McDonald’s Celebrates Hello Kitty’s 50th Birthday With Kawaii Meals & Toys

Image via McDonald’s Indonesia

Hello Kitty, the global icon of cuteness, is hitting a milestone that’s anything but small—her 50th anniversary! To make her golden jubilee a truly golden one, McDonald’s, the Golden Arches, is teaming up with Sanrio for a couple of menu makeovers that are sure to make fans squeal with glee.

Image via McDonald’s Indonesia

Leading the parade is McDonald’s in Indonesia with the Hello Kitty McDonald’s Prosperity meal, which includes a delectable beef and onion (‘Prosperity’) sandwich, curly fries, a vibrant Dragon Fruit Fizz soda, and a special McFlurry, all wrapped up in enchanting Hello Kitty-themed packaging.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by McDonald's Indonesia (@mcdonaldsid)

Fans have the option to switch out their burger for a hearty black pepper steak and rice dish.

Image via McDonald’s Indonesia

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by McDonald's Indonesia (@mcdonaldsid)

The celebration in Indonesia continues until February 11, 2024.

Image via McDonald’s Indonesia

Image via McDonald’s Indonesia

Japan, the home of Sanrio and Hello Kitty, has put its own spin on the character’s big day. As part of the festivities, customers have been introduced to 50 unique Hello Kitty mini plushies, each representing different styles and periods from Kitty’s fashionable history.

どんなコーデも似合うなんて、さすがキティちゃん。#ハッピーセット#ハローキティ#第1弾はこの25種類#ハローキティ50周年

詳しくは→ https://t.co/jVXjGME5H9 pic.twitter.com/JXSU0uv8jj

— マクドナルド (@McDonaldsJapan) December 17, 2023

These range from her classic 1974 blue overalls to a monochrome 1987 look, right through to a flowery 1996 ensemble, with some dolls even donning McDonald’s uniforms.

As noted by McDonald’s Japan, Hello Kitty “looks good in any outfit.” Kind of like Barbie, one might say.

#ハローキティ が #ハッピーセット にやってきたー💕💕

この画像には何種類のキティちゃんのぬいぐるみがいるかな？
わかった人はコメントしてね！ pic.twitter.com/B6k5OW3P0y

— マクドナルド (@McDonaldsJapan) December 16, 2023

The soft toys come with co-branded stickers, making each Happy Meal a surprise waiting to be unwrapped.

🎀🎀本日12/15(金)から🎀🎀
マックデリバリー®é™å®šã§ã€ãƒãƒ­ãƒ¼ã‚­ãƒ†ã‚£ シール付きハッピーセット®ãŒç™»å ´ï¼

画像をタップして今すぐ注文👉📱

— マクドナルド (@McDonaldsJapan) December 15, 2023

While the promotion was meant to last for four weeks, McDonald’s Japan announced its early conclusion only a week after its launch as the demand got overwhelming, indicative of her enduring legacy.

For five decades, Hello Kitty has captivated hearts worldwide. It comes as no surprise that the fast-food giant is taking this time to not only feed stomachs but also fuel the joy and passion of enthusiasts of all ages.

So far, however, the Hello Kitty x McDonald’s wave hasn’t caught on in other markets. Pretty please bring it, with a nice red bow on top?

[via Highsnobiety and Time Out Tokyo, images via various sources]