Parents fuming over McDonald’s Halloween Squishmallow toys missing from Happy Meals as kids left ‘utterly devastated’
PARENTS have been left fuming after buying a McDonald’s Happy Meal for their kids and finding the latest toy missing from boxes.
The fast food chain added the popular Squishmallow toy to the meal deal last week, and it comes with a Halloween theme.
McDonald’s is giving away the soft toys, which come in six spooky designs, until October 31.
But furious customers have complained of being given old toys like Smurfs, Pokemon cards and books with the £3.49 meal instead of the popular plushies.
One mum said: “My 6-year-old daughter left utterly devastated, hoping for a Halloween Squishmallow to receive a smurf toy from last year?!”
Another said: “Pretty upset little boy @McDonaldsUK. No Squishmallow in his happy meal. Pretty poor considering the huge promotion you’ve put into this!”
A third complained “I went to get a Happy Meal tonight because I wanted a Halloween Squishmallow. And you gave me a book instead… a book?! I wanted a Squishmallow you psychopaths!”
Others simply asked “where is my Squishmallow?” to the fast food chain on social media, among dozens of complaints.
Another parent said: “Disappointed in the Crayford store my children wanted the Squishmallows so we got takeaway and they got Squishmallow boxes but Smurf toys they were very disappointed.”
One customer also landed with a Smurfs toy, despite being handed a Squishmallow branded box and being assured by the server that it contained one of the sought-after toys.
They said: “I went to McD’s particularly for the Squishmallows. I asked the lady at the drive -thru speaker if they have the Halloween Squishmallows before I ordered & she said yes.
“They’re advertised on the box. So what is this? Where’s the Squishmallow????”
Squishmallows have quickly become popular, with over 100million sold last year after first launching in 2017.
They are round shapes squishy soft toys that come in a huge range of different characters and are popular with collectors.
Small versions of the toy usually retail for around £8, and larger ones for around £25, though this can depend on the particular design.
Squishmallow characters meant to be in the Happy Meals include a dog with bat wings called Brock, a Dracula character called Drake and a black and purple cat named Autumn.
A werewolf inspired plushie called Wade, Skeleton called Stump and spider named Bella complete the line-up.
A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “We know how popular Squishmallows are with our family customers and how much excitement they generate.
“We take order accuracy very seriously and apologise sincerely for any disappointment caused in the instances where different Happy Meal toys have been provided in error.”
Other characters Fifi the Fox, Cam the Cat, and Emily the Bat are set to make appearances at McDonald’s locations throughout the month.
Six more autumn themed characters will be added to Happy Meals from November 1 until November 21.
The Squishmallow toys are being promoted in a television advert, promising the toy can be found in Happy meal boxes.
The promo says: “This Halloween things are getting spooky, with McDonald’s Happy Meal Squishmallows.
“They’re spooky on the outside, but squishy on the inside.
“Join the adventure with Squishmallows in Happy Meals, along with delicious apple slices and grapes.
“Some fun, some food it’s all inside this Happy Meal.”
Maccies Happy Meals are priced at £3.49 but can vary depending on location.
As well as the toy, it comes with the option of fish fingers, chicken nuggets, or veggie dippers, plus either an apple and grapefruit bag or carrot bag.
Drink options include water, milk or a Fruit Shoot.
McDonald’s has introduced a “fair ordering policy” for the in-demand Squishmallow toys.
It limits customers to just one additional toy per transaction, which can be bought on top of buying the Happy Meal which should come with the toy.
Meanwhile, Maccies is adding new items to the menu – including specials just for Halloween – and fans are saying it’s the best yet.
Plus there’s 15% off the entire menu – but you’ll have to be quick as it’s for today only.