Which McDonald's product became the first toy-promoting children's meal when the Happy Meal launched in 1979?

The Circus Wagon Happy Meal was the first toy-promoting children's meal when the Happy Meal launched in 1979.

McDonald's introduced the Happy Meal nationally in the United States in 1979 after developing the idea of a packaged children's meal that included a small toy. The first version used a circus-wagon theme and contained a hamburger or cheeseburger, fries, cookies, and a soft drink or milk.

The packaging made the meal itself a branding experience rather than simply a smaller adult order. Bright graphics, a named product, and a collectible toy helped McDonald's create a durable connection with families and children.

The Happy Meal is sometimes described as having begun with a different regional test or with later toy partnerships. Those details refer to development and subsequent promotions. The Circus Wagon version is recognized as the first national Happy Meal presentation in the United States.