It seems that brands are increasingly tugging on consumers’ heartstrings, using nostalgia as their primary tool to connect with today’s audience—particularly younger Millennials and older Gen Zers whose childhood memories are rooted in the ‘90s and early 2000s. McDonald’s is following this playbook with its ‘90s-themed Collector’s Meal, featuring six collectible cups. The goal is to inspire a new generation of fans while also tapping into the lingering sentimentality of its more “matured” customers.
The younger Millennials fondly grew up during the rapid technological advancement, witnessing the rise of the Internet, AOL’s unforgettable “You’ve Got Mail” notification, and when social media slowly took the world by storm.
Leveraging this understanding, the collectible cups draw on ‘90s cultural references, aiming to make a lasting impact on customers. These cups aren’t just keepsakes destined to be forgotten in the back of a cupboard; they’re nostalgic reminders of simpler times—like Happy Meals on family road trips or Big Mac meals shared with friends.
The Collector’s Meal is available all day long, so consumers can try to add to their collection whenever. Each meal includes one cup and the option of:
- A Sausage McMuffin with Egg, Hash Brown and Hot Coffee during breakfast hours
- The choice of a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets or Big Mac Sandwich with fries and a drink the remainder of the day
“There’s an undeniable thrill when you snag that one elusive McDonald’s collectible or the final piece to complete your collection. We’re bringing back some of our most-loved keepsakes with a twist, giving fans a memory that they can hold in their hands,” said Morgan Flatley, Global Chief Marketing Officer and Head of New Business Ventures at McDonald’s. “These new collectible cups commemorate some of our most unforgettable designs and global collaborations over the years, allowing longtime fans to relive treasured moments and helping a new generation make their own lasting memories.”
The six cups spotlight ‘90s-themed, relatable brands such as Beanie Babies, Barbie and Hot Wheels, Hello Kitty and Peanuts, Shrek, Jurassic Park and Minions, Coca Cola, and McDonald’s. Starting on August 13th — the hunt to embrace these sentimental collectibles begin.
