McDonald's children's meal introduced in 1979 was called the Happy Meal.
The Happy Meal was first introduced in the United States in June 1979. It combined a child-sized meal with a toy, making the packaging and the unboxing experience part of McDonald's branding. The first version generally included a hamburger or cheeseburger, fries, a soft drink, and a toy, although the exact contents have varied by market and period.
The meal was sold in a decorated box designed to appeal directly to children. Its name, box artwork, and collectible promotions helped make it one of the most recognizable products in fast-food marketing. Tie-ins with films, television programs, and other entertainment brands later became a major part of the product's promotional identity.
The Happy Meal is sometimes confused with earlier regional children's promotions, including the McDonald's Fun Meal. The nationally recognized McDonald's product introduced in 1979 is the Happy Meal.