The iconic Happy Meal first made its debut at McDonald’s just over 40 years ago. In the subsequent decades, the popular kids meal has typically included a main item like a cheeseburger or chicken nuggets, a side item like fries or apple slices, a drink, and a toy. It was a revolutionary promotion when it was first introduced and continues to be a huge part of the company’s success today.
McDonald’s is celebrating the Happy Meal’s 40th anniversary by launching the Surprise Happy Meal with some of its most popular Happy Meal toys from the last four decades. The limited-edition offering will be available in more than 90 countries around the world at participating McDonald’s restaurants beginning Thursday, November 7 through Monday, November 11 while supplies last.
The roster includes beloved toys across the globe with two additional toys available exclusively in the U.S. The official lineup of 17 toys coming to the Surprise Happy Meal in the U.S. includes:
- 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 – U.S. Exclusive (Disney): 1997
- Tamagotchi (Bandai): 1998
- My Little Pony (Hasbro): 1998
- Furby (Hasbro): 1999
- Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey – U.S. Exclusive (Disney): 2002
- Hello Kitty (Sanrio): 2013
“Since the Happy Meal was introduced on the menu, it quickly became synonymous with our brand,” says Steve Easterbrook, McDonald’s CEO. “Today, this iconic red box creates lasting memories for billions of families annually across the world.”
“Parents tell us how fondly they recall their favorite toys,” adds Colin Mitchell, McDonald’s Senior Vice President, Global Marketing. “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.”