Allee’s Picks: Our favorite holiday marketing campaigns

We’ve already written about our favorite marketing campaigns in the past, but since the holidays bring a whole new flavor to things, we thought it’d be fun to dedicate a post to our favorite holiday marketing campaigns from this year.

Melissa Harrison, founder & CEO

“In-Laws Will Melt Over This Perfect $8 Holiday Gift” – Chatbooks

I do love a feel-good holiday campaign, but this year, with my crazy life, my favorite campaign, hands-down is from Chatbooks. They have been killing it with their commercials throughout the year and even though some of them are rather long, they grab your attention, they’re funny and us moms can totally relate. Need a stress reliever and a good laugh this season? Watch this.

Abigail Crider, marketing manager

“A Coke for Christmas” – Coca Cola

I’m a sucker for feel-good holiday commercials, Diet Coke and anything featuring Santa. This year’s Coca Cola TV commercial has all three. In the commercial, a little boy drops off a bottle of coke for 3 different individuals who are overwhelmed with their holiday preparations. Each recipient receives a different bottle of Coca Cola products, making sure to include their classic cola, their diet version and their Coca Cola Life version. It ends with the boy leaving a classic Coca Cola bottle out for an old-fashioned Santa instead of cookies. SO GOOD.

#OptOutside Campaign – REI

I was a big fan of REI’s choice to close its doors for Black Friday 2015 and encourage its customers and employees to enjoy the outdoors instead. The #OptOutside campaign was a huge success, taking home 9 prestigious awards at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. This year, REI announced they would continue #OptOutside and expand the campaign to include 275 other national and local organizations. They shut down- both on and offline- and paid all of their employees to take the day off! Other brands joined their efforts, including Subaru and Google, and REI also teamed up with several outdoor nonprofits.

This year, they also launched an outdoor activity finder on the campaign’s website, where visitors can find nearby trails and parks, upload photos and connect with nonprofits that help protect the outdoors.

Lauren Tjernlund, marketing specialist

“They Do Exist!” – M&Ms

I have always loved this commercial and theme because it appeals to both children and adults with the simple humor and surprise ending. It’s a short commercial but inspires all to remember the magic and belief of the season. Plus, I love M&M’s. I’ve seen it played already a couple times this year, solidifying its place in holiday marketing history.

“A Priest and Imam meet for a cup of tea” – AmazonPrime

I absolutely love this commercial for many reasons. While the ad is designed to promote the company’s Amazon Prime membership, its content suggests that it’s also addressing the intense themes of division within our country, highlighting that we are more alike than different. It’s a beautiful and inspiring holiday message.

Lauren Jordan, marketing specialist

“Frankie’s Holiday” – Apple

This commercial caught my eye because Frankenstein the monster is the highlighted figure–a character usually reserved for Halloween only. He is shown making his way through town to the square where all the townspeople have gathered around a Christmas tree. As he begins to sing a Christmas carol, the people are at first shocked and a bit afraid, but soon happily chime in. Apple is known for their endearing commercials and this one was no different, simply ending with a call for viewers to open their hearts to all. And though there is no overt promotion of any Apple products in the ad, sometimes a heartwarming story and an iconic logo at the end is all that’s needed. 

“Hooking Up Grandma’s House” – Xfinity

Opening with a few older couples reading their grandchildren’s tweets which complain about going “off the grid” while at Grandma’s house for the holidays, this commercial made me laugh right away. Most people still have grandparents or older relatives who don’t have cable or wifi, so it’s immediately relatable. However, these grandparents decide to take matters into their own hands by surprising their grandkids and getting Xfinity so they can stay connected while spending Christmas at their place. I loved this because while Xfinity does a great job of promoting their service, they don’t take away from the warm feelings of family and togetherness the holidays bring.

Those are the holiday campaigns on our list this year…what’s on yours? Comment below!