Hidden McDonald's Collectible Cups Could Be Worth Hundreds or Even Thousands Today

McDonald's memorabilia may hold more value than nostalgia, with some collectible cups selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. From Batman Returns to Jurassic Park, these cups have become sought-after items for collectors, offering a potential fortune for those who saved them.

Hidden McDonald's Memorabilia Could Fetch Hundreds, Even Thousands, in the Thriving Collector's Market

For anyone who remembers the excitement of heading to McDonald’s as a kid, hoping to unwrap a Happy Meal and find that perfect toy or special edition movie cup, the appreciation of merchandise is a familiar feeling. While some of that memorabilia may be long forgotten, tucked away in drawers or cabinets, it could be worth far more than just sentimental value. Whether you're a dedicated collector or have a few nostalgic glasses from past trips, you may be sitting on a small fortune without realizing it.

In a report by Tasting Table, over the years, McDonald’s has partnered with significant franchises, releasing various collectible cups tied to movies, cartoons, and sports. Completing a set of these cups can lead to surprising profits. There’s a thriving market for McDonald’s collectible cups, both vintage and newer items, with some selling for hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.

McDonald’s Cups Valuable Asset

Batman Returns Cups – 1992

Batman, a global media franchise with roots in 1939, became a fixture in comic books and movies for generations. In 1992, the sequel to Tim Burton’s first Batman film, Batman Returns, hit theaters. McDonald’s released a series of collectible cups and Happy Meal toys to promote the movie. However, the movie's darker tone led to public backlash, as many felt the film was too mature for children. This controversy resulted in Warner Bros. replacing Burton as director in future films.

Since then, collectors have sought memorabilia from this collaboration. Batman Returns cups and Happy Meal bags have sold for over $50. Even the display packaging for the cups, without the cups themselves, recently fetched $149.99.

Collector Series – 1977

McDonald’s has always used creative marketing strategies to attract customers, from Happy Meals to celebrity endorsements. When Ray Krok purchased the company in 1961, McDonald's advertising flourished, focusing on commercials featuring Ronald McDonald and other memorable mascots like the Hamburglar, Grimace, and Mayor McCheese.

These iconic characters became part of McDonaldland, a fictional universe created to appeal to children, and ran in commercials from 1971 to 2003. Memorabilia featuring these original mascots remains highly valuable today. A set of six glasses from 1977, showcasing Ronald McDonald and his fellow characters, recently sold for $280.

Dream Team Cups – 1992

In 1992, McDonald’s celebrated basketball and American pride by releasing a series of commemorative cups in honor of the U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team, famously known as the Dream Team. After the team’s loss in the 1988 Olympics, the 1992 roster was assembled to reclaim victory—and they succeeded in dominating the competition.

McDonald’s released 12 cups featuring a different team member and player cards with stats, pictures, and mimeographed autographs. Individual cups can sell for around $20, but their value increases significantly if you have the complete set. In July 2024, a vintage set of these Dream Team cups sold for $899.99.

These collectibles demonstrate that, sometimes, seemingly ordinary items from the past can hold considerable worth today. Whether they're hidden away in storage or proudly displayed, McDonald's memorabilia continues to be a treasure trove for collectors.

Wax-coated Paper Cups – 1970s

Over its 84-year history, McDonald’s has undergone numerous design transformations, from its bags and cups to the iconic logo. The Golden Arches, a symbol synonymous with McDonald's, are instantly recognizable worldwide. The chain has rolled out new products with innovative packaging throughout the decades, prominently featuring the iconic arches. While many of these items—such as soda cups, burger boxes, and bags—were designed to be disposable, some have been preserved by collectors over time.

A set of 10 unused wax-coated paper soda cups from the 1970s recently sold for $75, demonstrating the lasting value of McDonald’s vintage packaging. These items offer a glimpse into the company’s design history, intriguing for those who appreciate the marketing legacy McDonald’s has created over the years.

Jurassic Park Cups – 1990s

The early 1990s marked a significant era for McDonald's commemorative cups, with the "Batman Returns" and Dream Team series being notable examples. Another highly coveted set from this time was the 1993 Jurassic Park cups, which could be obtained by purchasing a large soft drink or a "dino-sized" extra-value meal. The original Jurassic Park film, directed by Steven Spielberg, was a blockbuster hit, and the franchise has since grown into a global phenomenon with more recent films, including one set to release in 2025.

The collectible Jurassic Park cups featured various dinosaurs, such as velociraptors and the tyrannosaurus rex, along with scenes and facts from the film. Individual cups from the set have sold for as much as $30, while complete sets have fetched up to $200, highlighting the enduring appeal of this franchise memorabilia.

Good Morning Mugs – 1976

Among the many McDonald's merchandise items, some of the most iconic pieces are the classics. McDonald’s Good Morning mugs, produced in 1976 by Anchor Hocking, a well-known American glassware company, have become sought-after vintage pieces. Made from durable Fire-King glass, the mugs are opaque and feature a decal of the Golden Arches, the McDonald’s logo in black, and a cheerful orange sun with the phrase "Good morning" in a speech bubble.

These oven-proof mugs, designed for serving hot coffee, were initially free to customers who ordered breakfast. While individual mugs can be purchased for as little as $10, sets have sold for over $100, making them a popular choice for collectors of vintage glassware.

Collector's Edition Cups – 2024

In 2024, McDonald’s launched a nostalgic Collector's Meal, which included one collectible cup per meal. Six unique cups were released, each featuring iconic brands such as Barbie, Minions, Hot Wheels, Beanie Babies, Shrek, Hello Kitty, and Coca-Cola. In a modern twist, the cups could also be scanned via Snapchat for an immersive digital experience. McDonald’s held in-person events in Los Angeles and New York to engage fans further, offering live music, food, and activities for collectors.

These collectible plastic cups, designed to celebrate McDonald's legacy and past collaborations, have quickly gained value in reseller markets. Individual cups have sold for as much as $89, while complete sets have fetched prices as high as $300. In one instance, an entire case of unopened cups sold for $1,500, underscoring the demand for this limited-edition series.

Color Changing Cups – 2023

McDonald’s longstanding partnership with Coca-Cola, which began in 1955, has led to numerous successful collaborations and iconic advertising campaigns. In 2023, McDonald’s released limited-edition color-changing aluminum cups as part of this ongoing relationship. Thermodynamic microcapsule pigments make these cups temperature-reactive and change color when a cold beverage is poured inside. The options include pink, blue, green, charcoal, yellow, and red.

Initially available only in the Philippines, the cups quickly attracted collectors' and consumers' attention. Due to rising demand, they soon appeared on reseller websites, with complete sets of six cups selling for $100 and individual cups fetching prices of up to $39.99.

Batman Forever Mugs – 1995

McDonald’s collaboration with the Batman franchise extended beyond the Batman Returns promotion. 1995, following the release of Batman Forever, the fast-food giant introduced a set of collectible glass mugs. Priced at just 99 cents with any McDonald’s meal, these mugs featured characters from the film, including Batman, Robin, the Riddler, and Two-Face.

These high-quality glass mugs were promoted in a commercial set in Gotham City, with the Riddler famously exclaiming, "Now I've got him!" after grabbing a Batman mug. Today, collectors still seek these mugs, with complete sets selling for around $70 in 2024.

Shrek Glasses – 2010

The Shrek franchise, known for its humorous take on fairy tale tropes, became a global phenomenon after the original film's release in 2001. In 2010, McDonald’s partnered with the franchise to launch Shrek Forever After, releasing a series of collectible glasses featuring beloved characters like Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey.

Though many original glasses were recalled due to concerns over cadmium in the paint, they remain popular with collectors. Complete sets of these small yet charming glasses have sold for as much as $65.

The Great Muppet Caper Glasses – 1981

The Muppets, created in 1955, became an integral part of American pop culture, eventually leading to the release of The Muppet Showin the 1970s and several films. In 1981, to promote The Great Muppet Caper—the second live-action Muppets film—McDonald’s introduced a series of collectible glasses featuring iconic characters such as Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, and Miss Piggy.

These vintage glasses remain highly desirable among collectors, with sets recently selling for $65.99, a testament to the enduring popularity of the Muppets.

Camp Snoopy Glasses – 1983

Peanuts, the beloved comic strip featuring characters like Charlie Brown and Snoopy, has inspired numerous animated series, movies, and even a theme park—Camp Snoopy. To celebrate the opening of this Peanuts-themed Park at Knott’s Berry Farm in 1983, McDonald’s released a series of 16-ounce glasses featuring characters in camp settings, each paired with a humorous quote.

These glasses have become cherished collectibles, with complete sets selling for approximately $70. Snoopy’s classic line, "Morning people are hard to love," continues to resonate with fans of the comic and memorabilia collectors alike.

Garfield Mugs – 1978

Garfield, the famous orange cat known for his love of lasagna and disdain for Mondays, first appeared in comic strips in 1978. As the character’s popularity grew, McDonald’s released a set of collectible mugs featuring Garfield in various humorous scenes alongside his canine companion, Odie.

These glass coffee mugs, decorated with colorful Garfield illustrations, remain popular among fans and collectors. While individual mugs can be found for as little as $5, complete sets have sold over $50 on reseller sites, demonstrating Garfield’s lasting appeal.