McDonald's Collectors' Items

History

• Mc Donald's was founded in 1937 by two brothers; Dick and Mac McDonald, who opened a drive-in restaurant that specialized in hamburgers and milkshakes. They later met Ray Kroc, who bought out their hamburger business and renamed the franchise McDonald's System Incorporated. Kroc opened his first restaurant in 1955 in Des Plaines, Illinois. Soon after the name was changed to McDonald's Corporation, which it remains today. In 1962, the golden arches became the company's iconic trademark. In 1963 Ronald McDonald made his debut as a way to attract more children and families. In 1970, McDonald's created more characters; the Hamburglar, Grimace, Officer Big Mac and Mayor McCheese who were introduced publicly through television commercials and later in Happy Meals.

Types

• Some of the most popular McDonald's collectibles are the glasses and mugs that were sold as promotions in the late 1960s through the late 1980s. These items sported all of the McDonald's Happy Meal Characters as well as renowned figures from the US Olympic team, which McDonald's sponsors.
  Christmas ornaments and snow globes also became popular collector's items in the 1980s.
  Happy Meal toys are also hot collector items, those that include the original McDonald's cast of characters, including Ronald McDonald, are rare and well sought after among collectors.
  Ronald McDonald vinyl dolls, lunch boxes and jewelry typically can only be found through tracking personal and private collectors or museums.
  In the 1990s McDonald's teamed up with Ty to introduce Beanie Babies to the lineup of toys and collectibles found in Happy Meals. While there are a few rare Beanie Babies of the McDonald's characters, most are from the Ty line of toys.

Identification

• To be classified as collectible, items from McDonald's have to be discontinued, made for only a limited time and remain in the original box or packaging. However, some vintage pieces, such as plastic toys from the 1970s, are often found on the auction block without the original packaging and are still highly collectible by collectors. For an item to receive the highest appraised value it must be unopened and in mint condition.

Effects

• Collecting McDonald's toys and memorabilia helps people relive their childhood. Although there is a significant market for these collectibles, it can be difficult to make money buying and trading them.
  McDonald's collectibles are still being made and sold in Happy Meals and Mighty Kids Meals, as well as separately. In recent years, McDonald's has steered away from selling original McDonald's character items and branched out to sell dolls and toys from hit movies and popular video games. As a result, vintage McDonald's collectibles are highly desired by collectors.

Considerations

• Many McDonald's glasses, toys and collectibles were generated in the 1960s, 70s and 80s before concern arose about choking hazards and lead based paint. All collectibles should be kept in cabinets or boxes and away from young children.