• by Teresa Buyikian , November 29, 2023

Not seen since their last Happy Meal appearance around 2007, McNugget Buddies, the collectible collection of toy nuggets with various outfits, themes and personalities to match, are returning to McDonald’s this December. But this time they get a relaunch in a collaboration with artist Kerwin Frost in the form of the first Kerwin Frost Box, available nationwide beginning Dec. 11.

The Frost-designed box contains a choice of 10-piece Chicken McNuggets or a Big Mac, fries, a soft drink and a special McNugget Buddy collectible figurine

The Frost Box follows the success of last year’s Cactus Plant Flea Market Box, which, according to data traffic analytics company Placer.ai, increased visits to the chain by more than 37% for the launch week of Oct. 3, 2022, compared to the same period from 2021.

The new McNugget Buddies were created in the “Frost Way” --“where everyone is welcome to be exactly who they are,”  according to the company

With mix-and-match outfits, the characters include: Kerwin Frost, the “Mayor of Frost Way, a champion of the Buddies (who) encourages them to be themselves”; Don Bernice, “a Wise Stylist, a fashion designer who creates all the outfits for the Buddies”; and Uptown Moe, "the Neighborhood Hero, a no-nonsense, street-smart, supportive guy.”  Then there's “Darla The Dreamer, a soft-spoken, confident singer who is the lead singer of "The Frostettos."

Originally introduced in 1988, retro McNugget Buddies remain highly collectible. An eBay search on the toy netted nearly 1,400 results, with prices ranging from approximately $35 to well over $400.

In addition to the new box, the chain will also launch McDonald's x Kerwin Frost merchandise, including items featuring the McNugget Buddies, along with vintage pieces from Frost’s  own collection. A new footwear silhouette with Fry Guy shoes (as seen on the Kerwin Frost McNugget Buddy) is also part of the collection and available at kerwinfrost.com as of Dec. 11.

A portion of proceeds from Frost's program merchandise line will go to the Harlem Arts Alliance.