With students heading back-to-school, I am reminded of a hilarious back-to-school commercial that aired more than 10 years ago. At the time, it wasn’t so funny as I was still attending school, but now I can laugh and better appreciate why it’s such a great commercial.
Now I don’t have kids myself, so it doesn’t quite hit home in that regard, but it definitely reminds me of how depressing it was to end summer, and go back-to-school.
If you haven’t guessed by now, the commercial I am referencing is the 1996 Staples ad campaign, It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. It features an overly excited dad who is happy his kids are heading back to school for the new year. Even with getting brand new school supplies, the kids don’t seem to share in the same joy as their father. The interactions the kids have with their father in the Staples store is hilarious and you have to check it out.
The ad campaign was successful because it focused on the emotions often felt by parents and kids alike. The parents have spent all summer with the kids at home and are happy that they are getting out the house to go to school. Most kids aren’t that excited about school as it means a return to homework and studying, and less time having fun outside of the classroom.
This years global Pandemic has made this commercial all too real and a great throwback to start the school year. Parents have had to take on a lot more responsibility in regards to their children’s education. Kids have been staying at home all day, likely bugging their parents, who have virtual work obligations that the kids keep interrupting. With the health risks aside, it definitely makes sense why many parents would be happy to see their kids off-to-school this year.
I was particularly reminded of this commercial today as one of my nephews is heading back-to-school, so I found myself doing a quick Google search to relive this awesome commercial. I hope you enjoyed the commercial as much as I did.
For parents, don’t worry if this commercial brings you joy, you are not necessarily a bad parent. It just means that you are happy to have some time at home to yourself for a few hours each day and the start of the school year provides this opportunity.
What are some of your favorite back-to-school commercials? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Blog Notes: I will continue to add hilarious commercials to this blog post so be sure to check back often. I will also take your suggestions below and add them to this list as provided.
