McDonald's introduced the Happy Meal as a children's menu package in 1979.
The original Happy Meal combined a small serving of food with a toy, creating a distinct product identity aimed at families. Its packaging and promotional tie-ins made the meal an important part of McDonald's family-oriented branding.
The concept had earlier regional versions, including a 1977 McDonald's promotion in the United States associated with the McDonaldland characters. The nationally recognized Happy Meal followed in 1979.
The meal's contents have changed over time, and many promotions have used licensed characters or film tie-ins. The name, however, became one of McDonald's most recognizable global product brands.