• by Karlene Lukovitz  @KLmarketdaily, August 25, 2011

Taking Happy Meal partnerships into the realm of apparel, McDonald's has launched a three-week promotion in which kids can receive one of six toy versions of Twinkle Toes by Skechers shoes with the purchase of a meal.

The toys come in six color combinations. Each features an image of the animated character Twinkle Toes from the Skechers Kids footwear line for girls -- and like real Twinkle Toes sneakers, has a button on the sole that lights up the shoe.

The promotion starts Aug. 26 in the U.S. and Canada. In the U.S., each toy will come with a Twinkle Toes sticker sheet and a "Mommy & Me" discount coupon valid in Skechers stores and on Skechers.com.

The promotion will be supported by a McDonald's Happy Meal television commercial featuring Twinkle Toes, banner ads and promotions on HappyMeal.com, graphics on the meals' packaging, and in-store and drive-through-window signage.

"This is an exciting intersection of two brands that kids enjoy -- and a fun way for our companies to merge our strengths," said Skechers President Michael Greenberg.