Australian McDonald’s fans have been left fuming after discovering one of the fast-food giant’s most hyped festive items has sold out nationwide – with desperate customers now turning to eBay to get their hands on one.

The outrage erupted after a Melbourne customer asked whether any Grinch sand globes were still available at local Macca’s stores, claiming the promotion hadn’t officially ended but the collectibles had completely vanished.

‘First they advertise, make me like it and then – there is no . It’s not fair,’ the Reddit post read.

The Grinch sand globes were part of McDonald’s limited-edition Grinch Meal, a Christmas-themed release that leaned heavily into novelty packaging and collectible keepsakes.

While the food items are still available, the sand globes have now sold out nationally – sparking frustration among fans who thought they still had time.

Adding insult to injury, hundreds of listings for the Grinch sand globes have since flooded eBay, with sellers charging anywhere from $15 to as much as $130 per globe, excluding postage.

Some listings offer single characters, while others bundle the full set of four at premium prices.

The scarcity has only fuelled demand.

‘I want all four,’ one fan commented online.

‘I have to go on vacation and eat at McDonald’s in another country for these,’ another joked.

Others questioned why Australian customers were given sand globes while McDonald’s fans in the US reportedly received socks instead.

‘Why are we getting socks in the USA and other countries getting snow globes?’ one person asked.

A McDonald’s spokesperson confirmed the bad news for collectors.

‘The Grinch Meal was a hit and has now sold out nationally,’ they said.

‘But don’t worry – the Chicken Big Mac, Frozen Fanta Lemon with Green Apple Popping Pearls, and McWings with Hotcake Syrup are still available, and The Grinch Happy Meal remains available at participating restaurants while stocks last.’

The Grinch Meal was marketed as ‘deliciously disruptive’, putting a chaotic spin on classic Macca’s favourites.

Customers could choose between a Big Mac, the returning fan-favourite Chicken Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, served with fries and a drink – including the divisive Frozen Fanta Lemon ‘ruined’ with Green Apple Popping Pearls that turn the drink bright green.

But for many, it was the sand globes that sealed the deal.

Each meal originally came with one of four exclusive globes, depicting The Grinch surrounded by stolen McDonaldland treasures – including Hamburglar’s burger, Birdie’s bow, and Grimace’s shake.

Completing the full set quickly became a mission for collectors, families, and nostalgic fans alike.

Now, with no restock planned, social media has been flooded with disappointment, envy, and resale rage, as Aussies watch the once-meal freebie morph into a luxury collectible overnight.

‘I got the Grinch first – I’m so happy,’ one lucky customer shared, while others admitted they were still refreshing apps and calling stores in hope of a miracle.

For many fans, the saga has become a familiar modern frustration – blink and you miss it, hesitate and you pay triple online.