Grapevine – November 06, 2026 -- Solo Stove has recruited former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch for "Gifts That Don't Suck," a holiday campaign with a gift guide, a prize giveaway and a $50,000 product donation to Lynch's foundation.
A survey of 5,000 people found bad gifts are common
Solo Stove commissioned a PollFish survey of 5,000 respondents. It found that 31% received a gift they didn't like in the past year, and 62% admit they've faked excitement when opening a present. More than 70% named someone in their lives who gives the worst gifts. More than 72% said they would be excited to receive a Solo Stove smokeless fire pit, pizza oven, griddle or cooler.
Lynch brings a gathering-first message to gifting
The brand, part of Solo Brands (OTCQB: SBDS), is pitching presents that people use together. Lynch tied the idea to his childhood, when his family had few gifts but always had each other. Whether it's a fire pit or a pizza night, he said, "being together is what it's about."
Liz Vanzura, Solo Stove's Chief Marketing Officer, said the campaign takes a lighthearted look at a gifting challenge everyone knows.
Solo Stove has launched 13 new products
Solo Brands CEO John Larson said many consumers don't know the lineup goes beyond smokeless fire pits. The company has launched 13 new products, including griddles, propane fire pits and coolers. Solo Stove also points to more than 230,000 five-star reviews across its products, which include chef-grade pizza ovens and stainless-steel griddles.
Shoppers can share bad-gift stories to win a backyard
Visitors to the campaign landing page can browse "Marshawn's Picks," a gift guide. They can also share their own bad-gift stories for a chance to win the "Beast Mode Dream Backyard," a bundle of Solo Stove products. Prizes include a football signed by Lynch.
Solo Stove is also donating $50,000 in product to Lynch's Fam1st Family Foundation. The donation is meant to create more opportunities for kids and families to gather outdoors around a fire.