Gifts, like insults, are most effective when deeply personal. Getting a present right – seeing the glee in someone’s eyes or the lump start to rise in their throat – can provide such satisfaction that many of us who are enthused lurk surreptitiously throughout the year, noting down items or experiences that our family and friends have mentioned and squirrelling the flawless ideas away, ready for a special occasion.
Famously, it’s the thought that counts, which is why I was mildly horrified to see AI models like ChatGPT and Google Gemini advertising new shopping features designed to take the effort and original thinking out of this gift-giving process – just in time for the 2025 festive panic. Merry Christmas, everyone. Really, I shouldn’t have been surprised. We’re now using AI for medical advice, therapy, friendship and even love. What’s a little personal shopping assistance when your girlfriend is already a robot?
