Back in January, I blogged about how micro-apps are the modern-day mixtape. Thanks to AI generation software and tools, it's easier than ever to make thoughtful "pieces" of software for your friends and family.
Since then, I've been surprised that I haven't seen more obvious examples of people "gifting" AI generated software to each other, for birthdays, special occasions, or even just "I'm thinking about your" vibes.
So in case you've been wanting to try this out, here are five quick ideas about how you can make someone's day with this week with 20 mins or less on an AI app.
1. Make them a song
If you've never made anything with AI on the Internet before, let Suno, the AI song generator be the place for you to start. Think about a friend that could use a little bit of support this week, and just jot down a few words about what you'd want to say, or a story about a recent experience together, and pick a song genre.
In minutes you'll have a shareable song to send their way, guaranteed to bring a smile (if also a little confusion). See....exhibit A.
Gift of Song by @exasperatingcanon585 | Suno
playful, pop song. Listen and make your own with Suno.
2. Make them a memory.
One of the things I've enjoyed doing with AI image generators is using the apps to recreate memories from moments that happened years earlier.
Think back to a time when you and a friend had a great time -- say, on a girl's trip to Miami or a first date that ended with a close encounter with a rat at a NYC subway station.
The next time you think about a memory with someone, use an AI image generator like DALL-E, Flux, or Midjourney and try to recreate the moment for a visual cue.
3. Make them a meme.
It's easier than ever to meme-ify yourself (or your friends). Whether you're looking for a classic roast or a comic book page, sites like Glif are great for a quick meme.
You can browse through all of the past examples and just run someone else's Glif with your own inputs, you can remix their workflow, or you can create your own from scratch.
For instance, here's a meme I just built based on the existential crisis of needing to learn AI.
4. Make them a silly game.
You know that weird, niche community that you're a part of? There's no time like the present to make a custom app or game, just for them.
A few months ago with Ohara, when feeling frustrated by how many times I had to put my kids down for bed in a single night, I made a silly app called "Bedtime Wars" which is essentially a competitive between me and another parent each night for "number of times you had to put your kids to bed."
Whether or not this app is a long-term real thing is kind of besides the point. It took me about 10 minutes to make and it got a few smiles with my Instagram friends, one of whom had to put her kids to be 20 times that night...
5. Make them a generative app.
Finally, you can use a one of the many no-code AI builders out there (Replit, Lovable, Bolt, etc.) to build an actual app or micro-app that does something fun. A lot of you have probably seen how I've been spinning up fun (faux) landing pages for pseudo business ideas or fun content remixes. It's now becoming my default way to demonstrate value in a new group of people
For instance, right now I'm in the midst of a survivor-style reality game called "Crypto the Game." As a way to solidify and demonstrate my loyalty to the tribe (and have a little fun before I inevitably get kicked off the virtual island), I made this friendship bracelet generator this morning.
But I don't have time!
I hear this complaint a lot when people talk about how they want to use more AI... that they just don't have the time to figure it out.
I'm just saying, it took me about 90 minutes to write this post and come up with 4-5 AI "gifts" this morning. With a little practice, AI gifting becomes second-nature, and actually helps you lean into being a little more thoughtful with your friends.
You should give it a try this week.
It's the golden age of cheering people up with bespoke software on the Internet AI has made it easier than ever to spin up little micro-apps or thoughtful software "pieces" as gifts for family, friends, or colleagues. Why not skip the birthday gift and generate a Replit app instead? 5 ways to make people's day with software on the Internet https://hardmodefirst.xyz/five-ways-to-make-peoples-day-with-software-on-the-internet
Surprising ways to show you care using AI gifting! @bethanymarz offers five quick, creative ideas for using generative tools like song and meme makers, custom games, or image recreations to brighten someone's day. Achieving thoughtful gestures has never been easier—give it a try!