20 Toys and Collectibles from Fast Food Kids’ Meals You Forgot About
A trip down memory lane, revisiting 20 toys and collectibles from fast food kids’ meals that you’ve probably left behind but are still unforgettable.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 7 min read
Do you remember the excitement of getting a toy with your fast food meal? These small, often quirky collectibles brought endless joy and became must-haves for many kids. Whether it was a plastic figurine or a mini board game, each toy had its own charm and story.
1. McDonald’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Paramount Pictures on Wikimedia Commons
In the early ’90s, McDonald’s rolled out these iconic action figures, turning kids into mini collectors. Each turtle came with a small accessory, making them even more fun to play with. With their bright colors and distinctive designs, these toys were more than just plastic — they were little pieces of TV magic. A complete set was the ultimate prize.
2. Burger King’s Star Wars Figurines
Benjamín Núñez González on Wikimedia Commons
Burger King capitalized on the Star Wars craze, offering limited-edition action figures in the Kids Club meals. These tiny replicas of popular characters like Darth Vader and Yoda were perfect for imaginative play. They even released glow-in-the-dark figures, adding a touch of magic to each meal. Some of these toys are now considered rare collectibles, sometimes fetching high prices online.
3. McDonald’s Cabbage Patch Kids
Appalachian Artworks, Inc on Wikimedia Commons
During the Cabbage Patch Kids craze in the ’80s, McDonald’s released these plush dolls as part of Happy Meals. Though small and not as soft as the originals, they quickly became coveted items. Kids would eagerly trade meals to get the perfect “baby” doll. Today, those little dolls can sometimes fetch surprising prices.
4. Wendy’s Interactive Puzzles
Spc. Nathan Thome on Wikimedia Commons
Wendy’s often gave away interactive puzzles with their kids’ meals, like mini board games that were portable and easy to play with. These puzzles often featured popular themes like The Lion King or Aladdin. They were designed to entertain kids during the meal and beyond. Some of these clever toys are still fondly remembered by those who grew up with them.
5. McDonald’s Power Rangers Toys
Nikolina Šepić on Wikimedia Commons
In the ’90s, McDonald’s gave away action figures based on the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. These toys often had buttons or moving parts, making them even more fun. Collecting the full set of five Rangers was a must for kids back then. Even today, some of these toys are nostalgic treasures for collectors.
6. Burger King’s The Lion King Figurines
Disney on Wikimedia Commons
As The Lion King hit theaters, Burger King partnered with Disney to release a line of plastic figurines featuring characters from the film. Simba, Nala, and Mufasa were some of the favorites, each with a small action feature. These were the kind of toys that inspired hours of playtime. They remain some of the most beloved fast food collectibles.
7. McDonald’s Happy Meal Albums (1989)
McDonald’s Happy Meal
McDonald’s once released limited-edition albums in Happy Meals, giving kids the chance to collect mini versions of classic albums from artists like The Beatles. These vinyl-like records were actually small plastic discs that could play music when placed on a special toy player. The mix of food, toys, and music created a unique fusion of fun.
8. Wendy’s Miniature Board Games (1990s)
Guinness323 on Wikimedia Commons
Wendy’s was known for giving away small, portable board games that could be played right at the table. Games like Checkers and Monopoly were a hit, and they fit perfectly into a kid’s meal box. These toys turned every meal into an interactive experience. Some kids may have never realized they were learning strategy while having fun.
9. McDonald’s Barbie Dolls (1980s)
Bollywood Hungama on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1980s, McDonald’s featured Barbie dolls in their Happy Meals, offering miniature versions of the iconic fashion doll. These dolls came with tiny accessories like purses and shoes. Many girls eagerly collected them, dreaming of building their Barbie world. The collection added a fun twist to the classic Happy Meal.
10. Burger King’s Space Jam Toys
Naval History & Heritage Command on Wikimedia Commons
During the Space Jam craze, Burger King released a series of toys featuring the Looney Tunes characters. These toys included action figures, figurines, and even small basketball-themed playsets. Kids could relive their favorite movie scenes during meal times. Today, Space Jam memorabilia still attracts fans from both the ’90s generation and new collectors.
11. McDonald’s Miniature McDonald’s Playsets (1980s)
Maiemaie on Wikimedia Commons
McDonald’s once produced miniature versions of its own restaurant, complete with tiny tables, chairs, and play food. These little playsets were great for pretend play, letting kids run their own McDonald’s for hours. They were small enough to fit in the box but packed enough detail to keep kids entertained. Many of these sets are still remembered fondly.
12. Wendy’s Dinosaur Figurines (1990s)
Cup of Couple on Pexels
In the ’90s, Wendy’s released a line of plastic dinosaur figurines with movable parts. Kids could snap them into various poses, making them fun for action-packed play. These toys were simple but inspired hours of imaginative play. Many kids still remember them as some of their favorite Wendy’s meals.
13. Burger King’s Pokémon Toys (1999)
Abhishek Rana on Pexels
Burger King teamed up with Pokémon in the late ‘90s to offer kids collectible figures based on the popular anime. These toys were often tied to specific Pokémon characters, like Pikachu or Charizard, making them the ultimate prize. Some of the toys even included holographic cards that were the real treasure. These toys remain popular among collectors to this day.
14. McDonald’s Hot Wheels Cars
Stefan-Xp on Wikimedia Commons
McDonald’s had a line of Hot Wheels cars that were perfect for kids who loved both cars and fast food. These tiny vehicles were detailed and often had fun, exaggerated designs. Many kids swapped these cars during playtime, and a complete set was considered a big win. These toys continue to hold nostalgic value for both kids and collectors alike.
15. Burger King’s Burger King Kids Club Puzzles
Kaboompics.com on Wikimedia Commons
The Kids Club meal featured puzzles often linked to popular cartoons or movies. These puzzles came in fun shapes or cute designs that entertained kids while they ate. They were both educational and fun, teaching problem-solving skills. Collecting all the puzzle pieces became a fun challenge for many.
16. McDonald’s The Wizard of Oz Figurines
MGM on Wikimedia Commons
McDonald’s released a set of The Wizard of Oz figurines, including characters like Dorothy, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow. These toys were mostly plastic and often included a small action feature or moving part. The set became so popular that kids eagerly tried to collect them all. They’re still a nostalgic part of the brand’s legacy.
17. Wendy’s Beanie Babies (1997)
Ty Inc on Wikimedia Commons
Wendy’s introduced Beanie Babies as part of their kids’ meals during the height of the Beanie Baby craze. These small plush toys quickly became a hit. Kids traded them, tried to complete the collection, and even stashed them away for future resale. Some of these Beanie Babies are worth significant amounts today.
18. McDonald’s Furby Toys
Vickie Intili on Pexels
When Furby was all the rage in the late ’90s, McDonald’s released mini Furby toys that mimicked the electronic version. These small, plush-like toys had moving parts and were fun to play with. They didn’t talk like the real Furbies but were still a hit with kids. Some of them are now considered nostalgic gems for collectors.
19. Burger King’s Miniature Action Figures
Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels
Burger King also featured miniature action figures from popular TV shows and movies, like The Flintstones and Batman. These small figures were perfect for pocket-sized adventures, and kids loved to act out their favorite scenes. They were simple but made each meal feel like an adventure. Many of these figures are now sought after by collectors who remember their childhood fondly.
20. McDonald’s Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers (1995)
5of7 on Wikimedia Commons
McDonald’s rolled out a set of Power Rangers action figures in 1995, tying them to the TV series’ popularity. These toys had parts that could be swapped and moved, giving kids more playability. The excitement around Power Rangers helped these toys become one of the most memorable Happy Meal sets. A complete set made any kid feel like a true Power Ranger.