McDonald’s launched the first Happy Meal nationally in the United States in 1979.
The children’s meal combined a small serving of food with a toy, creating a product aimed at families rather than just individual diners. It followed regional experiments and was designed as a consistent, recognizable package for children.
The original Happy Meal included a hamburger or cheeseburger, fries, a soft drink, and a toy. Its box and graphics became an important part of McDonald’s family-oriented branding, while the contents have changed repeatedly over the decades.
The Happy Meal is sometimes dated to earlier test-market promotions, but 1979 is the standard date for its national U.S. launch. Its international versions have varied in menu items, packaging, and toy promotions.