McDonald’s Collectible Cups are a Treasure Trove of Memories for Fans

For the last few years, the success of McDonald’s marketing has come from a strategy where they lean into the fans of McDonald’s and their true love for the brand… letting their thoughts, feelings, and relationship with the brand drive what the marketing looks like - by speaking with them (fan-to-fan) instead of at them (brand-to-fan). McDonald’s calls those 'fan truths.'

By listening closely to the fans, they saw the undeniable magic that McDonald’s collectibles hold around the globe. Think McDonald’s TY beanie babies, and McNugget buddies. Young adults flock to TikTok, Instagram, Reddit and more to share their stories and memories that come with the McDonald’s keepsakes they’ve held onto for years. They even heard stories about McDonald’s Shrek cups that saved a terrible day, or grudges against a brother who stole a McDonald’s Tamagotchi a decade ago.

McDonald’s collectibles are a treasure trove of memories for fans. From toys to vintage games and plates, these keepsakes are more than just collector’s items – they’re a deep well of meaning and joy to their fans. For this campaign, McDonald's is tapping into that undeniable magic: bringing back some of their most-loved collectibles with a twist, giving fans a memory that they can hold in their hands. Now, for the first time in a decade, the beloved McDonald's collectible cups are back. The Collector's Meal features six collectible cups that tap into fond McDonald’s memories formed long ago. Each cup features iconic McDonald’s keepsakes from different eras that the fans cherish. Allowing long time fans to relive treasured moments and helping a new generation make their own lasting memories.

McDonald’s gives the fans the tools to see themselves in the work and create everything from memes, to fan art, to TikTok videos, to merch. Their active participation is what ensures that McDonald’s genuinely reflects their interests and lives, rather than feeling like a contrived marketing effort.