15 Shopping Ads That Played Every Holiday Season
Every year, the holidays brought not just twinkling lights and carols, but the same shopping ads we could practically recite by heart.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
They had jingles and taglines that stuck in your head and always made it feel like the holidays had started. Big department stores and small malls alike ran the same ads every year. These commercials became a holiday tradition because they always showed up each December.
1. Department Store Doorbusters
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Every holiday season meant nonstop department store ads screaming about “doorbusters.” The commercials always showed shoppers rushing in at sunrise with carts already full. These spots made waking up at 5 a.m. sound almost festive.
2. Toy Store Commercials on Repeat
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Toy ads played constantly during December, showing wide-eyed kids unwrapping the latest must-have toys. They always promised joy under the tree if you bought from their store. These spots had a magical way of convincing kids to circle everything in the catalog.
3. Mall-Wide Holiday Sales
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Local malls ran holiday ads that made shopping sound like a community event. The spots usually showed happy families carrying armfuls of bags. They were less about bargains and more about capturing the tradition of spending the day at the mall.
4. Jewelry Store Promises
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Jewelry ads filled December with sparkling rings and romantic gift ideas. They leaned heavily on the idea that nothing said love like diamonds under the tree. Year after year, the same slow-motion box-opening shots appeared on screen.
5. Electronics Superstore Frenzy
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Ads for electronics stores hyped up holiday deals on TVs, VCRs, and later game consoles. They were loud, fast-paced, and designed to make you think everything was selling out. These spots made parents feel like they had to rush in or miss out.
6. Fashion Store Holiday Looks
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Clothing stores pushed holiday outfits in every ad, complete with red sweaters, scarves, and glittery dresses. They sold the fantasy of stepping into a party already looking like the star. The commercials made holiday fashion feel as essential as the gifts.
7. Grocery Store Holiday Feasts
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Grocery chains ran heartfelt commercials showing full tables of food. They sold more than just turkeys and pies; they sold the warmth of family gatherings. Their ads reminded viewers that holiday shopping was about stocking the pantry too.
8. Perfume and Cologne Spots
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Perfume ads were mysterious and dramatic, even when they were tied to holiday shopping. They usually ended by showing the sleek bottle wrapped up in a bow. These commercials made perfume feel like the ultimate last-minute gift.
9. Credit Card Holiday Specials
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Credit card companies advertised special rewards and cash-back offers for holiday shoppers. Their ads always featured smiling families swiping cards at every store. It was their way of making spending money sound almost too easy.
10. Window Shopping Commercials
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Some ads leaned on the classic image of families gazing into decorated store windows. They reminded viewers that shopping was as much about atmosphere as it was about buying. These commercials always felt cozy and timeless.
11. Catalog Shopping Ads
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Catalogs came to life on TV with commercials showing kids circling toys and parents flipping through glossy pages. They urged families to order early to guarantee delivery before Christmas. These ads felt like an extension of holiday daydreaming.
12. Shoe Store Holiday Sales
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Shoe store ads were all about “buy one, get one” holiday deals. They often showed shoppers trying on boots or sneakers while giant red sale signs flashed on the screen. They turned footwear into a must-have Christmas present.
13. Local Mall Santa Ads
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Commercials showing Santa waiting at the mall were holiday staples. They urged families to bring kids in for photos and some extra shopping. These spots blended gift-buying with holiday magic in the most direct way.
14. Candy and Sweets Promos
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Stores pushed candy deals in holiday commercials, showing stockings filled with chocolate and candy canes. They reminded shoppers that sweets were the easiest add-on gift. These ads always made checkout aisles look irresistible.
15. “Shop Early” Campaigns
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Almost every store aired ads telling people to shop early for the holidays. They showed happy families decorating or opening presents on time, thanks to being “prepared.” It was the oldest holiday marketing trick in the book, but it worked every year.