10 Real-world Examples of Holiday Campaign Excellence
Aside from Super Bowl Sunday, the holidays are the main season in which companies—predominantly retailers—show off. It’s a time to create a campaign that is, if not always iconic, at least truly memorable. As one would expect, this level of holiday campaigns comes from some the most well-known and successful brands in the world.
So, while we all don’t have the resources and budget, perhaps, to reach these levels, there is no shortage of creativity and innovation in many businesses today—such as yours—to do some great marketing work for the holidays. Here, then, are 10 the most successful and memorable winter holiday campaigns from the last decade that might serve as an inspiration.
1. Amazon - Holiday Toy Catalog
Amazon’s holiday toy catalog, introduced in recent years, is a nostalgic throwback to traditional toy catalogs. It includes wish lists, stickers, and interactive elements, creating a fun and engaging experience for both children and parents, while driving holiday sales.
2. IKEA - Holiday Catalog
IKEA’s holiday catalogs are renowned for their creativity and engagement. They often include interactive elements—such as pop-up pages and pull-tabs—making the catalog an enjoyable experience as well as a promotional tool. This approach not only showcased their products but also inspired customers with holiday decorating and gift ideas.
3. Coca-Cola - Personalized Christmas Bottles
Coca-Cola’s "Share a Coke" campaign extended into the holiday season with personalized Christmas bottles. Direct mail recipients received bottles with their names on them, along with festive packaging. This personalized touch created a memorable experience and strengthened brand loyalty.
4. Macy’s – ‘Believe’ Campaign
Macy’s annual "Believe" campaign, which encourages children to write letters to Santa, integrates direct mail by sending out special stationery and envelopes. The campaign's heartwarming message and the promise of donating to charity for each letter received made it memorable and impactful.
5. Apple - Holiday Gift Guide
Apple’s holiday gift guides, sent via direct mail, are known for their sleek design and carefully curated product selections. These guides not only highlight the latest gadgets but also include suggestions for different recipient types, making it easier for customers to find the perfect gifts.
6. Harry & David - Gourmet Food Catalogs
Harry & David’s holiday catalogs showcase their gourmet food offerings in a visually appealing way. These catalogs often feature beautiful photography, recipes and gift ideas, enticing recipients to order something for those on their holiday list.
7. WestJet - Christmas Miracle
WestJet’s “Christmas Miracle” campaign involved direct mail in the form of boarding passes and letters sent to customers, inviting them to participate in a special holiday flight. The surprise gifts and personalized touches during the flight created an unforgettable experience that was widely shared on social media.
8. Burberry - Festive Direct Mail
Burberry’s holiday direct mail campaigns often include luxurious elements such as high-quality paper, elegant design, and personalized messages. These mailings highlight their holiday collections and special offers, reinforcing their brand’s premium image.
9. Hallmark - Holiday Card Campaign
Hallmark’s holiday card campaigns encourage customers to send personal greetings. They often include sample cards and special offers on personalized cards, reminding recipients of the importance of sending authentic messages during the holiday season.
10. Sephora - Beauty Insider Holiday Mailer
Sephora’s Beauty Insider program sends out holiday mailers with exclusive discounts, product samples, and beauty tips. These personalized mailers make customers feel valued and excited about trying new products during the holiday season.
These campaigns succeeded by combining creativity, personalization, and a strong connection to the spirit of the season, making them memorable and effective in reaching their audiences and getting them to engage.
