5 days ago
McDonald's Happy Meal toys worth $500: ‘Sitting on a gold mine'
McDonald's Happy Meal toys have skyrocketed in popularity among collectors, and some could be worth hundreds of dollars if you are lucky enough to still have them. For many, Happy Meal toys were often more exciting than the meal itself, and it's that mix of childhood nostalgia that is helping drive this current trend.
New data from eBay found there has been a staggering 56 per cent jump in sales for Happy Meal items since the start of the year. The value of the items are often tied to fan-favourite collaborations like Minecraft, Sonic the Hedgehog and Pokémon.
eBay Australia's Zannie Abbott told Yahoo Finance the platform was seeing a strong demand for the collectables.
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'This surge is fueled by a mix of childhood nostalgia and the growing collectables craze, as adults actively hunt for rare pieces, especially those tied to popular movies,' she said.
'Aussies are cashing in, with some toys currently listed on eBay Australia for over $13,000 — so, take this as your sign to check your stash as you may be sitting on a gold mine!'
Most valuable McDonald's Happy Meal toys
So, what are some of the most valuable McDonald's Happy Meal toys people are seeking?
eBay said a 1989 McDonald's Happy Meal Fry Guys Funny Fry Friends set was one of its top sellers, fetching a staggering $512.23.
The toys were small, shaggy, ball-like creatures with legs and no arms, and were known for stealing other characters' fries.
A 1988 Snoopy World Tour toy set sold for $409.70 on the platform, while a Minions Happy Meal toy bundle sold for $305.
A 1991 McDonald's Changeables Transformers set sold for $266.77, these were fast-food figurines like burgers and fries that could fold out to become robots.
Looking at current active listings, one Aussie has listed a plush lion and giraffe from the Bendable Zoo Buddies from a 2001 Happy Meal on the platform for a whopping $13,395.
Meanwhile, McNugget Buddies glow-in-the-dark toys from the 1998 McDonald's Happy Meal have been listed for $480.
eBay said the demand for McDonald's Happy Meal Toys reflected a larger collectable trend. Its latest State of Collectables Report estimated 7.6 million people, or one in three adults, participate in collecting.
Coins were the most common collectables, followed by toys, pre-loved fashion and in to access your portfolio
