Imagine taking a quick lunch break from your grown-up job, only to ditch your usual routine because a beloved toy just made a comeback.
That’s exactly what happened to many fans when McDonald’s reintroduced Squishmallows toys in their Happy Meals — and the excitement has gone totally viral.
Squishmallows Return Nationwide Until Early June
The limited-edition Squishmallows are back by popular demand, available in McDonald’s Happy Meals across the country until June 9.
These soft, cuddly plushies first stole hearts in 2023, and now collectors and casual fans alike are jumping at the chance to grab them again.
Social Media Buzz and Collector Craze
TikTok and Instagram have exploded with unboxing videos, tips on how to collect all 12 mini Squishmallows, and playful posts from fans sharing their happiness.
One Instagram user joked about having “dinner sorted for the rest of the week — Happy Meals every day,” while another confessed, “Y’all making me buy my fully grown-up girlfriend Happy Meals now because of this!”
Meet the New Cosmic Character Halley
This year’s collection features a brand-new cosmic cutie: Halley the Intergalactic Axolotl, inspired by Halley’s Comet.
Each plush comes with a hang tag and a digital game code, adding an extra layer of fun for collectors and kids alike.
Honest Reviews and Viral Hashtag
Fans aren’t just excited — they’re also reviewing the toys online.
TikTok’s @thesouthernsnack gave the Squishmallows Happy Meal set a solid nine out of 10, noting that the plushies were “a bit firm” and not quite as squishy as the originals, but still pretty awesome.
The hashtag #squishmallows has already been featured in over 680,000 videos, showing just how popular the craze is.
McDonald’s Toy Mania Comes After Other Hits
Before Squishmallows’ return, McDonald’s saw big fanfare around the comeback of Pokémon cards and toys tied to the “Minecraft Movie” promotion.
These toy crazes couldn’t have come at a better time for the fast-food giant.
McDonald’s Looks to Bounce Back After Tough Year
After a difficult year marked by an E.coli outbreak that tragically resulted in a customer’s death and a dip in sales, McDonald’s is eager to turn things around.
Extending popular deals like the $5 Meal Deal from its McValue platform has already helped bring customers back.
Big Plans for Growth and Hiring
Looking ahead, McDonald’s plans to open 900 new restaurants by 2027 and is launching its biggest hiring push since 2020 — aiming to bring on 375,000 employees this summer.
Clearly, the company is betting that a mix of nostalgia, fun toys, and value deals will help win back fans and keep the momentum going.