You might want to start digging through old boxes in the loft, as some McDonald’s Happy Meal toys are now fetching hundreds of dollars online.
If you’ve ever mocked your child for being ‘too old’ for a Happy Meal, or teased a friend for ordering one out of nostalgia, they could end up having the last laugh.
Those little toys that once came tucked inside the box may have been more than a fun extra at the time. In some cases, they’ve turned into surprisingly valuable collectibles.
Over the years, a number of older releases have built up serious resale value, with certain sets now listed online for far more than the meal originally cost.
So, if you’re tempted to rummage through the stash of childhood keepsakes in the attic, there are a few McDonald’s toys worth watching for.
One of the more affordable examples, though still impressive by comparison, is the 2001 Atlantis toy collection.
Anyone who picked up the full set back then and kept it in good condition could be pleased to know that one complete collection is currently listed on eBay for $55.
Stepping up in value is the McDonald’s Beetleborgs Metallix Happy Meal Toy line.
These toys were released in 1997, and sellers with a complete set have been asking roughly $125 on eBay.
Considering that’s six small Happy Meal toys selling for more than $100, it’s not a bad return.
But the prices climb even higher for collectors who managed to hold onto larger promotional ranges, especially Disney-themed ones.
If you were somehow able to gather all 100 toys in the full set, there’s a listing that values it at an eye-watering $399.99.
The collection features characters from some of Disney’s best-known films, including Sebastian from The Little Mermaid as well as Snow White.
Another highly valuable collection that deserves mention is the 1990 Super Mario Bros. 3 Happy Meal toys. Released to coincide with the Nintendo Entertainment System game launch, these interactive toys featured Spring-launched Raccoon Mario, pull-back Luigi sitting on a cloud, hopping Koopa Para-Troopa, and back-flipping Little Goomba characters. Individual toys from this collection have sold for as much as $700 to $980, while complete display sets featuring all four toys have been priced at around $800 on eBay. The original Happy Meal boxes featuring Super Mario art and puzzles are also valuable, with a complete set of four boxes commanding over $175.
For collectors seeking even higher returns, the 2002 Walt Disney 100 Years of Magic collection presents a unique opportunity. McDonald’s released 100 PVC figurines from various Disney and Pixar films mounted on golden bases displaying each character’s name and year of appearance. While individual figurines typically sell for around $15, unopened manager edition sets have been listed for as much as $7,000 on eBay.
Finance Buzz also notes that the list of valuable McDonald’s memorabilia goes beyond standard Happy Meal toys.
Back in 1997, the brand also released a French fry-shaped camera, which is certainly one of the more unusual bits of merchandise.
It even used 110 film format.
Although it wasn’t part of a Happy Meal, the company’s Polaroid collaboration can apparently command even bigger prices, with Finance Buzz reporting resale values of around $400 to $500.
If you’re trying to remember whether you’ve got one packed away somewhere, it’s bright yellow and features the logo on a yellow strip beside the flash.
There’s also value in older Nintendo-related items tied to the chain’s promotions.
Those were released as part of a collaboration with Nintendo in 1990.
However, the real money appears to be in the promotional display pieces rather than the standard toys.
According to the outlet, complete display sets of three figurines sold for between $900 and $1,500 last year.
Other particularly valuable Happy Meal collections include the Ty Teenie Beanie Babies from 1998, with a complete original set of 12 listed for as much as $4,000 on Etsy. The Changeables from the late 1980s, which transformed menu items into robots and dinosaurs, can fetch up to $399 for a complete set of 22 in pristine condition. McDonald’s McNugget Buddies and Boo Buckets from the 1980s have also proven to be solid investments for collectors.
Maybe forgotten fast-food collectibles deserve a bit more respect after all.
*Disclaimer: We are not financial professionals and that is not legitimate financial advice.*