Bad news for McDonald’s gift lovers – The Grinch’s Happy Meal won’t be coming to the U.S. in 2024 but will be coming to these countries

If you are a fan of McDonald’s and love collecting their special Happy Meal toys, this news might disappoint you. McDonald’s has launched a festive Grinch-themed Happy Meal for the holiday season, but it is only available in the U.K. and Ireland. Unfortunately, there are no plans to bring it to the U.S. this year. Here is why it is not coming to the U.S., and where you can find it if you are eager to get your hands on one. 

What is the Grinch Happy Meal and why is it so popular?

If you are a fan of McDonald’s Happy Meals and the holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas, this one might sting a little. McDonald’s has introduced a special Grinch-themed Happy Meal for the 2024 holiday season, but it is only available in the U.K. and Ireland.

The meal comes in a festive carrying box featuring the Grinch wearing a Santa hat. Inside, kids (and collectors) can find:

• A plush toy of the Grinch or Max, his loyal dog.
• Trading cards with characters and scenes from the beloved story.

It is not just the toys that make this Happy Meal a hit. The unique packaging and holiday charm have already made it a favorite overseas.

If you have these McDonald’s mugs and cups, you might have a fortune – Check your cabinets for up to $899.99 worth of these relics

Why is the Grinch Happy Meal not coming to the U.S.?

You might be asking, “Why not here?” According to a statement McDonald’s shared with USA Today, there are no plans to bring the Grinch Happy Meal to the U.S. this year.

This decision might be tied to regional marketing strategies. McDonald’s often tailors its campaigns to specific countries, and for now, the focus for U.S. customers is on other promotions.

What is McDonald’s offering in the U.S. instead?

Starting November 26, McDonald’s U.S. locations are rolling out a different Happy Meal promotion. This one is centered around Pet Simulator, a popular online game.

Here is what you can expect in the Pet Simulator Happy Meal:

• Two toys: one for your child and one gift-wrapped toy they can give to a friend.
• A focus on sharing and holiday generosity, which ties into the spirit of the season.

While it might not have the same nostalgic pull as the Grinch, it is still designed to spread some holiday cheer.

McDonald’s has temporarily stopped selling espresso drinks in some U.S. stores. – These are the stores affected by the measure

Where can you find the Grinch Happy Meal?

If you are traveling or know someone in the U.K. or Ireland, you are in luck. The Grinch Happy Meal is available in those countries through December 31, 2024, or while supplies last.

The promotion is being advertised heavily overseas with:

• TV commercials featuring the Grinch Happy Meal.
• Videos on McDonald’s official YouTube channels for the U.K. and Ireland.

Unfortunately, there are no options for ordering the meal internationally, so if you are in the U.S., you will have to sit this one out.

Could the Grinch Happy Meal come to the U.S. in the future?

Do not lose hope just yet. While there are no plans for the Grinch Happy Meal to come to the U.S. this year, it is not entirely off the table for the future. McDonald’s has been known to bring international promotions stateside before.

For example:

• Last year, the McRib sandwich returned to the U.K. after a long hiatus, and shortly afterward, it made its way back to the U.S.

So, while you might not get your hands on the Grinch Happy Meal this holiday season, keep an eye out for future announcements.

Continue Reading:

McDonald’s now says Quarter Pounder burgers are not linked to E. coli outbreak – Problem appears to be limited to a particular ingredient and geography

Not just McDonald’s – E. coli outbreak forces Burger King, KFC and Pizza Hut to recall onions from some stores – Check out affected locations

The ingredients suspected of carrying E. coli bacteria in McDonald’s Quarter Pounders