In the U.S., Happy Meals have been available since 1977. Hundreds of millions of Happy Meal items have occurred. These items are distributed free to customers who buy food for the kids happy. Some items are also available to buy, and some are available free, such as banners and tablecloths.
McDonald Happy Meal expanded outside the U.S., Happy Meals and other memorabilia became available elsewhere, as in the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong. There is now an enormous amount of material for collectors, with variations and country-specific elements.
The quality of the Happy Meal toys and packaging has always been recognized, and in recent years an increasing number of licenses have been granted to expand the collection of McDonald more than ever. It was observed that a good promotion to attract children to the parents more. Names as popular as Disney, Barbie and others, increase the value of toys.
Most promotions do not generate interest, and a dramatic increase in value. Most of the new toys are kept in their original packaging and with the Happy Meal box (if available). It is often the case that the Happy Meal box may be of more value than the toy.
Promotions in the world with different toys and merchandise means that collectors have an impossible task to bring them all together. Country-specific toys are more valuable to collectors abroad. A Smurf promotion in the U.S. was repeated in the UK, but the available Sm (with a Happy Meal box) was not available in the U.S.. This has meant that this Smurf is highly sought after.
McDonald objects and collection predate the Happy Meals. Marketing promotions for McDonald's restaurants have offered their mascot Ronald McDonald and other characters over twenty years, and the principles and materials toys are very popular. Collectors may specialize in one type of toy, such as Disney or rope.
