my doorstep. This is essentially a package forwarding setup where the store ships to a warehouse, and the warehouse then sends it to me.

I’ve found that this is the only reliable way to forward packages when stores don't offer direct international shipping to New Zealand. I followed a simple step-by-step guide on their site, and it was much easier than I expected. My dragon arrived in perfect condition, and I didn't have to wait until late 2026 for a local restock.

The logic of using BuyForMe when US stores block our cards

One major hurdle I hit initially was the payment. Some high-end US retailers and department stores have a habit of blocking international credit cards. I tried using my New Zealand Visa, and the order was cancelled almost immediately because the billing address didn't match the US shipping address. You might also like: Read more: Your New Zealand Credit Card is the Only Thing Stopping You from a Jellycat Sky Dragon.

This is where the "BuyForMe" service saved my order. Instead of me trying to force my card through, the team at comGateway bought the item on my behalf using a US domestic card. It is the safest way to ensure your order doesn't get flagged. If you're shopping at a store known for declining forwarders, this service is a must.

My step-by-step guide to a successful purchase

If you are ready to get your own Jellycat Sky Dragon, here is exactly how I did it:

  • First, I grabbed my tax-free us address from my account dashboard.
  • I searched US retailers like Nordstrom, FAO Schwarz, and the official Jellycat site.
  • When I found it in stock, I used the "BuyForMe" service because I knew my Kiwi card might be an issue.
  • Once the item reached the warehouse, I used the shipping calculator one last time to confirm my final delivery cost.
  • I selected my preferred shipping speed and had the dragon at my house in New Zealand within 8 days.

I hope this helps my fellow collectors. There is no reason to wait for months when the US market has exactly what we want right now!

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