5 Quick ChatGPT Prompts for Perfect Holiday Gift Giving

Created by Laura Medley with ChatGPT4 and Dalle3

In today’s fast-paced world, where our to-do lists are endless and time is more than a luxury, creating the ‘perfect’ holiday experience often feels like something that can only be found in a Hallmark Movie. The essence of the holidays — joy, peace, and togetherness — can sometimes get lost in the chaotic rush to tick off every item on our festive checklist.

Well, what if you could somehow create the magic of the season, without the stress and overwhelm? The solution? Your friendly neighborhood AI.

This is one of a series of four holiday articles complete with prompts, real-life examples, and exact AI responses from ChatGPT4 (my favorite AI assistant) so you will know what to expect. With these easy-to-use AI prompts, you can streamline everything from gift-giving and holiday cards to cooking for the holidays and even holiday decorating. Feel free to tweak the prompts as you want to — you never know what will happen.

Quick Prompt List (for those in a hurry)

I have included real-life examples and the actual ChatGPT4 responses along with the prompts in this article. It also includes follow-up prompts where I felt they would be useful. For those well-versed in AI prompting and who don’t want to go through all of the prompt details, here is a quick list of the five prompts with links to that prompt’s complete section.

1. Gift Recommendation Prompt: “I’m looking for gift recommendations for [person’s relationship or name]. They enjoy [interests/hobbies], and in the past, they’ve liked [past gifts or preferences]. Could you suggest some personalized gift ideas?”
2. Handmade Gift Ideas Prompt: “I’d like to create handmade gifts this year. I have [materials or skills, e.g., knitting, woodworking], and I’m looking for unique DIY gift ideas for somebody who likes [things the person you would like to make a personalized DIY gift for]. What do you suggest?”
3. Online Shopping Prompt: “I need help with efficient online shopping for the holidays. I’m specifically looking for [type of gifts or products], and my budget is [budget]. Show me the top 5 of these gifts that are available for purchase and let me know why they would make a good gift.”
4. Gift Wrapping Ideas Prompt: “I’m looking for innovative and creative holiday season gift-wrapping ideas. The gifts I need to wrap [type of gifts or size of gifts you need to wrap]. What unique festive presentation ideas can you suggest?”
5. Cultural or Traditional Craft Ideas Prompt: “I want to make a traditional [a specific culture or tradition important to the recipient] holiday gift. Please suggest [amount of gift ideas] gift ideas that I could make as well as detailed creative variations. Include traditional design ideas and the amount of time it would likely take to complete.”

Gift Giving

ChatGPT can offer great gift recommendations with just a few inputs. Of course, the more you know about the person you’re looking for a gift for, the better it can help. So, be sure to include as much personalized detail as you can to help it zero in on that perfect gift that will have them singing your praises along with “Fa la la la la” as the wrapping paper comes off.

Here are 5 gift-giving prompts to make it easy to find the perfect something for that perfect someone this holiday — or for any gift-giving reason.

Created by Laura Medley with ChatGPT4 and Dalle3

1. Gift Recommendation Prompt

Let’s start with finding the ideal gifts. Here’s how you can use ChatGPT to discover thoughtful and personalized gift ideas for your loved ones.

“I’m looking for gift recommendations for [person’s relationship or name]. They enjoy [interests/hobbies], and in the past, they’ve liked [past gifts or preferences]. Could you suggest some personalized gift ideas?”

a. Example prompt: “I’m looking for gift recommendations for my mother. She enjoys getting her nails done, going out to dinner, and things related to the 1950s WACs, and in the past, she has liked perfume and sketch pads. Could you suggest some personalized gift ideas?”

b. Example ChatGPT response:

• Custom Nail Care Kit: A luxury nail care set with high-quality polishes, treatments, and tools. You could even look for a kit that includes nail art supplies if she enjoys creative nail designs.
• WACs Memorabilia or Books: Look for unique items like a vintage WACs poster, a book on the history of the Women’s Army Corps, or even a documentary DVD covering their role in the 1950s.
• Perfume Customization Experience: A perfume-making workshop or a custom perfume experience, where she can create her own signature scent.
• High-Quality Sketch Pad and Artist Supplies: A premium sketch pad accompanied by professional-grade drawing pencils, charcoals, or watercolors, catering to her artistic side.
• Personalized Sketchbook with Army Themes: A custom-made sketchbook with a cover featuring Army-related imagery or WACs insignia, merging her interests in art and military history.

c. Follow-up prompt to use after ChatGPT responds for more detail:

“Are there any items available online right now that would work as one of the [enter gift recommendation you preferred] gifts you have suggested?”

Try this: It’s best to ask for actual specific gift suggestions individually in the follow-up rather than all at once. I noticed a long lag time and broken responses when trying to get actual products for all the recommendations at one time. When asking for one recommended gift type at a time, the response was fast and included a link at the very end of each suggestion. Also, you will note that ChatGPT couldn't really find a gift that exactly fit their recommendation but instead came up with customizable products that could be created to fit.

c1. Example follow-up prompt:

“Are there any items available online right now that would work as one of the Personalized Sketchbook with Army Themes gifts you have suggested?”

c2. Example follow-up response:

Here are some options found on Etsy:

• Personalized Sketchbook, Unlined Journal, Customized Leather Journal: A customizable leather sketchbook that can be tailored to your preferences, perfect for someone who appreciates a classic and personalized touch. It’s currently on sale for $10.40 ​​[“].
• Sketchbook Journal Notebook Kids Art Gift: This 8.5 x 11 sketchbook can be personalized and is suitable for all ages, available for $18.75 [“]​​.
• Personalized Leather Sketchbook Cover, Traveler’s Leather Artist Sketch Pad Cover: This option includes a leather cover for a sketchbook, making it a durable and stylish choice, priced at $28.35 [“]​​.

Each of these sketchbooks can be personalized to include Army-related themes or motifs, making them a fitting gift for someone with an interest in the WACs from the 1950s or military history in general.

Created by Laura Medley with ChatGPT4 and Dalle3

2. Handmade Gift Ideas Prompt

Moving on to the charm of handmade gifts, this next prompt will help you utilize your unique skills to create something truly special.

“I’d like to create handmade gifts this year. I have [materials or skills, e.g., knitting, woodworking], and I’m looking for unique DIY gift ideas for somebody who likes [things the person you would like to make a personalized DIY gift for]. What do you suggest?”

a. Example Prompt:

“I’d like to create handmade gifts this year. I have drawing and stained glass skills as well as generative AI image creation skills, and I’m looking for unique DIY gift ideas for someone who loves dogs, dining out, and shoes. What do you suggest?”

b. Example ChatGPT response:

Here are a few ideas:

• Custom Stained Glass Dog Portrait: Use your stained glass skills to create a beautiful portrait of their favorite dog breed or their own pet.
• Personalized Restaurant Scene Illustration: Draw a scene from their favorite restaurant or a memorable dining experience, possibly incorporating a dog element for a whimsical touch.
• Stained Glass Shoe Suncatcher: Craft a suncatcher in the shape of a stylish shoe, perfect for shoe enthusiasts.
• Generative AI Dog Breed Series: Create a series of dog breed images using AI, and turn them into a framed gallery, a calendar, or a set of postcards.

c. Follow-up prompt to use after ChatGPT responds:
“Create the steps I would need to take to [paste one of the ideas in the response or type in an idea of your own]?”

c1. Example Follow-up Prompt:

Create the steps I would need to take to Create a series of dog breed images using AI, and turn them into a personalized calendar.

c2. Example Follow-up Response:

Here’s a guide to help you through the process:

1. Select Dog Breeds: Identify the dog breeds you want to feature in your calendar. You might choose breeds based on their popularity, uniqueness, or personal preference.

2. Generate AI Images:

• Use an AI image generation tool like DALL-E or a similar platform.
• Input prompts for each dog breed, adjusting settings to get varied and high-quality images.

3. Curate and Edit Images:

• Select the best AI-generated images for each month.
• Use photo editing software to adjust the size, color balance, and any other aspects to ensure consistency across all images.

4. Design the Calendar:

• Choose a calendar template or design one from scratch using software like Adobe InDesign or Canva.
• Place each dog breed image on a different month’s page.
• Add important dates, holidays, and any personal dates you wish to highlight.

5. Personalize with Custom Elements:

• Include captions or fun facts about each dog breed.
• Add personal touches like special dates or custom messages.

6. Print the Calendar:

• Choose a printing service that offers high-quality calendar printing.
• Decide on the size and type of paper for your calendar.
• Review a proof of the calendar before final printing.

7. Assemble and Bind:

• Once printed, assemble the pages in order.
• Choose a binding method (spiral binding is popular for calendars).

8. Final Touches:

• Add any additional embellishments, like stickers or custom covers.
• Ensure the calendar is durable and ready for use.

Created by Laura Medley with ChatGPT4 and Dalle3

3. Online Shopping Prompt

Next, we dive into the world of online shopping. This prompt is designed to streamline your search for the perfect gifts within your budget.

“I need help with efficient online shopping for the holidays. I’m specifically looking for [type of gifts or products], and my budget is [budget]. Show me the top 5 of these gifts that are available for purchase and let me know why they would make a good gift.”

a. Example Prompt:

I need help with efficient online shopping for the holidays. I’m specifically looking for a STEM-type gift for my daughter, and my budget is $100. Show me the top 5 stem gifts that are available for purchase and let me know why they would make a good gift.

Try this: As always, the more detail you put in, the better the response will be. If you have an age range in mind, add it to the prompt. If you are looking for a gift for a group of people, add that to the prompt, along with the size of the group. ChatGPT will give you better responses based on the details you enter.

b. Example ChatGPT Response:

• Yellow Scope Foundation Chemistry Kit: This versatile chemistry kit, designed by female scientists, covers a broad range of chemistry topics through over 19 experiments. It includes all necessary equipment and supplies, making it perfect for encouraging involvement in STEM for pre-teen girls [“]​​.
• Sphero RVR Programmable Coding Robot: An all-terrain, endlessly customizable programmable robot that allows learning JavaScript and programming. It’s great for engaging young women in programming, with Scratch, JavaScript, or Apple’s Swift programming languages available through the Sphero Edu App​​ [“].
• Arduino Uno R3: A versatile, open-source microcontroller board suitable for beginners. It provides a prototyping platform with nearly endless functionalities, making it an excellent tool for introducing the basics of electronic engineering and programming [“]​​.
• LEGO Friends Heartlake Hospital: This LEGO set features female characters and includes various elements like a helicopter, ambulance, nursery, and more, promoting engineering skills. It’s part of the LEGO Friends series, aimed at correcting gender imbalances in STEM toys​​ [“].
• Nancy B’s Stir-It-Up Chemistry Lab: An affordable science kit designed to introduce chemistry to young girls. It can be combined with everyday household ingredients for experiments, fostering a natural curiosity for science and confidence in young girls [“]​​.

Created by Laura Medley with ChatGPT4 and Dalle3

4. Gift Wrapping Ideas Prompt

Now, let’s add a creative twist to presenting your gifts. This section focuses on innovative wrapping ideas to make your gifts stand out.

“I’m looking for innovative and creative holiday season gift-wrapping ideas. The gifts I need to wrap [type of gifts or size of gifts you need to wrap]. What unique festive presentation ideas can you suggest?”

a. Example Prompt:

I’m looking for innovative and creative holiday season gift-wrapping ideas. The gifts I need to wrap include large books, a bicycle, and a regular-sized teddy bear. What unique festive presentation ideas can you suggest?

Try this: All of these prompts will work for any gift-giving time of year. If you include the specific holiday or event you need help with ChatpGPT will respond with recommendations that fit — whether it’s a birthday, Chanukah, a wedding, or any other event or holiday.

b. Example ChatGPT Response:

For wrapping your holiday gifts uniquely and creatively, consider these festive presentation ideas:

• Large Books: Create a custom book jacket with holiday-themed artwork or a personalized message. Wrap the book in this jacket and then in clear cellophane, tying it with a ribbon and adding a sprig of holly or mistletoe for a festive touch.
• Bicycle: Wrapping a whole bicycle is quite a challenge! Instead, tie a large red bow on it and create a trail of small, wrapped boxes leading to the bike. Each box can contain a clue or a small accessory for the bike, like a bell or lights, making the discovery part of the gift.
• Teddy Bear: Wrap the teddy bear in a soft, festive scarf instead of traditional wrapping paper. This not only looks charming but also gives an extra gift. Place the wrapped teddy bear in a large, decorated holiday box with a transparent window so the teddy peeks out.

These ideas make the wrapping part of the holiday excitement, adding an extra layer of joy and surprise to your gift-giving.

Created by Laura Medley with ChatGPT4 and Dalle3

5. Cultural or Traditional Craft Ideas Prompt

Finally, for those who cherish cultural traditions, here’s how ChatGPT can assist you in crafting authentic and meaningful holiday gifts.

“I want to make a traditional [a specific culture or tradition important to the recipient] holiday gift. Please suggest [amount of gift ideas] gift ideas that I could make as well as detailed creative variations. Include traditional design ideas and the amount of time it would likely take to complete.”

a. Example Prompt:

“I want to make a traditional Chanukah holiday gift for a close friend. Please suggest 3 gift ideas that I could make as well as detailed creative variations and include traditional design ideas and the amount of time it would likely take to complete.”

b. Example ChatGPT Response:

Hand-Painted Menorah:

• Variation: Use unique colors and patterns.
• Design: Traditional Hanukkah motifs.
• Time: 4–5 hours.

Personalized Dreidel Set:

• Variation: Craft from wood, paint, or engrave.
• Design: Classic Hebrew letters.
• Time: 3–4 hours.

Hanukkah Recipe Book:

• Variation: Include family recipes.
• Design: Vintage Hanukkah illustrations.
• Time: 5–6 hours.

c. Follow-up prompt to use after ChatGPT responds:
“Provide step-by-step instructions for creating the [paste one of the ideas in the response or type in an idea of your own] including where I could get the materials needed to create it.”

c1. Example Follow-up Prompt:

Provide step-by-step instructions for creating the Hanukkah Recipe Book, including where I could get the materials needed to create it.

c2. Example Follow-up Response:

Certainly! Here’s a brief guide for creating a Hanukkah Recipe Book:

Materials:

• Blank recipe book or binder
• Hanukkah-themed paper or cardstock
• AI-generated vintage Hanukkah illustrations
• Glue or adhesive
• Pens, markers, or calligraphy tools

Steps:

• Arrange paper in the book.
• Apply AI-generated illustrations.
• Label sections with Hanukkah motifs.
• Glue recipes onto pages.
• Add personal touches.

Where to Get Materials:

• Recipe book: Local craft stores or online.
• Hanukkah-themed paper: Craft stores or specialty paper shops.
• AI-generated illustrations: Use AI tools to create or modify vintage Hanukkah images.

With these easy-to-use AI prompts, you can streamline everything from Gift Giving and Holiday Card Giving to Cooking for the Holidays and even Holiday Decorating.

Get Out There and Gift

I hope these prompts helped you pick that “just right” gift for that special someone. Just remember, to get the most use out of these prompts, you need to include detailed information. The more detailed, the more tailored and useful the suggestions will be.

I have personally tested each of these prompts as of this article’s launch date in November 2023 and included follow-up prompts that will assist you in creating your holiday masterpieces. Since ChatGPT and other generative AI models are continually evolving and learning, you may need to tweak these prompts, depending on when you use them, as the model may have changed.

At the time of writing this article, ChatGPT4 is currently limited to existing users, but Microsoft’s Bing, which uses the GPT4 model from OpenAI, is available for free use. You can also try some of the other generative AI assistants like Bard from Google Labs and Claude from Anthropic if you would like to see what they can do, but my favorite currently is ChatGPT4.

Create Your Own ChatGPT Custom Instructions

ChatGPT also allows you to create personalized “Custom Instructions” that tell it a bit about you and how you would like it to communicate with you. This is an addition to the standard ChatGPT model, offering a more specialized version that makes interacting with ChatGPT even easier and more productive.

To access Custom Instructions, click on your name at the bottom left corner of the ChatGPT interface. There, you will see an icon and a link that opens a window where you can answer two questions:

1. What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide better responses?

2. How would you like ChatGPT to respond?

You can use up to 1500 characters for your responses to these questions.

Some comments I included in the second question of my version of ChatGPT were designed to create a more dialogic and collaborative feel, which works best for how I interact with the model. Here are a few examples to give you an idea:

• “If you don’t have an exact answer or are unsure of an answer’s viability, please ask me for more information or clarification.”
• “Please respond with more questions if my request is not clear enough or if it seems ambiguous.”
• “If something more can be added to the response that is outside of what I specifically asked for, please suggest it.”

Learn more about Custom Instructions for ChatGPT.