Holiday overdrive has just kicked in, and it is time to get going to find that one last, elusive gift for the family and friends on your holiday shopping list. At any rate, it may also feel overwhelming, especially with you racing against the clock. Not to worry, this year you’ve got a secret ally tucked into your pocket, or even smaller-AI. Artificial Intelligence, once left to science fiction, can today become an available tool unleashed by your creativity in crafting one-of-a-kind personalised gifts in record time. We might be thinking, “AI and gifting? Isn’t that a bit impersonal?” The truth is, AI is just a tool-like a paintbrush or a musical instrument. It can help you realise your creative vision in ways you might not have imagined. Think of AI as your digital artisan, ready to assist you in crafting heartfelt gifts that reflect your thoughts and ideas.
The role of generative AI in creative gifting
GenAI has the striking capability to create different forms of data: from images and videos up to music and text. It identifies patterns in existing data and utilises them to produce completely new, original outputs. With gifting, GenAI lets users create high-quality, customised presents with hardly any effort by mixing human input with machine-generated ingenuity. From making artwork to composing original music, AI even makes last-minute gifts appear thoughtful and unique.
Art gifts
Perhaps the most exciting area where AI is changing gift-giving is in the world of art. Even if you are not an artist, AI can help you to create stunning, personalised artworks. Experience the magic with platforms such as DALL·E, MidJourney, and Artbreeder. These tools allow you to generate digital artwork tailored to your loved one’s preferences. Visualise a snowy village scene or a glowing Christmas tree, perfect for printing on canvas or as a poster. Turn a favourite photo into a digital painting or a fantasy-inspired masterpiece. Use Artbreeder to create modern, colourful designs that complement any home decor. With only a detailed prompt such as, “A colourful abstract design featuring geometric shapes and patterns inspired by a guitar,” one will have a stunning work of art with the recipient’s favourite instrument in a few minutes.
Personalised Poems or Stories
Struggling to express your feelings in words? AI can craft a beautiful, personalised poem or a short story where the recipient is the protagonist for you. By simply providing some key details about your relationship, AI tools like ChatGPT or Sudowrite start working their magic. These written creations can be printed on elegant paper or included in a holiday card for an extra special touch.
Jewellery
Something tangible, a bit more extravagant, time-consuming, is designing unique pieces of jewelry with AI. Bring the design to life after completion by partnering with a jeweller or 3D printing service. Use platforms such as Shapr3D to design unique keepsakes that can be printed locally.
Music and playlists
For music enthusiasts, AI-powered platforms like AIVA allow you to compose custom tracks inspired by the recipient’s favourite genres, whether it’s relaxing jazz, holiday tunes, or upbeat pop. You can also curate playlists based on the listening preferences, pair it with a custom-composed track and share digitally with a festive e-card for a unique gift.
Video and animations
How about a festive greeting with a personal touch? Unforgettable moments can be created with Runway ML and Pictory AI. Animations and personal messages can be combined to make a memorable video greeting or a digital card and shared electronically or displayed on a digital photo frame for an extra special surprise.
Accessibility and ease of use
Many AI tools are beginner-friendly, requiring little to no technical expertise. Now that there are so many ideas, let’s break down the process of creating these AI-powered gifts into simple steps:
Select Your Tool: Choose a platform based on the type of gift you want to create (art, music, stories, etc.).
Craft a Clear Prompt: Provide detailed input to guide the AI. For instance, include specific themes, colours, or styles for artwork.
Refine Your Output: Most tools allow you to tweak and customise the results, even for free. Don’t hesitate to experiment and refine the output until you are completely satisfied.
Finalise Your Gift: Print your creation, wrap it beautifully, and add a personal note for an extra-special touch.
Of course, considering the best possible output, the present will have to be paid by an annual subscription or a one time fee. But let us be honest, the price will probably be the same as a last minute gift at the local shop – only less personal and unique.
The personal touch
While AI might still be the new kid on the block, it’s important to remember that its role is to enhance, not replace, human creativity. As we enter this new era, the focus remains on creating presents that are not only unique but also imbued with a genuine human touch. Even when time is tight, these tools help us craft something truly memorable – truly personal. So, this holiday season, embrace the power of AI and let it inspire you to create gifts that will be deeply cherished.
