A Nintendo-Themed McDonald's Toy From 2017 Is Worth Way More Money Today

In April and May 2017, McDonald's released a set of eight Super Mario Brothers toys: Mario, Yoshi, Luigi, Bowser, Princess Peach, Red Shell, Invincible Mario, and 1-Up Mushroom. Mario made video game sounds when someone bounced him around (and so did 1-Up Mushroom), Yoshi could stick out its tongue, Luigi got launched out a tube, Bowser launched missiles, Princess Peach spun in a circle, Red Shell rolled across flat spaces, and Invincible Mario changed colors via a flashing light.

When a family bought a Happy Meal during that time frame, the meal box included one of those wrapped toys. If someone is savvy (or lucky) enough to own a set of these, they can be worth plenty of money today. According to Work+Money, in February 2022, someone sold a set for $80. In July 2025, an eBay seller was listing a brand-new set, still in the individual packages, for $49.99. And, whether a set sells for $49.99 or $80, compare that to the cost of a Happy Meal in 2017 — in California, prices ranged from $3.50 to $4.20 plus tax — to see how the return on investment can be quite significant. 

If someone laid out a row of McDonald's Happy Meal toys in chronological order of release dates, it would provide a fascinating series of snapshots of pop culture. (In at least one case, it literally involved a snapshot with the 1990s McDonald's 110 film camera that's now worth some serious money).

As a much more recent example of McDonald's meshing pop culture with Happy Meal toys, in April 2025, the company released a series of 12 Minecraft collectibles (either figurines or Block World toys) in tandem with A Minecraft Movie that was based on the incredibly popular 2011 sandbox video game, Minecraft. Besides receiving a toy with their Happy Meal, kids will also get an access code to a digital game. Adults can also enjoy a McDonald's meal that comes with a Minecraft collectible and a corresponding code to unlock special Minecraft game tools. The toy could be Big Mac Crystal, Birdie Wings, Fry Helmet, Grimace Egg, Soda Potion, or Zombie Hamburglar. Many adult Minecraft fans are hoping to get the rare Grimace Egg because McDonald's is surprising and delighting them with an iron ingot hidden inside. In the world-building Minecraft game, this metal bar can be used to construct things, making it a valuable tool to possess. In May 2025, one unopened Grimace Egg sold on eBay for $30. In July 2025, a Grimace Egg with its code is on sale on eBay for $80.

Rare McDonald's Baby Beanies can be worth hundreds of dollars. When considering value, though, be sure to monitor the sold-for prices for these plush toys rather than asking prices because these can be quite different figures. In July 2025, for example, an Etsy seller is asking $9,000 for a complete set of four McDonald's International Beanie Babies in original packaging. Whether someone will pay that is still up in the air. That said, some McDonalds Beanie Babies really are valued in the thousands and even tens of thousands. This includes the 1998 Maple Bear, the first export out of the United States. Valuable Antique Detector, in 2022, listed its value as $27,500. 

Another of the 1990s toys worth a whole lot of money: the Princess Diana beanie baby. Again, though, use your judgment. In July 2025, one in near mint condition is selling on eBay for $507,000 while another one is selling for an eye-popping $1 million. As with any significant investment in collectibles, do your due diligence to determine a reasonable value.