I made ChatGPT do my Christmas shopping this year – this was my family’s reaction to their gifts!

I was dreading buying Christmas gifts this year. 

My family tends to buy things they need as they go, and my sister would kill me if I bought her another sweater.

So when my editor suggested I use ChatGPT to plan my Christmas shopping for me and write about it, I jumped at the opportunity. 

And I figured it was a win-win. If its suggested gifts were good, I wouldn’t need to worry about coming up with present ideas for another 12 months!

If they were a disaster, it would be a good opportunity to showcase how rudimentary artificial intelligence is (I’m extremely skeptical about the predictions of AI enslaving us in the future).

But the results were surprisingly thoughtful.

I entrusted Father ChatGPT-mas to select Christmas gifts for my family this year. It actually went quite well

The ground rules:

• I had to choose one of the ideas that ChatGPT gave me;
• If it didn’t get specific, I prompted it to be specific;
• When it suggested a specific item, I bought that exact thing;
• My budget was $100 per person.

My fiancee, Sara, is the one person I never have trouble shopping for. But ChatGPT helped me come up with a great gift for her anyway

Shopping for my fiancée:

THE BRIEF: ‘My fiancée Sara is the funniest person I’ve ever met. She likes to read and watch tv. She has a cat named Jubilee whom she loves. She loves science fiction and fantasy, including Lord of the Rings, Hunger Games, Harry Potter, and Annihilation. She likes gold and silver jewelry. She is 34 years old. She likes to wear baby blue. Can you give me a list of 10 SPECIFIC gift suggestions for her?’

THE RESULTS: The first list was fine, but nothing stood out to me: a baby blue lounge set, ‘bookish jewelry,’ gold and silver mixed jewelry, or a TV series box set.

I had already gotten her a silver necklace and the DVD for the HBO Watchmen series. 

‘Give me another list for her, but can you give some surprising or creative suggestions?’ I asked. ‘These ideas felt too easy.’

It gave me a new list with some creative ideas, like a ‘custom cat comic book,’ a ‘DIY fantasy terrarium kit,’ and a ‘personalized sci-fi/fantasy map.’

But they didn’t feel practical with a $100 budget.

The idea that stuck out to me most was a storyboarding kit: ‘A storyboard kit can help her visually map out the plot and scenes of her TV series,’ ChatGPT said. ‘This tactile approach might enhance her creative process.’

But when I asked for some options under $100, it just gave me a list of art supplies. I asked about a mystery prompt journal, and it told me I’d need to make one.

I got frustrated. 

‘You have recommended several items that do not actually exist in stores, such as a ‘mystery-themed writing prompts journal’ or a ‘storyboard kit.’ Can you explain your reasoning behind these when I have specifically asked for items I can buy?’

The chatbot then explained that I might have to do a little footwork to put together a thoughtful gift.

I got mad at ChatGPT when it told me to assemble the items it suggested, but perhaps the most thoughtful gifts take a little work

Fair enough.

So after work, I went to the nearby art supply store and purchased most of the items it recommended:

• Sketchbook
• Colored pencils
• High-quality drawing pencils (with a sharpener and eraser)
• Non-slip straight-edge ruler for drawing storyboard frames
• Sticky notes 
• Index cards 
• Fine-tip colored pens
• Stickers
• And a folder to keep things organized 

ChatGPT recommended I gift my fiancée a ‘storyboarding kit’ because she wants to write a mystery series. The gift was a success

THE REACTION: ‘This is amazing. I love it!’ she said. ‘Because I like drawing, doodling, and writing, I will use all of it, and things like post-its and index cards inspire me to map out story ideas for a book or pilot.’

That was before she even knew it was a storyboarding kit. Once I told her, she was thrilled.

‘That’s BRILLIANT,’ she said. ‘Wow, I am so excited to learn how to storyboard.’

As reluctant as I am to admit it, ChatGPT had recommended one of the most thoughtful gifts I could give: a set of tools to help her work toward a dream.

The seed of the idea came from me, but the chatbot gave me a shopping list and helped put it into action. 

My mom, Erica, drinking a cup of tea in her kitchen and wearing her signature color

Shopping for mom:

THE BRIEF: ‘She’s turning 70 this year, a retired psychologist, and likes taking long walks. She does some home cooking, and she likes to eat healthy. She likes to read. She likes to travel and has spent some memorable time in southern Italy over the past few years.’

THE RESULTS: It gave some decent if generic, suggestions: a walking tour experience, a healthy snack subscription box, and a subscription to a health and wellness magazine.

I found some ideas less appealing, such as a customized cookbook and an e-reader or books. Most gifted cookbooks tend to go unused, at least in my experience as both giver and receiver.

An e-reader? Too obvious. And like many avid readers, she already has one.

Other ideas were surprising like they could make genuinely thoughtful gifts. Clearly ChatGPT had latched onto my mention of her travels in Italy, as it suggested a book either about southern Italy or set in the region.

It also recommended custom jewelry with a southern Italy theme: ‘Look for jewelry incorporating elements or symbols from southern Italy, such as the region’s famous ceramics or the iconic trulli houses.’

With a $100 budget, though, custom jewelry seemed like a stretch.

I went with ChatGPT’s most sensible recommendation: walking shoes. 

When I asked for recommendations that fit my budget, it gave me 10 pairs. 

‘I like the idea of shoes, but I don’t like the looks of many of these options. Can you recommend a good women’s walking shoe for under $100 that also looks good?’

It gave me 10 more options, including 2 that it had already given me. And 1 sandal.

I found a lot of the new crop ugly, making me realize that I’m very particular or budget walking shoes are simply unfashionable. Perhaps both are true. 

Some of the choices were suitable. I selected the purple and pink Ryka Women’s Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe . I’d never heard of this brand before, so it piqued my interest.

The shoes ChatGPT selected complemented the colors of a pair of socks that my mom already owned

THE REACTION: To my dismay, she had recently bought herself some walking shoes. But you can never have too many, and this confirmed that ChatGPT had made a logical choice. 

‘These are really nice,’ she said. ‘They’re my colors.’

ChatGPT had recommended the colors – so whether it was a fluke or not, it deserves the credit.

‘Given all my walking, I’m going to keep my other ones, and I’ll probably alternate between the two pairs.’ 

She liked that the shoes have cushioned midsoles and deep tread to help keep her feet dry and planted during walks in wet wintery weather.

‘I’m very pleased with the look, and feel, and fit,’ she said. 

My dad, Tom, in his natural habitat (on the golf course)

Shopping for dad:

THE BRIEF: ‘He’s 70 years old and a retired psychology professor who studied cognitive development and aging. He likes to fish in the New River in Virginia and observe the natural life around his mountain house. He likes to read, but he already has an e-reader. He is a good cook and especially likes making northern Italian food. He goes to the gym regularly and accompanies my mom on walks.’

THE RESULTS: Again, some of the ideas were too obvious. 

Northern Italian cooking ingredients: not a surprising recommendation. 

It also suggested a book on cognitive development or aging. This is like if I told ChatGPT that he was a plumber, and it recommended a book on fixing pipes. 

It latched onto anything I said in a way-too-literal way rather than actually using the information to paint a picture of him. 

Other ideas felt like they were auto-generated. Of course, they are. But if a bot was good, they wouldn’t feel that way.

For example, it suggested customized fishing gear, ‘such as a custom-engraved fishing rod.’

Ridiculous suggestion. What fisherman do you know who has a custom engraved fishing rod? 

Same with ‘personalized gym gear.’ 

But then it did have some creative suggestions: a nature photography workshop, a guided fishing trip, and mountain house décor.

When I asked ChatGPT skeptical questions, it informed me of the standard tradeoffs that come with shopping on a budget

This spotting scope, perfect for watching birds and deer in the backyard, was much cheaper than the most well-rated items, but it seemed sturdy

One of the experience ideas, a cooking class, would have felt creative if it hadn’t suggested the same thing for my mom. 

The idea that stuck out to me was ‘nature observation tools.’

‘Invest in quality binoculars or a spotting scope for observing the natural life around his mountain house. This could enhance his appreciation for the wildlife in the area,’ ChatGPT recommended.

I asked for spotting scopes in my budget, and it recommended six specific models, which all had similar customer reviews on Amazon. I went with the Gosky 20-60×60 HD Spotting Scope, which was on sale for $100.87.

THE REACTION: ‘It’s a… telescope?’ my dad said upon opening the box.

‘We can look at the neighbors,’ he joked. 

When I explained it was for him to use up in the mountains and asked what he thought, he said: ‘It looks nice. My reaction is, this is something I would have never bought for myself, but it’s something I would use.’

As far as the item quality, he said it seemed solid but pointed out that there were no instructions for the bracket meant to hold a smartphone on the scope. 

I have trouble shopping for my sister, Stephanie, who has great style and buys herself the things she needs

Shopping for my older sister:

THE BRIEF: I told the chatbot: ‘She is a mom of two kids, and she works hard taking care of them. She lives near the beach, and in the summer, she likes to spend a lot of time there. She likes to take long walks, cook, and watch TV. She likes houseplants and macramé art. She once described her style as ‘clean hippie.’ Like my other family members, I sometimes have trouble shopping for her because she tends to buy herself the things she wants. Give me a list of 10 specific items I could get her for Christmas, each under $100.’

THE RESULTS: ‘Certainly!’ ChatGPT replied. 

The suggestions were not bad: A ‘comfy boho-chic throw blanket’ seemed like something she might like, as did a ‘beach towel with a personal touch.’

Some things were good, but she already has them. She has made her own (very nice) macramé wall hangings, so I didn’t want to buy her any of those. Same with houseplants: She has some nice plants that work in her space, and I’ve gifted her plants in the past.

One suggestion caught my eye: ‘Create a spa-like experience with a clean beauty skincare set. Choose products made with natural ingredients, reflecting her ‘clean hippie’ style.’ 

This sounded like a nice idea and a chance to test ChatGPT’s ability to make specific recommendations.

That’s where things got tough.

 ‘Can you recommend a set of well-reviewed clean beauty products that would cost under $100?’

It quickly generated a list of products, including body wash, lip balm, hair care, and makeup. But then, when I started adding up the costs, it totaled well beyond $100 – one face mask alone was over $40.

ChatGPT added a caveat at the bottom of the list that felt more like a lazy excuse.

When ChatGPT gave a list of items that didn’t fit my budget, it gave a long disclaimer to excuse its lack of precision

ChatGPT recommended a ‘clean beauty skincare set,’ which included some decent products but didn’t feel like a ‘set’

So I tried again: ‘I need you to assemble me a list of these beauty products that will come in at under $100 total.’

The new list was exactly the same as the first one. So I gave up. I chose three products that seemed like my sister might like:

• Acure Resurfacing Glycolic & Unicorn Root Cleanser
• Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 30
• Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask

I also took a chance on a stick of Native Deodorant.

THE REACTION: I hand-delivered everything but the face mask, which got lost in transit. 

‘I’ll definitely use the sunscreen and the cleanser,’ she said. ‘I probably will not use the deodorant; I don’t love scented deodorants because I start associating the smell with the smell of sweat.’

I sent her a link to the face mask that hadn’t arrived yet, to get her thoughts on it.

‘Can’t wait to try it,’ she said. ‘My skin can always use the help.’

Her major criticism – and mine – was that the gift did not feel like a set. It was just four random products.

‘I think it would feel more cohesive if it was like four steps in a face care routine,’ she said. ‘Even if it was different brands.’

This brings us to my conclusion: 

ChatGPT gives great gifts – if you give it ideas

Next time I need to give a friend or family member a gift, I plan to use ChatGPT.

Sure, it’s not smart. And it doesn’t mimic intelligence. It is a mind that does not dream. But it picked some pretty good gifts.

It did need many – MANY – nudges along the way. I couldn’t just tell ChatGPT to do my Christmas gift shopping.

But in a way, it also forces you to think harder about what gifts your loved ones would enjoy, so it’s kind of like a team effort between you and the computer program.