If you were raised on Happy Meals, you probably have fond memories of those character cups: The vibrant glasses adorned with the Coca-Cola polar bear or the now-iconic Grimace became cherished items in some households, while others were sold as collectibles on eBay.
And now, they’re making a comeback at the chain — but only for a limited time.
Starting August 13, McDonald’s is introducing a new Collector’s Edition cup with select breakfast and meal options, including the Sausage McMuffin with Egg sandwich, 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, and the Big Mac meal, each served with fries and a drink.
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Customers in over 30 countries ordering these meals will receive one of six different cups, made of embossed glass or Tritan plastic, showcasing nostalgic collectible eras, from the 1999 Pet Lovin’ Barbie to the 2007 “Shrek the Third” edition.
The redesigned cups feature:
- Barbie and Hot Wheels
- Coca-Cola
- Hello Kitty and Peanuts
- Beanie Babies
- Shrek, Jurassic Park and Minions
- McDonald’s
“There’s an indescribable excitement when you get your hands on that one elusive McDonald’s collectible or the final piece to your collection. We’re reintroducing some of our most cherished keepsakes with a modern twist, offering fans a tangible memory,” said Morgan Flatley, global chief marketing officer and Head of New Business Ventures at McDonald’s. “These new collectible cups pay tribute to some of our most memorable designs and global partnerships over the years, allowing longtime fans to reminisce fond moments and enabling a new generation to create their own lasting memories.”
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McDonald’s announced the release of the collector cup line last week, amidst declining sales in recent months. Despite raising prices more than any other major fast-food chain in the last decade, the brand has emphasized affordability, according to a study.
Looks like the cups are the company’s latest strategy to entice customers back amid inflation concerns, following the successful launch of the $5 value meal in June. Originally intended as a limited-time offer, the promotion was extended due to increased traffic.