# Cardboard Robot Food Ads The McDonald's Happy Meal Robot Ad Displays Children's Love for Boxes By Tana Makmanee | Published 2013-03-28 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/happy-meal-robot References: [bestadsontv](http://www.bestadsontv.com/ad/51791/McDonalds-Happy-Meals-Robot) There's something about the [McDonald's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adult-happy-meals) fast food chain that has garnered the popularity of children and adults alike for years, and the McDonald's Happy Meal Robot Ad is a perfect representation of how children's affinity for boxes relates to their preference for Happy Meals. If you've eaten at [McDonalds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcnuggets-land) as a kid then you've most likely eaten your fair share of Happy Meals, which is a cute little box that comes equipped with delicious fast food snacks and a special toy to boot. This clever McDonald's ad showcases a little boy wearing a robot costume made out of cardboard with the caption "What is it with kids and boxes?" written across the box. This advertisement aims to showcase how much kids love boxes, whether it be big or small, which explains why so many children love [McDonald's Happy Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-happy-meal-1). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 28% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Cardboard Creativity:** There is a growing trend around creative upcycling of cardboard, offering companies new opportunities to produce novel packaging and promotional materials. - **Emotional Advertising:** There is a trend towards advertising campaigns that tap into consumers' emotions as a way to create deeper brand connections, offering companies new opportunities to strengthen their customer relationships. - **Toy Customization:** There is a trend towards creating customizable toys that allow children to express themselves, offering companies new opportunities to engage with young consumers and build brand loyalty. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast Food:** Fast food companies can take advantage of cardboard creativity by experimenting with new packaging designs that leverage this material's versatility and eco-friendly credentials. - **Advertising:** Advertising agencies can capitalize on the trend towards emotional advertising by helping brands tell stories that resonate with audiences on a deeper level, fostering brand loyalty and advocacy. - **Toy:** Toy companies can tap into the trend towards toy customization by offering bespoke products that allow children to express their individuality and feel more connected to their favorite brands. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Nostalgic QSR Miniature Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/happy-meal-collectibles.md) - [Nostalgic Kidult Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/happy-meals-for-adults.md) - [Playful Adult-Oriented QSR Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adult-happy-meals.md) - [Transformable QSR Toy Packagings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neon-genesis-evangelion-2.md) - [AI-Fuelled QSR Animated Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-1.md) - [Mental-Health Awareness QSR Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/happy-meal-box.md) - [Burger-Themed DIY Cat Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-cat-boxes.md) - [Creature-Collecting Kids Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pokemon-happy-meal.md) - [Sustainable Forest-Themed Kids Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-happy-meals.md)