Contributed NEW BUDDIES — McNuggett Buddy collectibles will be part of the Kerwin Frost Box at McDonald’s.

PITTSBURGH — No matter how long it’s been, McDonald’s fans never forget the youthful joy of opening a Happy Meal box to discover the surprises inside. Last year, fans had the chance to relive that excitement as adults with the Cactus Plant Flea Market Box.

Now, McDonald’s is sparking nostalgic joy with the help of a visionary artist and some very special Buddies.

The latest offering — the Kerwin Frost Box — is a one-of-a-kind global collaboration with artist and lifelong McDonald’s fan, Kerwin Frost. The program launches in the U.S. and other select markets around the world starting Monday.

The Kerwin Frost Box includes the choice of 10-piece Chicken McNuggets or a Big Mac, fries, a soft drink and a special McNugget Buddy collectible – coming back for the first time in more than 25 years. But this time, designed in partnership with Frost.

Growing up in Harlem, Frost found his McNugget Buddy collection to be a source of creative inspiration. So, it was only right for McDonald’s to bring back the Buddies, and through them, introduce fans to “Frost Way” – where everyone is welcome to be exactly who they are. Complete with mix-and-match outfits, the designs are inspired by Frost’s childhood experiences and belief that everyone should feel free to express themselves.

The buddies include Kerwin Frost, Don Bernice, Uptown Moe, Waffutu, BRRRICK and Darla.

“With last year’s Cactus Plant Flea Market Box, we unlocked the childlike joy of opening a Happy Meal box for fans of all ages,” said Tariq Hassan, McDonald’s USA chief marketing and customer experience officer. “Fans told us they wanted to celebrate that quintessential childhood experience again. So, we’re excited to team up with Kerwin on this next take, as he brings his own childhood McDonald’s memories to life through reimagined McDonald’s characters, immersing our fans in the world of Frost Way.”

The McNugget Buddies were first introduced in 1988 as part of a limited time Happy Meal featuring 10 different collectibles.

“I’ve loved McDonald’s since I was a kid. I even had my own Ronald McDonald doll that I brought to picture day at school, and it was my dream to collect all the McNugget Buddies,” said Frost. “Now, coming up with my own special set of Buddies – each one representing different aspects of self-expression – it’s unreal, a dream come true. McDonald’s has been a great partner from day one, and they’ve truly allowed me to create without limits. I hope the Kerwin Frost Box will serve as a reminder for people to hone their creativity and not be afraid to show the world who they really are.”