So, what do you actually want for christmas?
It is the question that leaves many of us speechless. You know you want something, but the moment someone asks, your mind goes completely blank. Or maybe you have a hobby, but no clue what the latest gear is for it. The result? You stammer “just a voucher” or “surprise me”, and on christmas eve you are once again stuck with a set of shower gel that will last you three years.
In the past, we would already be leafing through thick toy catalogs in october, circling everything we wanted. Today, we have a much more powerful tool that we often forget about for these everyday things: artificial intelligence. Tools like chatGPT, claude or copilot are not just handy for boring work emails; they are tireless brainstorming partners. Suffering from chronically empty wishlists? Here is how to use chatGPT for gift ideas and fill your list with things you actually want.
“I like this, what goes with it?”
The big problem with searching yourself on bol.com is that you have to search by keywords. If you do not know what something is called, you will not find it. AI works differently: it understands context and makes connections you might not see.
Suppose you love board games and are a nature lover. A search bar does not get that combination, but AI does. Instead of searching for products, you tell it who you are. Try this:
I want to make a wishlist. I love strategic board games and I like to go bird watching on the weekends. I am also a fan of nature documentaries. Give me ten original gift ideas under 30 euros that fit those interests.
Chances are that a game like Wingspan will pop up (an award-winning board game about birds), a guide for birdwatchers, or an accessory for your binoculars. Things that suit you perfectly, but that you would never have thought of yourself.
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The “upgrade my life” prompt
Sometimes you do not even know that a solution exists for your small daily annoyances; we often take discomfort for granted. AI can play the role of lifehack guru here. Think about what bothers you during your work or hobby, and pitch it:
I work a lot at home at a desk and in winter I quickly get cold hands and a stiff neck. What handy gadgets or comfort products can I put on my wishlist to make my workspace more pleasant?
You will be amazed. It will likely suggest a heated desk mat (yes, that exists), fingerless merino wool gloves, or an ergonomic laptop stand. Suddenly, you have something on your wishlist that you will enjoy every day.
The cultural sommelier
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Looking for a new book, but can't see the wood for the trees in the bookstore? Reading reviews takes time. AI has “read” pretty much everything and can rapidly match the vibe of a book with something new.
I just finished a historical novel with a mix of history and romance, and I loved it. Which three books by completely different authors have the same vibe and should be on my list?
This works much better than just googling “books like X”, because you are specifically asking for the atmosphere and other authors. That way you discover hidden gems outside the bestseller lists.
A guide for when you have to buy it yourself
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Sometimes you make a list for someone else, for example for your nephew, because the grandparents are asking for it. But what is fun for a four-year-old today? You do not feel like spending hours sorting through toy trends.
My nephew is turning 4. He is very energetic, cannot sit still, but loves building. What toys are educational yet fun and popular right now?
You immediately get a curated list featuring montessori toys, magnetic tiles or sturdy LEGO duplo sets.
One warning: trust, but verify
Before you blindly start copying, one golden rule. AI models can sometimes “hallucinate”. They are like that one uncle who tells tall tales with great conviction that just aren't quite true. Sometimes AI makes up a book that does not exist, or recommends a LEGO set that has been discontinued for ten years and now costs 400 euros on an auction site.
The method is therefore simple: ask AI for ideas, copy the best suggestion, and paste it into google for a quick check. Does it exist? Is the price correct? Is it in stock? Yes? Then copy the link of the webshop.
Use AI as your personal shopping assistant who never gets tired and is always available. It takes the stress out of brainstorming and makes room for discovery. Have you found your gems? Do not leave them wandering around in your notes app, but put them straight onto ChristmasList.app with the right link included. That way your family buys exactly what you (and your AI assistant) have chosen, and “I don't know what I want” is a thing of the past.
Frequently asked questions
What prompt should you ask chatGPT for gift ideas?
The more specific, the better. Provide age, hobbies, budget, and what the person already has, for example: “Give 10 gift ideas up to 40 euros for a 35-year-old who loves cooking and hiking.”
Can you blindly trust AI gift tips?
No. Always check whether the product actually exists, what it costs, and whether it is available in belgium. AI sometimes invents products or prices.