# Fast Food Pedometers McDonald's Newest Happy Meal Toy is a Step Counter By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-08-13 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/happy-meal-toy References: [marketingmag](http://www.marketingmag.ca/brands/mcdonalds-newest-happy-meal-toy-is-a-step-counter-181085?rss=yes) & [mcdonalds](http://www.mcdonalds.ca/ca/en/menu/meal_bundles/happy_meal.html) Over the next month, young diners who order a Happy Meal at [McDonald's Canada](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bestie-bundle) will be able to look inside their fast food box and find a unique and perhaps unexpected [Happy Meal toy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-happy-meal-1)—a 'Step-It' wearable activity tracker. Although McDonald's frequently partners up with companies to create toys inspired by characters from current pop culture, the Step-It is an original creation. When worn, the wristband blinks in time to the wearer's pace and keeps track of the steps taken. The toy is being launched at a time where many school kids are on summer holidays and also, watching the Olympics in Rio. Over the past few years, McDonald's has been making a continued effort to change the image of its Happy Meals by offering healthy fresh fruit sides and books as educational toys. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Fast Food Fitness Trackers:** Fast food companies can partner with wearable technology companies to create fitness trackers that promote activity and healthier lifestyles. - **Healthy Happy Meal Partnerships:** Fast food restaurants can continue to partner with companies to promote healthy eating and wellness for children. - **Pediatric Wearable Technology:** Developers can create wearable technology specifically designed and marketed towards children to encourage physical activity and healthy habits. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fast Food:** Fast food companies can incorporate partnerships with tech companies to meet the demands of consumers looking for healthier options and promote a healthy lifestyle. - **Wearable Technology:** Wearable technology companies can tap into the pediatric market to create innovative products that promote a healthier lifestyle for children. - **Child Advertising and Marketing:** Companies specializing in child marketing and advertising can create campaigns to promote healthy habits and products designed for children. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Creature-Collecting Kids Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pokemon-happy-meal.md) - [Playful Adult-Oriented QSR Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adult-happy-meals.md) - [Outdoor Anime QSR Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-pokmon.md) - [Sustainable Forest-Themed Kids Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-happy-meals.md) - [Nostalgic Kidult Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/happy-meals-for-adults.md) - [Collectible Fast Food Miniatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lil-mcdonalds-happy-meal.md) - [Fast Food Exercise Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fast-food-exercise-bikes.md) - [Popular Game-Inspired QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minecraft-movie-meal.md) - [Meal-Accompanied Adorable Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sanrio-happy-meals.md)