It's officially that time of year again. The John Lewis Christmas advert has arrived, and this year's festive film is a sweet reminder that, when it comes to Christmas presents, it's the thought that really counts.
Titled 'Gloria and Pickles', the advert stars Dame Kristin Scott Thomas as Gloria, a grandmother who is preparing to welcome her family for Christmas. When her grandchildren Freddie and Maggie arrive, she digs out her old childhood toys to entertain them, including Pickles, a vintage Little Snoopy pull-along dog. You might remember him?
Fisher-Price Classics Little Snoopy Pull-Along Toy
But when the children quickly lose interest, Gloria starts to worry that she doesn't really know what they want for Christmas. So, in a move many grandparents will recognise, she puts cash inside their Christmas cards rather than risk getting their presents wrong.
That's when Pickles springs to life, voiced by Paul Whitehouse, and tells her: "You can do better than cash." The pair head off on a magical last-minute shopping trip through London, which ultimately inspires Gloria to create something much more personal.
On Christmas morning, Freddie and Maggie open their cards expecting money, only to find them empty. Instead, Gloria hands them a key to her home office, which she has transformed into the wonderfully named 'Gran Cave' – a magical space filled with sparkling lights, disco balls and music where they can spend time together.
It's a lovely, nostalgic advert that gently pulls at the heartstrings without feeling overly sentimental. There's something particularly sweet about seeing Gloria reconnect with her grandchildren through something she's created for them, rather than simply handing over an expensive present or plain old cash. The vintage Pickles toy adds another layer of nostalgia, while the main message in the ad – "Don't give up on giving" – feels like a gentle reminder that thoughtful gifting doesn't have to mean finding the perfect thing. 💖
And, of course, there are plenty of John Lewis products to spot throughout the advert...
Shop Kristin Scott Thomas's look from the John Lewis Christmas ad 2026:
