McDonald’s Halloween Pails: Boo Buckets History, Comeback & Collecting Guide

Every October, kids and parents alike get excited about one special tradition: McDonald’s Halloween Pails, also known as Boo Buckets. Instead of a regular Happy Meal box, you get a fun, spooky bucket to carry your food—and later, your Halloween candy!

These colorful buckets are shaped like pumpkins, ghosts, and monsters, making them the perfect mix of food and fun. Whether you’re a kid eager to trick-or-treat or a parent who remembers them from the 80s, Boo Buckets bring a smile to everyone’s face.

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The Origins of McDonald’s Halloween Pails

First launch in 1986 (McBoo, McPunk’n, McGoblin)

McDonald’s first introduced Halloween buckets in 1986, calling them McBoo, McPunk’n, and McGoblin. They were simple orange, white, and green pails with cute jack-o’-lantern and ghost faces. Kids instantly loved them because they doubled as a trick-or-treat bag.

How designs changed over the late 80s and 90s

In 1989, the designs changed, and McDonald’s started experimenting with glow-in-the-dark paint, stickers, and even removable lids. Throughout the 90s, the designs shifted to match new characters and seasonal themes.

Iconic glow-in-the-dark and sticker editions

Some of the most popular were the glow-in-the-dark buckets and the editions that came with stickers to decorate your own pail. These became instant collectibles!

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The Return of the Boo Buckets

Hiatus years and fan demand

For many years, Boo Buckets disappeared from Happy Meals, leaving fans nostalgic. Parents who grew up with them wished they could share the tradition with their kids.

Comeback in 2022 after decades

Finally, in October 2022, McDonald’s brought back the Halloween pails for the first time in years. Fans rushed to stores, and the buckets sold out quickly in many locations.

New designs in 2023 & 2024 (monsters, stickers, colors)

In 2023, McDonald’s introduced monster-themed faces, adding even more variety. By 2024, Boo Buckets had expanded with new colors like blue, plus fun sticker sheets so kids could customize their buckets.

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What’s New in Halloween Pails 2025?

While McDonald’s hasn’t revealed all the details yet, fans expect fresh designs in 2025. Each year, they’ve added new colors, monster faces, and collectible variations.

👉 Rumors suggest that in 2025, McDonald’s may bring back a retro throwback set along with a brand-new design for collectors.

The official release date is expected to be early October 2025 in the U.S. and other select countries.

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Why Fans Love McDonald’s Boo Buckets

• Nostalgia for parents 🧡 – Adults who had them in the 80s/90s love reliving their childhood.
• Fun collectible for kids 🎁 – Kids can use them as toys, storage, or trick-or-treat buckets.
• Reusable beyond Halloween 🌱 – Many people repurpose them as planters, storage bins, or decorations.

They’re more than just Happy Meal packaging—they’re part of family memories.

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Criticisms and Controversies

While most fans adore Boo Buckets, not everything has been perfect:

• Design changes: Some fans miss the original snug lids. Newer versions use “faux lids” with handles instead.
• Availability issues: Buckets often sell out within days, frustrating families who arrive too late.
• Durability: While cute, some versions have flimsier handles than the older designs.

Still, these issues haven’t stopped Boo Buckets from being one of McDonald’s most popular seasonal promotions.

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How to Collect McDonald’s Halloween Pails

Want to collect all the designs? Here are some helpful tips:

1. Go early in October – Supplies are limited, so grab yours as soon as they launch.
2. Check multiple locations – Not every McDonald’s gets the same stock.
3. Ask staff nicely – Sometimes you can request a specific design.
4. Trade with friends – If you get duplicates, swap to complete your set.
5. Store carefully – Keep buckets in a dry place to prevent fading or cracks.

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Creative Uses for Halloween Pails

Boo Buckets aren’t just for candy—they can be reused in fun ways:

• 🎃 Trick-or-treat candy holders – Their original purpose!
• ✂️ DIY crafts – Paint, decorate, or turn them into lanterns.
• 🪴 Planters or storage – Great for toys, crayons, or even small plants.

Parents love that these buckets are eco-friendly compared to disposable packaging.

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Fun Facts About Boo Buckets

• The original name was “Halloween Treat Pails.”
• The rarest buckets are from the late 80s and 90s with glow-in-the-dark features.
• Some collectors pay high prices online for vintage buckets in good condition.
• Boo Buckets are so popular that even adults without kids line up to buy them!

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FAQs About McDonald’s Halloween Pails

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Conclusion

McDonald’s Halloween Pails, or Boo Buckets, are more than just plastic toys—they’re a piece of Halloween history. From their debut in 1986 to their big comeback in 2022 and new editions in 2025, they continue to bring joy to families everywhere.

So this October, head to McDonald’s, grab a Happy Meal, and see which Boo Bucket you’ll get. Who knows—you might start your very own collection that lasts for years to come!