McDonald’s Squishmallows Make Their Comeback After Two Years with 12 New Adorable Designs

For those who have been eagerly awaiting the return of McDonald’s iconic Squishmallows Happy Meal, the wait is over. After nearly two years, these plush toys are back on the menu, bringing joy to collectors and casual fans alike. Available once again at participating locations—including in the Reno area—McDonald’s is once more offering these irresistibly squishy and collectable toys, this time with an all-new batch of characters.

First introduced in December 2023, McDonald’s collaboration with Squishmallows was a massive hit. This May 2025 launch marks the second iteration of the Squishmallows Happy Meal, featuring 12 unique designs. The announcement has sparked excitement, with McDonald’s revealing a fresh lineup, including a never-before-seen character that’s bound to capture hearts.

What Are Squishmallows?

Squishmallows are soft, plush toys that debuted in 2017, created by the Florida-based company Jazwares, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. The toy line quickly gained fame, partly due to their viral rise on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their appeal is undeniable, and they’ve since become a staple for collectors, with special edition collaborations including well-loved franchises like Pokémon, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and, of course, McDonald’s.

The first McDonald’s Squishmallows Happy Meal was launched on December 26, 2023, following a select international rollout. Their return this May is highly anticipated, with McDonald’s emphasizing that this latest collection features an exciting new character, Halley the axolotl, who is making her debut in this release.

The 12 Squishmallows in the McDonald’s Happy Meal

Here’s a breakdown of all 12 adorable characters you’ll be able to find in the new Squishmallows Happy Meal. Each one has a unique personality that will make you want to collect them all:

1. Babs – A blue-and-white blue jay with a passion for superheroes and science fiction. Babs is the perfect companion for any adventurer.
2. Cam – This Calico cat loves building forts and sneaking out of boxes. Cam’s a classic Squishmallow character, offering a sense of nostalgia.
3. Charles – A charming pickle with a distinguished mustache, Charles is a laid-back character who enjoys doodling in his spare time.
4. Cookie – A sweet pink flamingo who dreams of becoming a botanist, Cookie loves plants and can often be found nurturing her garden.
5. Halley – The newest member of the Squishmallow family, Halley is an intergalactic axolotl with a space-inspired design. Halley is a first-time release for McDonald’s and is sure to be a favorite for collectors.
6. Junie – A cheerful half-peeled banana who’s all about family parties and fun celebrations, Junie brings a burst of energy wherever she goes.
7. Maritza – A tough cactus with a soft side, Maritza is the goalie of a winning soccer team and isn’t afraid to defend her turf. (Or should we say pitch?)
8. Mirren – A red moth who works as a career coach, helping people find their perfect jobs. Mirren’s gentle and thoughtful personality shines through.
9. Morty – A quirky monster who loves talking about space and indulging in birthday cake ice cream. Sometimes called Rorty, Morty’s a fun-loving character with a wild imagination.
10. Rossi – The Squishmallow equivalent of Marie Kondo, Rossi is a pink and purple Cheetah who specializes in professional organizing. If your room needs tidying, Rossi’s the Squishmallow for you.
11. Stevon – A dog with a truly unique skill set: Stevon is a certified scuba instructor. He’s always ready to dive into new adventures.
12. Zumirez – This purple bat has a taste for nachos and is a proud vegetarian. Zumirez’s quirky nature makes him one of the more memorable characters in the set.

Each of these Squishmallows comes with a character hang tag, featuring a fun bio and a unique code for accessing an interactive game. The limited-time availability of the Squishmallows Happy Meal makes them even more desirable, so be sure to grab them while they’re around.

How McDonald’s Squishmallows Became a Collectible Phenomenon

The Squishmallows phenomenon exploded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, gaining viral popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. Their irresistibly soft texture and unique characters, each with its own backstory, made them a must-have for collectors and casual fans alike.

What sets Squishmallows apart is not just their plush feel but their distinct personalities, making them more than just toys. With a wide variety of animals and fantasy characters, they offer something for everyone. In late 2023, McDonald’s tapped into this appeal by bringing Squishmallows to the Happy Meal, combining nostalgia with novelty.

Since then, the collaboration has only grown, with new designs and limited-edition releases driving collector interest. The 2025 return of the Squishmallows Happy Meal highlights the enduring popularity of these cuddly toys, which have clearly cemented their place in the hearts of fans worldwide.

Why You Won’t Want to Miss McDonald’s Squishmallows Happy Meal

Whether you’re a dedicated Squishmallows collector or simply enjoy a plush toy with personality, McDonald’s Squishmallows Happy Meal is a must-have seasonal treat. Each character, from the adorable Halley the axolotl to the charming Charles the pickle, offers something unique, adding joy to your collection or daily routine.

The appeal of these Squishmallows goes beyond their soft texture; it’s their playful personalities and endearing backstories that connect with fans. With 12 characters to choose from, there’s one for every mood—whether you’re drawn to Stevon the scuba dog or Cookie the flamingo.

As a limited-edition offering, these toys won’t be around long. Don’t miss your chance to grab one (or several) of these delightful characters before they’re gone. Head to McDonald’s and add a little joy to your day!