McDonald’s called its first widely recognized nationally introduced children’s meal the Happy Meal.
The Happy Meal launched nationally in the United States in 1979. It combined a child-sized meal with a toy and packaging designed to make the purchase feel like an entertainment experience as well as a meal. The box itself became an important part of the product’s branding.
The concept had earlier regional predecessors, including promotional children’s meals tested before the national launch. This is why accounts sometimes mention different dates for the idea and for the United States-wide Happy Meal rollout. The name, colorful packaging, and collectible toys made the Happy Meal one of McDonald’s most recognizable branded products.