15 Fast Food Kids’ Meals That Came with the Best Toys
These fast-food kids' meals weren’t just about the food—the real prize was the toy that came with them.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
The toy inside the box was what made a fast food meal exciting for youngsters, not the burger or fries. These collectibles transformed everyday meals into must-have experiences, ranging from action figurines to movie tie-ins. These are 15 of the most memorable kid-friendly meal toys that made every youngster want to stop by the drive-through.
1. McDonald’s Happy Meal Beanie Babies (1997)
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When McDonald’s partnered with Ty to release mini Beanie Babies, chaos erupted. Kids and adults scrambled to collect the tiny plush animals, leading to long lines and skyrocketing resale prices.
2. Burger King Pokémon Gold & Silver Cards (1999)
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During the height of Pokémon mania, Burger King released limited-edition gold-plated trading cards. Each card came in a Poké Ball-shaped container, making it extra special.
3. McDonald’s Disney 100th Anniversary Toys (2001)
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This set featured 100 Disney characters from different films, turning each Happy Meal into a surprise collectible hunt. From classic princesses to Pixar favorites, the variety was unmatched.
4. Taco Bell Star Wars: Episode I Toys (1999)
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Leading up to The Phantom Menace, Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut dropped an epic line of Star Wars toys. From spinning hologram discs to mini spaceship models, these collectibles transported kids to a galaxy far, far away.
5. McDonald’s Hot Wheels & Barbie Toys (1990s-2000s)
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For years, McDonald’s kept kids entertained with Hot Wheels cars for boys and Barbie dolls for girls. The tiny vehicles were fast and fun, while the Barbie dolls wore stylish outfits.
6. Burger King Rugrats Watches (1999)
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These digital watches featuring Rugrats characters were the ultimate kid status symbol. With different designs showcasing Tommy, Chuckie, and Angelica, they were both stylish and functional.
7. McDonald’s Halloween Buckets (1986-Present)
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Every Halloween, McDonald’s replaces the usual Happy Meal box with themed plastic buckets. These buckets serve as the perfect trick-or-treat containers and are also reusable storage for kids’ treasures.
8. Wendy’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Toys (1990s)
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During the TMNT craze, Wendy’s offered a series of action figures and accessories featuring Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael. The toys were durable, colorful, and perfect for reenacting battles against Shredder.
9. McDonald’s Transformers Changeables (1987-1990)
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These unique toys transformed McDonald’s food items—like burgers, fries, and shakes—into robots. It was a genius mash-up of two things kids loved: Transformers and fast food.
10. Burger King The Simpsons Dolls (2001)
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To promote The Simpsons Movie, Burger King gave away high-quality figurines of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and the rest of Springfield’s finest. Unlike many fast food toys, these were detailed and well-made, making them popular among kids and adult collectors.
11. McDonald’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Toys (1994)
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Nothing defined the ’90s quite like Power Rangers, and McDonald’s capitalized on the craze with a fantastic toy line. Featuring poseable figures and Zord vehicles, these toys fueled endless backyard battles.
12. Taco Bell Batman Forever Cups & Toys (1995)
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In the mid-’90s, Taco Bell rolled out a Batman Forever promotion featuring glow-in-the-dark cups and action-packed toys. The cups, featuring characters like Batman and The Riddler, were surprisingly durable and became prized collectibles.
13. McDonald’s Furby Toys (1999)
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The miniature versions of the talking Furby craze were an instant hit. While they didn’t have the same eerie voice as the real thing, their fuzzy designs and bright colors made them a must-have.
14. Burger King Pokémon 2000 Toys (2000)
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Following the success of the gold-plated Pokémon cards, Burger King released another Pokémon promotion featuring figurines from the second movie. Each came in a Poké Ball, adding an extra layer of excitement.
15. McDonald’s The Lion King Toys (1994)
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Disney’s The Lion King took over the world in 1994, and McDonald’s brought the magic to Happy Meals. With small figurines of Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, and the gang, these toys were an instant hit.