Halloween lovers and McDonald’s fans alike, get ready! One of McDonald’s most iconic seasonal items, the Boo Buckets, is making a much-anticipated return this October.
Just as you prepare your home with spooky decorations and stock up on candy for trick-or-treaters, McDonald’s has something special in store for you starting October 15—the beloved Boo Buckets, a nostalgic Halloween pail that doubles as a Happy Meal container.
What Are McDonald’s Boo Buckets?
For those unfamiliar with Boo Buckets, they are festive, Halloween-themed pails used to package Happy Meals.
Instead of the usual Happy Meal box, these buckets serve as a reusable treat for customers, especially popular among kids.
First introduced in 1986, Boo Buckets have become a cherished seasonal item, often bringing back fond memories for those who grew up during that time.
These buckets were originally marketed as a way to make trick-or-treating even more exciting, allowing kids to carry their candy in a fun and themed pail from their favorite fast-food chain. The popularity of these buckets has made them an eagerly awaited item every spooky season.
The 2023 Boo Buckets Lineup
This year’s Boo Buckets will feature four different monster designs, offering a range of festive colors and themes.
The 2023 lineup includes pails in white, orange, green, and a new blue, each with unique monster designs. In addition, McDonald’s has upped the ante by including themed stickers with the pails, so you can customize your bucket and make it truly your own.
These limited-edition buckets will only be available for a short time—while supplies last—so you’ll want to snag yours soon after their release.
The pails are perfect for collecting Halloween treats or using as a reusable container long after the spooky season has passed.
What’s Inside The Boo Buckets?
Each Boo Bucket comes with a McDonald’s Happy Meal, which includes your choice of a four-piece or six-piece Chicken McNugget or hamburger, along with a side (choose between fries or apple slices) and a drink.
Prices will vary depending on your location, but it’s a fun and affordable way to get a delicious meal and a collectible bucket all in one go.
A Nostalgic Return
This year marks the third consecutive year that McDonald’s has brought back Boo Buckets. The chain first revived them in 2022, following a hiatus since 2016.
The 2022 designs included a white mummy, green monster, purple vampire, and an orange skeleton. This year’s introduction of a brand-new blue bucket adds a fresh twist to the traditional lineup, ensuring both new and returning customers have something exciting to look forward to.
Since their original debut in the 1980s, McDonald’s has changed up the designs and themes of Boo Buckets throughout the years, keeping things fresh and engaging for younger generations while fueling the nostalgia of older fans.
More Halloween Fun At McDonald’s
The return of Boo Buckets isn’t the only exciting promotion McDonald’s has lined up this fall. In September, the fast-food giant released a special Crocs Happy Meal.
This limited-edition meal came with exclusive “Crocs clips” and a Jibbitz sticker sheet, all packaged in a fun Happy Meal shoe box. If you’re a fan of collectible McDonald’s items, the Crocs Happy Meal is another one to check out before it’s gone.
Additionally, earlier this year in August, McDonald’s introduced a Collector’s Meal, which featured six collectible cups inspired by iconic toys, movies, and McDonald’s merchandise.
Halloween Promotions Elsewhere
McDonald’s isn’t the only chain bringing Halloween-themed items to its customers. Dunkin’ Donuts also jumped on the Halloween bandwagon, releasing its Halloween Munchkins Bucket starting October 16.
This festive purple bucket, filled with an assortment of 50 Munchkins, offers a fun way to celebrate Halloween with a sweet twist.
Dunkin’s latest Munchkin creation includes their signature donut holes topped with Halloween-themed sprinkles.
Final Thoughts
With so many exciting releases, it’s clear that McDonald’s is keeping the Halloween spirit alive. The return of the Boo Buckets—complete with new designs and customization options—is sure to be a hit with both children and adults alike.
Whether you’re collecting the buckets for nostalgia or using them for trick-or-treating, these themed pails offer a fun, festive way to celebrate Halloween.
So, be sure to visit participating McDonald’s restaurants starting October 15 to grab your Boo Bucket before they vanish.
Plus, with other fun seasonal promotions like Dunkin’s Munchkins Bucket and McDonald’s previous collectible releases, there’s plenty to enjoy this spooky season!
