For decades, McDonald’s Happy Meal has been an integral part of children’s childhoods. It typically includes a main course (such as a burger or McNuggets), a side (like fries or apple slices), a drink (such as milk or juice), and a toy.
Once considered cheap trinkets, some of the Happy Meal toys have now become valuable collectibles. Limited edition toys, rare co-branded items, and toys related to classic characters are highly sought after, with some fetching astonishingly high prices in the secondary market.
Since mid-May this year, McDonald’s Japan has introduced Chiikawa toys into their Happy Meals. These toys have appeared at high prices on Japanese e-commerce websites, as well as on platforms like eBay. “Chiikawa” is a portmanteau of the Japanese words “chiisai” (small) and “kawaii” (cute), representing a set of characters created by Japanese illustrator Nagano.
Before the start of the Chiikawa Happy Meal promotion, McDonald’s Japan had urged customers not to buy toys for resale. However, resellers flocked in despite the company’s advice.
Recently, the art brand Crayola announced a global collaboration with McDonald’s to launch a new Happy Meal experience. Along with the meal, customers will receive a series of exclusive space-themed activity sets and toys, focusing on interactive experiences for parents and children, generating significant interest.
Below are six McDonald’s Happy Meal toys, compiled by the Gobankingrate website, that have significantly appreciated in value over time (note: prices may vary).
Reference price: $39.99
1. 1999 Go Go Inspector Gadget Figurine: This classic cartoon-inspired toy, when assembled, stands at 14 inches and includes multiple parts for children to collect and assemble, making it an iconic detective figurine highly coveted by collectors, especially when in complete and unopened condition.
Reference price: $25.50
2. 1990 Barbie Cake Toppers: This set of seven mini Barbie dolls in colorful outfits, released in 1990, holds nostalgic value for Barbie doll enthusiasts and vintage McDonald’s toy collectors. Unopened original packaging of this set can command a high price in the secondary market.
Reference price: $99
3. Vintage 101 Dalmatians Toy Collection (1996): Released in 1996 along with the live-action movie, this toy collection featuring 101 unique Dalmatian figurines remains a sought-after item for collectors, especially among Disney fans. Complete sets, especially those with additional parts or still sealed in their original packaging, fetch high prices due to high demand.
Reference price: $700
4. Super Mario Bros. 3 Toys (1990): The Super Mario Bros. 3 Toys collection, released in 1990, is a prized possession for gamers and fast-food toy collectors due to its fun interactive functionalities.
Reference price: $34.99
5. Vintage Shelcore Playset: This nostalgic toy set, reminiscent of classic McDonald’s restaurants with miniature accessories like food, trays, and even a drive-thru window, is highly sought after for its retro vibes. If this playset is still preserved in its original packaging, its value is set to soar.
Reference price: $102.99
6. McNugget Buddies Happy Meal Toys (1988): The McNugget Buddies, shaped like chicken nuggets and dressed in quirky outfits like cowboys or chefs, quickly won children’s hearts in 1988. Today, these unique toys are highly coveted by collectors for their iconic status in fast-food toy history.