Mattel, headquartered in El Segundo, CA, is the second (to Lego) larger toy maker in the world, with its products sold in more than 150 countries. It was founded by Elliot and Ruth Handler and Harold 'Matt' Matson in a garage in Los Angeles in January 1945, originally a picture-frame business. When they began producing toys, their first big hits were a child-size ukulele and cap pistol called the Burp Gun.The following year, Matson sold his share to the Handlers due to poor health, and Ruth Handler took over his stake, creating the first Barbie in 1959. The company launched Chatty Cathy, in 1960, the Ken doll, in 1961, followed by many others, including the Barbie Dreamhouse in 1962, and Hot Wheels in 1968. Financial scandals involving Mattel's executives in the 1970s, forced the Handlers to resign in 1975.

As of 2023, Mattel's had over 30,000 employees and U$ 5.43 billion in revenue. Its subsidiaries include: Fisher-Price, Mattel Films, and Mega Brands.