McDonald’s Halloween Squishmallows: The Sweet, Spooky Craze Taking Over 2023
Each October, there’s something magical in the air. The leaves turn orange, pumpkins pop up on every doorstep, and the scent of candy corn seems to haunt grocery aisles. This Halloween season, however, it’s not just candy that’s driving us wild—it’s the impossibly adorable, squishy invasion of Squishmallows at McDonald’s. Yes, you heard it right. This Halloween, McDonald’s has teamed up with the delightful Squishmallows brand to bring a limited-edition collection of mini plushes straight to Happy Meals, and it’s causing a stir no one saw coming.
What Exactly Are Halloween Squishmallows, and Why Is Everyone Talking About Them?
For those new to the Squishmallows craze, think of them as plushies with a personality. They’re irresistibly squishable, have the sweetest faces, and come in every shape, color, and character you can imagine. Squishmallows have fans of all ages, from kids who carry them around like little trophies to adults who treat them as collectibles (because they totally are). And now, McDonald’s has given them a Halloween twist, bringing in spooky characters like ghostly figures, black cats, and pumpkin-inspired designs, all small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
The Halloween Squishmallows collection is not just about cuteness; it’s about pure seasonal fun. This special edition set features eight exclusive Halloween designs, making them the perfect miniature companions for Halloween 2023. If you’re looking to own one—or all—of these Squishmallows, it’s not as simple as rolling up to the drive-thru. They’re being distributed randomly in Happy Meals, which means fans are making repeat visits to McDonald’s, hoping to collect every last one. Just imagine a Pokémon-style “gotta catch ’em all,” only with more burgers involved!
The Charm of Collecting McDonald’s Squishmallows (and How It’s Taking Over the Internet)
In the age of TikTok and Instagram, collecting these mini plushes has taken on a life of its own. #HalloweenSquishmallows is trending, with fans sharing their Happy Meal hauls, trading Squishmallows with friends (or strangers), and documenting the quest to find all eight designs. Social media’s obsession with these squishy Halloween-themed toys has added a new layer of excitement. It’s become a mini-adventure, with people comparing notes on which McDonald’s locations seem to have the best luck, how to tell which character is hidden inside the Happy Meal box, and even creating Squishmallow-themed costumes for Halloween.
Some fans have reported eating more Happy Meals in a single month than they have in a decade, all in the name of completing their Squishmallow collection. (The true MVPs, really.) And with McDonald’s not revealing which Squishmallow you’ll get in each meal, each unboxing is a tiny thrill of its own.
Why Halloween Squishmallows Feel Like the New Beanie Babies
Remember the Beanie Babies craze? Or the madness over collectible Pokémon cards? These Halloween Squishmallows have a similar vibe. Part of the appeal lies in the exclusivity and the thrill of the hunt. You know that sinking feeling when you’re missing just one to complete your set? It’s a feeling Squishmallow collectors know all too well, and McDonald’s has cleverly tapped into it.
But it’s more than just about the plush. Halloween Squishmallows are tapping into a sense of nostalgia and fun that adults and kids alike can get on board with. They’re a throwback to simpler times, when the biggest concern in the world was whether you’d find a ghost or a pumpkin in your Happy Meal. It’s a chance to take a step back from adult life and embrace the sheer joy of collecting something whimsical and cute.
The Trading Frenzy: How to Get Your Hands on All 8 Halloween Squishmallows
With McDonald’s Happy Meals selling out faster than a haunted house on Halloween night, some Squishmallow fans have taken to online trading. There’s a whole underground world for those willing to trade a second “Candy Corn Bat” for a “Jack-o’-Lantern Owl” or a “Ghost Cat.” Some fans are even organizing Squishmallow swaps at local parks or creating meet-up events through social media groups. If you’ve ever felt a bit eccentric showing up to a plushie meet-up, take comfort—there’s an entire community out there who feels the exact same way.
For the strategic collectors out there, a pro tip: some McDonald’s employees and collectors claim that certain Squishmallows are regionally distributed, so if you’re determined to complete your collection, it may be worth road-tripping or contacting Squishmallow enthusiasts in other cities. (Or you could just enjoy an excuse to take a mini-vacation in the name of plushies.)
A Halloween Squishmallow Isn’t Just a Toy – It’s a Tradition
At the heart of the Halloween Squishmallow phenomenon is the idea of a new tradition. It’s about revisiting the McDonald’s experience of yesteryear, where each trip to the drive-thru wasn’t just about food, but a little spark of joy and surprise in your Happy Meal. Plus, these Halloween Squishmallows are the perfect seasonal addition to any autumn décor—place them on your desk, in your car, or arrange them into a tiny Halloween display on your windowsill.
So, as we head into Halloween, remember that it’s the little things (like a squishy pumpkin or bat) that make the season magical. Whether you’re a Squishmallow fan or just curious about the hype, stop by your local McDonald’s and see if you can get your hands on one. And don’t be surprised if, like thousands of others, you’re soon making a habit of it—trick-or-treating your way through the Happy Meal lineup in search of the season’s cutest Halloween treasures.
