Beißen Gedanken: Thrifty Christmas Gifts Advert

The war of the Christmas adverts is always fierce and this year has been no exception.

Thus far there has been animated woodland creatures, a magical and celebrity-filled Wizard of Oz adventure and a moving glimpse into real households’ celebrations.

Now iconic department store Harvey Nichols have thrown their festive hat into the ring with a tongue-in-cheek advert urging shoppers not to spend money on gifts, but instead to treat themselves.

Harvey Nichols has made a tongue-in-cheek advert urging shoppers to spend money on themselves

The advert sees family members eagerly unwrapping gifts under the tree only to find that beneath the enticing paper lies not an expensive treasure but one of Harvey Nichols' ‘Sorry I Spent It On Myself’ gifts.

The 'Sorry, I Spent It On Myself' collection comprises a range of ‘Ultra Low Net Worth’ (ULNW) gifts for those customers who understand that a little something for their nearest and dearest means a bigger something for themselves.

'What is it?' 'It's a sink plug': The advert sees family members eagerly unwrapping gifts to find that beneath the paper lies not an expensive treasure but one of Harvey Nichols 'sorry I spent it on myself' gifts

The advert sees the little boys excitement as he unwraps his gift quickly dashed, before revealing his mother in a glamorous party dress

Non-Swiss Biro Pen, 81p

Christmas Lunch in a Tin (with most of the trimmings), £1.89

And we all know nothing quite says Merry Christmas like a packet of Authentic Lincolnshire Gravel, real wood toothpicks, or a sink plug (water resistant).

The full Harvey Nichols budget range, which will be available in stores and online from Wednesday 27 November also includes Christmas dinner in a can with nearly all the trimmings, £1.89, a genuine wire sponge, 96p, a non-Swiss biro pen, 81p, and of the elastic band gift set, £1.

The advert captures a series of self-indulgent individuals who understand the joys of gifting number one. After all, it’s the thought that counts……..isn’t it?

'I have two!' A grandma is ecstatic as she rattles her presents given to her by her grandson

The suspiciously well-dressed gift-giver appears to have spent rather more time and money on themselves

'It's paper clips...' Scene by scene we begin to discover that in each case the suspiciously well-dressed gift-giver appears to have spent rather more time and money on themselves

In one scene, surrounding the Christmas tree, it’s 'Alicia’s' turn to share the Christmas cheer; adorned in gold brocade trousers by Kenzo and a shiny new pair of Louboutin ‘Pigalle’ Leather Pumps, she nonchalantly presents her dad with… an elastic band gift set.

‘It’s their new collection…’ she murmurs in justification to the disapproving looks.

Scene by scene we begin to discover that in each case the suspiciously well-dressed gift-giver appears to have spent rather more time and money on themselves at Harvey Nichols, than on their loved ones.

A couple in bed exchange gifts. Lucy reaches into her stunning new Givenchy tote and hands over her gift. As Daniel excitedly unwraps the present, he slowly reveals… toothpicks! As Daniel’s eyes veer towards the deep emerald arm candy sitting next to her on the bed.

A couple in bed exchange gifts. Lucy reaches into her stunning new Givenchy tote and hands over her gift ... 'You love toothpicks!'

Metal Plated Paper Clips, 99p

Non-Swiss Biro Pen, 81p

'That's the name of the range!' a daughter explains to her father having gifted him 'I spent it on myself' elastic bands

Sink Plug (Water Resistant), £1.13

Toothpicks, (100% Wood), 47p

Julia Bowe, Group Press Marketing Director of Harvey Nichols, commented: ‘We wanted to have a bit of fun and remind people that they shouldn’t forget to spoil themselves this Christmas.

‘We hope that our new 'Sorry, I Spent It On Myself' Gift Collection will provide our fashion-loving customers with a tongue-in-cheek stocking-filler, and the perfect excuse to treat themselves to that must-have fashion item that they've been lusting after all year!

‘Christmas is, after all, about giving and receiving, even if it is from yourself.’