What was McDonald's first national children's meal, introduced in 1979?

McDonald's first national children's meal, introduced in 1979, was the Happy Meal.

The meal was designed as a child-focused package combining a small serving of food with a toy. Its presentation turned the meal itself into a branded experience rather than simply a smaller adult order.

The Happy Meal grew from earlier regional and promotional ideas, including children's meal concepts tested in different markets. McDonald's made it a national United States offering in 1979, helping establish a long-running connection between the restaurant brand and family dining.

The toy is often treated as the defining feature, but the Happy Meal also introduced standardized packaging, child-oriented graphics, and collectible promotional partnerships. Menus and toy contents have varied by country and period.