Best showbags of Melbourne Royal Show 2022 revealed

From the classic Bertie Beetle to a luxe $100 offering, find out which Melbourne Royal Show showbags are the best – and best value – this year.

Siblings Harry, 6, and Cate, 9, work their way through all the showbags on offer at this year’s Melbourne Royal Show. Picture: David Caird

From Bertie Beetle to bubble tea – showbags for all ages and tastes will be on offer as the Melbourne Royal Show returns for the first time since 2019.

The Herald Sun Showbag Pavilion will house 334 different varieties, ranging from the classic $3 Bertie Beetle to the $100 Only Mine Ultimate hamper of premium chocolates.

New styles this year included Seinfeld and Brooklyn Nine Nine-themed bags and a “bubble tea showbag we think will be quite popular”, Showbags.com.au’s Rebel Ruby said.

Australia’s largest showbag supplier had also made majority of its products more environmentally friendly by replacing plastic bags with paper or reusable totes, and choosing items for novelty bags that will “stand the test of time”.

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More than 300 showbags will be on offer this year. Picture: David Caird

“We want to be more conscious of sustainability – we’re looking to fully change our range by the start of next year,” Ms Ruby said.

“But we’re still giving the same amount of value. We are always under the recommended retail price.”

She tipped “nostalgic” favourites like Cadbury Dairy Milk, Chupa Chups and “The Greatest Showbag on Earth” to remain popular this year, alongside Bluey, Cocomelon, Harry Potter and the “Squishy Things” showbags.

Cate Rowan, 9, picked the latter as well as the “Slime Bag” as her standouts when she and brother Harry, 6, scored a sneak peek at this year’s styles.

Harry found it hard to choose between the Minecraft, Deadpool and Power Ranges varieties.

“They look cool,” he said.

Melbourne Royal executive manager for client experience and commercial, Hannah von Bibra, said her team had worked closely with Consumer Affairs Minister Melissa Horne’s office to “ensure the quality and safety of our showbag offering”.

The Melbourne Royal Show runs from September 22-October 2. Get your free 32-page Show Guide in the Herald Sun on September 7.

HOTTEST SHOWBAGS AT 2022 SHOW

Showbag product developer’s picks

Rebel Ruby: The Greatest Showbag On Earth ($32, confectionary), Cadbury range ($5 or three for $12, confectionary), Chupa Chups ($5, confectionary) Bubble Tea ($32, toys and novelty), Brooklyn Nine Nine, Seinfeld, Harry Potter - Classic, Bluey and Cocomelon (all $32, characters, TV and movies), Pokemon varieties ($30-$32, characters, TV and movies), Hot Wheels ($32, toys and novelty)

Cate named the Squishy Things bag as her favourite. Picture: David Caird

Harry loved the Minecraft showbag. Picture: David Caird

Kids’ picks

Cate Rowan, 9: Squishy Things ($32, toys and novelty), Love to Slime ($15, toys and novelty)

Harry Rowan, 6: Minecraft Backpack Bag ($35, characters, TV and movies), Power Rangers Bag ($30, toys and novelty), Deadpool Showbag ($28, characters, TV and movies)

Cheapest

Bertie Beetle Blue, Rip Snorter - Little Ripper Bag and Rip Snorter -Brain Blasters Bag (all $3, confectionary), Wizz Fizz Lil Fizz Bag ($4, confectionary)

Priciest

Only Mine Ultimate ($100, food and beverage), Only Mine - Platinum ($75, food and beverage), Only Mine - Gold ($50, food and beverage), Terri Triceratops ($39.95, toys and novelty

Best value

Marie Claire ($30 vs $441.87 RRP, magazines), Stella Athletic Showbag ($32 vs $346.57 RRP, Health / Beauty / Fashion), Better Homes and Gardens ($30 vs $315.81 RRP, magazines), Men’s Style Showbag ($30 vs $307.92 RRP, Health / Beauty / Fashion)