The Greatest Gift
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The story
Why it stays with you
A stop-motion musical about a hard-working father buried in seasonal chores, who hits on a way to give his family the thing they want most: his time.
An original song written for the advert carries the story, and the stop-frame puppets give it the feel of a short film rather than a commercial.
First shown 14 November 2016. Video availability may change.
The song behind the story
The Greatest Gift For Christmas Is Me
Performed by James Corden.
Written for the advert
Written by Bret McKenzie.
External music services. Account or subscription requirements may apply.
Behind the advert
Agency
AMV BBDO
Director
Sam Fell
Production company
Passion Pictures
Credits & sources
- Brand
- Sainsbury's
- Year
- 2016
- Cut
- Full film
- Running time
- 3 min 35
- Shown
- Online and television
- Territory
- UK
- First shown
- 14 November 2016
- Agency
- AMV BBDO
- Director
- Sam Fell
- Production company
- Passion Pictures
- Sainsbury's, official YouTube upload (opens in a new tab) · checked 27 September 2026
- Marketing Week, launch coverage (November 2016) (opens in a new tab) · checked 27 September 2026
- Passion Animation Studios, project page (opens in a new tab) · checked 27 September 2026
Record updated 28 September 2026.