Single dad builds $50 McDonald’s drive-thru for kids—holiday magic doesn’t have to cost a fortune

The holidays are a magical time, but they can also bring the pressure to go above and beyond—often at a steep cost. But Daniel Mills, a single dad from Hertfordshire, England, is proving that creating joy doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With just a little imagination and resourcefulness, he built a fully functional McDonald’s “drive-thru” playhouse for his two kids, Leo, 9, and Zac, 8, using salvaged materials.

And the best part? It cost less than $50.

A creative vision born from everyday life

Daniel, an architectural assistant, got the idea while working on a project for a local Golden Arches franchise. “As a single dad, it is often challenging to keep them occupied,” he explained to What’s the Jam? “But then I spotted my shed, which needed some major TLC—and I had an idea. I thought it would make a great playhouse, and I couldn’t help but see it as a mini drive-thru.”

Using his knack for DIY, Daniel turned to unexpected sources for supplies. He scavenged wood from a neighbor’s fallen fence, collected leftovers from a building site dumpster, and even used wooden slats from an old IKEA bed.

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Bringing the McDonald’s magic to life

In just three days, Daniel transformed his weathered shed into a whimsical drive-thru that delighted his kids. Complete with realistic signage, old logo cups, and Happy Meal boxes, the mini restaurant became an instant favorite.

“When they saw it, they went mad with excitement,” Daniel said. “I covered it in sheets, ripped them off, and immediately, they asked if they could have breakfast there. And lunch, as well as dinner.”

The boys played for hours, taking turns driving up in their toy car and placing orders at the hatch. Daniel even grilled burgers to complete the fast-food experience, which the kids enjoyed at their picnic table.

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Sharing the joy

When the novelty eventually wore off, Daniel listed the playhouse on Facebook Marketplace, hoping to pass on the joy to another family. Within hours, he received over 26,000 inquiries from as far away as Australia. Ultimately, he sold it locally for more than $350—seven times what it cost to build.

“Make something you know you can sell after, because it will soften the pain of throwing it away if it can be enjoyed by another person,” he said.

A reminder for the holiday season

As the holidays approach, Daniel’s story serves as a heartwarming reminder: you don’t need to go into debt to create magic for your children. With a little imagination and resourcefulness, meaningful memories are often made from the simplest things.

“If you’re patient and willing to search around, you could probably build something for next to nothing,” Daniel shared.

Daniel is already dreaming up his next DIY project—but his message to parents is clear: You don’t need to overthink it. Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that leave the biggest impact.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the price tag. It’s about the love and creativity you pour into making your children smile.