Free toast giveaways, VR headsets that come in cereal boxes and gourmet pie tastings are just a few of the top October 2015 interactive ideas for marketing. Quirky ideas like these and more seek to catch a consumer's attention in the most ridiculous ways in person, creating the potential for a viral campaign online.
As many of these successful campaigns prove, a big advertising budget is not always necessary. In London, interactive cigarette receptacles were set up, which did the double duty of having the public vote for the best sports players, while also cleaning up the city streets.
In the spirit of Halloween, dozens of spooky promotions are beginning to appear, but none quite as creepy as the one from the Coolstuff website this year —the web retailer is giving people the chance to have their order shipped and delivered in a custom life-sized coffin.
Top 70 Interactive Trends in October
70
3D Chocolate Printing Machines
Hershey's CocoJet Prints Unique 3D Designs Like Life-Like Figurines
69
Interactive Litter Bins
This London Litter Campaign Uses Fun Games to Recycle Cigarettes and Gum
68
Gamified Recycling Programs
This Initiative Aims to Encourage Recycling During the Rugby World Cup
67
Morbid Delivery Coffins
Coolstuff.com Will Deliver Your Order in a Life-Sized Custom Coffin
66
Code-Scanning Chat Apps
The Kik App Now Allows Users to Scan QR Codes to Connect to Brands
65
Pop-Up Shoe Stores
This Mobile Shop Lets Customers Experiment with High-Tech Footwear
64
Rejuvenating Holiday Pop-Ups
This RBC Avion Shop Rewards Customers for the Holidays
63
Interactive HIV Ads
This Innovative Ad Encourages Patient Engagement Via Social Media
62
Workout-Bartered Subway Fare
Mexico City is Offering Free Subway Rides in Exchange for Squats
61
Men-Only Fashion Sites
The Hermes Men Site Features Playful Distractions for the Modern Man
60
Heart Attack Simulators
The British Heart Foundation's Medical Simulator Sparks Emotional Pain
59
Pirate-Inspired Donuts
This Campaign Celebrates International Talk Like a Pirate Day
58
Digitized Wine Displays
This Merchandising Project by PERCH Interactive is Powered by Technology
57
Homey Display Windows
Chando’s Retail Window Display Recreates a Stylish Woman's Apartment
56
Credit-Replacing Cars
This Connected Car Lets Drivers Pay for Gas Through Their Car's Dashboard
55
Professional Headshot Tours
LinkedIn is Touring the US to Give Profile Advice and Headshots
54
Interactive Outerwear Shops
This Store Helps Customers Plan Their Next Outdoor Adventure
53
Celebratory Coffee Giveaways
Krispy Kreme is Handing Out Free Goodies for National Coffee Day
52
Cereal-Rewarding Competitions
Kellogg's Launched the #UtterCrunchyNutter to Find its Nuttiest Fans
51
Snack Bar Billboards
The 'Find Your Fave' Campain Encourages the Public to Have a Free Sample
50
Brand Unity Burgers
Burger King Enlisted the Help of Other Restaurants for a Peace Day Burger
49
Interactive Retirement Commercials
This Retirement Ad Lets Viewers See Potential Futures for 2045
48
Fast-Food Reservation Platforms
Mcdonald's Locations in Sweden are Testing Online Reservations
47
Quirky Denim Matchmakers
G-Star Raw's Tinder-Style Web Tool Makes Shopping for Perfect Denim Easy
46
Multi-Sensory Gin Tastings
Bombay Sapphire's 'Gin Journey' Awakens All of a Fan's Senses
45
Padded Bakery Pop-Ups
Belvita's 'Soft Bakes Bakery' Pop-Up Doles Out Free Product Samples
44
360-Degree News Feeds
Facebook and Oculus Rift are Teaming up to Create 360-Degree Videos
43
Denim-Lending Shops
After a '1 Night Stand' American Eagle Lets Consumers Keep or Return Jeans
42
Traveling Pop-Up Theaters
The Adult Swim Pop-Up Drive-In Theater is Touring Across the Country
41
Motorized DJ Booths
Spotify is Touring UK Universities with a Bright DJ Booth on Wheels
40
Lyrical Toast Giveaways
MOOV's 'Lyric Toast Van' Gives Away Free Product Trials and Toast
39
Interactive Automotive Shops
This Store Helps Consumers Understand How to Care for an Electric Car
38
Shareable Livestream Apps
'Periscope' Added Screenshot-Sharing to Further Promote User Broadcasts
37
Gourmet Pie Tastings
This Event Allows Guests to Sample Decadent Desserts and Homemade Ice Cream
36
Crowdsourced Beer Campaigns
Carlsberg Celebrates Sustainability with 'Cheers to Green' Initiative
35
Handshake-Analyzing Apps
This Advertising Week App Helps Users Achieve the Perfect Handshake
34
Fact-Based TV Show Advertorials
Netflix and the Wall Street Journal Team up to Promote 'Narcos'
33
Chocolate-Sharing Cyclists
Cadbury's Quirky Musical Cyclists Dole Out Free Chocolates in London
32
VR Cereal Boxes
Nutri-Grain's BOLT Cereal Box Lets People Experience Virtual Reality
31
Kid-Run Banks
Record Bank's Financial Campaign Has Young Kids Run Its Bank for a Day
30
Kids Financial Literacy Games
'Learning Money with Leo' by RBC Aims to Educate Kids on Money
29
Musical Invitation Machines
This Karaoke Machine Invites People Who Sing to 'Rock in Rio'
28
Streaming Service Festivals
The Netflix Festival Will Have 15 Genre-Specific Screens
27
Food-Enhancing Visuals
Get a Taste for Stella Artois' Sensorium, an Innovative Dining Event
26
Face-Mimicking Billboards
The 'Coke-Moji' Uses Facial Recognition Software to Copy Your Expression
25
Boozy Social Media Incentives
The D1 London Gin Brand is Exchanging Cocktails for Instagram Images
24
Charitable Pedicure Promotions
Oasis' Flip-Flop Promotion Pairs Shoe Purchases with Free Pedicures
23
Live Care Campaigns
'Messages of Care' by Kleenex Shares Kind Thoughts in Real-Time
22
Coffee Search Apps
The 'Time to Coffee' App Speeds Up the Hunt for Coffee in New York City
21
Car-Appraising Trucks
Kagulu's 'Price Scanner' Provides Mobile Car Valuation Services
20
Rhetorical Massage Ads
This Advertisement Cleverly Uses a Quiz See if You Should Pamper Yourself
19
Social Downtime Campaigns
KFC's In-Store Promotion Provides Free Meals when Social Media is Down
18
Humanized Fitness Ads
GoodLife's 'The Struggle is Real' Campaign Uses Real People's Tweets
17
Motorcycle Customization Apps
'Yamaha My Garage' Lets Users Build a Custom Motorcycle Virtually
16
Family-Bonding Food Commercials
IKEA's 'Together We Eat' Campaign Wants to Get to Know Your Family
15
Inclusive Soda Giveaways
Coca-Cola Brought its 'Share a Coke' Campaign to Remote Native Areas
14
Branded Beauty Pops-Ups
LFW Attendees Can Now Get Styled to Try Out Runway Looks
13
Virtual Reality Orchestras
LA Phil's 'VAN Beethoven' Experience Visualizes Classical Music
12
Holographic Snack Displays
These Digital Advertisements are Designed to Make Brand Names Stand Out
11
Ephemeral Alzheimer's Ads
This Alzheimer's Day Campaign Simulates Lost Memories with Snapchat
10
Locally Curated Tours
The Airbnb New York City Map is Created and Guided by Local Hosts
9
Experiential Brew Contests
Hooch's Drinking Campaign Urges Consumers to Hunt for an "H"
8
Couture Music Channels
Burberry's Apple Music Channel Fuses Fashion and Technology
7
Deathly Wearable Campaigns
The Mount Pleasant Group's Funeral Home Ad Mocks Wearable Devices
6
Heroic Caregiver Campaigns
CAN's Health Awareness Campaign Champions Caregivers
5
Virtual Reality Baseball Commercials
Gatorade Puts Fans in the Shoes of Bryce Harper
4
Vintage Fast Food Wines
Spain Celebrates Burger King's 40th Anniversary with 'Whopper Wine'
3
Mysterious Drive-Thru Stunts
Mcdonald's 'Good Times' Campaign Films Unknowing Restaurant Visitors
2
Flying Car Campaigns
Cadillac Airlifts Its Newest Car for a Surprise Product Launch
1
Heartening Donation Campaigns
NHS Blood and Transplant Uses Stories to Encourage Blood Donations
Related Ideas
Nostalgia-Driven Cereal Promotions
Kellogg’s Toy Story 5 Cereal Boxes Reintroduce In-Pack Toys
Tarot-Inspired Streaming Campaigns
Netflix Discover Your Future Reveals New Streaming Potentials
Playful Student-Targeted Interactive Pop-Ups
Uber One Hits Campuses with ‘The One Arcade'
Newsstand-Style Pop-Up Series
Uber Eats x ALDI Celebrated Their Partnership with 'The Daily Feed'
Curated Halloween-Inspired Japanese Snacks
TokyoTreat is Boasting Japanese Snacks for Halloween
Anti-AI Beer Billboards
Heineken's Latest Ads Poke Fun at AI Friendship Devices
Halloween-Themed Flower Bouquets
Bouqs’ Spooky Collection Brings Halloween Charm to Floral Design
Interactive Fashion Horror Games
The Room by Gentle Monster Reimagines Brand Storytelling
Early Autumnal Chocolate Products
These Mars Chocolate Products are Arriving for Summerween
AR-Powered Vending Machines
Snapchat and L’Oréal Made a Gamified Lens to Share Refillable Haircare
Spooky Dating-Inspired Candies
Sweethearts Launched Ghosted Sweethearts for Halloween
Romantically Playful QSR Menus
Dunkin’ Drops a Valentine’s Day Lineup
Family-Friendly Halloween Essentials
Oriental Trading Creative Decor Options
Whimsical Halloween Drinkware
Starbucks Unveils its 2025 Halloween Drinkware Collection
Nutrition-Forward Treat Shop Pop-Ups
Bloom Nutrition Hosted the Very Successful Treat Shoppe
Show-Inspired QSR Menus
The Stranger Things Meals Campaign Introduces Two Parallel Food Options
Authentic Connection Campaigns
Heineken's Hijack Socialization Encourages Out-of-Home Gatherings
Subtly Spooky Halloween Decor
The Target 2025 Halloween Collection Debuted Ahead of Summer
Faux Food Pop-Ups
MoMA Design Store Unveils an Immersive 'MoMA Mart' Pop-Up for NYC
Halloween Essentials Campaigns
IKEA Turns Home Essentials into Shields for Scary-Movie Nights
Themed Snack Collectibles
Kinder Joy Evolves its Treat-And-Toy Format with Themed Collections
Interactive Advertising Installations
Intimissimi's 'Feel the Billboard' Uses Tactile Advertising
Immersive K-Beauty Pop-Ups
TIRTIR Brings Jeju Matcha Skincare to NYC with a Sensory Experience
Multisensory Gourmand Pop-Ups
Lush's Café Gourmand Pop-Up Immerses Visitors in Cozy Scents
Interactive Toy Experiences
Spin Master Highlights Opportunities in the Toy Sector in 2026
Gamified Condiment Experiences
HEINZ’s Ketchup Blast Turns Meals Interactive
Interactive AR Avocado Scans
Chipotle Launches its 'AvoLotto Lens' on Snapchat
Spooky QSR-Branded Merchandise Lines
Tim Hortons Debuts New Halloween-Themed Seasonal Merchandise
Dynamic Basketball-Informed Marketing Campaigns
March Madness' New Campaign Features NCAA Athletes
Festive Snack Packaging Designs
Kellanova Debuts Its Seasonal Assortment of Snacks
Halloween-Celebrating QSR Menus
The Burger King Monster Menu Doubles Down on Halloween Themes
Brighton Retail Launch Ads
IKEA Brighton Uses Seagull Splatter Campaign to Win Local Attention
Real-Food Entrée Giveaways
The Chipotle Realest 30 Will Share a Text-to-Claim Code on Game Day
THC-Infused RTD Launch Events
TeaPot Hosted a New Beverages Launch Event in Toronto on 4/20
Takeout-Style Serum Sets
Glow Hub’s Skin Sips to Go are Packaged Like Cups in a Carrier
Coffee-Inspired Alarms
Dunkin’ x Hatch Created a Unique, Multisensory Wake-Up Experience
Experiential Student Activations
Just Eat's Hey U Up Campaign Coincides with Freshers’ Week
Decluttered Ad Campaigns
IKEA Unpackaged Goods Organizes Branded Products into Storage Containers
Spellbinding Collectible Plushies
Jellycat Introduces its 2025 Halloween Plushies
Experiential Marketing Campaigns
MIKE AND IKE, HOT TAMALES, and Marvel Team Up for Campus Tour
Cheeky Baking Apparel
Betty Crocker Turns Cake Mix Nostalgia Into Wearable Merchandise
Valentine's Coffee Promotions
Ziggi's Coffee Launches Ten-Day Rewards Campaign
Interactive Treat Campaigns
DQ Canada Launches its Loyalty-Based 'Falling Treats' Campaign
Digital Halloween Games
Google Celebrates Pac-Man’s 45th Anniversary with a Spooky Maze Doodle
Sensory ASMR-Style Toys
Incredible Group's Squishi Toys Appeal to Gen Z Consumers
Nostalgic Sports-Focused Grocery Campaigns
Instacart Debuts a Campaign in Kansas City
Munchies-Themed Snack Cake Activatoins
The Hostess Munchie Mobile is Launching for 4/20
Imaginative Fantasy-Inspired Campaigns
Canva Spotlights its Creative Tools Ahead of Halloween
Timely Delivery-Centric Billboards
Pizza Pizza Creates a Truck-Side Billboard Inspired by the LRT
Chocolate Chip Cookie-Inspired Billboards
Tate's Bake Shop Debuts an Ambitious Marketing Campaign
Halloween Candy-Inspired Donuts
The Krispy Kreme Trick or Treat! Collection Has Four New Products
Cookie-Themed Wearable Beanbags
Domino's Cosy Cookie Helps Wearers Stay Warm While Lounging
Festive Convenient Store Offerings
7-Eleven Gears Up for the Holidays with Food, Beverages & More
Collab Kitchen Tools Collections
Stranger Things x Williams Sonoma drops Hawkins-themed Tools
Comprehensive Fast Food Reports
Yum! Brands, Inc. Explores Food Trends Influencing the Industry
Coffee Kindess Initiatives
Cambio Roasters Launches Random Act of Kindness Week Campaign
Interactive Juice Boxes
Suntop's Mega Back to School Campaign Integrates Connected Packaging
Pick-Your-Own Bouquet Billboards
5,000 Tesco Mother’s Day Tulips Formed an Interactive Display
Easter Hunt-Themed Baking Kits
The Betty Crocker Easter Egg Hunt Cupcake Kit is Arriving in the UK
Immersive Cereal Cities
Kellogg's Town Welcomes Virtual Visitors in a Breakfast World
Burger Ad Campaigns
Burger King’s New Campaign Suggests Even Babies Can’t Resist the Whopper
Symbolic Pop-Up Wellness Experiences
Hone Health Hosts Death of Midlife Pop-Up
Experiential Grocery Campaigns
No Name launches a multi-city grocery goss campaign
Limited-Edition Regional-Specific Snack Boxes
Tokyotreat Presents the Harajuku Snackventure Box
Lyrics-Inspired OOH Campaigns
Taskrabbit Interprets Pop Culture Songs for Summer Home Tasks
Halloween Pretzel Buckets
Auntie Anne’s Introduced its 'Twist or Treat' Halloween Buckets
Anti-Algorithm Social Platforms
Buzzfeed’s Branch Office Creates Interactive AI-Powered Apps
Limited-Edition Halloween Treats
Kellanova Brands Debut Exclusive Treats for Halloween
Coordinated Convenience-Focused Promotional Campaigns
7-Eleven Runs Promotions for Two Events
Sci-Fi Arcade Pop-Ups
The Chips Ahoy! Cookie x Stranger Things Claw Machine Treats Winning Fans
Throwback Grocery Campaigns
Economic Nostalgia Inspired Instacart's Summer Like It’s ‘99
Curated Discovery Stores
The Shelf Spotlights Emerging Food, Drink and Wellness Brands
Drink Coaster Phone Cases
The Ultimate Signal-Free Party by Captain Morgan Encourages Presence
No-Nonsense Frozen Snack Campaigns
Yasso's Foolproof Freezer Challenges April Fool's Day Pranks
Nostalgic Video Rental Pop-Ups
KitKat is Bringing Back Blockbuster to Help Fans "Break Better"
Ghost-Themed Snack Products
These General Mills Halloween Products Come in Three Options
Fan-Favorite QSR Trivia Games
Chipotle IQ 2025 Ran for Two Weeks with More Prizes Than Ever
Creative Eerie-Themed Soccer Campaigns
Nike Football Reimagines Soccer with 'Scary Good'
Vibrant Cafeteria-Inspired Campaigns
Lunchtime Becomes a Joyous Time in 'The Lunchables Effect'
Cut-Out Easter Treat Disguises
Cadbury Created Print Ads That Hide Easter Eggs as Everyday Items
Halloween-Themed Drink Carriers
The Target x Stanley Halloween Range is Darkly Stylish
Shoppable Recipe Collaborations
ALDI and Digitas Launch ALDIfy to Deliver Trendy Shoppable Recipes
Halloween Season Cider Campaigns
The Strongbow Spine-Chilling Refreshment Campaign is Playful
Product-Inspired Halloween Looks
Aldi and EllaDoesFX Created a Look Inspired by Professor Peppy
Bartering-Focused Frozen Pizza Promotions
RED BARON® Launches the Stuff for Stuffed Campaign
Senior Creative Teams
Tosti Creative Put Out a Call for Senior Creatives Aged 70 and Older
Gourmet Autumnal Menus
Paris Baguette Unveiled its 2025 Fall Menu Featuring Pumpkin and Biscoff
Video-First Food Ordering Experiences
CookUnity Acquired flavrs to Enhance Its Meal Service
Audio Experience-Integrated Beverage Packaging
TapTunes, Inc. Has Introduced Virtual Wax
Tasty Easter Activation Campaigns
The Mars Wrigley The Big Easter Bunny Off is Ready for Spring
Mexican Cuisine Halloween Promotions
The Chipotle Chip-or-Treat Promotion Offers Free Rewards
Customized Restaurant Campaign Platforms
OpenTable Has Launched OpenTable Media
Collectible Halloween-Themed QSR Toys
The Burger King Scooby-Doo Toys Come in Six Styles
Engaging Isolation-Combatting Pop-Ups
LEGO Group Debuts the Interactive Le Florist Flower Truck
Game-Inspired Energy Drink Campaigns
Monster Energy Piggybacks on the New Call of Duty Release
Summerween-Themed Retail Ranges
These ALDI Summerween Products Embrace Warm Weather Autumn Vibes
Personalized Cake Pitch Campaigns
The Daymaker Startup Sends AI-Crafted Cake Pitches
Spooky Patisserie Dessert Menus
The Paris Baguette Halloween Menu is Spooky and Delicious
Post-Game Breakfast Campaigns
McDonald's Flipped Its Ads Sideways for Super Bowl Recovery
Branded App Takeovers
TikTok Introduces Logo Takeover Ads That Dominate the App’s Opening Screen
Undead Energy Drink Refreshments
Scooter's Coffee Zombie Apocalypse Red Bull Infusion is Fruity
Deeply Discounted TV Deals
Liquid Death Added a $1 TV to Its Online Store for Black Friday
Birthday Cupcake Promos
Edible Celebrates Its New Limited-Edition Cupcake Line With Free Treats
Interactive Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Campaigns
The Latest Flipz Up Your Game Day Iteration is Out
Fall-Themed Cake Menus
The Nothing Bundt Cakes Cheers to Autumn Collection is Cozy
Playful Interactive Donut Contests
Tim Hortons Debuts the Battle of the Donuts in Canada
AI Sports Viewing Companions
Pizza Hut Debuted 'Hutty,' an AI Companion for March Madness
Interactive Game Advertisements
Samsung Ads GameBreaks Encourage Deeper Engagement
Halloween-Themed Qsr Menus
Burger King Reveals a Monster Menu with Vampire Nuggets and Mummy Fries
Candy Delivery Campaigns
SKITTLES® Partners with Elijah Wood for a Game Day Spot
Global Product Launch Events
Uber Unveils a New Go-Get Exhibit Featuring Interactive Vignettes
Ghost Show-Themed Coffees
Pop Culture Coffee Unveils a New Ghostbusters Collaboration
Festival-Themed Retail Snack Campaigns
Kellanova Announced Flavour Fest ’25 in the UK
Foodie-Themed Singles Events
Knorr and Eventbrite are Connecting Singles in and Out of the Kitchen
Whimsical Desk Rituals
Starbucks Created a Small, Celebratory Post-CNY Activation
Humorous Furniture Brand Campaigns
Coddle Launches the ‘Cushiest Internship in America’
Celebrity-Signed Rolling Trays
SWED.com Leverages Snoop Dogg's Cultural Influence
Seasonal Fair Trade Brews
Death Wish Coffee Celebrates Sober October with a Maple Cinnmamon Brew
Halloween-Themed Advent Calendars
The 13 Nights of Halloween Advent Calendar Builds Excitement
Interactive Unboxing Activations
Peperami Created a Dynamic Chicken Tikka Skewers Experience
Swapped Phone Campaigns
KitKat Phone Break Depicts Devices Traded for Chocolate Wafer Bars
Workday Break-Focused Campaigns
KitKat Debuts the 24/7 Teams Meeting Campaign Concept
Premium Autumnal Treat Ranges
These Cadbury Halloween Products Come in a Variety of Options
Interactive Streaming Ads
Spotify Turns Listening into Engagement with Carousel Ads
Cost-Effective Confectionery Items
World of Sweets Highlights Key Easter Trends Amid Rising Costs
Omnichannel Seasonal Support Campaigns
Bestway Wholesale Launches 'Buzz About the Sweetest Deals'
Breakfast Brand Digital Platforms
Kellogg’s Town Engages Fans in an Entertaining and Personal Way
Delivered Wedding Experiences
Tiff’s Treats Launches a 'Wedding in a Box’ Package
Second-Screen Sidekicks
Pizza Hut's Hutty Turns Solo Sports Viewing into a Shared Experience
Customization-Forward Valentine's Day Gifts
Sugarwish Highlights Customizable Gift Preferences
Texting Coffee Campaigns
The Costa Coffee Hypeline Connects with Gen Z
Gothic Romance Restaurant Campaigns
Eggslut's Egg Yearning Explores an Unexpected Symbol of Desire
Easy Autumnal Baking Products
General Mills Debuted Several Seasonal Baking Products
Promotional Baking Papers
Kitchen Warehouse Created Heat-Activated "Bake Friday Deals"
Halloween Season Candy Campaigns
World Business Chicago is Promoting Chicago-Based Candy
Interactive Holiday Games
Easter Quest 2025 Creates Digital Scavenger Hunts For Families
Nostalgic Slap Bracelet Giveaway
The Human Bean Gives Slap Bracelets With its 90s-Inspired Drinks
Digital Fundraising Competitions
Headquarterz Launched the Community Cup
Visual Discovery Campaigns
Pinterest Autumn-Winter Ads Highlight Castlecore Dreams and Fuzzy Vibes
Retail Conversation Marketing Campaigns
Tesco Launches 'Need Anything From Tesco' Platform