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McDonald’s Happy Meals Will Feature Throwback Toys From The Past 40 Years For A Limited Time

Posted at 10:40 AM, Nov 04, 2019
and last updated 2021-03-16 13:49:41-04

I have some seriously fond memories tied to McDonald’s Happy Meals. While the nuggets and fries were, of course, a favorite meal, the toys were the real reason I often begged my parents for a fast-food dinner.

I remember many of the Happy Meals toys, but the Power Ranger toys and the mini Beanie Babies were at the top of my list. I distinctly recall trying to collect them all … only to fall short by a few and feeling incredibly disappointed.

Obviously, I am not the only person who loved getting the toys with their meal as a kid. Many collectors are still looking for these vintage toys of the past, with some people selling them for hundreds of dollars on eBay.

happy meal photo
Getty Images | David Paul Morris

If you remember your favorite toy from Happy Meals of yore, there’s a chance you may soon be able to find it again at your local McDonald’s. In honor of the 40th anniversary of the first-ever Happy Meal, McDonald’s is bringing back some fan-favorite throwback toys from the past four decades!

The limited-edition surprise Happy Meal toys will be available nationwide Nov. 7-11, while supplies last.

The line-up includes 17 toys from 1988-2013. While you won’t know which toy you’re getting in the bright red box, here is the full list of toys making a comeback:

  • Cowboy McNugget (McDonald’s): 1988
  • Fireman McNugget (McDonald’s): 1988
  • Mail Carrier McNugget (McDonald’s): 1988
  • Hamburger Changeable (McDonald’s): 1989
  • Grimace (McDonald’s): 1990
  • Dino Happy Meal Box Changeable (McDonald’s): 1991
  • McDonald’s Hot Wheels Thunderbird (Mattel): 1993
  • Hamburglar (McDonald’s): 1995
  • Power Rangers (Hasbro): 1995
  • Space Jam Bugs Bunny (Warner Brothers): 1996
  • Patti the Platypus (Ty Beanie Baby): 1997
  • 101 Dalmatians (Disney): 1997
  • Tamagotchi (Bandai): 1998
  • My Little Pony (Hasbro): 1998
  • Furby (Hasbro): 1999
  • Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey (Disney): 2002
  • Hello Kitty (Sanrio): 2013

McDonald's

“Parents tell us how fondly they recall their favorite toys,” Colin Mitchell, McDonald’s senior vice president for global marketing said in a press release. “So, unboxing the Surprise Happy Meal together creates a real moment of bonding with their children. We hope these toys are something that they will treasure and remember.”

First introduced as a Circus Wagon Happy Meal in 1979, the Happy Meal featured a decorative box including various toys like a spinning top and McDonaldland character erasers.

While the kids’ meal continues to change by including healthier additions like fruit and water, the toys have remained a Happy Meal staple.

San Francisco Votes To Ban McDonalds Happy Meals
Getty Images | David Paul Morris

Do you have a favorite Happy Meal toy from your childhood? Which one are you hoping to get?

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