McDonald's is helping families with little ones get into the festive spirit by teaming up with Elf on the Shelf to create new Happy Meals this Christmas.
Priced at £3, the limited-edition meals will allow customers across the UK and Ireland to pick up one of ten new festive plush characters, including Scout Elves, Elf Pets and Elf Mates.
Each of the plush toys can double up as a Christmas decoration that can be added to your festive display as they are equipped with hooks, reports HullLive.
The plush Happy Meal elves and pets also come with poke-out-and-keep North Pole certificates signed by Santa Claus himself with extra space for the child's name.
Additionally, the limited happy meal also offers two Christmas books that customers can choose from - Merry Christmas, It's Your Elf and Merry Christmas, It's Your Reindeer.
The new festive plush toys and Christmas books allow families the opportunity to experience the popular Christmas tradition in an entirely new way.
The exclusive meals will come packaged in a festive Elf on the Shelf box and will be available for a limited-time only at restaurants or McDelivery through the McDonald's app, Uber Eats or Just Eat.
However, fans might want to be quick, as the partnership will only be available at McDonalds until December 20.
There are also themed activity sheets and games available online on the McDonald's Family Hub and an activity pack envelope for drive-through restaurant visitors.
Both toy and book options are 100% sustainable as all non-sustainable plastic has been removed from McDonald's Happy Meal.
A Happy Meal contains a choice of Fish Fingers, Chicken McNuggets or Veggie Dippers with an Apple & Grapefruit Bag, or Carrot Bag side, plus drink options including water, milk, or Fruit Shoot.
The new Happy Meals have been inspired by the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon that has dominated Christmas for families with little ones since it exploded onto the scene in 2009.
Based on a US children's book, the tradition sees Father Christmas send a 'scout elf' every festive season to check up on little ones in the build up to the big day.
If any parents are looking for some tips about these little helpers, then they can can visit the Elf on the Shelf website or consider these tips from the Chief Cheer Creators at McDonald's and The Lumistella Company:
1. Give them a name
Once you have adopted a Scout Elf, brainstorm with your family to give them a name. From Buddy to Bing, Snowflake to Sugarplum – get as creative and festive as you can.
Your new North Pole helper receives their Christmas magic once they get their name so don’t skip this step.
2. Check out these hiding spots
Scout Elves love to be inspired by your fun ideas for The Elf on the Shelf hiding spots for each day of December.
Remember, this can be as creative and fun as possible. From lunch messages to reindeer sliders, or perhaps a pom-pom ball pit, help your elf’s imagination run wild.
3. Don't touch the Scout Elf!
Scout Elves have a very important job to do for Santa and they can lose their magic if touched. Should you accidentally touch the original Scout Elf, there are three simple ways to restore their magic:
- Write a note to Santa or the Scout Elf to say, "Sorry!"
- Sprinkle a little cinnamon near the elf. Cinnamon is like a vitamin for elves, and it will help them make a speedy recovery.
- Scout Elves love Christmas carols so you can also try putting on a performance as a family.
Even though children must be careful not to touch Santa’s original Scout Elf, all Happy Meal toys have been purposefully designed for play so your little ones can enjoy lots of elf-tastic fun.
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