Buying the Jellycat NYC Bagel and Coffee set directly from US shops is better for your wallet in Japan

The story behind the 2026 NYC Bagel and Coffee set

It is April 2026, and the Jellycat community is currently obsessed with the latest City Series. While various regions have their own exclusives, the New York City Bagel and Coffee set has become the standout favorite. If you have been browsing collector groups in Hong Kong or Tokyo lately, you have probably noticed that these plushies are being treated like gold.

The set features a classic cream-cheese-stuffed bagel and a tiny "New York Coffee" cup, complete with the iconic smiley faces. Since these are regional exclusives, they are technically only sold in specific Manhattan boutiques or the official US Jellycat online store. For those of us living in Japan, getting these at retail price is the goal, but the logistics can be a bit tricky.

Finding the set at US retailers

To get the best price, you need to shop US store sites directly. Major retailers like FAO Schwarz or the official US Jellycat site are your best bets. When you buy from these sources, you are paying the actual MSRP rather than the inflated prices you see on secondary markets in Japan.

To do this successfully, you will need a tax-free US address. Using a freight forwarder allows you to have your items shipped to a warehouse in a tax-free state like Oregon, which saves you an extra 7-10% in US sales tax right off the bat.

Why your order might get cancelled and how to fix it

There is a common problem that many international shoppers face when trying to buy high-demand items like the NYC Jellycat series. Some US stores—including big names like Sephora, Nike, or even boutique toy shops—have strict security filters. They often block international credit cards or automatically decline orders that are being sent to a package forwarding address.

If you find that your order is being cancelled repeatedly, the BuyForMe service is the best way to handle it. Essentially, comGateway acts as your personal shopper. You tell them what you want, and they use a US-issued domestic credit card to buy the item for you. This effectively bypasses the "international card" block and ensures your NYC Bagel & Coffee set is secured before it sells out. It is the safest way to guarantee your order doesn't get stuck in cancellation limbo.

The math on shipping costs to Japan

Is it actually cheaper to buy from the US and pay for international shipping? Let's look at the numbers for 2026. A reseller in Tokyo might charge you ¥18,000 for the set. Meanwhile, the US retail price is around $45 (approx ¥6,700). Even when you add the cost to forward packages, you are still coming out ahead.

You can use the shipping calculator to get a more precise estimate based on the weight of your entire haul. If you buy multiple items and use a parcel forwarding service to consolidate them into one box, the savings per item become even more significant.

Import taxes and rules for Japan

When bringing goods into Japan, it is important to be aware of import duties. Generally, if the total value of your shipment is under ¥16,666, you are exempt from consumption tax and duty. This is perfect for a single Jellycat set. However, if you are a serious collector and your box is worth more, you should check our guide on customs tax to avoid surprises.

Regarding safety, plush toys are rarely on the list of prohibited items, but it is always a good idea to double-check the current shipping rules for 2026 to ensure no new materials are restricted.

Getting your NYC exclusives delivered

The process is straightforward if you follow a step-by-step guide. First, sign up for a US address. Second, shop at your favorite US toy stores. If the store gives you trouble with your Japanese credit card, just use the BuyForMe service to have the purchase handled for you. Once the items arrive at the warehouse, you can choose your preferred international shipping service to get them delivered to your door in Japan.

Shopping this way ensures you get authentic 2026 Jellycat releases without the middleman markup. Check our guide on how it works if you are ready to start your NYC collection today.