AI Series 1: Exploring the Power of AI

AI Series 2: AI for Everyone: Unlocking the Potential of Everyday AI Tools

AI Series 3: AI-Powered Job Search: Navigating the Future of Work

AI Series 4: AI Use case series

Post 1: How AI Can Spark Creativity: My Unexpected Journey (to the 1700s) with Microsoft Copilot

Post 2: Crafting Compelling Business Cases: How AI Becomes Your Strategic Communication Partner

Post 3: Accomplishments at work – with a little AI magic

AI use case Post 4: Family gift ideas

Introduction: Brainstorming Together

Creativity doesn’t always come naturally—especially when brainstorming gift ideas for family members with interests you barely know. As someone from a computer science background, I know this struggle all too well. But I’ve found a solution: AI-powered brainstorming. Let me show you how I used ChatGPT to uncover thoughtful, budget-friendly gift ideas for my family.

---

The Real-World Application: AI to the Rescue

Here’s the challenge: finding meaningful gifts for my family members, whose interests range from vague to completely unknown. My budget? $50–75 per person. Enter ChatGPT, my brainstorming partner.

Here’s how the process unfolded:

1. Describing My Family Members
   • <> (40, IT professional, city dweller, smart).
   • <> (12, no clear interests).
   • <> (8, general interests).

I asked ChatGPT for help, stating the people, the budget, and the instructions: “Please suggest several gifts for each person within my budget. Feel free to use ideas from sources like the NYT’s Wirecutter or anywhere else.”

2. The Results
   • ChatGPT provided three tailored ideas per person. For the IT professional, I initially got tech suggestions but realized those weren’t ideal. So, I refined the request: “It’s tricky to get tech gifts for an IT professional. Suggest non-tech options.”
   • The response? Two suggestions across seven unique categories—practical, indulgent, and unexpected.
3. Deep Dives into Gift Details
   • Curious about one idea—a massage gun—I asked for more details. ChatGPT explained its features, benefits, and even provided similar alternatives.
4. Iterating for Better Results
   • Not satisfied with the suggestions for the 8-year-old? No problem. A follow-up request netted 22 more gift ideas, grouped into thoughtful subcategories. One hit the mark, and I placed my orders.

This iterative process demonstrated the strength of AI: combining speed with creativity, fine-tuning until the perfect result emerged.

---

Under the Hood: Why It Works

Generative AI shines in brainstorming scenarios because:

• Customizable Prompts: You guide the process by asking follow-up questions.
• Quick Access to Broad Ideas: AI pulls inspiration from multiple sources instantly.
• Iterative Improvement: The conversation evolves until the results match your expectations.

---

Challenge: Test the Tool

Ready to put AI to the test? Try this two-part challenge:

1. Scenario 1: Describe a family member with a few key traits (e.g., age, interests, lifestyle). Use ChatGPT to generate gift ideas. Here’s an example prompt:
   “My brother is 30, loves hiking, and is an avid reader. My budget is $50–75. Please suggest gift ideas.”
2. Scenario 2: Pick one suggested gift and ask for more details. For example:
   “Tell me more about the hiking kit you suggested. What items are included?”

---

Summary: Generative AI – Your Creative Co-Pilot

Breaking a creative block doesn’t have to be painful. AI tools like ChatGPT make it easy to brainstorm, refine, and finalize ideas. The key? Treat it as a collaborative partner, guiding the conversation for the best results.

Your Action Step: Choose one person you’re shopping for and use ChatGPT to brainstorm gift ideas. You might surprise yourself with what you find!

---

Further Resources

• NYT Wirecutter Gift Guides: Link
• AI Brainstorming Tips: Explore Techniques

---

Disclosure

This blog post was drafted with AI assistance. My personal insights and edits ensure that it reflects my perspective, and I take full responsibility for its content.