EXCLUSIVE McDonald's Australia to launch Squishmallows in surprise new Happy Meal range - including an exclusive new character: 'This is huge'
The fast-food giant confirmed in an announcement today that their signature kid's meal is 'about to get even happier with the launch of Squishmallows Happy Meals'.
In huge news for fans of the toy collectibles, one of the 14 mini plushie characters in the Macca's Happy Meals range will be a world-first exclusive.
The new Squishmallows Squad character set to debut is Halley, the Intergalactic Axolotl.
Among the new collection are also two characters that will only be available in Australia and New Zealand: Avery, the green and brown mallard duck and Theotto, the Cthulhu monster with dragon wings.
Collectors will be hoping to get their hands on all 14 Macca's Happy Meals Squishmallows characters, with some of the classic characters included in the collection set to feature exclusive new expressions. A full list of the characters is below.
Among the collection are perennial favourite characters Rossi, the purple cheetah with pink spots and Charles, the winking green pickle with a moustache.
Squishmallows are a current trending toy adored by the young and young at heart for their loveable personalities, whimsical design and ultra-soft feel.
McDonald's Australia Marketing Director of Menu and Brand Amanda Nakad said they were excited to have secured a collaboration with the 'squishable plushies [that] are all the rage right now'.
'This limited-time Happy Meal brings a taste of the viral toy sensation to Macca's, with the first McDonald's Squishmallows Squad,' Amanda said.
'Whether you're joining the hunt to collect them all or just looking for a dose of happiness, there's a Squishmallow for every kind of fan with this new Happy Meal.'
Toy manufacturer Jazware said it was notable that the McDonald's Squishmallows Squad would feature 'character favourites with unique, never-before-seen happy expressions'.
Jazwares Executive Vice President of Brand and Marketing Gerhard Runken added that it was particularly exciting to debut the 'newest Squishmallow Squad member Halley, making the search exciting as ever for fans worldwide'.
Squishmallows Happy Meals will be available with a choice of 3 or 6-piece chicken mcnuggets, a hamburger, cheeseburger or grilled chicken snack wrap. They're also served with a side of small fries or apple slices and a small drink.
Each of the Macca's Happy Meals Squishmallows will also come with a scannable code to unlock an exclusive digital game featuring the lovable characters.
They will be available nationwide from Thursday 29 May via drive thru, kiosk, front counter and the MyMacca's app - but only for a limited time and while stock lasts.
Popular and collectible Squishmallows have soared in popularity since 2020 and are revered for being ultra-soft and comforting. An array of different types and sizes of Squishmallows are displayed here in a toy store
Popular and collectible Squishmallows were first launched in 2017 and since 2020 have become a collectible toy renowned for being super soft, adorable and cute.
The Squishmallows "characters" range from fruits to animals and come in a variety of different sizes, shapes, and colours – each with their own name, expression and unique personality.
Squishmallows are made from ultra-soft Spandex and polyester material to give them a "marshmallow-like" feeling.
The initial burst of popularity of these toys coincided with the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, with Squishmallows praised for providing comfort, thanks to their soft sensorial properties. The toy is also credited by some people for helping them cope with stress and anxiety.
Like Beanie Babies did decades earlier, Squishmallows attract an enthusiastic community of collectors, particularly since certain exclusive characters are available in limited numbers or sizes.
One of the rarest Squishmallows is Jack the Black Cat, which only has 500 in circulation.
Rare and in-demand Squishmallows attract higher prices and are often re-sold online.
There are numerous social media videos of Squishmallows collectors showcasing their toy haul.
Celebrities like Charli D'Amelio and Lady Gaga are also reportedly amongst those that collect limited edition Squishmallows.
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