Updated 16:06 30 Jan 2026 GMTPublished 16:05 30 Jan 2026 GMT

McDonald's brings back 'most requested' Happy Meal toys after three decades

There are a whopping 16 to collect

Ella Scott

Lucky dipping into a McDonald’s Happy Meal box is a nostalgic childhood memory for some. However, others still enjoy the thrill of plucking out something special today—and, given the budget-friendly price, we really can’t blame them.

Seven years after initially launching in the United States, the Happy Meal dropped in the UK in 1986. The customisable box has remained a Maccies menu staple ever since, consisting of a main entree, a side, and a drink.

As well as munching on hamburgers, chicken McNuggets and apple slices, kids can dive into the carton and pull out a mystery toy,

Over the years, fans have been able to pick out Squishmallows, England football figures, Beanie Babies, and Hot Wheels cars, among other presents.

Now, after almost four decades, McDonald’s has announced the return of a fan-favourite Happy Meal toy in the US - and the internet has a lot to say on the matter.

Changeables are returning to Happy Meals after almost 40 years (McDonald's)

From this week (27 January), fast-food aficionados can pull out figures with robots and dinosaur designs known as ‘Changeables’.

First introduced in 1987, Changeables are modelled after popular McDonald’s items, such as fries, a staff cap, and a cheeseburger, but can be transformed into cute critters.

“McDonald's Changeables are back on 1.27, featuring updated versions of both the robot and dinosaur designs from the original three Happy Meal programs released in 1987, 1989, and 1990,” wrote Guillaume Huin, the company’s senior marketing director.

“Changeables were - by far - the most requested Happy Meal program on X, across social media platforms and through customer service.”

According to Huin, there will be 16 characters to collect in the Changeables Happy Meal program.

Each of the animals has a name: Vash is a purple dinosaur who pops out of a chicken McNuggets box; Teef Rex transforms from a Happy Meal replica; Min-EE is a drive-thru kiosk; and Galla will appear for anyone who picks up an apple Changeable.

You can pick up yours from 27 January (McDonald's)

Taking to social media to express their joy that Changeables are returning to kids meals this month, one X user commented: “Oh these rocked. Not sure what I love more, the designs or the names.”

“Do you know how many Happy Meals I’m going to have to purchase to collect them all? Totally worth it,” replied someone else.

A third typed: “I have over 40K in McDonald's points, which is good because my daughter will want this Happy Meal toy!”