McDonald's debuts Happy Meals for adults, complete with collector cups. How to get yours.

For many Americans, McDonald's Happy Meals used to be an event. Sure, there was the food but there were also toys like the Hamburglar and nuggets dressed like cowboys.

You never knew what you were going to get and scoring a new toy became an event.

McDonald's is trying to tap into that energy with a grown-up version of the Happy Meal, which officially launched on Tuesday. Called Collector's Meals, the new menu item is a McDonald's combo meal that comes with six unique cups.

The fast food chain wants customers to create new memories inspired by the designs on the collectible cups, challenging them to chase the “undeniable thrill” of finding an elusive design or completing a collection, company executive Morgan Flatley said in a news release.

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“We’re bringing back some of our most-loved keepsakes with a twist, giving fans a memory that they can hold in their hand,” Flatley said. “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.”

Here's what to know about the new cups, their designs and how to get them.

McDonald's is tapping into the nostalgia of keepsakes, offering customers the ability to receive one of six collectible cups with the purchase of a new combo meal starting Tuesday, Aug. 13.
McDonald's is tapping into the nostalgia of keepsakes, offering customers the ability to receive one of six collectible cups with the purchase of a new combo meal starting Tuesday, Aug. 13.

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When will McDonald’s Collector’s Meals be available?

McDonald’s Collector’s Meals and the six collectible cups became available at participating U.S. locations on Tuesday, Aug. 13. They're available online, in stores and at the drive-thru.

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What does McDonald’s Collector’s Meal come with?

If you happen to go to McDonald's during breakfast hours, then you get your Collector’s Meal with a sausage and egg sandwich, hash brown and a hot coffee.

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A Collector’s Meal ordered during lunch gives you some more options, with customers being able to choose from a 10-piece nugget or Big Mac, along with fries and a drink.

The Collector’s Meal is set to be available all day, which means that “you can add to your collection whenever the mood strikes,” McDonald’s said.

What kind of cups come with the McDonald’s Collector’s Meal?

The designs picked to adorn the fast-food chain’s new line of collectible cups are a blast from the past, a nod to a time when childhood toys and McDonald’s for dinner were some of life’s simple joys.

The cups were designed to highlight classic keepsakes, which were at “the heart of fans’ McDonald’s experiences,” like the 1998 Cowpoke McNugget Buddy or 1993 McDonald’s Dragster.

McDonald's will be giving out one-of-a-kind collectible cups with the purchase of a Collector's Meal, which will be available for purchase all day at participating restaurant locations.
McDonald's will be giving out one-of-a-kind collectible cups with the purchase of a Collector's Meal, which will be available for purchase all day at participating restaurant locations.

“Did you miss out on the Hello Kitty Crew Keychain in 2000?" McDonald's writes in the news release. "Well, now is your chance – this time, presented on the new Hello Kitty collectible cup."

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The cup designs include:

  • McDonald’s

  • Coca-Cola

  • Hello Kitty & Peanuts

  • Beanie Babies

  • Barbie & Hot Wheels

  • Shrek, Jurassic Park & Minions

Cups are collected with every purchase of a McDonalds’ Collector’s Meal.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Happy Meals for adults: How to find a Collector's Meal, nostalgic cup