John Lewis swaps cash for a ‘Gran Cave’ in Christmas ad 

John Lewis has enlisted Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and a talking toy dog for its 2026 Christmas advert, following a grandmother who abandons cash-filled envelopes to build her grandchildren a ‘Gran Cave’.

Created by Saatchi & Saatchi, the three-minute film tackles a familiar gifting dilemma: when you don’t know what someone wants, money feels like the safest bet.

Scott Thomas plays Gloria, whose grandchildren are distinctly underwhelmed by her childhood toy, Pickles.

But as she slips cash into their Christmas cards, the vintage pull-along dog springs to life. Voiced by Paul Whitehouse, he delivers a blunt verdict: “You can do better than cash”.

A shopping mission follows, with a colourful tuk-tuk ride providing the inspiration. Come Christmas morning, the envelopes are empty. Instead, Gloria reveals a room transformed with lights, disco balls and music: somewhere her grandchildren actually want to spend time with her.

Sam Fender soundtracks the film with a cover of The Rolling Stones’ ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’, featuring pupils from his old school and the Easington Colliery Band. John Lewis will donate its profits from physical record sales to Action for Children.

Directed by Lucy Forbes through Smuggler, with post-production by Selected Works, ‘Gloria and Pickles’ marks the retailer’s 20th Christmas advert.

Its “Don’t Give Up on Giving” message continues a year-round push for thoughtful presents, including its Father’s Day campaign with Tom Davis.

John Lewis marketing and loyalty director Rosie Hanley said: “I’ve definitely resorted to putting cash in an envelope for fear of getting it wrong.”

Saatchi & Saatchi chief creative officer Franki Goodwin added: “Finding the perfect balance between relatable family dynamics and proper magic gave us the opportunity to create this glorious celebration of giving.”

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