U.K. retailer Very.co.uk charmed us last holiday season with an animated ad about a saucer-eyed girl and a wolf. It's back this year with another cute effort in the same whimsical style--but this year it's a real-life fairy tale with an inspiring message for girls. 

In the spot, titled "Elsie's Gift," the girl's parents notice her playing with a toy rocket and decide to get her an astronaut's helmet as her Christmas gift. She's thrilled, and as she grows up we see that her interest in the universe and space travel increases, eventually driving away to college to study astrophysics, with the beloved helmet stowed in the back of the car. The ad ends with her fulfilling her dream and floating above earth as a real-life astronaut, with the tagline "find the gift that helps them find their gift."

Once again is by agency St. Luke's and animated by Swedish team Against All Odds. The TV spot is backed by a wider campaign including activity on digital channels, mobile, print and out-of-home advertising.

With its theme of a female scientist, the spot feels in tune with the times, but it's not just about little girls. The creative team, Hannah Williamson and Joanne Boyle, comment in a statement: “We wanted to inspire children everywhere to reach for the stars and dream big. Showing them, they can be whatever they want to be.”

It seems space is shaping up to a theme this holiday season. Macy's recently debuted its Christmas ad featuring an astronaut mom who connects with her family from her space station.