B Movies Blog

Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping some holiday gimmicks from my childhood into the ol’ VCR. 

If you don’t know by now, I’m a SUCKER for a gimmick, and I have been ever since I was a kid. 

That’s why, today, I wanted to revisit some of my favorite holiday gimmicks from fast food chains from holiday seasons past. 

Some of these things I still have to this day, and others may be in storage, but, either way, I have really fond memories of going with KP to get them or putting them out during the holiday season. 

I’ve also out-obscured myself on one, so props to me. 

Alrighty, I think that does us for introductions. 

Without further ado, here are six holiday gimmicks I think we should bring back:

1. The Whataburger Christmas Record  

I couldn’t find a lot of info on this one, outside of the fact that there were coupons inside the front cover. I may or may not have purchased one off eBay this morning, though, and I can’t wait for it to come in. Plus, I think I have my original copy somewhere in storage. 

2. Jack In The Box Antenna Toppers

These bad boys first arrived on the scene back all the way back in 1995 and came with Sourdough Jacks. Over the years, they’ve released several variations, including a snowman, reindeer, and New Year’s Eve-themed balls. From what I could find, I think the last antenna ball was released in 2015, but I would honestly love to see them make a return in some form. Maybe as a figurine?

3. McDonald’s Muppet Babies 

Back in 1988, McDonald’s released a trio of Christmas-themed Muppet Babies in Kermit, Fozzie, and Miss Piggy. Honestly, these could be released today without any revamps because the nostalgia is real. 

4. Burger King’s Rodney and Friends 

Okay, so I actually DO still have some of these because they were quintessential decorations in my house. From what I can find, these were released in 1984 and were some sort of collaboration with Hallmark. BK offered an entire family of reindeer named Rodney, Rhonda, Randy, and Ramona for $1.99 a piece, and I think I might need to get a tattoo. 

5. Whataburger Bendable Whatapals 

Okay, so I’ve outdone myself on niche memories with this one. This one is so obscure that outside of one eBay listing, I couldn’t find a single thing about these. I vividly remember a Santa, reindeer, and snowman, though, and I’m almost positive I still have these in storage. 

6. McDonald’s 101 Dalmatians Snow Globes 

And finally, the thing I miss the most. A lot of people probably don’t know this, but I collected snow globes as a kid, and I got a new one every year. That includes the 101 Dalmatians snow globes from McDonald’s. These bad boys were available during the 1996 holiday season and apparently retailed for only $1.99 a pop. My sister and brother-in-law are actually moving in the next few months, and I *think* my original collection is actually in their garage, so fingers crossed. 🤞