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Find thoughtful gift ideas for anyone

A shortlist of personal, in-budget gift ideas for someone tricky to buy for, based on what they actually enjoy.

Personal AssistantBeginner5 minAI assistantNotes app
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When to use it

A couple of weeks before a birthday or celebration

Step by step

  1. Describe the person

    Write a few lines about them: age range, hobbies, what they talk about, things they already have, and anything they've mentioned wanting.

  2. Ask for ideas

    Paste your notes into your AI assistant with this prompt.

    Prompt to copyHelp me find a gift for my [relationship, for example dad] for [occasion]. Budget: [amount]. About them: [notes]. They already have: [list]. Give me 10 ideas across different types: 3 physical gifts, 3 experiences, 2 handmade or personal ideas, and 2 that help with something they do often. For each, one line on why it suits them and a rough price. Avoid generic gifts like mugs and socks unless there's a personal twist. Then ask me 2 questions that could help narrow it down.
  3. Keep a gift ideas note

    Start a note called Gift ideas with a section per person. Add things they mention through the year, and paste them into the prompt next time.

What you get

For Dad, 65, keen gardener, loves crosswords, £40: 1) Personalised plant markers with his allotment name (£15). 2) Half-day pruning workshop at a local garden (£35). 3) Book of cryptic crosswords plus a nice pen (£22). 4) Framed photo of his best marrow...

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