A Holiday Look Back: The Dumbest Gift Ads Ever

From cigarettes to spark plugs, 8 bad ways to say 'I love you'

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.

If you’re reading this right now, there’s a good chance you’re still trying to find that perfect holiday gift. And if you’re a marketer, you’re probably also worried about how you’ve advertised that perfect holiday gift. Well, chill out. Those who’ve come before you have done much, much worse. In the spirit of giving, allow us to take you on a quick trip back through the decades for a peek at some of the worst gifts ever stuffed into a stocking—and the correspondingly bad advertisements that made people buy them.

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

To Read the Full Story Become an Adweek+ Subscriber

View Subscription Options

Already a member? Sign in