“School bells are ringing, loud and clear; Vacation’s over, school is here.” ― Winifred C. Marshall
With the last days of summer fading away, back-to-school mayhem is in full swing. For many of us, the season is not complete without the memorable, and often heartwarming, commercials that flood our television screens, capturing the back-to-school season like nothing else. Therefore, it’s time to take a look at some of the best back-to-school commercials that make the end of the summer feel a little less daunting. So pack a lunch, grab your backpack, and settle in as we look back on some of the best back-to-school commercials that show just how brilliant advertisements can be.
Staples 1996: ‘Most Wonderful Time of the Year’
Just as the song states, it truly is the most wonderful time of year, well for parents anyway. This 1996 Staples commercial showcases a dad joyfully back-to-school shopping for his two annoyed children. What makes this commercial so clever is the use of color, humor, dialogue, and song. Pretty much everything about this commercial makes it difficult to not like and even more difficult to not get excited for the endless back-to-school commercials.
Staples 2004: ‘Schools Out’
They did it again! In this timeless 2004 commercial, rock legend Alice Cooper is portraying a father taking his daughter back to school shopping at none other than Staples. This ad is not only amusing to watch as Cooper casually shops in his rockstar ‘get-up’, but it’s also equally hilarious to see his TV daughter point out the inaccuracy of his own lyrics. The ad is closed with his famous song ‘Schools Out’ playing at the end. People love watching their favorite celebrities or public figures contribute to fun and quirky roles. Incorporating them into ads makes them more enjoyable for the audience to watch.
Walmart 2009: ‘College Girl Dorm’
Of course, not all commercials can be funny, so including a heartfelt one only seemed right. This Walmart back-to-school commercial focuses on the struggle parents face when sending their kids off to college, while also promoting products in an emotional way. In this specific ad, a mother is helping transform her daughters dorm room into something a little more appealing and liveable. Right before the mother leaves campus, her daughter runs out giving her mom one last goodbye hug. This tear jerking commercial touches the hearts of all parents sending their child off to school, making this one of the best.
Target 2011: ‘Music Teacher Denim’
Everyone loves a good jingle, so what better time to incorporate one? In this Target commercial, actor, comedian, and filmmaker, Ben Falcone takes on the role of a music teacher who appears to be making a video to inform parents on things their kid will need this school year. In this humorous and catchy advertisement, Falcone sells all the items that Target has to make your child’s school year extra denim!
Old Navy 2015: ‘First Day of School’
Nothing is more embarrassing than when your parents cause you embarrassment, amiright? In this 2015 Old Navy commercial, actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus acts as a mother who is dropping her son off in clothes that make him “look like [a] lawyer”, while other students are walking around in Old Navy clothing that make them “look cool”. The humor this commercial holds makes this ad enjoyable to watch, as well as relatable to kids whose parents may not always know how to be ‘chill’.
Walmart 2017: ‘Here We Go Again’
Using popular songs is an excellent way to get the audience’s attention. This back-to-school Walmart ad features kids singing the song “Here I Go Again”, by Whitesnake’s. This may not be the comedic advertisement that many people tend to love, but this ad is relatable and heartwarming. It starts with the end of the summer sadness, and closes with the first day of school excitement!
Amazon 2023: ‘Spend Less on Your Kids’
One way to get people’s attention is money, everyone is interested in saving. That’s why in this Amazon ad from last school year, actor Randal Park does an amazing job at mixing comedy, money, and truth into an excellent ad talking about Amazon’s low prices. Adding a familiar face to any advertisement is something that will keep the audience watching. This ad is funny, upbeat, and vibrant, making it the perfect back-to-school ad, and adding it to this list.
DoorDash 2023: ‘Don’t Go Back’
Unlike other commercials, this one features parents that are not excited about the end of summer. This comedic DoorDash ad is fun and lively while mocking what a traditional school commercial may look like. The easy and unique service DoorDash offers is well displayed during this commercial. Back-to-school shopping should be stress free, and this commercial proves that it can be!
The annual back-to-school season brings not just the anticipation of new beginnings but also a flood of memorable commercials. From the humorous stunts of parents navigating shopping trips to heartfelt scenes of families preparing for dorm life, these advertisements remind us of the experiences and emotions tied to education. Whether it’s the clever use of humor, touching moments, or catchy jingles, each commercial demonstrates the power of advertising to resonate deeply with its audience, and the importance of why the inclusion of these components are important and successful. As summer fades and school bells ring, these ads not only sell products but they also induce nostalgia, laughter, and a sense of shared excitement for the school year ahead. I think it’s safe to say that these ads get an A+!
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