18 Discontinued McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys That Are Now Collectors' Items
Some discontinued McDonald's Happy Meal toys have transformed from childhood favorites into prized collector’s items, with nostalgic fans willing to pay big bucks for these tiny treasures.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
McDonald’s Happy Meal toys have brought children joy for decades, but some old collectibles that were discontinued have become extremely valuable treasures among nostalgic enthusiasts and collectors. From food robots that change forms to gold-plated Pokémon cards, these small toys today carry unexpected worth with rare sets commanding staggering amounts. Whether it’s nostalgia for childhood or investment, these previously free toys have become mini goldmines for those fortunate enough to still possess them.
1. McFurbys (1998)
Image from Etsy
These small, brightly colored Furby characters were launched during the peak of the Furby frenzy in the late ’90s. Although they did not speak or move like the actual Furby, their emotive eyes and diverse designs captured the hearts of many. Complete sets now command a good sum from retro collectors.
2. Changeables (1987 & 1989)
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McDonald’s Changeables were small makeover toys that transformed into McDonald’s menu foods such as burgers and fries. Based on the Transformers fad, they enjoyed a play robot form and a “food” form. Their popularity has secured them as nostalgic favorites with toy collectors from the 80s.
3. Halloween McNugget Buddies (1986-1996)
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These offbeat, dress-up McNugget characters were available in Halloween-like costumes, such as witches, vampires, and Frankenstein’s monster. They each had interchangeable costumes, so there was mix-and-match fun. Old sets in good shape are now very collectible, particularly near Halloween.
4. Muppet Babies (1987, 1990)
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With Baby Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, and Gonzo, these were inspired by the popular cartoon Muppet Babies. Each included a small car or accessory to enhance playability. Complete sets are now wanted by collectors, particularly the rarer 1987 ones.
5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990-1993)
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McDonald’s and Playmates collaborated to launch TMNT action figures in the early ’90s, and they came with Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael in fighting poses. These differed from the typical TMNT playthings, as they featured smaller sizes and a different look. Nowadays, they’re famously collected by TMNT enthusiasts who desire all the iterations of their beloved heroes in a half-shell.
6. Fraggle Rock (1988)
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Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock characters entered Happy Meals in the form of small, brightly colored figures of Gobo, Mokey, Wembley, and Red. Each was accompanied by a fun little vehicle, such as a radish cart or a skateboard. Collectors of the popular show now look for these elusive pieces of Fraggle memorabilia.
7. Disney’s 100 Years of Magic (2002)
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McDonald’s introduced a huge 100-piece set of Disney characters from traditional movies, such as The Lion King, Aladdin, and Toy Story. The enormity of the set made it difficult to collect. Now, complete sets or scarce figures can fetch huge prices.
8. Snoopy World Tour (1998-1999)
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These mini Snoopy dolls wore the popular beagle in attire inspired by various countries. With more than 25 versions, such as Snoopy as a samurai and as a British royal guard, they were a bestseller among Peanuts enthusiasts. Complete sets have become highly collectible items.
9. Power Rangers (1994, 1995)
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A nod to Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, McDonald’s brought out action figures of the classic heroes and their Zords. Some had functioning parts, and others could form combinations with Zord vehicles. Because of the popularity of the franchise, they are still prized collector’s items.
10. Dinosaur Hand Puppets (1993)
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Released as a tie-in with The Land Before Time, these rubber hand puppets included characters, such as Littlefoot, Cera, and Ducky. Their distinctive design and long-lasting material made them a highlight Happy Meal toy. Now, they’re a nostalgic gem for 90s children.
11. Space Jam (1996)
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To advertise the Michael Jordan and Looney Tunes crossover film Space Jam, McDonald’s introduced small plastic figurines of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and the rest of the Tune Squad. Some figures even included tiny basketballs or action poses. With the comeback of Space Jam nostalgia, these toys have gained value.
12. Underwater Monsters (1979)
Image from Daily Mail
One of McDonald’s first Happy Meal toy series, these small plastic sea animals were brightly colored and silly-looking. They were shaped like sea serpents, fish, and other mythical beasts. To find one in mint condition today is a rare occurrence, so they are a collector’s treasure.
13. Inspector Gadget (1995)
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This one-of-a-kind Happy Meal toy consisted of individual pieces that, when gathered, formed a complete Inspector Gadget figure. Each arm, leg, and head came with a different meal, inviting children to return again and again. Since most children lost individual pieces, it is hard to find a complete set today.
14. Pokémon 23K Gold-Plated Cards (1999)
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With Burger King’s collaboration, McDonald’s sold gold-plated Pokémon cards of Pikachu, Mewtwo, and Charizard in a Poké Ball case. These were no ordinary Happy Meal toys but a valuable collectible. To this day, they are still very much in demand among Pokémon collectors.
15. Ty Teenie Beanie Babies (1997-2000)
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During the Beanie Baby craze, McDonald’s introduced small versions known as Teenie Beanies, and they caused a whirlwind effect. Individuals stood in line simply to get their hands on them, and others even purchased Happy Meals in quantity. Special editions, such as the International Bears, now command high prices from collectors.
16. Robots by Diener Keshi (1980)
Image from Little Weirdos
These small, eraser-shaped robots were plain but adorable, in bright colors with simple designs. As one of the first Happy Meal toys, they are now scarce and vintage. Serious collectors pursue them as a McDonald’s toy artifact.
17. My Little Pony (1984, 1998, 2008)
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McDonald’s has produced several My Little Pony Happy Meal toys throughout the years, but the most valuable are the original 1984 ponies. They came with rooted hair and a tiny brush, essentially miniature versions of the full-sized ponies. Vintage sets, particularly in good condition, can sell for significant amounts.
18. Batman: The Animated Series (1993-1995)
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McDonald’s released several Batman toys based on Batman: The Animated Series, including Batmobiles, action figures, and villains. Some figures had light-up features or detachable capes, making them extra fun. Due to the show’s lasting popularity, these toys are still in demand among collectors.