Please Do Not Use ChatGPT to Buy My Gift This Year
In an age where artificial intelligence can generate gift recommendations with claims to algorithmic precision, we risk losing something much more valuable than perfectly curated gifts: genuine human connection. The art of gift giving is not about finding the most objectively impressive item, but about conveying love, understanding and personal investment.
Of course, ChatGPT can quickly create gift lists based on demographics, trending products, and superficial interests. But a truly meaningful gift goes beyond the facts, which, moreover, may not be reliable . A good gift should say: “I see you. I know you. I paid attention.” AI might suggest a best-selling cookbook to someone who loves to cook, but it can’t capture the nuances of memories of the time your friend mentioned her grandmother’s particular pie recipe or the way her eyes lit up while discussing a cooking technique. Instead of using artificial intelligence, let’s look at some practical strategies for thoughtful gift giving.
How to give a gift wisely
The task of conveying a unique insight into the inner world of the gift recipient is challenging, to put it mildly. Even if you can’t find the perfect story or connection behind a gift, there are ways to convey at least a little human effort and intentionality.
Take a trip down memory lane
Think back to conversations you’ve had with your recipient over the past year. What stories did they tell? What challenges did they overcome? What moments made them laugh or feel vulnerable?
Some more tips to find out about your friend: Go through old text messages and emails, or even look at social media posts. And of course, don’t be afraid to ask their close friends or family. When word reaches them that you’ve put in so much effort, they’ll likely be touched—especially touched in a way that AI will never be able to do.
Explore their interests
Go beyond superficial hobbies. If someone loves art, don’t just buy art supplies. A good rule of thumb is to remember that people usually buy what they need for a hobby. Therefore, it is important to find something that they would not get themselves. For this artist example, consider:
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An art class they can take with a friend.
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Museum tickets
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A book about an artist they like
Add a handwritten note explaining why you chose the item. Once again, since thought is important, it helps to always explain your thoughts.
Make a mind map
If you ever need to come up with an idea for a job, a mind map is your best friend . Create a gift “mind map” that connects:
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Their interests
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Shared Memories
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Inside jokes
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Desirable goals
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Nostalgia
Bottom line: Gift giving is not perfection.
If you still want to robotize it, think of gift giving as an equation:
Thoughtfulness > Monetary value
A $10 item chosen with deep insight will always outweigh a $100 item chosen by an algorithm. Choose handmade items, carefully chosen gifts, or something that references specific shared memories.
So if anyone close to me is reading this, please: put the AI tip aside. Take a notepad. Reflect. Remember. Unite. (New running shoes, size 8.)
Gift giving is not about perfection. It’s about presence. Your imperfect human gift will always be more perfect than any robot-recommended gift.