The Happiest Of Meals
Happy Meals have always been about the thrill of unwrapping a little toy. For years, McDonald's has been handing out these little boxes of nostalgia, each one packed with a surprise that made the meal even better. So, here are 20 of the best Happy Meal toys ever given out—ones that’ll make you wish you could trade in your adult responsibilities for a Happy Meal again.
1. Changeables (1987–1990)
In the late '80s, McDonald's revolutionized the toy world with the release of Changeables. These toys took the form of the restaurant’s iconic menu items only to morph into miniature robots. The novelty of food-shaped robots appealed to collectors, turning these toys into an instant hit.
2. Teenie Beanies (1997)
Teenie Beanies, introduced in 1997, were McDonald's answer to the Beanie Babies craze. Unlike other Happy Meal toys, the Teenie Beanies were made to resemble their full-sized Beanie Baby counterparts, which added a layer of charm and collectibility.
3. Super Mario Bros. 3 Figures (1990)
When McDonald's teamed up with Nintendo in 1990, they brought Super Mario Bros. 3 to life in Happy Meals. The toys featured action figures of Mario and Luigi, with spring-loaded mechanisms that mimicked the power-ups and action of the game.
1990 McDonalds Super Mario Brothers 3 Happy Meal Toys by Retro Reminiscence
4. Hot Wheels Cars (1983)
Hot Wheels cars have been synonymous with McDonald’s Happy Meals since 1983. These small, die-cast cars were packaged in a way that made them perfect for collecting and racing. What started as a simple Happy Meal toy soon grew into a collection that many children proudly showcased.
Vintage McDonalds Hot Wheels Cars from 1983 | Like, Totally Rad! by Pedal2Metal
5. Barbie Dolls (1991)
Barbie, the world’s most iconic doll, entered the Happy Meal scene in 1991. These miniature versions of the classic Barbie doll captured the essence of the full-sized dolls and also marked the beginning of McDonald’s long-lasting partnership with Mattel.
MCDONALD'S HAPPY MEAL 1991 BARBIE COLLECTION by MITCH SANTONA'S DRIVE THRU
6. Pokémon Toys (2011)
McDonald's Happy Meals featured a special line of Pokémon toys that thrilled fans of all ages. Each meal included one of eight collectible figures representing popular characters like Pikachu, Zorua, Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott. These toys coincided with the Pokémon Black and White game release.
7. Furbies (1998)
In 1998, McDonald’s introduced miniature versions of the electronic pet Furby. These were actually stuffed Furby keychains, as Furbies were a cultural phenomenon at the time. Therefore, these Happy Meal versions are still fondly remembered by those who collected them.
1998 Furby McDonald's Happy Meal Toys - Green and Gray Furbys! by Lucky Penny Shop
8. Inspector Gadget Toys (1999)
McDonald’s brought Inspector Gadget to life in 1999 with a series of toys based on the animated detective. Featuring various gadgets that could be used to convert the toys into different forms, these figures captured the humor of the show.
9. Underwater Monsters (1979)
Among the earliest Happy Meal toys, the Underwater Monsters from 1979 were some of the first to feature aquatic-themed toys. These toys included various sea monsters that delighted kids with their colorful designs and simple charm.
Making Julia, Drownviper, Ningen 🌊 Sea Monsters with Clay by Roman Clay
10. Disney Masterpiece Collection (2023)
The Disney Masterpiece Collection (2023) was a commemorative release celebrating decades of animated magic from the Disney vault. This curated set reintroduced classic films in high-definition formats, featuring restored visuals, enhanced audio, and exclusive bonus content.
Mcdonald’s Happy Meal: The Walt Disney Masterpiece Collection (1997 released) by Divastar KLao
11. McNugget Buddies (1988)
McDonald’s McNugget Buddies were quirky, adorable characters inspired by their chicken nugget counterparts. Each figure had a unique personality, and the collection grew to include over 30 characters. That’s how McDonald’s turned simple food items into fun, unforgettable characters.
McDonald's 1988 Mcnugget Buddies toys by RADXPER VIDEOS
12. Fraggle Rock Cars (1988)
Inspired by the Fraggle Rock TV series, McDonald’s released miniature cars featuring the beloved puppet characters in 1988. As Fraggle Rock was a staple of many children's TV lineups, these toys provided another way for fans to bring the magic of the Muppets into their own homes
1988 McDonalds Jim Henson's FRAGGLE ROCK Happy Meal TOYS by Little Toys for Big Kids
13. Tiny Toon Adventures Flip Cars (1991)
In 1991, McDonald's released Tiny Toon Adventures flip cars, with characters like Buster Bunny and Plucky Duck. The flips added an interactive component that made these toys stand out, ensuring that they weren’t just sitting on a shelf but actively engaged in fun adventures.
Carritos Tiny Toons McDonalds 90's by Hatsune Collections
14. The Little Mermaid Toys (1996)
When The Little Mermaid swam into McDonald’s Happy Meals in 1996, it was a perfect tie-in with Disney's resurgence in animation. They brought the underwater world of Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian into children's homes, allowing them to relive the magic of the film.
15. Tamagotchi Keychains (1998)
Tamagotchi virtual pets made their appearance in Happy Meals in 1998, right at the height of their popularity. Being pocket-sized, these pixelated pets required kids to feed, clean, and care for them. The miniature versions in McDonald’s were just as addicting.
16. Muppet Treasure Island Toys (1996)
Inspired by the Muppet Treasure Island film, McDonald's released a series of toys in 1996 based on the characters and nautical adventures. The series included characters like the cabin boy, Captain Smollett, and even the ship itself.
MUPPETS TREASURE ISLAND 1995 MCDONALDS HAPPY MEAL COLLECTION by MITCH SANTONA'S DRIVE THRU
17. Sonic The Hedgehog Roller Toys (2024)
These toys featured Sonic, Knuckles, and other characters on wheels, allowing kids to race them around and reenact high-speed adventures. The roller toys were a fun way to relive the fast-paced world of Sonic, creating moments of excitement and play with every roll.
18. Squishmallows (2025)
Squishmallows brought with them the perfect blend of softness and collectibility. Their inclusion in Happy Meals marked a new era of huggable, stress-relieving toys, combining the comfort of plush toys with the joy of collecting.
new Mcdonald's Squishmallows Happy Meals 2025 showcase all characters by Come Come Play Play
19. Grimace Shake Toys (2023)
Released after the limited-time Grimace Shake in 2023, these toys featured the iconic purple character Grimace in various fun poses. With the viral success of the Grimace Shake, these plush toys became an immediate hit, reminding fans of McDonald’s quirky, fun-loving mascot.
The Grimace Shake Plush Toy - How To Make - Cool Crafts by Cool Crafts
20. Power Rangers (1995)
Power Rangers became a phenomenon in the '90s, and McDonald’s capitalized on its popularity by offering convertible figures for the iconic team in 1995. The toys featured detailed figures of the Rangers, each with convertible elements and weapons.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers The Movie 1995 McDonald's Happy Meal Toys set of 6!! by Den of Toys
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