Are you struggling to track down rare McDonald’s collectors cups in 2025? Good news—McDonald’s is launching a fresh global line of collectible cups, featuring favorites like Grimace and Shrek, with hidden “Easter eggs” linked to vintage happy meal toys.
In this blog post, you’ll find easy tips on how to snag limited editions from McDonald’s restaurants or online resale markets without hassle. Keep reading for the scoop!
Key Takeaways
McDonald’s is rolling out special edition collector cups worldwide on August 13, 2025—showcasing iconic characters like Grimace, Shrek, and Hello Kitty.
Customers can choose from two distinct cup styles: an embossed glass version or a durable tritan plastic option. Both types can be picked up through the exclusive Collector’s Meals, offered throughout the day.
Resale values for these collectible cups usually range from $15 to $50 each, and a complete set in great condition often fetches around $250.
Special pop-up events in major cities will feature limited-edition cups that include augmented reality (AR)—bringing the colorful characters on each cup to life.
The upcoming 2025 set features six original glass designs based on fan-favorite franchises, including Beanie Babies, Minions, Barbie dolls, and Jurassic Park dinosaurs.
Table of Contents
What Are McDonald’s Collectors Cups?
McDonald’s Collectors Cups are special drink containers that fans love to collect and keep. They’re set to launch globally on August 13, 2025, across more than 30 countries as part of a limited Collector’s Edition.
Available in two unique styles—embossed glass and sturdy tritan plastic—each cup highlights iconic items from McDonald’s past. You’ll find designs like the beloved Grimace Mug from 1976 or the Pet Lovin Barbie from 1999.
Popular favorites including Hello Kitty, the Coca-Cola polar bear, and collectible Beanie Babies also make playful appearances. These fun cups have a similar collectible appeal as the well-known McDonald’s Croc toys.
These cups bring back the magic of McDonald’s history while creating new treasures for fans.
McDonald’s has carefully included familiar characters and themes fans will recognize right away. Shrek, from the popular 2007 movie *Shrek the Third*, joins classic McDonald’s mascots, including the cheerful Fry Guys.
Iconic themes such as Jurassic Park, Hot Wheels, and even the famous Big Mac are all part of the series. Mixing nostalgic charm with fresh designs, this collection appeals to loyal, longtime fans, and newer McDonald’s enthusiasts alike.
How to Get McDonald’s Collectors Cups Today
Getting McDonald’s collectors cups today takes a bit of know-how and good timing. You’ll need to watch for special releases and act fast when these treasured items hit the market.
Purchase Through the Collector’s Meal
McDonald’s keeps cup collecting easy and fun with its special Collector’s Meal. Fans can snag these sought-after cups by ordering meals like the 10-piece McNuggets or the classic Big Mac, along with fries and a drink.
Early birds haven’t been left out—the breakfast version includes a sausage and egg sandwich, crispy hash browns, and fresh hot coffee. Participating locations offer these meals from breakfast to dinner, so anyone can pop in anytime for their collectible fix.
This fair and simple approach lets casual fans and serious collectors avoid chasing cups down on costly resale websites.
And here’s the real bonus—you won’t miss out just because it’s too late or too early. McDonald’s serves up these collector-friendly meals all day, at restaurants taking part in the promotion.
The collectible cups often showcase popular characters or global themes from special collaborations. This design factor alone often boosts their value, making them even more attractive than items like McDonald’s Minecraft toys.
Many fans start small, buying just one cup, but soon they’re hunting for full sets from multiple releases. These cups aren’t just practical drinkware—they become cool pieces of fast-food history, possibly growing more valuable as years go by.
Look for Limited-Time Pop-Up Events
Cup fan pop-up events are coming to major cities—including New York and Los Angeles—in 2025. These special meetups offer you more than collectible cups. They come with AR elements that bring each cup to life, adding fun digital surprises.
I attended a similar event myself last year, and the AR extras truly amazed me. But first, you’ll need to buy a Collector’s Meal to grab your exclusive cup and join the excitement.
Securing a ticket is simple—but spots fill quickly. The fast-food giant uses Eventbrite to handle reservations, with tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. Dates will be announced soon, so keep a close eye and mark your calendar.
These international team-ups turn enjoying limited-edition collectibles into a thrilling adventure, making your fast-food experience anything but ordinary.
Tips for Collecting McDonald’s Cups
Collecting McDonald’s cups takes skill and quick action to grab the best ones. Smart fans track new releases and hunt for rare designs on sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
Check Release Dates and Locations
Save the date—August 13, 2025! That’s the day McDonald’s officially launches its brand-new line of collector cups. To stay ahead of the crowd, fans should regularly check the McDonald’s app for news on store locations carrying these limited items.
So far, the fast-food giant hasn’t revealed which Louisville locations will run the promotion. Each Collectors Meal includes just one unique cup—meaning you’ll likely need multiple visits to complete the collection.
Serious collectors can set app alerts early, ensuring they won’t miss out on these special cups. In previous years, the popular McDonald’s Hello Kitty toys caused big excitement among fans—and these new cups might spark similar enthusiasm.
Explore Online Resale Markets
Once your calendar is set for upcoming cup releases, it’s time to explore online marketplaces. Sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and collector forums offer hidden gems—rare McDonald’s cups not sold in regular stores.
Prices usually range between $15 to $50 per cup, making them budget-friendly for collectors. I even snagged a vintage 1992 Batman cup for just $22 through an online auction!
Full sets can cost quite a bit more, usually selling around $250 if they’re still in good shape. Thanks to the internet, finding these collectibles has gotten much easier, a big upgrade from the days before search engines and social media.
Many dedicated fast-food fans now hunt down McDonald’s promotional cups from other countries, items that never hit shelves back home. Nostalgia boosts prices as well, with cups tied to popular movies or featuring the McNugget Buddies typically fetching higher amounts.
Joining collecting communities on social media can help you learn about fair pricing and steer clear of counterfeit items.
How Will McDonald’s Collectors Cups Evolve in 2025?
McDonald’s is set to excite collectors everywhere by rolling out a new line of special cups in August 2025. The popular fast food spot will launch six unique glasses at select locations nationwide.
Each cup features playful designs, celebrating nostalgic fan favorites like Birdie and other iconic characters.
Starting August 13, 2025, customers can snag these glasses through the Collector’s Meal. Pop culture lovers can look forward to designs inspired by Beanie Babies, Minions, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Coca-Cola, Hello Kitty, Peanuts, Shrek, and Jurassic Park.
This upcoming collection signals a big step forward in McDonald’s global brand partnerships. The company carefully chose themes that appeal equally to adults reliving childhood memories and kids discovering new favorites.
Designs were carefully selected to reflect what fans truly love. Given the limited release, excitement among both dedicated collectors and casual fans will likely surge. Some might even drive across town—or further—to track down all six glasses.
Others could swap items online to fill gaps in their sets. The blend of classic nostalgia and fresh creativity ensures that McDonald’s special cup collection for 2025 will become an instant pop culture hit.
People Also Ask
What makes the 2025 McDonald’s collector cups special?
McDonald’s 2025 collector cups feature unique global partnerships with talented artists. These international artists design special cups that share stories through captivating artwork—making each cup a fun collectible with a cultural twist.
Will the collector cups be available with Happy Meals?
Yes, the collector cups will come with Happy Meals. McDonald’s will also sell them separately for anyone who prefers getting the cups alone, without buying food.
How often will McDonald’s release new cup designs in 2025?
New cup designs will roll out every month in 2025. Fans can enjoy fresh artistic themes all year, creating many opportunities to expand their collection.
Are the 2025 McDonald’s collector cups made from eco-friendly materials?
McDonald’s has promised to make all their 2025 collector cups from planet-friendly materials. They’re partnering closely with environmentally responsible suppliers, to ensure these collectible cups remain sustainable and safe for the earth.
References
https://www.foodandwine.com/mcdonalds-collectors-meal-cups-8691129
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/mcdonalds-collectors-cups-coming-louisville-090511933.html
https://www.marketplace.org/2024/08/27/are-mcdonalds-collector-cups-worth-more-than-the-liquid-assets-inside/ (2024-08-27)
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/mcdonalds-collectors-cups-spark-sales-182203855.html (2024-08-23)
