• by Teresa Buyikian , Yesterday

McDonald’s is jumping on the mini trend of recreating branded products as miniature plastic collectible toys with its latest Happy Meal.

The Lil McDonald’s Happy Meal launches nationwide July 1. Each Happy Meal includes one of 21 mini toys “inspired by what families see in our restaurants,” according to the brand. These include items such as an “itty-bitty Boo Bucket, tiny fries and a teeny register.”

"A McDonald's (a) Happy Meal has always been more than just a meal – it's a tradition," said Anna Engel, director of marketing, brand, content and culture for McDonald's USA , in the announcement. "As a parent, there's something magical about watching your child's imagination come to life with these tiny toys."

The brand is kicking off the launch with what it calls a “larger-than-life Lil McDonald's experience” in Santa Monica, California. On July 19 and 20 at the Santa Monica Place, kids and their parents can “explore toy-themed play zones, snap pics at oversized photo ops, and dive into a Chicken McNuggets inspired ball pit.” Entry is free on a first-come, first-serve basis from 11 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.  each day.

The Lil McDonald’s Happy Meal boxes also contain code to scan in order to play the new Drive Thru Dash digital game. Players are able to choose a manager, take orders and then score by running through a virtual drive-thru. Also on HappyMeal.com customers can download a free digital placemat that “transforms any table into a Lil McDonald's play zone.” Customers can also use the PlayPlace finder on the app to locate nearby restaurants with play spaces.

Additional minis that may be in the Happy Meal include McNuggets on a tray, a drive-thru, a small-scale full McDonald’s restaurant, a booth and a McDonald’s delivery truck.