Prompt: I need a gift for my granddad. My budget is about $50.
ChatGPT’s response:
Printworks Moments That Matter photo album.Odyssey Living weighted blanket — For cooler nights or naps: a weighted blanket can add comfort, warmth, and a bit of luxury without exceeding your budget.Splosh Australia travel board.Discovery Zone jellyfish lamp — A bit quirky and decorative.Glossier You Wardrobe 4×1.5 ml — Good if he likes fragrances or might appreciate a set of small scent samples (perhaps more suitable if he’s into lighter, modern gifts).
Printworks Moments That Matter photo album; Odyssey Living weighted blanket; Splosh Australia travel board; Glossier You Wardrobe 4×1.5 ml; Discovery Zone jellyfish lamp.
My response: I started with one of my trickiest presents to buy this season and I wanted to give the AI as little as possible to work with. I wouldn’t buy any of these gifts for my grandfather. But I did get a good laugh out of imagining him opening a jellyfish lamp or perfume that is popular among teen girls. A better prompt would probably provide a better answer.
Prompt: I need a gift for my best friend’s husband. He loves his cat, horror movies and spicy food. My budget is $20.
ChatGPT’s response:
Furry Friends kitty mug —A fun cat-themed mug is cheap but thoughtful. Great if he loves cats and likes a cuppa while watching a horror flick or movie night.Chonk Cats nesting dolls.Fat Cat Purry-Purry hot sauce.Grim Reaper evil cat sticker.
Furry Friends kitty mug; Chonk Cats nesting dolls; Fat Cat Purry-Purry hot sauce; Grim reaper evil cat sticker.
My response: This was the most helpful of all the suggestions. I could find myself using this feature for a Secret Santa gift, especially for an acquaintance. The exercise made me sit down and concentrate on what I do know about this person; sometimes that’s half the battle. The AI also suggested bundling a few gifts, which was actually helpful.
Prompt: I need a gift for my sister-in-law. She is 30 and is the life of the party. My budget is about $50.
ChatGPT’s response:
Anko Naughty & Nice cocktail gift set.Universal Store unisex do or drink gifts.Beat That! board game – Hilarious challenge game that everyone gets into.Glossier You Wardrobe 4×1.5mL – A mini perfume set she can try out or stash in her glam bag.
Anko Naughty & Nice cocktail gift set; Universal Store unisex do or drink gifts; Beat That! board game; Glossier You Wardrobe 4×1.5mL.
My response: I was pretty impressed with these suggestions, given my vague description. My sister-in-law does like making cocktails, playing board games and perfume, but I did raise an eyebrow at the second mention of the Glossier perfumes.
Prompt: I need a gift for my 15-month-old nephew, who is just starting to walk. He loves pushing things and making loud noises. My budget is about $100.
ChatGPT’s response:
VTech Push & Ride alphabet train – A push-along train that toddlers can ride or push. It helps build gross motor skills and gives the thrill of “driving.”Winfun Grow‑with‑Me musical walker.Costway 6‑in‑1 wooden stroller walker push & pull activity centre.
VTech Push & Ride alphabet train; Winfun Grow‑with‑Me musical walker; Costway 6‑in‑1 wooden stroller walker push & pull activity centre.
My response: This seemed like an obvious answer given the prompt, but this is a good way to find and compare similar products of the same price point. If you are looking for something specific, this is a great to see what your options are.
Prompt: I need a gift for my mum. She loves gardening and power tools, watching British crime dramas and sleeping in. My budget is about $150.
ChatGPT’s response:
Grenebo 12‑Piece gardening tools gift set – A complete rust-proof set with a durable carrying case — practical and thoughtful.Wheatbags sleep gift pack.Oversized Hoodie Blanket.You could also consider a TV streaming gift card (e.g., for Netflix, Acorn TV or BritBox) – it’s thoughtful and lets her choose what she loves. Just make sure it fits your budget!
Grenebo 12‑Piece Gardening Tools Gift Set; Wheatbags sleep gift pack; Oversized Hoodie Blanket; TV streaming gift card.
My response: The AI repeated three different tool gift sets and four sleep gift packs. This prompt also gave me products in USD and then converted to AU, which was confusing. I re-entered the prompt to say my budget was $150. Being specific in the prompt is the key to getting the answers you’re looking for. Overall, I don’t hate these suggestions, but they’re a bit boring.
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The verdict: The suggestions are fine and relatively helpful for inspiration.
Gifts are about the thought. I had to sit and think about the giftee and what they like for the prompt. Once I hit enter, it seemed obvious what the answer would be.
Call me old fashioned, but for your nearest and dearest, finding the best present just requires some brain power.
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