McDonald’s Happy Meal toys have been a popular part of the famous fast food chain’s kids’ meals for decades. The toys that come with Happy Meals are frequently tied into popular movies, TV shows, video games, and other brands that appeal to children. Over the years, McDonald’s has offered hundreds of different toy promotions, leading to an impressive array of Happy Meal toys.
History of McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys
The first Happy Meal was introduced in 1979, though it did not initially include a toy. The first Happy Meal toy promotion came in 1979 with a “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” theme. Some other early Happy Meal toy tie-ins included “Star Wars,” Hot Wheels, and Hello Kitty. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, McDonald’s frequently partnered with Disney on Happy Meal toys related to movies like “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” and others.
Some of the most popular and memorable Happy Meal toys over the years have included:
- Beanie Babies – Ty Beanie Baby plush toys were included in Happy Meals in the late 1990s, causing major excitement among collectors.
- Furby – These electronic robotic pet toys were a Happy Meal toy tie-in in 1999.
- Hot Wheels – Mini toy cars have been a frequently recurring Happy Meal toy since 1983.
- Transformers – Robots that could transform into vehicles were featured in 1986.
- Pokémon – Toys based on the popular game/anime series were in Happy Meals in 1999 and 2000.
- Barbie – Mini Barbie dolls have been a popular girls’ toy option over the years.
- Legos/Lego Duplos – Building block sets are a common toy in Happy Meals.
- My Little Pony – Mini pony figures tied into this popular franchise in 1982 and 1986.
While toys have been a signature part of the Happy Meal since 1979, their inclusion has been reduced in recent years. In 2011, after pressure from health advocates, McDonald’s began including apple slices and decreased the french fry portion in all Happy Meals. The company also vowed to make the toys promote physical activity and limit those based on movies and TV shows. Despite this pledge, McDonald’s has continued to offer popular branded toys in its Happy Meals.
Recent McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys
Here is a look at some of the Happy Meal toy promotions McDonald’s has offered in the last few years:
2022
- Minions: The Rise of Gru – Small Minion figurines from the “Despicable Me” movie franchise
- Jurassic World Dominion – Dinosaur figurines from the popular “Jurassic World” films
- The Incredibles – Pixar’s superhero family from the movies of the same name
- CoComelon – Musical figurines from the popular YouTube children’s channel
- Space Jam: A New Legacy – Looney Tunes and basketball toys tied to the 2021 movie
2021
- Pokémon – Toys based on the video game/anime to celebrate its 25th anniversary
- Space Jam: A New Legacy – Looney Tunes and basketball toys tied to the 2021 movie
- Hello Kitty – Cute figurines of Sanrio’s popular mouthless cat
- My Little Pony – Pony figurines from the TV show
- Hot Wheels – Mini toy car models
2020
- Minions: The Rise of Gru – Small Minion figurines from the “Despicable Me” movie franchise
- Super Mario – Nintendo’s iconic video game plumber and friends
- PAW Patrol – Toy vehicles and figurines from the popular Nickelodeon cartoon
- Playmobil – Buildable toy figures and sets
- Trolls World Tour – Figurines from the animated “Trolls” movie sequel
This list gives a sampling of some of the Happy Meal toy promotions from recent years. While movie and TV show tie-ins are still common, McDonald’s does continue to offer classic interactive toys like Hot Wheels, as well as educational toys like Playmobil for variety.
The McDonald’s Toy of 2023
In 2023, McDonald’s has some exciting new toy promotions lined up for Happy Meals:
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
With the new Super Mario Bros. animated movie set for release in April 2023, McDonald’s will be offering Super Mario toys in Happy Meals to tie in. Some of the toys featured will include Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad figures wearing costumes inspired by the film.
Jurassic World: Dominion
More dinosaur toys are coming to Happy Meals in 2023 following the 2022 release of Jurassic World: Dominion. Kids can collect tiny T-Rexes, velociraptors, and other prehistoric creatures from the popular dinosaur movie franchise.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
McDonald’s will have a new set of Transformers toys as a movie tie-in with Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, scheduled for release in June 2023. Kids can collect the characters and “transform” the figurines between robot and animal modes.
The Little Mermaid
With Disney releasing a live-action remake of their classic animated film The Little Mermaid in May 2023, McDonald’s will offer new Little Mermaid toys including Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian figures.
In addition to these movie-themed toys, McDonald’s will likely continue offering toys like Hot Wheels, Playmobil, and other interactive and educational playthings throughout 2023.
Conclusion
McDonald’s Happy Meal toys have been a beloved treat for generations of kids. While the specific toy offering changes throughout the years, the formula of offering a fun toy tied to a popular brand along with a kid-friendly meal has stood the test of time. With new toys tied into big movies coming out in 2023 like Super Mario Bros., Transformers, and The Little Mermaid, McDonald’s looks to continue its tradition of providing toys that excite its youngest customers.