Why McDonald's Boo Buckets Are Still the King of Halloween (And What’s New for 2025)

They’re back. Honestly, did we expect anything less? Every year, the internet starts buzzing the second a leaf turns brown, and usually, it's all about those plastic pails with the golden arched handles. McDonald's officially brought the McDonald's Boo Buckets back for the 2025 season, and this time, they didn't just stick to the script.

If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you know the vibe. You didn't just want the nuggets; you wanted the container to carry your Snickers bars in later. It's pure nostalgia. But the 2025 lineup actually added some fresh faces to the mix, which is kinda rare for a brand that loves to lean on its "OG" status.

The 2025 Lineup: Two New Ghouls in Town

McDonald's dropped the news that the buckets would return on October 21, 2025. While the core trio of Ghost, Pumpkin, and Goblin made their expected return, the big shocker was the addition of two brand-new characters: a Black Cat and a Red Zombie.

This brings the total to five different designs.

People have been scavenging their local drive-thrus trying to find the Zombie one especially. It’s a deep red color with a goofy, sunken-eye expression. Then you’ve got the Black Cat, which feels like a nod to the more "traditional" spooky aesthetic.

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What You Get in the 2025 Set:

• The White Ghost: A classic. Usually has a slightly "surprised" expression.
• The Orange Pumpkin: Basically the mascot of the whole operation.
• The Green Goblin: Sometimes called the monster, it's been a staple since the late 80s.
• The NEW Black Cat: Sleek, black plastic with cat ears on the rim.
• The NEW Red Zombie: The first time we've seen a zombie-specific bucket in this style.

Each bucket also comes with a sheet of Halloween-themed stickers. McDonald's claims this is for "customization," but let's be real—most of us just stick them on our laptops or the side of the fridge.

The Lid Drama (Yes, People Are Still Mad)

If you want to see a millennial get truly heated, ask them about the lids. Back in the day, these buckets came with actual, removable plastic lids. Some even had cookie cutters built into them.

Since the 2022 revival, the "lid" has been more of a flat, decorative piece that doesn't really seal anything. It’s basically a handle with a silhouette. Fans on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) have been pretty vocal about it. One user called them "Temu boo buckets" because of the lack of a real lid.

Is it a dealbreaker? Probably not for a seven-year-old. But for the collectors who want to stack these in their garage or use them for actual storage, the "lid-less" design is a bit of a bummer. McDonald's seems to be sticking to their guns here, though, likely for cost and safety reasons.

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A Quick Trip Down Memory Lane

The McDonald's Boo Buckets first hit the scene in 1986. Back then, they were actually called "Halloween Pumpkin Happy Meals." They were all orange, just with three different faces: McPunk’n, McBoo, and McGoblin.

By 1989, they branched out into the white, green, and orange colors we recognize today.

There was a weird period in the 90s where they replaced them with vinyl "McBoo Bags." That went over about as well as a lead balloon. People wanted the plastic. They wanted the bucket.

Then came the dark ages. From 2016 to 2022, the buckets were basically MIA, replaced by standard boxed toys or movie tie-ins. When they finally returned in 2022, the "adult" collectors (meaning us with adult money now) went absolutely feral. Stores were selling out in hours.

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How to Actually Get One Without Losing Your Mind

If you’re trying to snag the full set of five, you have to be a bit strategic. These things are "while supplies last," and in 2025, that usually means they’re gone by the weekend before Halloween.

1. Check the App: Don't just drive around. The McDonald's app usually shows if the "Halloween Pail" is an option for the Happy Meal.
2. Go Early in the Week: They usually drop on a Tuesday. By Friday, the "cool" ones like the Zombie or the Cat are often replaced by the standard Pumpkin.
3. Ask the Employee: Sometimes they have a specific color in the back. If you’re nice, they might let you pick. If you’re a jerk, you’re getting the Pumpkin. Sorry, I don't make the rules.
4. Resale is a Trap: You’ll see these on eBay for $20. Don't do it. It’s a $5 plastic bucket that comes with a cheeseburger. Wait for the restock or try a different location.

Is the Hype Justified?

Look, at the end of the day, it's a plastic bucket. It's not high art. But in a world where everything feels increasingly digital and complicated, there's something nice about a cheap, plastic bucket that reminds you of being six years old.

The 2025 designs are a step in the right direction. Adding the Zombie and the Cat shows that McDonald's is actually listening—or at least trying to keep things interesting for the people who already have ten orange pumpkins in their attic.

Actionable Advice for Collectors:
If you're planning on using these for years to come, keep them out of direct sunlight. The plastic McDonald's uses is notorious for fading or becoming brittle if it sits on a porch for three weeks. If you’re a serious collector, use them for indoor decor—pop a battery-operated tea light inside the White Ghost for a cool glow-effect on your mantle.

Just remember to grab yours before November 1st. Once the calendar flips, these things vanish faster than a tray of hot fries in a car full of teenagers.