McDonald’s Happy Meal is undoubtedly one of the most beloved and sought-after items on the best-selling item on McDonald’s menu. It has garnered immense popularity among both kids and adults alike. This article will explore everything you need about McDonald’s happy meal toys.
McDonald’s happy meal toys are typically small plastic toys included with a Happy Meal. They are often based on popular movies, TV shows, or video games. The toys with it had a McDoodle stencil, a McWrist wallet, an ID bracelet, a puzzle lock, a spinning top, and an eraser.
These toys are integral to the Happy Meal experience and symbolize joy and excitement for children. With each Happy Meal, kids are treated to a unique and themed toy that captures their imagination and adds extra fun to their mealtime.
These toys are carefully selected and changed periodically to offer new and exciting options for children. McDonald’s often collaborates with major entertainment franchises to introduce limited-edition toys tied to blockbuster movies. This creates a sense of anticipation among kids, who eagerly await the release of new Happy Meal toys.
When Did McDonald’s Introduce Happy Meal Toys?
Back in 1979, when the Happy Meal was first introduced, the toys that came with it included things like a McDoodle stencil, a McWrist wallet, an ID bracelet, a puzzle lock, a spinning top, or an eraser in the shape of characters from McDonaldland.
Back in the times of McDonald’s, the initial Happy Meals consisted of a hamburger or cheeseburger, fries, cookies, a soft drink, and, naturally, a toy. The toys offered various options during that time, including a McDoodle stencil, a spinning top, or even an ID bracelet.
Kids loved the Happy Meal, and its popularity soared. It quickly became one of the most sought-after items on the McDonald’s kids menu. The following year, in 1980, the Happy Meal was launched nationwide, captivating children nationwide.
Now, you can find action figures, puzzles, games, and toys featuring beloved characters from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and more. The Happy Meal toys have brought joy to kids and become a cultural phenomenon, with collectors eagerly seeking out these nostalgic treasures.
Who Makes McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys?
Over the years, McDonald’s has collaborated with various companies to bring us the delightful Happy Meal toys we know and love. Let’s take a closer look at some of the unique partnerships:
1. Hasbro
Hasbro has partnered with McDonald’s to create iconic Happy Meal toys based on beloved franchises like Transformers, G.I. Joe, and My Little Pony. These toys have brought countless hours of imaginative play to kids worldwide. Hasbro is still working with McDonald’s. They have a long-standing partnership that dates back to the 1970s.
2. Mattel
Mattel has had its fair share of exciting collaborations with McDonald’s. From iconic Barbie dolls to cool Hot Wheels cars and delightful Fisher-Price toys, Mattel has added a touch of magic to Happy Meal boxes. Mattel, from the past 1970s to till date, is still working with Mcdonald’s.
3. Ty Inc
Ty, Inc., Known for its plush toys, has joined forces with McDonald’s. Their adorable Beanie Babies and Beanie Boos have become highly sought-after additions to Happy Meals, bringing snuggly companionship to kids everywhere. Ty Inc. is no longer working with McDonald’s. The two companies had a partnership that lasted from 1997 to 2000.
4. Creata
When it comes to promotional products, Creata has been a critical partner for McDonald’s Happy Meal toys. They specialize in creating engaging items, and their collaborations with McDonald’s have been a hit in numerous countries worldwide. Creata and McDonald’s partnership lasted for several years but ended in 2007.
5. Iconix Brand Group
McDonald’s has worked with Iconix to bring us Happy Meal toys featuring beloved characters like Peanuts’ Snoopy, Garfield, and Strawberry Shortcake, adding a sprinkle of nostalgia to the mix. From 2017 to date, Iconix Brand Group is still working with McDonald’s.
In recent years, McDonald’s has supported local businesses by partnering with smaller, independent toymakers. This has allowed for the creation of even more unique and imaginative toys, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of local artisans.
What Happy Meal Toys Are At McDonald’s Right Now?
Did you know McDonald’s always has exciting new toys in Happy Meals? Let’s take a look at what toys are currently making kids’ eyes light up in the United States:
1. Squishmallows
These adorable, squishy toys are a big hit! Based on the famous line of plush animals, they come in different characters like a pink unicorn, bigfoot, and even a dragon. So, kids can squeeze and cuddle these soft buddies. The Squishmallows are available from May 23, 2023, to July 10, 2023.
2. Barbie Color Reveal
Get ready for some mystery and fun with the Barbie color reveal! Each doll comes in a unique capsule filled with colored water. Dip the beauty in and watch the magic happen as her hidden color is displayed. With six different Barbie color reveal dolls to collect, it’s a surprise every time! The Barbie color show dolls are up for grabs from June 13, 2023, to July 24, 2023.
3. PJ Masks Mission Control
If your little ones are fans of the PJ Masks animated TV show, they’ll love these toys. Join Catboy, owlette, and Gekko on exciting missions with their vehicles. You can choose from Catboy’s cat car, owlette’s owl glider, or Gekko’s Gekko Mobile.PJ masks mission Control toys are zooming in from July 7, 2023, to August 14, 2023.
How Often Do Happy Meal Toys Change?
McDonald’s keeps the happy meal toys fresh and exciting by changing them approximately every month or two.
This allows them to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and ensures a continuous supply of cool toys for kids of all ages.
But wait, there’s more! Sometimes, the Happy Meal toys change even more frequently when McDonald’s teams up with a popular movie or TV show. Remember when “The Lion King” came out in 2019?
McDonald’s jumped on the opportunity and offered a fantastic series of Happy Meal toys inspired by the movie. But here’s the catch – these toys were only around for a limited time. So, if you wanted to get your paws on them, you had to act fast!
Here’s a little secret: McDonald’s has some Happy Meal toys that stick around all year. One example is the FurReal Friends toys. These furry pals are a hit with kids who love playing with interactive animals.
So, whether it’s the latest movie sensation or timeless favorites, McDonald’s always has something fun to make Happy Meals even happier!
What Superhero Toys Are Coming To McDonald’s?
Guess what’s coming to McDonald’s happy meal toys in the United States? I’ve got all the juicy details straight from the McDonald’s website. Get ready for some epic toy adventures!
1. Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3
Hold on to your spacesuits because these toys are out of this world! Inspired by the upcoming movie “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” you can collect eight toys featuring your favorite cosmic heroes like Star-Lord, Gamora, Groot, and more. They’ll zoom into Happy Meals from May 2 to May 23, 2023.
2. Marvel Avengers
Get your superhero senses tingling because the Marvel Avengers are assembling in your Happy Meals! You’ll feel like a true Avenger with eight awesome toys to collect, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and more. Mark your calendars from May 24 to June 10, 2023, for this epic toy lineup.
3. DC Super Friends
Holy Happy Meals, Batman! The DC Super Friends are joining the party with their heroic toys. From Batman to Wonder Woman, The Flash to Green Lantern, you’ll have eight unique characters to add to your collection. Prepare to save the day from June 11 to July 1, 2023.
4. PJ Masks Mission Control
Time to be a nighttime hero with the PJ Masks crew! These toys bring the magic of the popular animated TV show into your hands. Choose from Catboy’s Cat-Car, Owlette’s Owl Glider, or Gekko’s Gekko Mobile. Take advantage of the mission from July 2 to July 22, 2023.
5. Minions
The Rise of Gru: Get ready for mischievous fun with those lovable Minions! Inspired by the upcoming movie “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” you can collect eight toys featuring Gru, Kevin, Stuart, and more. Join the Minion Madness from July 23 to August 12, 2023.
So, mark your calendars and be prepared to embark on thrilling adventures with these exciting Happy Meal toys. Remember, they’re only available for a limited time, so take advantage of the fun!
Can You Donate Happy Meal Toys?
Yes, you can donate happy meal toys; donating Happy Meal toys is a beautiful way to spread joy and make a difference in the lives of children. Here are a few organizations that gladly accept Happy Meal toy donations:
1. Ronald McDonald House Charities
This fantastic nonprofit organization offers support and housing to families with sick children. They happily accept new and gently used Happy Meal toys. To find out where you can donate, check their website for locations.
2. Toys For Tots
Toys for Tots is a well-known nonprofit that collects toys for underprivileged children during the holiday season. They’re happy to receive donations of new or gently used toys, including Happy Meal toys. Visit their website to find drop-off locations near you.
3. Local Children’s Hospital
Many local children’s hospitals gladly accept toy donations to brighten the days of their young patients. Contact your nearby hospital to inquire about their donation policies and if they take Happy Meal toys.
What’s The Rarest Happy Meal Toy Ever?
Regarding rare Happy Meal toys, there are a few contenders that collectors go crazy for. Let’s take a look at some of the top candidates:
1. 1979 Robots By Diener Keshi And Underwater Monsters
These vintage treasures were only released in limited markets in the US and Canada. Made of sturdy plastic, they come in various robot and underwater creature designs. Imagine a robot with a stylish top hat or an aquatic turtle with a cool shell! Due to their scarcity, these toys can fetch a hefty price, often reaching hundreds of dollars each.
2. 1990 Furby Keychain
The iconic Furby! In the early 90s, McDonald’s unleashed a miniature version of the beloved Furby as a Happy Meal toy. This pint-sized plush companion could be conveniently attached to a keychain. However, the catch is that they were only available in limited quantities. Today, finding a Furby Keychain is like stumbling upon a hidden gem; collectors are willing to shell out hundreds of dollars for one.
3. 1999 Tarzan Happy Meal Complete Set
McDonald’s collaborated with the epic Disney movie “Tarzan” in 1999, releasing a series of Happy Meal toys that brought the characters to life. The set includes ten intricately designed toys featuring Tarzan, Jane, Terk, Tantor, Sabor, and Clayton. Crafted from durable plastic, these toys are a collector’s dream.
Determining the rarest of the rare among these toys is a challenging task. Each has unique factors contributing to its rarity, such as limited production quantities, short availability windows, and the popularity of the movie or TV show they were based on.
Ultimately, the true rare gem is the one that proves to be the most elusive and challenging to track down. So, if you stumble upon any of these prized Happy Meal toys, consider yourself lucky and treasure them like a rare gem!
Are Squishmallows In Happy Meals?
Yes, Squishmallows are a happy meal; McDonald’s teamed up with Jazwares, the genius behind Squishmallows, for a delightful Happy Meal collaboration in May 2023.
They released a fantastic series of 24 Squishmallows toys that had kids and collectors buzzing with excitement. Let me tell you; they were a smashing success!
These cuddly and squishy companions entered Happy Meals across the United States and selected markets worldwide. But here’s the catch: these adorable Squishmallows were so popular that they flew off the shelves faster than you can say, “Squish me, please!” Some of these coveted toys are now being resold online for jaw-dropping prices, with some reaching hundreds of dollars each. Talk about a hot commodity!
As for the specific Squishmallows that were part of the Happy Meal promotion, they had an enchanting lineup. A Pink Unicorn, a huggable Bigfoot, and a charming Dragon. That’s not all – there were also an Owl, a lovable Crab, and a delightful Turtle to complete the Squishmallow family.
Now, here’s the scoop: since the Squishmallows Happy Meal promotion was a limited-time offer, it’s still being determined whether McDonald’s will release more delightful toys.
However, given their immense popularity, it wouldn’t be surprising if McDonald’s and Jazwares joined forces again. So, keep your squishy senses tuned because who knows what delightful surprises the future holds!
Can You Buy A Happy Meal Toy Separately?
Yes, You can buy a happy meal toy separately. McDonald’s offers the option to purchase Happy Meal toys separately, allowing you to snag your desired toy without the whole meal experience. Isn’t that neat?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $1.59 for a standalone Happy Meal toy. However, it’s worth noting that prices may vary slightly depending on the location. Double-check with your local McDonald’s to get the exact pricing details.
When it comes to where you can buy these delightful toys, the options are aplenty. Most McDonald’s restaurants will have them available at the counter. You can stroll in, tell the friendly staff which toy you’re eyeing, and voila! It’s yours to take home and cherish.
But wait, there’s more! In this modern age of convenience, you can also hop online to the McDonald’s website or app and explore their selection of Happy Meal toys. With just a few clicks or taps, you can add your desired toy to your virtual cart and deliver it to your doorstep. How convenient is that?
However, it’s important to note that when you buy a Happy Meal toy separately, you won’t receive the food that typically accompanies it. So, if you’re also in the mood for a delicious and wholesome meal, it might be worth considering the whole Happy Meal experience instead. That way, you can enjoy a tasty combination of your favorite McDonald’s food and the exciting toy.
Can Adults Get Happy Meal Toys?
Yes, Happy Meal toys aren’t just for kids – adults can enjoy them too! There’s no age limit when it comes to indulging in the joy of these iconic toys. You’d be surprised how many adults are avid collectors of Happy Meal toys. It’s a testament to these toys’ timeless appeal and nostalgia.
While Happy Meals are traditionally marketed towards children, McDonald’s recognizes adults’ love and enthusiasm for these toys. That’s why they occasionally introduce unique adult Happy Meals toys as part of limited-time promotions.
These unique offerings often include more sophisticated toys and may even feature exclusive food items to cater to adult tastes. It’s like a delightful trip down memory lane with a grown-up flair.
So, if you’re an adult eager to relish in the joy of a Happy Meal toy, fear not! Getting your hands on one is a breeze. Head to the counter at your nearest McDonald’s restaurant and kindly request a Happy Meal toy.
Sometimes, the cashier may ask for your ID to confirm your age. But rest assured; they cannot deny you the opportunity to purchase a Happy Meal toy simply because you’re an adult. After all, who can resist the charm and allure of these miniature treasures?
Is McDonald’s Going To Stop Putting Toys In Happy Meals?
Yes, McDonald’s is in the process of discontinuing plastic toys in Happy Meals. In September 2021, the company announced that by the end of 2025, plastic toys would no longer be included in Happy Meals across all markets.
This decision by McDonald’s is driven by its commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. The company anticipates a yearly reduction of 3 billion pounds of plastic waste from its restaurants by eliminating plastic toys.
Instead of plastic, McDonald’s will introduce toys made from sustainable materials like paper, cardboard, and other eco-friendly options. Additionally, the company is actively working on developing toys that can be reused or recycled.
The discontinuation of plastic toys in Happy Meals marks a significant milestone for McDonald’s. The company has faced criticism for its utilization of single-use plastics. This change is expected to be well-received by environmental organizations and conscientious consumers concerned about plastic waste’s ecological consequences.
Why Is McDonald’s Getting Rid Of Plastic Toys?
McDonald’s is removing plastic toys from its Happy Meals as part of its commitment to sustainability. The company has pledged to reduce its use of virgin plastic by 30% by 2030, and phasing out plastic toys is vital to this goal.
Plastic pollution is a major environmental problem. Millions of tons of plastic end up in the oceans each year, where they can harm marine life and pollute beaches. Plastic toys are a significant source of plastic pollution, as they are often discarded after being played with for a short period.
By phasing out plastic toys from its Happy Meals, McDonald’s is taking a step towards reducing plastic pollution. The company has said it will replace plastic toys with more sustainable materials like paper, cardboard, and recycled plastic.
McDonald’s has said that it will continue to offer toys in Happy Meals but that the new toys will be made from more sustainable materials. The company has also said that it will be working with toymakers to develop new and innovative toys that are both fun and environmentally friendly.
It remains to be seen how the phasing out of plastic toys in Happy Meals will affect the popularity of the meal. However, McDonald’s has said that it is confident that the new toys will be just as popular as the old ones.
Conclusion
McDonald’s Happy Meal toys are a beloved and integral part of the Happy Meal experience. These toys have captured the hearts and imaginations of children for decades, offering a sense of joy and excitement during mealtime. McDonald’s collaborates with various companies, including Hasbro, Mattel, Ty Inc, Creata, and Iconix Brand Group, to bring a diverse range of toys to Happy Meals, ensuring there’s something for every child to enjoy.
In addition to toys, McDonald’s offers Gift Cards and the exclusive McDonald’s Gold Card, which provides free meals. McDonald’s collaborates with various companies, including Hasbro, Mattel, Ty Inc, Creata, and Iconix Brand Group, to bring a diverse range of toys to Happy Meals, ensuring there’s something for every child to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When Did McDonald’s Introduce Happy Meal Toys And How Have They Evolved Over Time?
McDonald’s introduced Happy Meal toys in 1979, starting with toys like a McDoodle stencil and a puzzle lock. Since then, the toys have evolved to include a wide range of options based on popular movies, TV shows, and video games.
Who Are Some of The Notable Companies That Have Partnered With McDonald’s To Create Happy Meal Toys?
Notable companies that have partnered with McDonald’s for Happy Meal toys include Hasbro, Mattel, Ty Inc., Creata, and Iconix Brand Group. These collaborations have brought iconic toys based on franchises like Transformers, Barbie, Beanie Babies, and Peanuts.
What Are Some Of The Current Happy Meal Toys Available At McDonald’s In The United States?
Currently, some of the Happy Meal toys at McDonald’s in the United States include Squishmallows, Barbie Color Reveal dolls, PJ Masks Mission Control toys, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 toys, and Marvel Avengers toys.
How Often Do Happy Meal Toys Change, And Are There Any Limited-Edition Or Seasonal Toy Releases?
Happy Meal toys typically change every month or two to provide fresh and exciting options. Limited-edition and seasonal releases also occur, often tied to popular movies or TV shows, such as The Lion King or upcoming releases like Minions: The Rise of Gru.
Can Happy Meal Toys Be Donated Or Recycled After Use?
While it may vary by location, in general, Happy Meal toys can be donated or recycled. Some McDonald’s locations have programs in place to collect and distribute gently used toys, while others may have recycling bins for plastic toys
