In what year did McDonald's first Happy Meal appear?

In 1979, McDonald's introduced the U.S.'s first Happy Meal. It was circus-wagon-themed and came with the standard hamburger or cheeseburger option, as well as French fries, cookies, a soft drink and a toy. The first toys were either a "McDoodler" stencil, a "McWrist" wallet, an ID bracelet, a puzzle lock, a spinning top or a McDonaldland-character eraser.

In 1977, Dick Brams (known as the "father of the Happy Meal") came up with idea of creating a meal just for kids. The simple idea, became one of the biggest advertising gimmicks of the time.

Chicken McNuggets, another option, were added in 1983. The toys have changed, Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Aladdin, Simba, Nemo and all 101 dalmatians Transformers, Hello Kitty, Legos, Teletubbies and G.I. Joe. The most popular appeared in 1977, Ty's Teenie Beanie Babies. McDonald's introduced a miniature version of the wildly popular stuffed animals in 1997, selling more than 100 million that year and further propelling a nationwide Beanie Baby craze. In 2004, they featured Beanies for Ronald, Birdie, Hamburglar and Grimace in honor of the Happy Meal's 25th anniversary.