Big fun comes in small packages
The New McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys Will Let You Take a Piece of the Restaurant Home
Published on Jun. 26, 2025
For many people, a McDonald’s Happy Meal is a quintessential piece of childhood. Opening a Happy Meal box to discover a hamburger or McNuggets and fries is a memory filled with pure joy, and getting the adorable new toy that comes along with it is the icing on the cake.
Every few weeks, McDonald’s introduces a new collection of Happy Meal toys, and the latest one heading to a location near you is extra special, giving kids and their families a chance to bring home a little piece of their favorite restaurant. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the new McDonald’s Happy Meal—including when you’ll be able to pick up one at your local McDonald’s.
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What is the new McDonald’s Happy Meal?
McDonald’s is introducing a brand-new Lil McDonald’s Happy Meal! Each new Lil McDonald’s Happy Meal comes with one of 21 mini toys, and they’re all inspired by different items you see on a visit to McDonald’s. Think: a tiny order of fries, a small soda fountain, a teeny little Happy Meal boy, and even an itty-bitty Boo Bucket that encapsulates the spirit of a McDonald’s Halloween!
What’s the inspiration behind the Lil McDonald’s Happy Meal?
Children not only love visiting McDonald’s, but they also love to play as if they’re at McDonald’s too. Kids often pretend to work the drive-thru or cook in the McDonald’s kitchen through creative play and make-believe, so McDonald’s decided to offer kids another way to play McDonald’s at home.
“A McDonald’s Happy Meal has always been more than just a meal—it’s a joyful tradition that creates lasting memories for both kids and adults alike,” said Anna Engel, director of marketing, brand, content and culture for McDonald’s USA, in a press release. “As a parent, there’s something magical about watching your child’s imagination come to life with these tiny toys. That’s what makes Lil McDonald’s so special. It brings back my own childhood memories of playing McDonald’s, and now I get to create new ones with my kids.”
McDonald’s is certainly not the first brand to create miniature versions of its signature items for kids to enjoy during playtime. Mini Brands makes all different types of mini toys, ranging from Netflix characters to Disney princesses, from teeny sneakers to food, and everything in between. It’s no surprise that McDonald’s took note!
When will they be available?
If you’re excited to treat your child to a Lil McDonald’s Happy Meal while you enjoy a McValue Meal, you won’t have to wait very long. The brand-new Happy Meals with adorable pocket-size McDonald’s toys will be available all across the United States starting on July 1. Playing McDonald’s is about to get a lot more fun very soon!
How popular are Lil McDonald’s Happy Meals expected to be?
Judging by the reactions of McDonald’s fans all over social media, Lil McDonald’s is shaping up to be one of the most popular launches of McDonald’s items to date.
“Cannot wait to collect these even though I’m a … grown man. 🙃” That comment was from famed fast-food foodie @Snackolater on McDonald’s official Instagram post announcing the news.
“Whoever is in charge of the happy meal toys over at McDonald’s HQ needs a RAISE,” wrote another McDonald’s lover. And yet another said: “My wife threatened to leave me because of my McNugget Buddies obsession. I don’t know if our marriage can survive this.”
McDonald’s items have amassed quite a loyal following of collectors, and some sell for hundreds—even thousands—of dollars on auction sites like eBay. Among the most highly coveted items is the complete set of McDonald’s Adult Happy Meal Cactus Plant Flea Market toys, which are listed on eBay for upwards of $1,000. Individual toys sell for hundreds each, and if that’s any indicator, Lil McDonald’s toys might achieve the same iconic status among collectors. If you end up with duplicates, you might want to consider reselling them for some extra cash!
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Source:
- McDonald’s: “Family Fun Shrinks for Summer with Lil McDonald’s”
