McDonald's celebrates Happy Meal's 40th anniversary by bringing back retro toys

McDonald’s is bringing back some of the most popular Happy Meal toys to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its Kids Meals. USA TODAY

Parents, kids and collectors, take note.

McDonald’s is bringing back some of the most popular Happy Meal toys to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its kids’ meals.

A special limited-edition Surprise Happy Meal will be available Nov. 7-11 in more than 90 countries around the globe while supplies last.

“Since the Happy Meal was introduced on the menu, it quickly became synonymous with our brand,” McDonald’s now-former CEO Steve Easterbrook said in a statement, days before he was fired for violating company policy by having a consensual relationship with an employee. “Today, this iconic red box creates lasting memories for billions of families annually across the world.”

Fifteen toys will be available globally with two extra Disney exclusives for the U.S.

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McDonald's brought back nostalgic Happy Meal toys all the way from 1988 to celebrate the fast food chain's 40th anniversary. USA TODAY

The first McDonald's kids' meals were introduced in the U.S. in June 1979 as the Circus Wagon Happy Meal. Many of the early toys featured McDonald's McDonaldland characters.

“Parents tell us how fondly they recall their favorite toys,” said Colin Mitchell, McDonald’s senior vice president, global marketing. â€œSo, unboxing the Surprise Happy Meal together creates a real moment of bonding with their children. We hope these toys are something that they will treasure and remember.”

Globally, 1 billion Happy Meals are sold each year in more than 100 countries in 38,000-plus restaurants, the company said in a news release, adding that more balanced choices including fruits and vegetables have been added over the years.

McDonald’s said restaurants have served more than 3.4 billion fruit, low-fat dairy and water options in the Happy Meal in the U.S. since 2013, which was the year soda was removed from Happy Meal menu boards.

Beginning in 2020, McDonald’s plans to introduce a "Reduced Sugar Low Fat Chocolate Milk" in the U.S. with 25% less sugar than the previous fat free chocolate milk offered.

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Between Nov. 7-11 while supplies last, the following toys will be in McDonald's Happy Meals:

Cowboy McNugget (McDonald’s): 1988

Fireman McNugget (McDonald’s): 1988

Mail Carrier McNugget (McDonald’s): 1988

Hamburger Changeable (McDonald’s): 1989

Grimace (McDonald’s): 1990

Dino Happy Meal Box Changeable (McDonald’s): 1991

McDonald’s Hot Wheels Thunderbird (Mattel): 1993

Hamburglar (McDonald’s): 1995

Power Rangers (Hasbro): 1995

Space Jam Bugs Bunny (Warner Bros.): 1996

Patti the Platypus (Ty Beanie Baby): 1997

101 Dalmatians â€" U.S. Exclusive (Disney): 1997

Tamagotchi (Bandai): 1998

My Little Pony (Hasbro): 1998

Furby (Hasbro): 1999

Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey â€" U.S. Exclusive (Disney): 2002

Hello Kitty (Sanrio): 2013

McDonald's limited-edition Surprise Happy Meal will be available Nov. 7-11, while supplies last. (Photo: McDonald's)

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko

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