Trick-r-treating today simply doesn’t compare to what it once was . Back in the ’80s and ’90s, kids came out in droves on Halloween night, filling pillowcase after pillowcase with delicious candy.
If you were lucky enough to get one, you might also remember having a collectible McDonald’s Halloween pail . They disappeared for a while, but now are making a return after a six-year hiatus . Parents, rejoice!
McDonald’s just might be the most revered fast-food chain in the world.
McDonald’s has more than 38,000 restaurants operating in more than 100 countries all over the world. With tasty and iconic offerings like the Big Mac, McChicken, and the Quarter Pounder with Cheese, it’s easy to understand why.
But equally as reverent as the food on the menu is the cast of characters McDonald’s has created over the years.
Although they’re seldom seen today, kids of the ’80s and ’90s will be more than familiar with Ronald McDonald, The Hamburglar, and Grimace.
Three lesser-known, yet equally as recognizable players, only came out at Halloween.
McPunk’n, McBoo, and McGoblin came onto the scene back in 1986. They took the form of three collectible Halloween pails that kids (and their parents) could use for trick-r-treating.
In 1989, the pails underwent a remodel and were no longer all pumpkins.
McBoo was still there, albeit with a slightly altered face, only this time he brought his two new friends McWitch and McGhost along for the ride.
Over the years, the pails underwent several revisions but remained largely the same until they were discontinued for good in 2016.
Now, after a six-year hiatus, McDonald’s is bringing back these spooky collectibles and all you have to do to get one is order a Happy Meal!
“We heard you loud and clear,” begins an official press release from McDonald’s corporate office.
“If spooky SZN doesn’t include McDonald’s Halloween Pails, then you don’t want it. That’s why we’re bringing back the most iconic Halloween trio – McBoo, McPunk’n, and McGoblin – that first came on the scene back in 1986.”
The ghastly trio will be available at your local McDonald’s starting October 18th to October 31st.
What’s really scary, however, is that they’ll only be available for purchase while supplies last! There has literally never been a better time to treat yourself.
This time around, each one of the haunting characters will come with one of three different faces.
McBoo, McGhost, and McWitch will either be smiling, winking, scared, or menacing. They also come complete with the original lids we all remember.
“FINALLY!!! Please put me in charge of happy meal marketing. It hasn’t been the same since the 80/90’s and this generation needs it,” Instagram user @slindseyhale commented.
“I’ve never gotten one before because I never knew about these ,” @anais_marina_ lamented. “I will be getting one this year!! I can get a white one .”
If you think that the pails can only be used for trick-r-treating — think again.
These five photos show five clever ways in which the pails can be repurposed — including spooky Halloween decor and potters for house plants.
“Don’t feel ghosted by the limited-time appearance of our Halloween Pails. Head to your local McDonald’s starting Oct. 18 to snag your own,” the press release concludes.
Halloween and nostalgia have always gone hand-in-hand. With any luck, the reintroduction of McDonald’s trick-r-treat pails will once again become a fixture of the holiday for generations to come.
