Now that it’s less than a month until the gifts are unwrapped and the turkey devoured, we’ve declared that it’s on like Donkey Kong in the design loft when it comes to all things Christmas. Soon we’ll be decking the halls loft and digging our trendy ugly sweaters out of storage.
This time of year seems to bring out the best in television advertising and it always makes us think of our favourites over the years. Some of them make us laugh, some make us nostalgic, and some hit us right in the feels. Pass the tissues.
We thought we’d give you a little peek into which ads have made our collective Nice list and what makes them special.
John Lewis – Monty the Penguin (2014)
In two minutes this ad tells the story of friendship, love, and being able to give someone the gift they’ve always dreamed of. Not only is the ad a tear-jerker, but John Lewis really went all out with this concept and have created a whole world to go with the ad: book, stuffed penguin, and even a chalet on Oxford Street in London where you can visit. Go big or go home we say.
Kmart – Merry Birthday (2014)
This came out in early fall and everyone would’ve been up in arms if an ad showed Christmas trees or snow. Too early! Kmart made a cheeky move to advertise their layaway options which left people smirking instead. Merry Birthday!
Sobey’s – Star of Christmas (1987)
Intended to be a one year campaign but the ad became so well-loved that the company decided to run it again the next year, and the next, and for almost 20 years after that until it was retired in the early 2000s. To this day, the jingle brings out about happy nostalgia in Atlantic Canadians. Any campaign that has people still singing your business name almost three decades later is a winner in our books.
Coca-Cola – Polar Bear Family (1995)
The first Coca-Cola polar bear commercial came out in 1993 and since then the bears have taken on a life of their own, starring in a short movie by Ridley Scott, and even earning a star on the Advertising Walk of Fame. These innocent and always thirsty bears captured our hearts in an instant and have become one of the most iconic images of Coca-Cola advertising.
John Lewis (2011)
The British know what’s what. We love how this ad took an iconic image and flipped it on its head. Sure this ad looks like a cute kid impatiently waiting to open gifts on Christmas morning, but you’ll have to watch to find the twist.
Honourable Mentions
- Sainsbury’s – Christmas Eve 1914 (2014)
- AT&T Go Phone – Gingerbread Man Can’t Catch a Break (2008)
- Hershey – Kisses Bell Choir (1989)
- Apple iPhone – Family Movie (2013)
