McDonald’s is a global icon known for its burgers, fries, and iconic golden arches. Over the years, the brand has expanded its reach beyond fast food by selling a variety of quirky and unexpected merchandise. Some of this merchandise has captured the public’s imagination, while other items have left customers scratching their heads in confusion. From toys to clothing and even bizarre collaborations, here’s a look at some of the weirdest McDonald’s merchandise ever sold.
1. McDonald’s “McD-Luxe” Diamond Rings
One of the most bizarre and extravagant pieces of McDonald’s merchandise ever sold were the McD-Luxe diamond rings. In 2018, McDonald’s collaborated with a jewelry designer to create a line of high-end, diamond-encrusted rings shaped like the brand’s famous french fries and hamburgers. These luxury items were priced at over $10,000 each. The idea of associating a fast food chain with such expensive, blingy jewelry left many people questioning the purpose behind the collaboration. However, McDonald’s said it was meant to show how the brand’s influence had permeated all aspects of culture, even the world of high-end fashion.
2. The McDonald’s Christmas Sweaters
Every year, McDonald’s releases a range of seasonal items for the holidays, but the Christmas sweaters sold by the chain are a standout in terms of sheer weirdness. The sweaters often feature extremely tacky designs, with oversized depictions of McDonald’s characters like Grimace, Ronald McDonald, or even the iconic golden arches. Some designs are so kitschy that they look more like something you would find at a bargain store rather than an international brand. But the weirdest part? They have become highly collectible, and people are willing to pay hundreds of dollars for a limited-edition McDonald’s Christmas sweater.
3. McDonald’s Scented Candles
In 2020, McDonald’s launched a line of scented candles that were inspired by some of its most beloved menu items. There were candles that smelled like french fries, the Big Mac, and even the apple pie. While some fans thought it was a fun novelty, others found the idea of trying to replicate the smell of fast food in a candle a little off-putting. The concept was a marketing gimmick for the holidays, but it raised many questions about whether people really wanted their homes to smell like McDonald’s kitchens. Regardless, the candles became an instant sensation, proving that there is a niche market for just about anything branded with the golden arches.
4. McDonald’s “Bucket of Chicken” Shoes
In 2019, McDonald’s teamed up with the streetwear brand “The Golden” to create a pair of “bucket of chicken” shoes. The shoes, designed to look like McDonald’s famous fried chicken buckets, featured the brand’s red and white color scheme and an oversized chicken drumstick charm hanging off each shoe. The shoes were incredibly strange, and it was hard to tell whether they were a clever parody or a genuine attempt at fashion. Either way, they got plenty of attention on social media, and despite their outlandish design, they sold out quickly, proving that even the weirdest McDonald’s merchandise can find an eager audience.
5. McDonald’s “Burger Mask”
In 2021, McDonald’s launched a very strange piece of merchandise that left fans baffled. The brand released a limited-edition “burger mask” designed to look like a McDonald’s cheeseburger. The mask had a printed image of a Big Mac with lettuce, cheese, and all the fixings on the front. While the concept of a burger mask is undeniably quirky, it raised a lot of eyebrows, particularly during the pandemic when masks were a hot commodity. Why would anyone want to wear a mask that made them look like they had a Big Mac on their face? Despite its oddity, the mask became a viral sensation and sold out almost immediately.
6. The McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It” Gold Card
The “I’m Lovin’ It” gold card was not so much a piece of merchandise but rather an exclusive membership to a special club. For years, rumors swirled that McDonald’s was offering a secret, invitation-only gold card that granted the bearer free food for life. In 2019, the brand confirmed the existence of this mythical card when it was given to a few select celebrities and influencers. While it may not be as weird as some of the other items on this list, the idea of owning a gold card for unlimited McDonald’s access was unusual enough to make headlines. As of now, the card remains a rare and elusive item that only a few have had the privilege to hold.
7. McDonald’s Happy Meal Halloween Buckets
McDonald’s Happy Meal buckets, which have been around for decades, are an enduring piece of nostalgia for many. However, in recent years, McDonald’s began releasing limited-edition Halloween-themed versions of these plastic buckets. In 2020, the brand revived the Halloween buckets in a special release that became an instant collector’s item. The designs feature spooky faces, with one of the most notable being a pumpkin-headed bucket. While these buckets are primarily designed for kids, they have become so popular among adults that they’ve reached collectible status. People have even resold them for outrageous prices on secondary markets. The combination of Halloween nostalgia and the fast-food chain’s branding makes these buckets some of the weirdest but most beloved McDonald’s merchandise.
8. The McDonald’s Official “Ketchup” Pool Float
In 2017, McDonald’s released a pool float shaped like a bottle of ketchup, complete with the familiar McDonald’s logo. This strange inflatable item, which could hold a person as they floated in the water, was meant to tie into the idea of enjoying summer with your favorite McDonald’s meal. But the sight of a ketchup bottle floating in a pool was so unexpected that it became a meme. Despite its oddity, the ketchup float sold out quickly, as people were eager to add it to their summer accessories. It was a perfect example of how McDonald’s can take something as basic as ketchup and turn it into an absurd yet desirable item.
9. McDonald’s Monopoly Board Game Prizes
While the McDonald’s Monopoly game is a popular annual promotion, some of the prizes available have raised eyebrows over the years. For example, McDonald’s once offered prizes like million-dollar cash awards, exotic vacations, and even real estate. But the real weirdness came from some of the smaller, more obscure prizes, such as a “pie of the month” subscription, custom-engraved gold bricks, and an actual McDonald’s restaurant—essentially, a location that you could call your own. Some of these prizes were seen as so outlandish that they became the subject of internet folklore, but they certainly added an element of intrigue to the promotion.
10. McDonald’s “Grimace” Slippers
Grimace, the lovable purple character from McDonald’s advertising campaigns, has become a staple of the brand’s quirky culture. In 2021, McDonald’s released a set of slippers shaped like Grimace’s face. The slippers featured large, bulbous eyes and a big, smiley mouth, making them look more like a costume than actual footwear. Despite their strange design, the Grimace slippers became a popular item for McDonald’s fans who wanted to wear their love for the brand on their feet. They may not have been the most practical shoes, but they certainly left an impression.
11. McDonald’s “Fry” Phone Case
For anyone who’s ever wanted to keep their fries close, McDonald’s introduced a phone case that looked like a pack of their famous fries. The case was designed to fit the contours of a phone, making it look like a fast-food order right on your device. While it was certainly eye-catching, the practicality of carrying your fries in phone form was questionable at best. Still, the case gained a cult following, with McDonald’s fans flaunting their new phone accessories in public and on social media.
Conclusion
McDonald’s has always had a knack for pushing the envelope when it comes to branding, and its line of unusual and often outright bizarre merchandise proves that the brand is willing to embrace the quirky and unexpected. From luxury diamond rings to scented candles and even shoes that look like buckets of chicken, McDonald’s has cemented itself as one of the most creative brands when it comes to merchandise. While some of these items may seem strange, there’s no doubt that they’ve helped the company further embed itself in pop culture. Whether you find them hilarious, odd, or even unsettling, McDonald’s weirdest merchandise will continue to be a conversation starter for years to come.
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