Top 12 Iconic McDonald's Toys of the 1990s

Every child knew that a visit to McDonald's was a delight, but the excitement peaked when a toy was included with the meal. The Happy Meal was officially launched in 1979, and while toys had been offered previously, this initiative ensured a steady stream of new toys tied to various themes, encouraging repeat visits. While the '80s had some fantastic toys, the '90s truly stood out. This list will not only evoke nostalgia but also remind you how many of these toys became cherished favorites, despite being freebies with your burger. It's a trip worth taking.

12. Berenstain Bears Books (1990)

For anyone who grew up in the '90s, learning life lessons without the Berenstain Bears books meant missing out on essential wisdom. While not the most thrilling toy, pairing Happy Meals with these beloved books was a perfect combination.

11. Mini Furbies (1999)

Even today, the reason behind the Furby's immense popularity remains a mystery. Despite being irritating and slightly unsettling—reminiscent of a less menacing Gremlin—the full-sized versions were a sensation, making the miniature versions a hit as well.

10. Tiny Toons Toys (1991 and 1992)

Tiny Toons had multiple appearances as Happy Meal toys, each one a hit. The Flip Cars were particularly ingenious, featuring one character on each side for double the fun. Their return with noise-making cars, complete with rattling domes, added an extra layer of chaos that kids adored.

9. Little Mermaid Floating Toys (1997)

The collaboration between Disney and McDonald's has always been strong, ensuring every major Disney film got its own set of toys. While many were plush, The Little Mermaid toys stood out. They were not only gold but also floated—because, of course, mermaids! It was a brilliant concept.

8. Sky Dancers (1997)

While many Happy Meal toys were unisex, some were gender-specific. Girls (and boys who wanted them) were treated to mini Sky Dancers, one of the best offerings. The full-sized versions were a holiday favorite, but the smaller ones were just as entertaining and came with a side of fries. Kids in the '90s were thriving long before it became a trend.

7. Mighty Ducks Pucks (1997)

1997 was undoubtedly a golden year for Happy Meal toys, marked by the introduction of the Mighty Duck Pucks. The cartoon, despite its quirky alien ducks, was a hit, and the pucks were surprisingly durable. It was a clever way to encourage kids to enjoy their meal and then burn off energy playing hockey.

6. Disney Masterpiece Figurines (1996)

The '90s were a simpler time when kids found joy in toys that didn’t need to do much. Disney’s Masterpiece Collection had children eager to visit McDonald’s repeatedly to collect all the figurines. Each figurine came in a Disney VHS box, adding a nostalgic touch to the experience.

5. Changeables

McDonald’s Changeables first appeared in 1989, but they reached new heights in 1991 when the toys transformed into dinosaurs. The McDino Changers were a marvel of simple yet imaginative design, especially for kids in the early '90s.

4. 101 Dalmatians Figurines (1997)

McDonald’s boosted sales by including toys with their kids' meals, creating collections that encouraged children to collect them all before they were replaced. With a children's movie titled 101 Dalmatians, there was ample opportunity for numerous figurines in one series. Each one was exceptionally cute, and it felt like there might have been exactly 101 of them.

3. Batman Cars (1992)

During Michael Keaton's tenure as Batman, McDonald’s released a series of incredible toys to match the popularity of the films. The collection included a Penguin-themed umbrella car, a versatile Batman jet-car hybrid, a sleek Catwoman car, and the iconic batmobile, which could split into two parts to take on adversaries.

2. Space Jam Plush Toys (1996)

These collectibles were so impressive that they stood out as the premium offerings in McDonald’s toy lineup. Not only did they cost extra, but each restaurant stocked just one at a time, making it impossible to quickly collect the entire set. Space Jam truly was—and still is—a standout phenomenon.

1. Teenie Beanie Babies (1997)

It’s hard to believe that children once went wild over such simple plush toys, especially now when stuffed animals are often dismissed as trivial by today’s kids. In the ’90s, nothing compared to the thrill of collecting Beanie Babies. While we looked forward to the Happy Meal, the real excitement came from securing a Teenie Beanie Baby. Though smaller, they featured the official tag, which was all that mattered—it was all about the prestige.