No matter how we feel about the all empowered junk food empire that is McDonalds, one can't deny the thrill of a Happy Meal (TM). Aside from the deviously delicious food and the colourful packaging, it's definitely the excitement and possibilities of a brand new surprise promotional toy that that completes the experience for the kiddies (and the children at heart).
While there should be no shame in ordering a Happy Meal as an adult (if only for nostalgia reasons and a brief escape to carefree days before the pressures of adulthood set in) BuzzFeed staffer Charlotte Gomez has taken it upon herself to re-imagine these delightful packages - traditionally filled with greasy fast food, toys and a sense of overwhelming capitalism magic - for an adult audience.
Gomez hits the nail on the head, it's the joy of new doo-dads to fiddle with and sweet treats that get even grown people filled with excitement.
The same joy is reserved for any surprise free novelty items. I know that last time I went to an exhibition in Sydney's Olympic Stadium, the highlight was collecting all the cool corporate branded merchandise handed out by the different vendors. And now those brands have stayed with me, whether emblazoned on a handy custom plastic pen or novelty USB drive...
A neck pillow modeled after 'The Rock's biceps, a Nutella kit or a Netflix trial may have had me equally (if not more) excited however... but personalised m&ms or corporate jellybeans are still pretty swell.
Last but not least, this Happy Meal variation would be a weekend staple for many...
All artworks by Charlotte Gomez. First seen at: http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinlarosa/mcdonalds-toys-that-should-exist-for-twentysomethings?bffbfood&utm_term=4ldqphi#.gcYor5mJx