03-07-2025
The 9 ‘legendary' McDonald's Happy Meal toys that everyone had in 80s & 90s which could now make you a small fortune
There's something about a McDonald's Happy Meal that turns us all into big kids, no matter what age we are.
And they have contained some amazing toys over the years including their exciting collabs that keep on launching – like Toy Story and Minecraft.
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The Happy Meal
The McDonald's Happy Meal has been around since 1979 and a small toy or book is included with the food.
Both of which are usually contained in a red cardboard box with a yellow smiley face and the McDonald's logo.
The first toys included a McDonald's themed stencil, a wallet and a spinning top.
However, as the years flew past, the toys got more sought after as they tied in with the latest craze or new film release.
Hungry youngsters were likely to find action figures, toy cars and puzzles inside the boxes down the decades.
In recent years, McDonald's has started phasing out plastic toys in favour of more sustainable items.
But how much are the most legendary toys now worth?
TY Teenie Beanie Babies
These were mini soft toys that were in meal boxes in 1997, during the Beanie Babies craze.
There were huge queues at some McDonald's restaurants for them.
There were even reports of fights breaking out, such was the demand reports The News.
The popular characters included Patti the Platypus and Pinchers the Lobster.
A complete set of 12 Teenie Beanies toys from 1998 is listed for sale on eBay for more than £420, but they are available for less elsewhere.
Changeables
These were released in the late 80s and early 90s, when Transformers were the new craze.
They converted from food items like a burger or fries into dinosaurs or robots.
However, the average price for a set of four Changeables on eBay seems to be only £30.
Hot Wheels
McDonald's teamed up with Hot Wheels to include model cars in Happy Meal boxes in 1983.
They have produced quite a few classic vehicles over the years since then.
A Cadillac Seville, is listed for sale on eBay for just over £50.
Inspector Gadget
The Inspector Gadget toy was a tie in with the 1999 movie, starring Matthew Broderick.
Children had to collect all eight parts to complete their Inspector Gadget action figure.
One set of all the pieces in their original wrappers is listed on eBay for just under £1,100.
But another is listed for only a little over £40.
Toy Story 2 figures
These were released in 2000 to tie in with the huge blockbuster Toy Story 2.
They included Woody, Slinky Dog and Buzz Lightyear, which everyone wanted.
A set of six toys from that collection is listed on eBay for £25.
Sonic games
Sonic the Hedgehog handheld games were given in Happy Meals in 2003.
They included a racing game and a basic adventure game where you had to collect the rings.
A set of four of the original 2003 games in their original packaging is listed on eBay for around £35.
Lego Motion
Basic Lego toys were given away inside Happy Meals in 1989, with models including a helicopter, a race car and a sea plane.
You can pick these models up for around £5 each on eBay.
In 1994, similar toys called Lego System were released and a set of four of these toys is listed on eBay for just over £50.
Back to the Future Delorean
The Back to the Future Happy Meal toys were released to tie in with the cartoon series which came out in 1991.
They included Marty McFly on a hoverboard and the DeLorean car with Doc Brown.
The Marty McFly and DeLorean toys together on eBay are available for around £25.
Batmobile
The Batman Returns Happy Meal toys were given away to tie in with the 1992 movie.
You can pick up a set of these on eBay for around £35.
