TV ad of the year

While sitting in our local pub enjoying a pre-Christmas drink with a few friends, I discovered just by chance as we talked about work, that Tom who I hadn't seen for ages and is a talented film editor, had gone and picked up a Gold D&AD award. On hearing this I nearly dropped my drink. Design and Art Direction awards are the Oscars of the advertising industry here and indeed overseas. And Golds are not given out lightly. In fact, there have been several years when not a single Gold has been awarded for advertising - so highly are they coveted. Having recovered from the momentary shock, I enquired inquisitively which commercial he'd edited. " 'It's a Wonderful World' for the BBC", came his response. Well, of course that explained everything. It's quite simply a wonderful commercial created by RKCR/Y&R and, of course, beautifully edited by Thomas Ioannou through Thomas Ioannou Associates.

Double-sided tape

Here's a nice press ad for one of life's most mundane products - double-sided tape from 3M. The headline reads: 'Sticky on both sides'. The ad was created by Grey Group India.

VW off-road vehicles

A hitch-hiking scarecrow is featured in this rather charming double page spread for VW off-road commercial vehicles created by Owens DDB Dublin.

Less is more

This very simple ad created by JWT Warsaw for extra efficient light bulbs from Ikea makes its point eloquently and with maximum efficiency.

Dog food for the porky pooch

Omega dog food is a premium product designed specifically for the less than dainty dog. This witty press ad created by Canvas South Africa made me smile.

Diabetes UK

This direct mail pack designed for Diabetes UK is leagues ahead of the charity's previous effort. But then that's largely down to the fact that the fashion photographer John Mac was commissioned to take these terrific portraits. The work has been tastefully designed by Sotomayor Design. But for a charity in dire need of a high profile, it's a great shame this work isn't getting greater exposure.

Topical ad that doesn't pull any punches

In the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal, this powerful ad produced for The National Association for People Abused in Childhood is all the stronger for being topical. Full marks to Cogent Elliot, London

A lovely little campaign with legs

This is one of the nicest print campaigns I've seen for wine in a long time. The headline: 'Good food would choose Bordeaux' is in itself a cheeky, off the wall thought that makes me smile. And in a funny way it's very French. But what makes this campaign work so well for me is the beautifully pared back and considered art direction that cleverly melds food with wine. Particularly good examples in my humble opinion are the Cheese grater, Lobster and Roast. If this campaign was produced by a Bargle Bogle Hegarty or M&C Saatchi it would no doubt win accolades from the likes of D&AD, but because it has been produced by the little known Isobel it almost certainly won't get a look-in, which is a great shame. It might fare better at Cannes though, where the French contingent may just give it it the thumbs up. I do hope so.

Australia Post

At a time when the postage system and the art of letter writing are being eroded by the internet, this emotive and brilliantly executed print campaign by M&C Saatchi, Melbourne may just convince a few old fuddy-duddies like me to sit down with pen and paper.

The new Christmas TV commercial for John Lewis

The latest TV commercial for John Lewis featuring a snowman and his under-dressed snowlady is an absolute winner. Totally charming and original, it's bound to work for the department store and win its agency Adam & Eve a few gongs.

Captivating charm from Brazil

How do you make the repair of everyday items a totally emotional experience on par with a scene straight out of the pages of Charlotte Bronte? Simple, you humanize a broken teapot - turning the body of the pot into Heathcliff and the spout into Cathy. This ad for Bic Bond by the agency Borghi/Lowe in Brazil is utterly charming and captivating. Here is a lovely example of a beautiful idea beautifully executed. And the neat line: Whatever life breaks up says it all. Full marks.

A powerful environmental message

This poster created by another Brazilian agency - Que is strikingly eye-catching. The headline reads simply: 'Is it what you expect to find in the sea? Neither do the fishes.' It's only when we see pollution in this very direct way, affecting us as well as the fish, that the message begins to resonate. It would, of course, make an even more powerful piece of direct mail.