McDonald's to begin offering Blip Toys' mini-collectable Squinkies in its Happy Meals for four-week stretch

Nevin Barich

MINNETONKA, Minnesota , March 27, 2012 (press release) – Beginning late this month Blip Toys' popular mini-collectable, Squinkies, will be the featured girls toy during a four week release in the new McDonald's Happy Meals.

Squinkies are 1" squishy, squashy collectible toys that each come in their very own bubble container. Since its launch in 2010, Squinkies has earned numerous awards and continues to be a white-hot collectable phenomenon available in over 100 countries worldwide.

Blip Toys and McDonald's have partnered to create 32 unique collectible Squinkies toys, each on their own rocking base, for this Happy Meal promotion. Like the original Squinkies, every toy will come in its own specially-sized, themed bubble that kids can pop open to reveal the "surprize inside."

There are four different themes which include zoo, fantasy, pets and ocean. Kids can collect elephants, kitties, mermaids, and more, as well as four exclusive rare Squinkies characters designed specifically for the McDonald's Happy Meal.

Along with the Squinkies toys kids will receive mCodes, unique codes that can be used on HappyMeal.com to unlock virtual Squinkies Surprizes. The Happy Meal website will also feature a Squinkies matching game, hidden Squinkies characters, and downloadable activities.

"We're pleased to have Squinkies be a part of McDonald's commitment to raising nutrition awareness among children and parents by partnering with them as a featured toy during this four week Happy Meal Promotion" said Bill Nichols, President/CEO of Blip Toys, LLC.

Beginning this month the new McDonald's "Eat Smart, Play Smart" campaign will focus on inspiring kids to maintain healthy diets while encouraging them to get up and play.

Squinkies will be the featured girls toy for a limited time only. They will be available inside of McDonald's Happy Meals until April 26th.

Squinkies fans can stay up-to-date on the latest Squinkies news by visiting www.squinkies.com or by following the Squinkies Blog(http://blog.squinkies.com), Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Squinkies), or Twitter feed (@Squinkies).

About Blip® Toys

Established in 2000 and headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, Blip Toys is a fast-reacting, trend-driven global marketer of high-volume toy concepts. The company is focused on developing innovative new products that appeal to both boys and girls. Blip is passionate about the conception and execution of high quality toys offered at a great value. Blip Toys current product line includes the hugely popular Squinkies brand of collectable characters, Whimzy Pets, Zubber, Hair Balls, Zoom-O, Friends Boutique, and other popular toys for today's kids. The company also produces toy products under the following licenses: Disney®, Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Marvel®, Nickelodeon®, WWE®, Power Rangers®, Simpsons®, DC Comics® and Hello Kitty® brands. Visit Blip Toys at www.bliptoys.com.

Squinkies® is a trademark of Blip LLC. ©Blip Toys, LLC 2012. All rights reserved.

About McDonald's

McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States offering a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to more than 26 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local businessmen and women. Customers can now log online for free at any of the 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter (@McDonalds) and Facebook (Facebook.com/McDonalds) for updates on our business, promotions and menu items.

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