The holiday season is here, and if you’re in eCommerce, you know it’s time to go all-in on your Christmas ads. December is a unique month because everyone is on the lookout for gifts, whether it’s for family, friends, or the perfect little treat for themselves. Here are some of my favourite ad types to capture that festive shopping spirit and turn it into holiday sales.

Use “Shoppable” Ads to Create a Shopping Experience

One of the biggest tricks for holiday ads? Make it easy to shop right from the ad! Carousels and collection ads are perfect for this. With carousels, you can showcase a variety of products, giving customers a mini-shopping experience as they swipe through your items. Collection ads take it a step further by pulling them right into a more immersive shopping experience where they can browse without leaving their social feed.

And don’t forget to retarget! For those who engage with your ads but don’t make a purchase right away, set up retargeting ads to gently remind them of their interest. Sometimes all it takes is a quick nudge (like “Limited Stock!”) to help them hit ‘buy.’

Gift Guides Are a Life-Saver

Christmas shopping can be overwhelming—so why not create ads that double as gift guides? People love a good “Gift Ideas for Under $X” ad that helps them find the perfect present at a price they’re comfortable with. You can also create specific gift lists, like “Gifts for Him,” “Gifts for Her,” or even “Stocking Stuffers” to make your ads relevant and super helpful. It’s like giving a little personal shopper experience to your audience!

Run a “Buy One for Them, Get One Free” Promo

If there’s ever a time to give a little extra, it’s during the holidays. “Buy one, get one free” (BOGO) or “Buy one, get one 50% off” promos can be huge. Frame it as “Buy One for Them, Get One Free for You!” and you’ve got the perfect way to encourage shoppers to buy a gift for someone else (and maybe snag a little something for themselves too). It’s a win-win that brings in sales and lets your customers feel like they’re treating themselves.

Embrace the Christmas Spirit

Now is the time to have some fun! Don’t be afraid to add a bit of holiday cheer to your creatives. Christmas colours, seasonal graphics, a bit of sparkle, or even a hint of humor can go a long way. Ads that embrace the Christmas vibe make people feel the festive spirit and put them in the mood to shop. After all, the more fun you have with your ads, the more likely they are to make people stop and take notice!

Christmas is a golden opportunity to boost your sales and help your audience find exactly what they’re looking for. By using ad formats that encourage shopping, creating gift guides, offering BOGO promos, and getting into the festive spirit, you can make this holiday season your most successful yet.

Need help getting those Christmas campaigns just right? Book a Free Strategy Session with me, and let’s get festive!