McDonald's Collectors Club
Frequently Asked Questions

I OFTEN SEE TOYS REFERRED TO AS MIP, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

MIP is an acronym for Mint In Package. The toy is still in the original plastic package it came in from McDonald's.The toy should also be in MINT condition, no scratches or paint chips. Some collectors believe that for a toy to be MIP the package must also be in perfect condition so be sure to ask when you buy, sell or trade if MIP also includes the packaging.

WHAT AND WHEN WAS THE FIRST HAPPY MEAL?

The first Happy Meals at McDonald's were regionally tested in St. Louis in 1977 and 1978. The first nation wide Happy Meal was in 1979. It was a promotion called "CIRCUS WAGON"

CAN THE CLUB TELL ME HOW MUCH MY COLLECTION IS WORTH?

Like any collectible the value of every item in your collection will change depending on many different variables. Market conditions and regional areas often create a demand not found in other areas. Also older items that were once thought to be extremely rare on occasion appear in the market in quantities larger than originally thought ever existed. Because it is too difficult to give get a set price on any item or items the Club can not give you an answer.

Some things do have an effect on the value of your collectibles. Toys are that not MIP are often worth much less to collectors. Loose toys (those taken out of the packages) that are less than mint are often of very little value due to the large availability of mint items.