Every holiday, we start listing what we want to see under the tree. For most of us, it’s still the usual mix of gadgets, sneakers, and maybe a trip we’ve been eyeing. But something about the world now feels different. It is more digital, more creative, and more quietly smart. The things that make life smoother and more inspired aren’t always tangible anymore.
It’s not about replacing the old kind of gifts, but rethinking what feels meaningful. In a world that runs on ideas and connection, AI and smart tools are becoming the new essentials. They don’t come wrapped in a box, but they stay useful long after the holiday lights fade.
So, if you’re building your wishlist, maybe it’s time to add something new like digital gifts that make your days simpler, your work sharper, and your creativity a little louder.
For the Creatives and Content Creators
For people who live and breathe ideas, creativity today is as much about tools as talent. The right software doesn’t replace your eye or instinct, it just clears the noise so you can stay in that flow state longer. Here’s what creatives across the internet actually love about these modern essentials.
- Canva Pro (USD14.99/month or around PHP850)
Canva is the universal language of design. What users love most isn’t just its templates but how it thinks for you now. With its Magic Studio, you can clean up visuals, expand photos, and auto-generate design variations. It’s the go-to for creators who need to move fast without hiring a designer. Whether you’re planning your brand kit or making a school org poster at 1 AM, Canva keeps your visuals sharp and your workflow easy. - CapCut Pro (USD7.99/month or around PHP470)
CapCut has earned its reputation as the TikTok editor’s best friend. What makes it stand out isn’t just the AI auto-captions or beat-syncing, it’s that everything feels fast, smooth, and native to how creators actually make videos today. You can shoot, cut, and publish all from your phone, with results that look like a full edit suite. For Gen Z creators, it’s the shortcut that doesn’t look like one. - Flixier (USD14/month or around PHP790)
Flixier’s edge lies in its voice. Literally. Creators praise its AI voice-over generator for being one of the most natural-sounding out there. A lifesaver if you’re camera-shy or don’t have a mic setup. It also shines for its lightning-fast rendering and freelancers who can’t afford to waste hours exporting videos. - Runway ML (USD12/month or PHP700)
Among editors and filmmakers, Runway has a rep for turning complex visual effects into one-click magic. Users love how it lets them erase objects, generate new backgrounds, create color-rich animated films, or even stylize entire videos without ever touching a timeline full of keyframes. It’s the “post-production secret weapon” for small creators who want cinematic results on a laptop. Watch short films entirely generated by Runway ML gen-4 here and be amazed. - Midjourney (USD10/month or PHP590)
Designers and visual artists call Midjourney their imagination machine. Its strength lies in how it captures style (moody, painterly, detailed), the kind of aesthetic that feels handcrafted, not generated. It’s a favorite for concept artists, marketing creatives, and anyone who loves turning a vague idea into a vivid image in seconds. - Jasper AI (USD39/month or around PHP2,300)
Writers and marketers turn to Jasper when they’re stuck or on a deadline. Its power is in tone and consistency . Users say it feels like an assistant who actually “gets” their voice. Whether it’s social captions or ad copy, Jasper is that extra brain cell that keeps you writing sharp even when your caffeine runs out.
These platforms earned their spot not just by what they can do, but by how they fit into people’s real creative lives.
For the Organized and Overwhelmed
Not everyone wants a gadget that looks good. Some people just want life to finally make sense. For the productivity-obsessed (or those trying to be), these tools simplify chaos and help you breathe easier.
- Notion AI (USD8/month or around PHP470)
Notion is the internet’s favorite workspace. Its AI add-on takes it even further by summarizing notes, drafting reports, and helping users organize their thoughts with less effort. People love it because it feels like a personal assistant that doesn’t overcomplicate things. Students, freelancers, and multitaskers all swear by it for keeping work and life synced in one place. - Todoist Pro (USD4/month or around PHP235)
For those who love lists, Todoist is sacred. Its AI-powered smart scheduling and goal tracking turn plain to-dos into small wins. Users love that it doesn’t nag but nudges. It’s practical minimalism at its finest, a mental declutterer that helps people actually follow through on what they plan. - Motion (USD19/month or around PHP1,100)
Motion is for the productivity maximalists. The ones who want their entire day optimized. It uses AI to automatically schedule meetings, tasks, and deep work blocks based on your habits. Professionals praise it for reducing decision fatigue and keeping burnout at bay. It’s like giving someone their time back.
For Students and Lifelong Learners
Whether you’re chasing grades, exploring new skills, or just learning for the thrill of it, education today looks very different from what it used to be. AI tools are turning studying into something personal, interactive, and efficient. These are the tools worth wishing for if you’re the type who loves to learn, improve, or just figure things out for fun.
- Gemini / NotebookLM (Free or USD20/month, around PHP1,180)
Think of it as Google, but more thoughtful. Powered by Google’s own ecosystem, Gemini connects directly with your Drive, Docs, and Gmail, helping you search, summarize, and organize information faster than you could on your own. Students love how it goes beyond giving links. It understands context, pulls key points from documents, and helps you turn scattered notes into real insights. The Pro version adds deeper reasoning and faster responses, making it feel like a study partner that actually keeps up. - Quizlet Plus (USD7.99/month or around PHP470)
Still a student favorite, Quizlet now uses AI to make flashcards smarter. Its Q-Chat feature works like a personal tutor, quizzing you based on your progress and weak spots. Users love how it turns study time into short, focused sessions that actually build recall instead of rote memorization. - Grammarly Premium (USD12/month or around PHP700)
Every learner who writes essays and scholarship letters has met Grammarly. It’s known not just for grammar checks, but for catching tone, flow, and readability. People appreciate how it boosts clarity without killing personality. It’s like having a writing coach 24/7. - ChatGPT Plus (USD20/month or around PHP1,180)
ChatGPT has quietly become the favorite study partner of many students and professionals alike. From explaining formulas in plain language to brainstorming essay angles or practicing mock interviews, it adapts to your level. Users say it’s like having a patient mentor that is always available and never judgmental. - Skillshare Premium (USD13.99/month or around PHP820)
Skillshare isn’t new, but its AI-powered recommendations make it more addictive than ever. It curates classes based on your creative goals and adjusts your feed as you grow. It’s loved for its community feel, where learning doesn’t feel transactional but social. - Coursera Plus (USD59/month or around PHP3,400)
Coursera’s edge is its integration with university-level AI. It uses adaptive learning systems that tailor lessons to your pace, whether you’re taking Google’s Data Analytics course or Yale’s Science of Well-Being. Learners say it’s like getting the structure of school with the freedom of self-study. - LinkedIn Learning (USD19.99/month or around PHP1,160)
What makes LinkedIn Learning powerful is its AI-driven career insights. It doesn’t just teach but tells you what skills your industry is moving toward, so you can upskill strategically. Users love how it keeps them employable and ahead of the curve. For career shifters or lifelong learners, it’s the smart way to invest in your future self.
For Homebodies and Minimalists
Some people recharge by staying in. They find comfort in a slow morning, a tidy space, and familiar sounds that make home feel alive. For them, the best gifts are the ones that quietly make everyday life easier and softer.
- Google Nest Mini (USD48 or around PHP2,800)
A small speaker that feels like a daily companion. It plays your favorite playlists, answers quick questions, and sets reminders before you even reach for your phone. People love how it blends in and makes home feel just a bit more connected without being overwhelming. - Tapo Smart Plugs (USD14 or around PHP800)
Simple but incredibly useful. These smart plugs turn any appliance into one you can control from your phone. You can schedule lights to turn on before you arrive home or have the coffee maker start while you’re still in bed. Many users say it’s one of those upgrades that quietly changes how you move through your day.
- Wysa (Free to USD10/month or PHP590)
Wysa feels like a safe space inside your phone. It’s a mental wellness app that helps you check in with yourself through guided reflections and gentle prompts. People who use it like that it’s not performative or loud—it’s just there when you need to process thoughts or end your day with more calm. - Calm (USD14.99/month or around PHP850)
This app is a favorite among those who value rest as much as productivity. Its meditation guides, breathing exercises, and soundscapes help people relax and sleep better. Many users say it’s part of their evening ritual, something that helps them reset and slow down after a long day. - Tody (USD6.99/month or around PHP410)
Cleaning doesn’t sound exciting, but Tody makes it surprisingly satisfying. It helps you organize chores, track what’s been done, and remind you of small tasks before they pile up. People love how it turns routines into small wins that keep their space and mind clear.
Maybe this year, it’s time to see wishlists differently. The best gifts don’t always come wrapped in shiny boxes or light up when you plug them in. Some simply help you think clearer, create braver, and live a little easier.
AI and smart tools aren’t just signs of where the world is headed. They’re reminders of how we live now. They make space for focus, balance, and creativity in the middle of all the noise. And in a season that’s really about thoughtfulness, maybe the most meaningful gifts are the ones that make life feel a bit more in tune, every single day.
Words by Aljhelyn Piador
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 26 Issue No. 4