Mattel Drops ‘Clueless’ Anniversary Barbie

This year, Mattel is commemorating the 30th anniversary of the beloved teen comedy “Clueless” by teaming up for a unique collection of products. The lineup includes Barbie dolls, Polly Pocket playsets, and additional merchandise.

On Mattel Creations’ website, you can now pre-order the joint collection by Gold Label Barbie and Clueless. This collaboration offers a Cher Horowitz-styled doll, embodying the character’s famous yellow school uniform plaid attire (and a learner’s permit for the novice driver), as well as a doll based on Dionne Davenport, complete with her large vinyl flower hat. Both dolls cost $60 each.

Additionally, you can pre-order a charming, jeweled Polly Pocket x Clueless 30th Anniversary Compact Collection. This set features miniature versions of Cher, Dionne, and Tai in their famous costumes from the film, along with Cher’s white Jeep. The retail price for this Polly Pocket compact is $33.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but share my excitement about the new additions to Mattel’s Clueless 30th anniversary line! For those who love intricate details and miniature figures, t

Amy Heckerling penned and directed the movie, with Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Paul Rudd, Donald Faison, Breckin Myer, Wallace Shawn, and the late Brittany Murphy starring in it. On July 19, 1995, Clueless hit the screens.

The film, drawing somewhat from Jane Austen’s novel “Emma”, narrates the story of a lively, well-meaning high school star named Cher. Her purpose is to carry out charitable acts, such as transforming the socially awkward new girl at school and facilitating her integration, aiding her attorney father in his ongoing court case, and acting as a matchmaker for her single teachers.

With a production cost of $12 million, this surprise box office sensation earned an impressive $88 million worldwide, catapulting the previously unrecognized actress Silverstone into Hollywood fame. Furthermore, it spawned a television spinoff and a collection of Clueless novels.

Beyond leaving an indelible mark on popular culture, this witty coming-of-age movie has amassed a significant cult fanbase spanning over three decades. Generally regarded as one of the finest and most memorable comedy films from the ’90s, it continues to be celebrated.

The Best ’90s Happy Meal Toys

TaleSpin (1990)

During the 1990s, Disney and McDonald’s had a close relationship, with the fast-food chain frequently releasing Happy Meals themed around Disney properties, both contemporary and classic. The television series “TaleSpin” from 1990, featuring Baloo from “The Jungle Book” as a cargo pilot in an unusual twist, was extremely popular. To match this popularity, die-cast models of these planes were highly sought after in school cafeterias and playgrounds. The Baloo model, which came in the central plane of the series, the Sea Duck, was particularly popular due to its association with the show.

McDino Changeables (1991)

In the 1980s and ’90s, Transformers and transforming toys of various forms were incredibly popular, and McDonald’s took advantage of this trend on several occasions. They sometimes used well-known toy brands, while other times they created their own characters under the name “Changeables”. These Changeables resembled McDonald’s food items that could then morph into different creatures. The initial series of Changeables transformed into robots and were a massive success among children. In fact, just like the Transformers movies, it received a follow-up – McDino Changeables, featuring foods that turned into dinosaurs. For instance, the McDonald’s Hotcakes box could transform into a pterodactyl.

Back to the Future: The Animated Series (1992)

One of the primary allures of many ’90s Happy Meals lies in the fact that for numerous children, they were the sole means to acquire toys from their beloved movies and television shows. Nowadays, the market is flooded with various forms of “Back to the Future” merchandise. If you desire a DeLorean, you can purchase one that’s remote-controlled or crafted from LEGO; if you yearn for a hoverboard, you can secure a full-size replica. Regrettably, it still doesn’t levitate, as the future has yet to meet our expectations. In 1992, the toy selection for “Back to the Future” enthusiasts was limited to these Happy Meal prizes tied to the spinoff animated series, “BTTF”. Although the show wasn’t particularly impressive, every child and their kin were enamored with the DeLorean car.

Batman Returns (1992)

In contrast to many Happy Meal toys that take creative liberties with their original designs (have you noticed the TaleSpin plane with Baloo’s head sticking out of the top?), the Batmobile toy from Batman Returns closely resembles its real-life counterpart. What makes it even more remarkable is its action feature, which allows the front and middle sections to detach from the rear fins when a button is pushed, mirroring a scene in the movie where the Batmobile sheds its sides to navigate through narrow alleys. (As far as I can recall, Catwoman didn’t have a purple car with a tail in the film; at least that’s how I remember it, but no one’s perfect.)

Halloween Pails (Various)

One of the most recognizable prizes in a Happy Meal could arguably be the Halloween-themed buckets. Introduced in 1986, they’ve been a traditional part of Happy Meals for many years, although there was a brief hiatus in the mid-2010s before they made a comeback. The designs have evolved over time, but the most well-known assortment features an orange pumpkin, a green witch, and a white ghost. The nostalgia surrounding these items is almost tangible (to say it smells like cheap plastic and old Halloween candy might be an understatement!).

Halloween McNugget Buddies (1993)

In the 80s and 90s, McNugget Pals were a common addition to the Happy Meal; they were small plastic McNuggets that came dressed in different outfits or costumes. One of the most popular sets from 1993 was themed around Halloween costumes, featuring characters like ghosts, pumpkins, vampires, witches, and more. The McNugget Pals gained such a following that McDonald’s has reintroduced them in Adult Happy Meals in recent times.

Batman: The Animated Series (1993)

Among the treats, nothing could top the Happy Meal toys from ‘Batman: The Animated Series’. Compared to the usual McDonald’s themed character cars (like Robin, Joker, Two-Face, and Poison Ivy in this case), the other half were more substantial action figures. Although they didn’t have as much movement as store-bought toys, they closely resembled the characters from the cartoon series. The Batman figure, in particular, stood out for its exceptional likeness to the animated model.

Animaniacs (1994)

It’s now time for McDonald’s Happy Meals featuring Animaniacs! This themed set, based on the beloved Warner Bros. animated series, comes complete with a variety of quirky vehicles. Each one has components that can be extended, collapsed, or bent using soft plastic connectors. The Pinky and the Brain set, which includes a miniature globe (their usual attempt at world domination), was particularly enjoyable.

The Flintstones (1994)

Despite the fact that the 1994 live-action film version of “The Flintstones” is seldom remembered today, it was an enormous success back then. It wasn’t just popular at the box office; it ignited a merchandising frenzy, with numerous collaborations at McDonald’s being one of the highlights. The fast-food chain introduced collectible “Flintstones” glasses, a special “Flintstones” McRib, and various Happy Meal toys. Instead of just providing a Flintstones car, each toy also came with a building, enabling you to create a miniature version of Bedrock town to drive around in.

Happy Birthday Happy Meal (1994)

Among toys throughout history, only one line can boast characters like E.T., Sonic the Hedgehog, Cabbage Patch Kids, Muppet Babies, and Looney Tunes. In 1994, McDonald’s celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Happy Meal by releasing a set that included these toys along with others such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Tonka, 101 Dalmatians, The Little Mermaid, Peanuts, Tiny Toon Adventures, and Ronald McDonald. Remarkably, there were a total of 15 options, each one compatible to create a colossal toy train.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995)

In the mid-90s, there was an abundance of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers toys, yet their popularity exceeded production levels, making them quite scarce. Interestingly, when the first Power Rangers movie premiered in cinemas, McDonald’s offered these toys as part of their promotions. These collectibles consisted of a mini figure and Zord, although regrettably, they couldn’t be assembled to create a Megazord. Nevertheless, for fast food toys, they exhibited a fair amount of detail.

Disneyland Adventures (1995)

This collaboration between Disney and McDonald’s drew inspiration from Disneyland. Eight cars and characters linked to different attractions were created, with each one featuring a ViewMaster-like element. Peering into them would reveal an image of the corresponding ride at Disneyland. Although there is a vast array of merchandise available at Disneyland, there are relatively few toys inspired by specific rides and vehicles. This collection, which includes vehicles modeled after the Jungle Cruise, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, Splash Mountain, among others, offers something unique due to this scarcity.

Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1995)

This set, modeled after the “Spider-Man” animated series, could be seen as following the design of the “Batman: The Animated Series” Happy Meal from two years prior. It includes four peculiar-looking cars and four mini action figures. Among them, I find the Peter Parker figure quite fascinating; by pulling a string, you can make the head flip into the body to unveil a Spider-Sense head. I still have that one in my personal “Spider-Man” collection today.

Babe (1996)

It’s quite surprising that Babe, an endearing children’s film not produced by Disney, managed to be included in the Happy Meal at all. What makes this even more unexpected is that they added charming miniature farm animal toys, including cows, to the meal. These were served alongside, oddly enough, cheeseburgers. Ignore any conflicting thoughts, children! Enjoy your meal!

Muppets Treasure Island (1996)

Every now and then, McDonald’s includes bath toys in their Happy Meal boxes. Sometimes the connection between the toy theme and the movie seemed a bit forced, but bath toys based on ‘Muppets Treasure Island’ were a perfect match. A squirt cannon for Kermit? Absolutely!

McDonald’s occasionally adds bath toys to their Happy Meals. The link between the toy theme and the movie wasn’t always clear, but the Muppets Treasure Island-themed bath toys were a perfect fit. I’d love a squirt cannon for Kermit too!

101 Dalmatians (1996)

Could it be true that a Happy Meal once contained 101 unique toys? Indeed, it did! Back in 1996, when the live-action movie “101 Dalmatians” starring Glenn Close was released, McDonald’s gave away 101 miniature plastic dogs as part of their Happy Meal. I wonder if there’s someone out there who has collected them all… (I must confess, I’m a bit apprehensive about discovering the answer to that question…)

Teenie Beanie Babies (1997)

During the peak of the ’90s Beanie Babies frenzy, McDonald’s collaborated with the company to launch their own line of “Teenie Beanies” as a part of their Happy Meals. To put it mildly, these toys were highly sought after; there were actual conflicts in McDonald’s between customers fighting for the (surprisingly valuable) Beanies. (The prices on eBay certainly weren’t small.) Although the Beanie Babies never regained that level of popularity since then, McDonald’s has periodically reintroduced Teenie Beanie Babies, with the latest release happening in 2017.

Disney Video Favorites (1998)

If you’re a fan of ’90s Disney movies such as “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Hercules,” “The Rescuers Down Under,” or “Mulan,” chances are, there were Happy Meal toys available for these films. Moreover, there were other sets inspired by Disney’s home video library, featuring a diverse range of characters in one collection. The 1998 assortment was quite chaotic with popular characters like Lady and the Tramp, Mickey Mouse, and even Flubber all included. Each toy came with a base resembling a VHS clamshell, and they would move when rolled on the ground. These toys could be linked together, similar to the Happy Birthday Happy Meal toys, forming a train-like structure. (I still can’t get over Flubber!)

Inspector Gadget (1999)

The classic animated series “Inspector Gadget,” popular in the ’80s and ’90s, sadly lacks an abundance of vintage merchandise. Despite being influenced by the less-than-favorable live-action film starring Matthew Broderick, the Inspector Gadget Happy Meal toy was a cherished addition to many fans’ collections. Unlike most toys from the company, each Happy Meal included a part of Inspector Gadget – an arm, a leg, or his torso. By collecting them all, one could construct a complete Broderick Gadget. A fully assembled Happy Meal Inspector Gadget usually sells for around $40-50 on eBay – not inexpensive, but a reasonable price for a character who can soar from a helicopter hidden within his hat.

Furby (1999)

They flooded the market with mini Furbys in numerous colors and with various action features. The image clearly shows the variety: 80 distinct Furby designs! It’s hard to understand why anyone would want 80 different Furbys, but McDonald’s had them available for purchase.

2025-07-10 23:56