Top 6 McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys That Are Worth a Fortune Today

While McDonald’s has been a staple since 1940, the introduction of Happy Meals didn’t happen until the late 1970s. This move was inspired by Burger Chef, a now-defunct rival, which used toys to attract families. “We were losing our connection with children,” said Bob Bernstein, an advertising executive instrumental in creating the Happy Meal, in a recent CNN interview. “Our goal was to reaffirm our kid-friendly image and appeal to families.”

Bernstein’s inspiration came from observing his son’s fascination with cereal boxes during breakfast. This led to the creation of the first Happy Meal box, designed to engage children. Launched in 1977, the initial Happy Meal featured a burger, fries, cookies, a soda, and a small toy. The box was adorned with comics, puzzles, and games, reflecting Bernstein’s insight that “children want activities while they eat.”

At first, Happy Meals were only available in Kansas City, Denver, and Phoenix franchises, as other major markets were hesitant to adopt the idea. However, after over a year of proven success, the Happy Meal went national in 1979, and the demand for the toys skyrocketed.

Decades later, McDonald’s has become synonymous with its family-friendly charm, particularly through the beloved trinkets many of us cherished during childhood. If you’ve held onto those McDonald’s toys, you might be surprised to learn that some are now valuable collectibles—here are a few of the most profitable ones.

1. McDonaldland ’70s Plush Toys

While McDonald’s introduced the Happy Meal nationwide in 1979, it wasn’t their first foray into toy marketing. In the 1970s, they developed a whimsical world featuring Ronald McDonald and his companions. Through television ads, they showcased characters like the Hamburglar, Officer Big Mac, Mayor McCheese, and others.

Toys based on these characters were produced, and a few have become highly sought-after. For instance, a rubber Mayor McCheese figurine recently fetched $330 on eBay, though most sell for $50 to $70. Similarly, a pair of plush toys featuring Mayor McCheese and Officer Big Mac sold for over $225. These characters’ rarity, having faded from ads in the 1980s, likely contributes to their higher value.

2. Dukes of Hazzard Cars

The Dukes of Hazzard debuted in 1979 and quickly became a television sensation, running until 1985. McDonald’s capitalized on its popularity by introducing Happy Meal toys modeled after the show’s iconic cars, such as the General Lee, a 1969 Dodge Charger. Each toy came with a sticker sheet to replicate the cars’ designs, including one featuring the Confederate flag.

Today, these Happy Meal collectibles are highly prized. A complete set recently sold for over $350, while a single General Lee toy was listed at $250. The inclusion of the Confederate flag sticker, which sparked controversy and led TV Land to remove the show in 2015, likely adds to the toy’s value.

The General Lee isn’t the only Hazzard-inspired toy worth money. Boss Hogg’s Cadillac and Daisy Duke’s Jeep have also fetched prices ranging from $83 to $115.

3. McNugget Buddies Toys

In 1983, McDonald’s introduced McNuggets to their menu, which quickly became a fan favorite. By the late 1980s, their popularity inspired a new line of Happy Meal toys called McNugget Buddies. These playful figures came with detachable costumes, each with unique themes, and were a staple in Happy Meals until around 1996. Recently, McDonald’s reintroduced these nostalgic toys in limited-edition adult Happy Meals, reigniting their charm.

A full set of McNugget Buddies can fetch impressive prices on eBay. For example, an opened collection of eight Halloween-themed toys from the early 1990s sold for approximately $112. Other used sets typically range from $100 to $250, while unopened sets, like this one, have sold for over $200.

4. Changeables Toys

Following the 1984 launch of Hasbro’s Transformers, which became a cultural phenomenon, McDonald’s introduced their own version called Changeables. These Happy Meal toys transformed from classic menu items into robots, capturing the imagination of kids everywhere.

If you’ve held onto any Changeables from the 1980s, you might be in possession of a valuable treasure. A sealed, complete set recently sold on eBay for more than $400, while most collections typically sell for $100 to $150.

5. McFurby Toys

Owning a Furby in the late 1990s was a surefire way to earn playground cool points. Though the toy has seen numerous updates over the years, it remains a favorite among children today. In 1999, McDonald’s launched a collection of 80 McFurbys, each in unique colors. These toys, much like the original Furby, now command a significant price on the collector’s market.

However, to truly maximize value, you’ll need all 80 McFurby toys: a full set recently sold for around $150. In contrast, a bundle of 44 fetched about $55, while smaller lots typically sell for $1 to $25.

6. Boo Buckets

McDonald’s iconic Boo Buckets first appeared in 1986, showcasing the orange McPunk’n, the white McBoo (a ghost), and the green McGoblin (a witch). For Millennials, these buckets became a Halloween tradition, offering a fun way for kids to collect candy.

While McDonald’s reintroduced them in 2022 after a long hiatus, the original ’80s and ’90s versions hold a unique charm. A trio of 1990 buckets sold for approximately $150 on eBay, while a set of 17 from 1986 fetched $200. Each bucket features three distinct expressions, and owning all three of one style can net at least $70, as seen with a McGoblin set. Even a small collection of Boo Buckets can sell for $50 to $100.