By Kal Reasons
Most people recognize the red box with the yellow smile on the side, and many have experienced the joy of eating a meal that comes tailor made for children. Since the invention of the Happy Meal in 1974, there have been hundreds of toy collaborations. One popular collaboration that has been repeatedly revisited internationally has been Sanrio’s Hello Kitty franchise. Although there have been many different toys released across the globe, this blog will focus mostly on United States collaborations. Let’s dive in!
2000: Hello Kitty Crew Keychains
This first collaboration began the long-standing relationship between Sanrio and McDonald’s. It featured simple keychains of Hello Kitty and several of her friends.
2004: Hello Kitty and Friends Plush Toys
These cuddly plush toys were perfect for all ages! Lesser-known Sanrio characters were featured in this set!
Watch FastFoodToyReviews review of this set here!
2004: Hello Kitty World
Hello Kitty World featured Hello Kitty as eight different toys including a ballerina and a toaster along with simpler designs.
2007: Hello Kitty Accessories
Using various accessories like a comb, lip gloss, a tiny mirror and stickers, this collaboration was a popular one!
2010: Hello Kitty Watches
Branching out from traditional toys, these plastic watches were practical and functional, up to a certain point!
2011: Hello Kitty Winter Wonderland
This adorable set of toys featured Hello Kitty participating in fun winter activities in different outfits that fit the theme!
2012: Ben 10 Ultimate Alien and Hello Kitty Set
Before McDonald’s moved to gender-neutral toy options, they would align crossover collaborations. This particular one had four very simple Ben 10 character toys and four toys with Hello Kitty heart-themed toys.
See FastFoodToyReviews full video here!
2014: Hello Kitty 40th Anniversary Birthday Set
The 40th-anniversary birthday set is one of the most sought out collections that McDonald’s has released! See their designs here!
2019: Hello Kitty Halloween
Spooky versions of Hello Kitty were available in the 2019 Halloween collaboration which was yet another example of the success of McDonald’s and Sanrio’s partnership.
August/September 2024: Yu Gi Oh x Hello Kitty
The most recent set was an incredibly popular crossover between the anime Yu Gi Oh and Hello Kitty, featuring fan-favorite Sanrio characters dressed up as popular characters from the anime!
How has toy branding impacted you? Have you ever collected branded toys? Let us know in the comments what you think about these collaborations and follow Meeman 901 Strategies for more!
SOURCES:
(16) Hello Kitty McDonald's Retro 2000 & 2001 Happy Meal Toys | Kids Meal Toys | LuckyPennyShop.com - YouTube
Hello Kitty® Makes Her Debut at McDonald's® North America Along Side New Hasbro Transformers™ Beast Machines® Figures - Aug 2, 2000 (mediaroom.com)
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