Holiday Wishlist 2.0: WHAT AI AND SMART TOOLS DESERVE A SPOT UNDER YOUR TREE

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.

- Words by Aljhelyn Piador

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 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.

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.

CAPCUT PRO (USD7.99/MONTH OR AROUND PHP470)