October’s creative has been full of surprises. From interactive choices and personalised gifting to a festive collaboration and a cheeky win-back, this month’s top five have given us plenty to sink our teeth into.

1.  Disney

Chosen for: Design

Subject Line: Open this for a trick... or treat

Trick or treat? Disney puts the choice in our hands with this playful Halloween email. The bold split-screen design, contrasting colours and familiar spooky puns make for an eye-catching hero, while the ‘Tap to make your choice’ prompt invites us to get involved. It’s a simple concept that delivers plenty of Disney magic and even more Halloween spirit.

2.  Ghosts

Chosen for: Copy

Format: Tube poster

There’s nothing particularly haunting about this London Tube poster for the new Ghosts film – it’s the clever contextual copywriting that we love. It puts a ghostly spin on the most recognised line on London’s trains… no, not ‘Mind the Gap’… ‘See it. Say it. Sorted’. It’s a brilliant example of right place, right time, right message.

3.  Lush

Chosen for: Copy and Strategy

Subject Line: Know a Halloween-obsessed friend?

Lush knows how to raise spirits. From the playful ‘ghoul-friend’ pun to the invitation to build a personalised boo basket, this email makes Halloween gifting feel like a treat in itself. We love how the conversational copy taps into the joy of treating someone (or yourself), and how the crafty background gives a subtle nod to making it your own. It’s gifting inspiration done right.

4.  Kitsch

Chosen for: Design

Subject Line: Smells like trouble in Whoville

The Grinch has stolen Christmas – and our attention. Kitsch brings its new festive collaboration to life with a fun mix of Whoville-inspired copy, bold branding and deliciously unexpected product styling. We love how the contrasting typography gives both brands room to stand out, while the sweet treats and pastel palette put a fresh spin on traditional Christmas creative.

5.  Bill’s

Chosen for: Copy and Strategy

Subject Line: Did you ghost us? 👻

Who you gonna call? Bill’s, apparently – now with £20 off! The cheeky subject line of this re-engagement email combines a well-timed Halloween pun with a trending phrase that’s bang on message to win back customers who’ve gone quiet. We love the seasonal relevance, the confident messaging and how unmissable the £20 off offer is. It’s a seriously tasty incentive to return (so we did).

October proved a good pun only gets you so far – the real win is in the timing, relevance and a clear reason to act. If you’d like that thinking behind your next campaign, drop the ActionRocket team a message. We’ll bring the ideas (and the puns).