The History of the Happy Meal

One thing we knew for certain is that McDonald's Happy Meals began in the 1970s. But who came up with the idea? While the origin story is pretty complicated, we also get a rundown in this video of the more memorable toys in Happy Meals, and the controversy over the meal's nutritional value. The procedures around Happy Meals can be kind of intrusive, if you ask me. I recall ordering two Happy Meals for the kids, and the staffer asked if they were boys or girls. What difference does it make? She said because of the toys. I made her describe the toys before we decided whether the kids were boys or girls.