Why is the Jellycat Picnic Basket (2026 Summer Series) so hard to find in Belgium stores?

April 30, 2026

Have you noticed that the Jellycat 'Amuseables' Picnic Basket from the 2026 Summer Series is basically impossible to find in Europe right now? While the obsession with these quirky plushies first exploded in the Philippines earlier this year, the craze has firmly landed in Belgium. This particular set, featuring the smiling wicker basket and its adorable contents, has become the must-have collector's item of the summer.

Why is the Jellycat Picnic Basket (2026 Summer Series) so hard to find in Belgium stores?
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The 2026 release is uniquely detailed, and collectors are scrambling to complete their sets. Unfortunately, local boutiques in Brussels or Antwerp are often the last to receive stock, and when they do, it vanishes in minutes. The good news is that many major US department stores still have inventory, provided you know how to navigate the 2026 shipping landscape.

The trick to buying from US department stores

If you want to secure your plushie, your best bet is to shop US store sites directly. Many of these retailers offer the full 2026 Summer Series before they ever hit European shelves. However, many US shops do not offer direct international shipping to Belgium, or if they do, the costs are astronomical.

This is where using a freight forwarder becomes essential. By using a tax-free US address, you can have your Picnic Basket sent to a warehouse in a state like Oregon, saving you on US sales tax before it even begins its journey to Europe. It is a simple way to keep your hobby from becoming overly expensive.

Using BuyForMe to avoid cancelled orders

Have you ever reached the checkout page at a major US retailer only to have your order immediately cancelled? This is a common frustration for shoppers in Belgium. Many iconic US brands—think Nike, Sephora, or Apple—have strict security protocols that often block international credit cards or flag addresses associated with a parcel forwarding service.

The solution to this hurdle is the comGateway "BuyForMe" service. Instead of you struggling with a declined card, we act as your personal shopper. We use a US domestic credit card to purchase the item on your behalf, ensuring the store accepts the transaction. This is the safest way to guarantee your 2026 Summer Series Picnic Basket doesn't get snatched up by someone else while you are stuck troubleshooting a payment error. If the store is being difficult, we handle the logistics so you don't have to.

Getting your package safely to Belgium

Once your items arrive at the warehouse, you can use an international shipping service to bring them home. If you have been shopping at multiple stores, you can wait for all your items to arrive and consolidate them into one box. This significantly reduces the cost compared to shipping items individually.

Before you ship, it is a good idea to use a shipping calculator to get an idea of the total cost. You should also check the current shipping rules to ensure that everything in your cart is eligible for transport to Belgium. While plushies are generally safe, some accessories included in larger sets might have specific restrictions.

Managing Belgian import duties and VAT

When your 2026 Jellycat Picnic Basket arrives in Belgium, it will be subject to local regulations. Understanding import duties and VAT is crucial for avoiding surprises at your doorstep. In 2026, Belgium continues to apply VAT on all goods imported from outside the EU.

The amount you pay depends on the declared value of your package. To get a clear picture of the process, you might like to read our step-by-step guide on how the customs process works for European residents. Being prepared for these costs ensures that the only surprise you get is how cute your new Amuseable looks in person.

Final Pro-Tip for 2026 Collectors

Check our guide on how to bundle your shipments to save even more on transit. The 2026 summer releases are moving fast, so if you see that Picnic Basket in stock at a US retailer, moving quickly with a package forwarding plan is your best strategy to beat the crowds.

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