GoCollect Blog: Collecting Halloween Buckets: Is There Value? (collecting-halloween-buckets-is-there-value )

In 1986, McDonald's released their first Halloween buckets with the purchase of a Happy Meal. These buckets came in three designs, each one resembling a carved orange pumpkin. The buckets were named McBoo, McPunk'n, and McGoblin and were an overnight hit for the company. Over the next several years, McDonald's would release several versions of the now iconic Happy Meal Halloween buckets, but in 2016 the infamous buckets were gone.

But as we all know, just because something is gone does not mean it's been forgotten. A few weeks ago, rumors started to circulate that McDonald's would be bringing the popular Halloween buckets for a limited engagement. On October 6, 2022, Mcdonald's announced in an official press release that yes -- the buckets were returning on October 18! Featuring a white McBoo, an orange McPunk'n, and a green McGoblin, these are sure to be this year's hot Halloween collectible. Right now, the average cost of a Happy Meal is under $5, so this could be an easy $5 investment for collectors -- as long as you can find the buckets.

Believe it or not, the prices on some of the vintage buckets may even surprise you.

In October 2022, a McGhost from 1989 sold for $29.95, while a McWitch from 1990 sold for $26.10. A set of three from the 1990 release sold for $85.00 -- while another set of three sold for $129.99 the same day.

But collectors be aware -- many sellers on eBay are listing the 1989 and beyond buckets as being the original 1986 buckets. The actual buckets from 1986 all seem to fall in line with the prices listed above as well, but can be harder to find.

The advertising for the original 1986 McDonald's buckets is also a collector's item. We've talked about promotional items in the past, and it is worth noting these items whenever we can. In September 2022, four translite signs sold within days of each other. Two Buy It Nows ended at $199.99 and 169.99, while two auctions ended at $177.50 and 219.27. A translite advertising the 1990 buckets sold for $129 in September of 2022 -- showing us that while the buckets are popular, the advertising for them is possibly more desirable.

But what about other Halloween buckets? Is there value in those classic pumpkin heads? The answer might surprise you!

A Glenn Strange Frankenstein blow mold Halloween bucket is a grail for many horror and Halloween fans. Based on Glenn Strange's take on the famous monster, the bucket was originally released sometime between 1964 and 1966. Vintage blow molds can go for big money -- in fact, three of these buckets sold on eBay. In July of 2022 one sold for $950, but it was missing the handle. In September of 2022, a Frankenstein bucket sold for $450, while another sold for $1,000, and both had handles.

A.J. Renzi blow mold vintage buckets are also harder to come by and will set you back a few hundred. The skull bucket, released sometime between 1960 - 1970 came in a variety of colors and makes for excellent vintage decor. In October of 2022, a blue skull with black eyes sold on eBay for $266.58 after 7 bids.

Earlier that same month, a pink skull with blue eyes sold on eBay for $172.50 after 6 bids. In September of 2022, a green skull with white eyes sold on eBay for $202.50 after 7 bids. That same month a neon green skull with yellow eyes sold on eBay for $157.50 after 2 bids.

As far as the classic blow mold pumpkins, those are always in high demand with collectors. Those fetch similar numbers to the buckets mentioned above -- but collectors and buyers be aware that sometimes sellers will confuse the newer buckets for the older ones. You can find vintage ones in thrift stores if you're patient and have a good eye.