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McDonald’s Happy Meal toys that are worth a lot of money
McDonald’s Happy Meals have been a favorite treat for children around the world for decades. Along with the tasty food, the Happy Meal also comes with a small toy that has captured the hearts of many youngsters. While these toys are typically thought of as fun playthings, some of them have become highly sought-after collectibles worth a significant amount of money. In this article, we will explore some of the McDonald’s Happy Meal toys that have fetched exorbitant prices on the collectibles market.
The Guangzhou Snoopy craze
In 2001, the Chinese city of Guangzhou went crazy when McDonald’s released a Snoopy toy as part of its Happy Meal promotion. Demand for the iconic black-and-white dog from the Peanuts comic strip was so high that two people were hospitalized with cuts from shattered glass. The excitement surrounding the Snoopy toy led to a black market where the toys sold for approximately 200 times their normal value. This incident highlights the extraordinary lengths people will go to acquire rare McDonald’s toys.
Antique Happy Meal Toys
It’s not just newer toys that command high prices on the collectibles market. According to a 2018 report from Today, some antique websites are suggesting prices in the hundreds of dollars for mint condition Happy Meal toys. However, it’s important to note that the prices listed by sellers don’t always reflect the actual selling price. The McDonald’s Collectors Club Auctions and For Sale sections are filled with listings advertising deals, but it’s often difficult to verify that a transaction has taken place. Still, there have been instances where rare McDonald’s toys have sold for substantial amounts, such as the McNugget shaped like a character from Among Us, which sold for an astounding $99,997.
Beanie Babies
Beanie Babies, the collectible stuffed animals that took the 1990s by storm, also made their way into McDonald’s Happy Meals. The Beanie Baby craze was so extreme that some of the toys, which originally cost $5, sold for as much as $5,000. McDonald’s capitalized on the Beanie Baby craze by including them in their Happy Meals in 1998, and bringing them back in 2019 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Happy Meal.
One particularly notable edition of Happy Meal Beanie Babies is the McDonald’s-themed line released in 2004 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Happy Meal. These Ronald McDonald Beanie Babies have garnered attention from collectors, with some auctions reaching prices of $76 and $78. While these amounts may not compare to the sky-high prices of certain Beanie Babies in the past, they still demonstrate the value that collectors place on these McDonald’s toys.
Pokémon Cards
Pokémon cards are a staple of McDonald’s Happy Meals, and they have proven to be highly sought-after collectibles. In February 2021, McDonald’s released a series of Pokémon cards that quickly became a target for scalpers looking to sell them online at a premium.
Some of these Pokémon cards have fetched impressive prices on the collectibles market. For example, a holographic Grookey card sold for $14.52 on eBay, while another copy of the same card reached $52 after 19 bids. More popular Pokémon such as Charmander and Pikachu have fetched even higher prices, with a holographic Charmander card selling for $128 and several holographic Pikachu cards going for between $211.50 and $370.
These Pokémon cards have created their own successful sub-market, with prices averaging between $15 and $20, and some lucky ones breaking the $100 mark. If you happen to have old Happy Meal toys lying around, especially Pokémon cards, it might be worth considering selling them on platforms like eBay, as they could potentially fetch a significant sum.
In conclusion
McDonald’s Happy Meal toys have transcended their role as mere playthings and have become valuable collectibles in their own right. From the Guangzhou Snoopy craze to the enduring popularity of Beanie Babies and Pokémon cards, certain McDonald’s toys have commanded exorbitant prices in the collectibles market. While not every toy will fetch a fortune, it’s fascinating to see the enthusiasm and value collectors place on these nostalgic childhood treasures.
Whether you’re a long-time collector or just curious about the value of your old Happy Meal toys, it’s clear that some McDonald’s toys are worth a lot of money. So the next time you come across an old Happy Meal toy, take a moment to consider its potential value. You might just uncover a hidden gem that could fetch you a substantial sum on the collectibles market. Happy collecting!
FAQS
No, not all McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys are valuable. While some toys have gained significant value on the collector’s market, the majority of Happy Meal toys do not command high prices.
What factors determine the value of a McDonald’s Happy Meal toy?
The value of a McDonald’s Happy Meal toy is influenced by several factors, including rarity, collector demand, condition (mint condition toys tend to be more valuable), and any unique features or limited editions associated with the toy.
How can I determine the value of my McDonald’s Happy Meal toy?
To determine the value of your McDonald’s Happy Meal toy, you can search for similar toys on online marketplaces, auction sites, or collectibles forums. Look for closed listings and recent sales to get an idea of the current market value for your specific toy.
Should I keep my McDonald’s Happy Meal toys in their original packaging?
Keeping your McDonald’s Happy Meal toys in their original packaging can help preserve their condition and potentially increase their value. However, it’s important to strike a balance between preserving the toy and enjoying it. Ultimately, the decision to keep it packaged or not depends on your personal preference and whether you intend to sell it in the future.
Where can I sell my valuable McDonald’s Happy Meal toys?
You can sell your McDonald’s Happy Meal collectible through a variety of channels, including online marketplaces such as eBay, specialized collectibles websites, local collectibles shows or conventions, and collectibles forums or groups. It’s important to research and choose a platform that caters to the specific audience interested in your type of collectible toy.
Are McDonald’s Happy Meal toys a good investment?
While some McDonald’s Happy Meal toys have appreciated in value over time, it’s important to note that investing in collectibles can be unpredictable. The value of these toys may fluctuate based on market trends, demand, and other factors. If you enjoy collecting and believe in the potential value of certain toys, it can be a fun hobby. However, it’s generally not recommended to rely solely on McDonald’s Happy Meal toys as a financial investment.