I remember when Teeny Beanies appeared in Happy Meals in the late ’90s. The McDonald’s drive-thru was sheer chaos every time a new collection of pocket-sized Beanies dropped. People lined up in droves to snag Pinchers the Lobster and Smoochy the Frog. I cherished my Patti the Platypus from the moment I tore open her tiny plastic bag.

Boo Buckets have come close, and kids loved the Furby toys and Hot Wheels cars. But no collection of Happy Meal toys could whip up a frenzy like Teeny Beanies—until now.

Here’s what Ronald McDonald himself has in store for us.

What is the new McDonald’s Happy Meal?

Mcdonald's Squishmallows Happy Meal Squish Group SquismallowTASTE OF HOME, COURTESY MCDONALD'S

McDonald’s is bringing back its wildly popular Squishmallows Happy Meal toys! Your kiddo’s Chicken McNuggets will now come with one of 12 adorable plush characters, like the adorable cactus Maritza. Squish collectors, the full lineup is: Charles, Zumirez, Junie, Rorty, Mirren, Babs, Rossi, Maritza, Cam, Cookie, Stevon and Halley. Halley is an Intergalactic Axolotl, which is a brand-new McDonald’s exclusive.

Each pocket-sized Squishmallow comes with a character hang tag that tells you the name and a little about each Squish. There will also be a code to scan so you your kids can play an interactive game. No word on whether you’ll need tag protectors to protect your Squishmallows investment.

This collection is returning after a two-year hiatus, and people are already lighting up Instagram to say they’re having Happy Meals for dinner all week long.

When will McDonald’s have Squishmallows?

Mcdonald's Squishmallows Happy MealCOURTESY MCDONALD'S

You can start building your Squish squad right now. The toys will only be available for a limited time while supplies last, so find your perfect Squish before they all disappear. If you don’t make it to McDonald’s for a Squishmallows Happy Meal, hold out for another couple of years. You can buy a full set of the 1998 McDonald’s Teeny Beanies on eBay for only $20.

Oh, and for the next hit McDonald’s Happy Meal toys? My bet is a Jellycats collection.

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Lara Eucalano
Lara has been an editor for Taste Recipes since 2018. Prior to her work in food and lifestyle publishing, she spent nearly a decade in the world of marketing as a brand storyteller. In her personal life, Lara runs the world's smallest farm, comprised of several raised beds and a flock of demanding chickens.
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Lara Eucalano