S2E17 | Culture: Fast Food Toys

In the 1980's, we would do anything to convince our parents to roll through the drive-thru just for the chance to snag the latest toy from our favorite cartoon or movie. Whether you longed for Barbie or Hot Wheels, McRobots or Boo Buckets, cruise on back with us to discover the hotly debated origin of kids meals, unlock the memories of your favorite prizes, and find out how the fast food chains have fared amidst the legal battles, health concerns, and plastic waste.

Support the show by tossing us some lunch money at ko-fi.com/80shighpodcast. Write an 80's inspired note when you do, and we'll share it on the show!

 

-- Can I Borrow Your Notes? -- 

• Did McDonald’s Invent the Fast Food Kid’s Meal? (Culinary Lore)
• The History of the McDonald's Happy Meal Toys (Wide Open Eats)
• The Past, Present, and Future of Happy Meal Toys (Eater)
• McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys: A Timeline of the Best Toys Over the Years (Quality Logo Products)
• The Era of fast-food toys begins to melt away (NNY 360)
• Taco Bell discontinues kids’ meals and toys, says it’s the first (LA Times)

 

-- Teacher's Pets -- 

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• Theme song by Greg Reed at gregreedmusic.com
• Cover art by Alex Goddard at alexgoddarddesign.com