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35 Facts About Weird Thanksgiving Ads

Norine Lott

Written by Norine Lott

Modified & Updated: 07 Dec 2024

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Source: Hubpages.com

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and…weird ads? Yes, you read that right. Over the years, companies have rolled out some truly bizarre Thanksgiving advertisements that leave us scratching our heads. Why do brands create such odd Thanksgiving ads? The answer lies in grabbing attention. In a sea of traditional turkey and pumpkin pie commercials, a quirky ad can stand out and make a lasting impression. From dancing turkeys to talking yams, these ads aim to be memorable, even if they make you say, "What did I just watch?" Get ready to dive into the strange world of Thanksgiving marketing!

Key Takeaways:

  • Thanksgiving ads have been weird and wacky for decades, featuring talking turkeys, unexpected product pairings, and even celebrities in bizarre scenarios.
  • From animated oddities to space-themed ads, Thanksgiving commercials have taken some truly out-of-this-world approaches to promoting products and services.
Table of Contents
01Weird Thanksgiving Ads: A Quirky Tradition
02The Turkey That Could Talk
03Unusual Product Pairings
04Celebrity Cameos Gone Awry
05Bizarre Themes and Concepts
06Animated Oddities
07Food Fiascos
08Retro Ridiculousness
09Modern-Day Madness
10International Intrigue
11Social Media Shenanigans
12Unconventional Cooking Methods
13Thanksgiving in Space
14Odd Thanksgiving Ads: A Quirky Tradition

Weird Thanksgiving Ads: A Quirky Tradition

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and… bizarre advertisements? Over the years, companies have created some truly strange and memorable Thanksgiving ads. Let's dive into some of the most peculiar ones.

The Turkey That Could Talk

Some ads feature talking animals, but talking turkeys take it to another level.

  1. In 1973, Butterball ran an ad with a turkey that gave cooking tips. The turkey wore glasses and a chef's hat.
  2. Stove Top Stuffing once had a commercial where a turkey begged not to be stuffed, promoting their product as a better alternative.
  3. A 1990s ad for a local grocery store featured a turkey rapping about Thanksgiving deals.

Unusual Product Pairings

Thanksgiving ads sometimes promote products that seem out of place for the holiday.

  1. In 1985, a car dealership advertised a "Turkey Trade-In" event, where customers could trade their old cars for discounts on new ones.
  2. A 2001 ad for a plumbing company offered free turkey with every service call.
  3. A 2010 commercial for a tech company featured a family using their new gadgets to cook Thanksgiving dinner.

Celebrity Cameos Gone Awry

Celebrities often appear in ads, but sometimes their appearances are downright strange.

  1. In 1995, Bob Dylan appeared in a Thanksgiving ad for a local bakery, singing about pumpkin pie.
  2. A 2005 ad featured William Shatner deep-frying a turkey while reciting lines from "Star Trek."
  3. In 2012, Betty White starred in a commercial for a furniture store, where she played a turkey trying to escape the dinner table.

Bizarre Themes and Concepts

Some ads take a completely unexpected approach to Thanksgiving.

  1. A 1980s ad for a department store featured a Thanksgiving parade with giant inflatable vegetables.
  2. In 1998, a fast-food chain ran a commercial where pilgrims and Native Americans had a dance-off.
  3. A 2015 ad for a clothing brand showed a family having Thanksgiving dinner underwater.

Animated Oddities

Animation allows for some truly outlandish Thanksgiving ads.

  1. In 1977, an animated ad for a cereal brand featured a turkey and a pilgrim racing to catch the last box.
  2. A 1992 commercial for a toy company showed toys coming to life and preparing a Thanksgiving feast.
  3. In 2008, an ad for a pet food company had animated pets celebrating Thanksgiving with their own mini-feast.

Food Fiascos

Food is central to Thanksgiving, but some ads take it to strange places.

  1. A 1983 ad for a cranberry sauce brand showed cranberries being harvested by aliens.
  2. In 1994, a pie company ran a commercial where pies were used as currency in a Thanksgiving-themed town.
  3. A 2007 ad for a gravy brand featured a family using gravy as a beverage.

Retro Ridiculousness

Older ads often have a charm of their own, but some are just plain weird.

  1. A 1950s ad for a refrigerator brand showed a turkey being stored in a fridge that doubled as a time machine.
  2. In 1962, a soda company ran a commercial where pilgrims toasted with their product instead of wine.
  3. A 1970s ad for a vacuum cleaner brand featured a turkey cleaning up after Thanksgiving dinner.

Modern-Day Madness

Even recent ads can be surprisingly strange.

  1. In 2016, a smartphone company ran a commercial where a turkey used their product to take selfies.
  2. A 2018 ad for a streaming service showed a family binge-watching Thanksgiving-themed horror movies.
  3. In 2020, a fitness brand featured a turkey doing yoga in their Thanksgiving ad.

International Intrigue

Thanksgiving is primarily an American holiday, but some international ads have taken a crack at it.

  1. A 1999 ad in Canada featured a moose joining a family for Thanksgiving dinner.
  2. In 2003, a British ad for a travel company showed a family celebrating Thanksgiving on a tropical island.
  3. A 2011 Australian ad for a kitchen appliance brand had kangaroos preparing a Thanksgiving feast.

Social Media Shenanigans

Social media has given rise to some truly bizarre Thanksgiving ads.

  1. In 2014, a viral ad featured a turkey live-tweeting its escape from a farm.
  2. A 2017 Instagram campaign by a clothing brand showed models dressed as Thanksgiving dishes.
  3. In 2019, a TikTok ad for a snack brand had users creating Thanksgiving-themed dance challenges.

Unconventional Cooking Methods

Some ads promote unusual ways to cook Thanksgiving dinner.

  1. A 1988 ad for a microwave brand showed a full Thanksgiving dinner being cooked in under an hour.
  2. In 2002, a grill company ran a commercial where a family barbecued their entire Thanksgiving meal.
  3. A 2013 ad for a slow cooker brand featured a turkey being cooked over several days.

Thanksgiving in Space

Space-themed ads bring a whole new level of weirdness to Thanksgiving.

  1. A 1979 ad for a sci-fi movie showed astronauts celebrating Thanksgiving in space.
  2. In 1996, a toy company ran a commercial where action figures had a Thanksgiving feast on a spaceship.

Odd Thanksgiving Ads: A Quirky Tradition

Thanksgiving ads have always been a bit quirky. From bizarre turkey costumes to strange food pairings, these ads never fail to grab attention. They reflect the creativity and humor that brands use to stand out during the holiday season. While some might find them odd, others appreciate the unique charm they bring to the festivities. These ads often become memorable talking points, adding a fun twist to Thanksgiving traditions. Whether you love or hate them, weird Thanksgiving ads are here to stay. They remind us that even in the most traditional holidays, there's always room for a bit of whimsy and laughter. So next time you see a turkey dancing in a commercial, just remember—it's all part of the fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do companies make weird Thanksgiving ads?
Well, companies often aim to stand out in the bustling holiday market. Weird ads grab attention, sparking conversations and sometimes even going viral. This approach can make a brand more memorable during a season flooded with traditional messages of gratitude and sales pitches.
What's the deal with using humor in Thanksgiving ads?
Humor makes ads more engaging and relatable. When folks see a funny Thanksgiving ad, they're more likely to share it with friends and family, increasing the ad's reach. Plus, laughter creates positive associations with the brand, making consumers more inclined to buy.
Can weird ads backfire on companies?
Absolutely! While aiming for quirky and memorable, some ads miss the mark and end up offending viewers or just confusing them. It's a fine line between cleverly weird and just plain off-putting. Companies take a gamble when they decide to go off the beaten path with their advertising.
How do companies measure the success of their Thanksgiving ads?
Success can be measured in several ways, like increases in sales, website traffic, and social media engagement. Brands also look at how widely their ads are shared and the overall buzz created. Sometimes, even negative attention can be considered a win if it gets people talking.
Are there any famous examples of weird Thanksgiving ads?
Sure thing! Over the years, there have been plenty of eyebrow-raising ads. From talking turkeys pleading for their lives to mashed potato baths, brands have pushed the envelope in hopes of making a lasting impression. These ads often become the talk of the season, for better or worse.
Do weird ads actually increase sales?
They can, but it's not guaranteed. A weird ad that resonates with viewers and goes viral can lead to a significant boost in sales. However, if the ad misses the mark or alienates the audience, it could have the opposite effect. It's all about striking the right balance.
What should companies consider before creating a weird Thanksgiving ad?
Companies should think about their audience's values and sense of humor. They also need to consider the timing and context of the ad to avoid insensitivity. Most importantly, the ad should align with the brand's identity; otherwise, it might confuse customers more than it entertains them.

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