With the turn of the first day in October, it’s finally here-the wait is over for one of the most beloved McDonald’s Halloween traditions to return: the Boo Buckets are back! These pails, doubling as trick-or-treat bags, are returning starting on October 15, 2024. Below, we delve into the details on this year’s Boo Buckets-from design to how to get them-and why they remain fans’ fave.
A nostalgic tradition
McDonald’s Boo Buckets first hit the market in 1986 and immediately became part of the Halloween culture. The years passed, and they got remade once in 2016, again in 2022, and just recently this year in 2023. With every return, it gives it a reminiscent feel to many who grew up going door to door carrying these pails for trick-or-treating. Practical buckets are once more satisfyingly collected by kids and adults alike.
This year, McDonald’s has reimagined the Boo Buckets to include four fun colors with playful monster designs: classic orange, green, white, and new blue. That new blue replaces last year’s purple design and mixes things up. Each comes complete with stickers so kids can decorate their pails to add to the spookiness and creativity of Halloween.
How to get your Boo Buckets
Boo Buckets, starting Oct. 15 can be ordered with the purchase of a Happy Meal at participating McDonald’s. The meal will include the option of entrees: hamburger, cheeseburger or Chicken McNuggets with either 4-piece or 6-piece, along with fries or apple slices and a drink. Prices vary depending on location.
Worth noting, too, is that these limited-edition Boo Buckets will only be available while supplies last. Having been immensely popular over the past years, fans will want to act fast to secure their favorite design before they sell out. Social media chatter about the announcement has shown high demand already for this returning Halloween tradition.
This year brings customization and fun
But probably one of the fantastic features included in this year’s Boo Buckets is the inclusion of stickers that one could apply themselves. That way, kids can decorate their pails in various ways, depending on their taste and preference. In addition, this made the buckets more interactive, adding to the creativity of the young fans getting ready for Halloween.
This year’s buckets have also been moved slightly into a more amorphous design compared to the previous versions. That makes kids more into their Boo Buckets because after the trick-or-treat activity, they could think of other ways of using them, like putting some toys or crafts in them.
Social media buzz
The announcement of McDonald’s Boo Buckets return has taken social media by storm, as fans responded very well. A number of users on different social platforms took to X and other outlets to say how thrilled and nostalgic they were regarding the Halloween pails. Comments like, “It’s officially spooky season!” and “I love Boo Buckets! I use them literally for trick-or-treating!” show how much these little pails bring in joy during this festive time.
The enthusiasm for Boo Buckets doesn’t have entirely to do with nostalgia; it’s more to do with how McDonald’s taps into the cultural moments that resonate with families. Every year it brings items back, McDonald’s is cultivating a shared experience and community amongst its customers.
Mark your calendars, because starting on October 15th, they will be available when you make that run to the nearest McDonald’s to get your set of Boo Buckets before they’re gone! Be it for trick-or-treating or a collectible, they are sure to add that little extra fun into your Halloween season.
