Hold on to your Happy Meal toys - 80s and 90s favourites selling for hundreds online

Some of our childhood favourites are selling for hundreds online.

2 min read

July 22, 2025 - 11:59AM

Lifestyle

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Australians are rediscovering the joy of retro McDonald's Happy Meal toys, turning these tiny treasures we grew up with into potential goldmines.

The recent surge in interest, fuelled by the buzz surrounding the Crocs / Maccas collab, has seen a remarkable 56 per cent increase in sales of Happy Meal items on eBay Australia since the start of the year.

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Who remembers these? Image: eBay

More than just a cheap toy

For many, Happy Meal toys are more than just plastic trinkets; they are cherished memories of childhood visits to McDonald's, where the excitement of unwrapping a new toy was as thrilling as the meal itself.

According to new data shared by eBay Australia, these toys are now experiencing a renaissance, catching the eye of collectors and investors online. The allure lies in their nostalgic value and the beloved collaborations they represent, such as Minecraft, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Pokémon.

“For Aussies, those Happy Meal toys gathering dust in the back of the cupboard might be worth more than you think," Zannie Abbott from eBay Australia told Kidspot.

"We’re seeing a strong demand on eBay for these nostalgic collectables, especially rare sets or those in good condition. So before you declutter, consider that your childhood treasures could be someone else's sought-after find!”

How much are our old Happy Meal toys worth?

More than just fond memories, some of our favourite toys are now selling for hundreds online.

So what's worth searching through boxes in the garage, you ask?

A 1989 McDonald's Happy Meal Vintage Fry Guys Funny Fry Friends set fetched an impressive $512.23, while a Minion Happy Meal toy bundle sold for $299.23.

This phenomenon is part of a broader trend in Australia, where collecting has become a popular pastime. According to eBay's State of Collectables Report 2025, approximately 7.6 million Australians, or one in three adults, engage in collecting.

Among the most commonly collected items are toys, with 33 per cent of collectors focusing on these nostalgic treasures.

The motivations behind this trend are varied, with 57 per cent of collectors driven by a genuine love for the items and 46 per cent motivated by nostalgia. And then there are over one-third of those surveyed who view collecting as a sound investment strategy.

Early retirement? Yes please!

Image: eBay

The most popular Happy Meal toys

While I personally have fond memories of the Muppet Babies range, there are collections that have been voted as the most popular.

Among the most popular from the 80s and 90s were the iconic Changeables, transforming food items into robots, and the whimsical McNugget Buddies, which featured interchangeable outfits.

Of course, the Disney collaborations were also a hit, with toys from classics like The Little Mermaid and 101 Dalmatians becoming instant favourites. These toys, along with the beloved Beanie Babies from the late 90s, have become highly sought after by collectors.

So, if you have any lying around, now is the time to keep them away from your kids and locked up securely in a cupboard - or cash in and see if any investors bite!