"Evoking '90s childhood nostalgia—shared Filet-O-Fish moments with a grandmother who emigrated from Asia, sitting in Grimace- and McNugget-shaped chairs, PlayPlace afternoons, Beanie Babies and kitschy Happy Meal toys—this fast-food franchise is leaning into that sentiment by reissuing its collector cups, a concept first introduced in the 1970s. The forthcoming set of six plastic (not cadmium-tainted) cups pays tribute to Barbie, Hello Kitty, Beanie Babies (including Bongo, the 1995 monkey), the Coca-Cola polar bear, Shrek, and the brand’s mascots, with easter eggs and timestamps that reference vintage Happy Meal collaborations. Cups are distributed randomly with a collector’s meal (choice of a 10-piece McNuggets or a Big Mac, plus fries and a drink); the promotion launches August 13 and follows last year’s successful adult Happy Meals made with Cactus Plant Flea Market, part of an effort to win back customers amid a recent revenue downturn. The campaign plays directly to the thrill of scoring colorful, collectible toys and has already tempted nostalgic customers back to the drive-thru." - Kat Thompson