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The annual Blue Friday campaign reminds us that the holidays are about more than gifts, they¡¯re about sharing joy, and purpose with those who matter most. This year, we added a twist: Can AI pick the ¡°perfect Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Bookshop gift¡± better than a human?

For each gift category, we had ChatGPT and an actual human choose a gift for a special person in their lives, and then asked the actual recipient which gift they preferred. The results were heartwarming.?

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• Roc¨ªo¡¯s pick for her mom: Hello Kitty charm?

• AI¡¯s pick: Colour-changing pencils?

¡°My mom loves anything cute and meaningful, so I¡¯m getting her the Hello Kitty charm,¡± said Roc¨ªo Y¨¢?ez, Inclusive Social Development Intern at the Department of Economic and Social Affairs. ¡°It¡¯s a small gift, but it reminds me of home, and it¡¯s nice to bring her something from the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ.¡±?

Her mom confirmed she¡¯d prefer ¡°something cute to hang on her bag.¡±?

Winner: Hello Kitty charm - human¡¯s choice (1¨C0 for humans).

• Idil¡¯s pick for her colleague: Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ T-shirt

• AI¡¯s pick: Appeel journal??

¡°During the NYC Marathon, I spotted another runner wearing a Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ T-shirt. We exchanged a quick smile and a few words¡± said Idil ?ner, Digital Communications Specialist at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵICEF. ¡°That moment of connection is why it makes such a meaningful gift and why I¡¯d get one for my colleague for the holidays.¡±??

The colleague preferred the T-shirt for its personal meaning.??

Winner: Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ T-shirt - human intuition (2¨C0).

• Holly¡¯s pick for her brother: Soccer ball?

• AI¡¯s pick: Beanie hat?

¡°My younger brother loves soccer. It¡¯s how he connects with his friends after university,¡± said Holly Ibrahim, Renewable Energy Intern from?the Department of Operational Support. ¡°The ball is a fun way to share what I¡¯m doing here at the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ.¡±?

Her brother¡¯s response was immediate: ¡°The soccer ball, obviously.¡±??

Winner: Soccer ball- Humans again (3¨C0).

Our experiment shows that for personal, heartfelt gifts, humans still know best. This Blue Friday, find meaningful presents at the??and??and share joy, and connection.

And for a limited time only (18-28 November), receive a free special edition lens cloth with every purchase of $50* or more.??

*Transaction total excludes the cost of shipping. Merchandise does not include print and digital books. One free item per purchase while supplies last.??

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