In Bloom! Top Spring Holiday Ad Campaign Concepts

Easter (April 20)

This year, Easter falls much later in the year. That means you have more time to propose and build integrated campaigns to capture consumer spending.

In 2024, the National Retail Federation (NRF) forecast a total spend of $22.4 billion with an average of $177.06. This was down from 2023 numbers, with experts citing its early arrival as the cause.

In 2025, it will be later in April, which means you have more time to propose and build integrated campaigns to capture consumer spending.

Easter spending can include several different areas. Many people have long weekends during this celebration. They may travel, especially if they live near the beach. Retailers also launch Easter or spring sales. One type of advertiser you may not be thinking about is a convenience store. Propose some ads around stocking up on Easter candy and getting supplies for a road trip.

These ad types can run on any channel. For those promoting a getaway, you can recommend targeted display ads and SEM (search engine marketing) tactics. For convenience stores, radio ads are an excellent tactic.

Earth Day (April 22)

Started in 1970, Earth Day has graduated to higher visibility. More people are aware of the impact on the planet. The day is really about giving back, so advertisers should call out doing things like volunteering for community cleanup, planting trees or anything else that helps the planet heal.

These brand awareness campaigns matter because people expect brands to be socially responsible. An IBM study revealed that 57% of consumers are willing to change purchasing habits to reduce negative environmental impacts. Further, the research found that 40% of consumers are purpose driven and want to do business with companies with the same values.

If that’s part of your advertiser’s story, help them tell it with social media ads or OTT/CTV videos.

Cinco De Mayo (May 5)

Cinco De Mayo is often a caricature holiday even though it has high regard for those of Mexican heritage. In this environment, you should urge advertisers to create ads that promote the fun associated with the day as well as its deeper meaning. Many consumers will want to celebrate, so advertisers should tap into the demand. A great concept for them to consider is supporting or hosting a local cultural event to drive interest and sales around this holiday.

Talk to advertisers about an integrated campaign that uses social media, display ads and radio spots.

Mother’s Day (May 11)

Retailers, spas and restaurants often have Mother’s Day promotions. Everyone wants to remember mom on this special day. In 2024, U.S. consumers spent $33.5 billion on the holiday.

Some trends regarding what people are spending on include gifts that are unique and create memories. Gift givers also crave convenience in shopping and are cost conscious. Additionally, young consumers want to give a gift of experience for the holiday. The NRF defined the top gift categories as greeting cards, flowers and special outings.

With this in mind, you can bring together several local businesses to create bundles. That could be a spa day with flowers or custom cards and an event popular in your area. They could promote these via social media ads, radio spots, OTT/CTV and streaming audio.

Restaurants have special Mother’s Day brunches or lunches. Those advertisers should speak to celebrating moms and instruct listeners or watchers on making reservations. Not having a reservation system for big holidays can frustrate people, so make sure restaurants include this message in their advertising.

Memorial Day (May 26)

Memorial Day is another chance for a three-day weekend for many. Quick getaways to beaches or other destinations are popular. Targeted display ads and SEM are good digital techniques for advertisers looking to boost holiday travel spending.

Retailers and car dealerships often have Memorial Day promotions as well. For retailers, advise them to lean in on beach or travel must-haves before they go. Car dealerships can go the standard route of advertising their new inventory. Another option is ads about service specials before people hit the road.

Father’s Day (June 15)

The NRF expected a small drop in 2024 spending over 2023 for a total of $22.4 billion with an average of $189.91. While not at the same level as Mother’s Day, it’s still an essential holiday for retailers, restaurants and more.

The NRF named cards, clothing and special outings as the top gifts in 2024. It goes along with a general consumer sentiment theme of wanting to gift experiences versus stuff.

With this insight, you can make a case for advertisers that offer these goods to promote them heavily. Some concepts advertisers in the space could use include things like “gift dad this product for his new-found hobbies,” as that’s something relevant. To play into this theme, advise your customers to use social media, display ads, radio spots, and OTT/CTV.

Gifts don’t have to be unique; the advertising does. Pitch them something catchy that combines the fun of dads with their products.

Summer Break

Kids will soon be enjoying summer break. That means parents will be searching for activities and camps. There are lots of opportunities for advertisers.

The local YMCA may have new summer programs. Community libraries and nonprofits often have workshops. As long as parents know the program is safe and will bring their kids new experiences, they’ll be happy to hear about them.

For any organization with kid-friendly activities, go to them with ideas on how to get parents engaged, from catchy radio ads to videos that show programs from past years.