KFC, “Sanders Little Helper” 

It’s Elf on the Shelf season, but KFC Canada has introduced its own version—Sanders’ Little Helper. The miniature Harland Sanders isn’t for sale, but can be won (along with a $150 KFC gift card) through a contest running on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Toys R Us, “I’m a Toys R Us Kid”

It was a tough year for the Toys R Us brand, with plenty of headlines about the U.S. business being shut down after 60 years. Except it wasn’t shut down in Canada. To remind toy-shopping parents of this, Toys R Us Canada Ltd. brought back the instantly familiar “I’m a Toys R Us kid” jingle for its Christmas campaign.

Burger King, “Whopper Detour”

Burger Kings keeps on punching away at McDonald’s. The latest? A mobile geo-fencing stunt promoting the BK app. Anyone with the app on their phone who gets within 600 feet of a McDonald’s store can order a Whopper from Burger King for just 1¢ before being “detoured” away from the Golden Arches to the nearest BK to pick up their burger.

BBC, “Wonderland” 

In the competitive world of British Christmas commercials, even the public broadcaster plays the game. This two-minute film for BBC One delivers an important reminder to viewers during the hectic Christmas season. “The message is simple; when you do manage to get some time with the ones you love, be sure to cherish it.”

Not new, but…..

Speaking of powerful British Christmas ads, this spot for Sainsbury’s was popular with Brits, but also generated dozens of complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority. If you haven’t heard why, take a look first and then read the reason why at the bottom of this post.

An ad to promote a documentary about organ donation has been banned in Australia. It’s easier to see why this one upset people, if we’re being honest. (Mumbrella)

(People expressed concern that kids may see “Plug Boy” in the Sainsburys ad and start playing with electrical sockets. As we said, powerful stuff.) -David Brown