McDonald's introduced the Happy Meal in the United States in 1979.
The children's meal combined a small serving of food with a toy and packaging designed specifically for young customers. McDonald's had tested similar children's promotions before the national U.S. rollout, and the Happy Meal turned that idea into a permanent branded product.
The meal became an important part of McDonald's family marketing. Its box, toy partnerships, and changing themes gave the company a recognizable way to connect restaurant visits with children's entertainment. Toys have often been tied to films, television programs, and original McDonald's characters.
The Happy Meal is not simply another name for a regular value meal. It is a distinct children's offering whose branding centers on the package and included toy, with details varying by market and period.