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Fast Company
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fast Company
This concept ad for Ikea shows that AI ads don't have to be cringe
A new concept ad format for Ikea is going viral, and it shows that AI ads can actually be good. The concept, which appears to have first been created by X user @Salmaaboukarr, starts with a wide shot of a drab, dorm-esque room with a simple Ikea-branded cardboard box in the center. In a matter of seconds, the box explodes open, spewing a full rooms-worth of Ikea furniture throughout the space and immediately transforming it into a cozy haven. This clever play on Ikea's iconic build-it-yourself model is a glimpse into how far AI models have come in the past several months, and how much of a role they're poised to play in the future advertising landscape. While it's not actually a real ad for the brand, it looks convincing enough to be one. How the 'exploding box' ad exploded online The creator listed full instructions on how to achieve a similar result using step-by-step prompts on Google's Veo 3 model, and dozens of creators have since made their own. The original video has over one million views and 11,000 likes on X at the time of writing, and another iteration of the Ikea concept has raked in 34,000 likes on Instagram. One creator designed a spot for Amazon, and another made a video concept for a fake pet care company. The Ikea box ad visuals come with a satisfying mix of cardboard sounds and solid thunks as the digital furniture settles into place. This seems to be a result of using Veo 3 itself, which debuted this March and stands out from AI video generator competitors like OpenAI's Sora for its ability to generate dialogue and audio alongside near-photorealistic video. So far, netizens have used Veo 3's advanced capabilities for a range of content, from benign ASMR clips to alarmingly realistic deepfakes of riots and election fraud —and it's only going to get more powerful from here. These Ikea concepts show the possibility of AI-generated ads Many viewers of the original video are responding positively to the ad, with one calling it 'mesmerizing.' Predictably, though, the concept is also receiving its fair share of criticism. On the aforementioned Instagram post, which includes the caption, 'This is literally a ~$100,000 VFX ad made with one Veo 3 prompt,' some commenters criticized the video, noting it was likely trained on real (and expensive) projects by creative people. Another, noting the mismatched end tables and armoires, and the placement of the ceiling lamp, felt it pointed to AI's shortcomings. Ethical concerns around AI's use of copyrighted materials and its massive energy consumption are certainly valid. However, critiques of the small flaws in these Ikea concept ads—like the placement of an errant lamp—work to undersell how astronomically AI tools have improved in the past several months, and how useful they will inevitably be for marketers. Looking back just a year ago to Toys 'R' Us' cursed toy ad, which was billed as the first-ever fully AI-generated commercial, it's difficult to emphasize just how much worse that actual ad looks compared to today's fan-made AI content. Not only is the image quality markedly better today, but the prompting savvy of AI creators has also improved. In the case of these Ikea concepts, for example, the focus is on the product itself—an area where AI currently excels. If you observe the Ikea concept ads without a fine-tooth comb, it would be difficult to argue that they're not effective. Granted, we're likely still in for a lot of AI slop, and probably more of it. But, as with any other tool, the existence of bad AI-generated ads doesn't mean it's impossible for smart, creative people to make good ones. These Ikea concept ads show that, with the right concept, AI can showcase a product without coming off as cringeworthy.
CNN
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
The 50 best graduation gifts they'll actually want in 2025
Graduation gift quick picks To make their communal bathroom schlep less dreadful: Bitty Bogg Bag For the jetsetter: Away The Bigger Carry-On For the nursing school grad: Figs Zamora Jogger Style Scrub Pants for Women For their dorm or first apartment: Lego Tiny Plants The best graduation gifts show that you care, whether they're memorable, personal, thoughtful or some combination of the three. The worst gifts? They'll collect dust at the bottom of some dark drawer, surrounded by other forgotten knickknacks. To ensure your graduation gift doesn't fall into that second category, we came up with a list of top-tier gift ideas and spoke to an expert. If your gift-giving muscle is a little weak, we've come up with a list of 50 graduation gifts that we're confident graduates actually want. And since we know not everyone can afford to buy a shiny new MacBook — though that's an excellent gift too — we've included ideas at a variety of price points. Uncommon Goods Collegiate Pouches Help the new collegiate show off their school pride wherever they go with one of these artisan-made pouches. Each of these designs are woven and include a variety of schools from Mizzou to Penn State. Bitty Bogg Bag One thing a first-time dorm dweller needs immediately? A shower caddy. All those necessities will fit into this year's hottest tote: The Bogg Bag. While this waterproof bag is perfect for the beach, we think it'd be perfect for toting around a communal dorm shower too. Plus, they can add on a bunch of Bogg's accessories for even more storage and personalization options. Apple MacBook Air M4 (2025) After testing a bevy of top-notch laptops, we think Apple's newest entry-level MacBook is the best one for most people. Despite its Apple branding, it's reasonably affordable and $100 cheaper than the previous model, yet it comes equipped with features that make other Apple products great, including a zippy M4 processor. If your high school grad is still typing away on a glorified toaster, this will be the perfect pre-college our review Baked by Melissa Congratulations Gift Box, 25-Pack What better way to kick off the celebratory festivities than with a pack of tasty treats? To sweeten the deal, you can choose from a variety of bestselling cupcake or macaron flavors. Pottery Barn Teen Create Your Own Neon Light Overhaul their sad dorm room lighting with something more aesthetic. You can customize this neon sign with their name for a personal touch. Personalization Mall Personalized Socks Help them show off their school pride all the way down to their toes with these crew socks customized with their next alma mater, class year and name. Hatch Restore 3 Upgrade their jarring phone alarm with a more soothing Hatch alarm, which gently awakes them with a faux sunrise. The newest iteration of our favorite splurgy white noise machine can be set to white noise and soothing sounds as well, plus several other light options, like a just-right glow for night-time studying that won't bother roommates. They can also opt into a paid subscription to unlock a library of sleep stories and more. Read our review Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Large Backpack Every new college student needs a durable backpack to tote around their books, laptop and other essentials throughout campus. Our editors can't get enough of Dagne Dover's neoprene backpack because it has a ton of compartments to keep things organized. Plus, it even has a handy strap that attaches to your luggage for hands-free travel. Read our review Converse Run Star Trainer Swap out their worn-out sneakers from high school with a colorful pair that are trending right now. Senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus owns these kicks and is obsessed with the fun statement-making hue. Popdarts Pro Pack These suction darts stick to anything smooth and come off easily with a satisfying PAH-PPP. We love that you can play with them outdoors or inside, but the best part? They won't cause damage to surfaces, so they can keep the peace with their RA. Apple Watch SE The Apple Watch SE is a fitness tracker, sleep tracker and shiny tech gizmo all in one. That's a compelling, useful package of features that'll appeal to grads, whether they're gym rats or want hands-free Siri support. And unlike top-of-the-line models, the SE won't cost you a our review Uncommon Goods Bury Your Own Time Capsule Kit There's no better present than remembering the past. This kit includes everything they need to preserve memories as they enter a new chapter in their lives. They'll get an aluminum capsule to store everything along with other accessories and guides like writing prompts, labels and silica packets to prevent damage from humidity. 'Goodnight Dorm Room: All the Advice I Wish I Got Before Going to College' Heading to college can be pretty overwhelming, so this fully illustrated beginner's guide is a thoughtful way to put them at ease ahead of their first semester. EarFun Wave Pro If you're looking for a tech gift that won't break the bank, snag our favorite best budget over-ear headphones. They cost less than $100 but still boast active noise cancellation that works and an impressive 80 hours of battery our review Crocs Miami Toe Loop Sandal Dorm life often means communal bathrooms and shared shower stalls. These sleek Croc sandals tested by fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw would work great as their shower shoes. Read our review Kodak Printomatic Full-Color Instant Print Digital Camera iPhone photos are great and all, but there's nothing as special as printed photos. Photos of the fun appear on sticky paper super quickly and serve as the perfect way for them to deck out their dorm walls. Brooklinen Dreamwave Waffle Robe They've got a shower caddy, but they probably didn't think about needing a robe to trek down the hall to the shared bathrooms. We love this lightweight one from Brooklinen that'll maintain its shape over time. 'The I Love Trader Joe's College Cookbook' If they don't plan on eating in the food hall or need some easy ways to supplement cafeteria meals, grads can up their cooking skills with a little help from this cookbook, which uses ingredients that can be found at any Trader Joe's location nationwide. Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Combination Espresso and Coffee Maker No new college grad's morning is complete without some caffeine, and this compact Nespresso machine is the perfect entry-level coffee maker that'll make them jump out of bed before work. It'll make them feel like a pro barista and save them money on pricey coffee shop lattes in the long run. Blue Apron Meal Delivery Plan Figuring out dinner can be a huge mystery as a new college grad. Help them avoid relying on Uber Eats with a meal kit subscription, which is more thoughtful than a gift card. Blue Apron is great for beginners and the recipes are healthy and tasty without being super time-intensive. Away The Bigger Carry On There's a solid chance the bag that got them through multiple spring breaks has seen better days. Treat them to our favorite hard-shell carry-on, which has 360-degree spinner wheels, a phone charger (!) and a sleek design to boot. It comes in a bunch of fun colors that'll also make it stand out at baggage claim. Read our review The Five Minute Journal Just because you have a college diploma, it doesn't mean you have It All Figured Out. Help them along the way with this five-minute-a-day journal where they can keep track of feelings, milestones and everything in between without any intense writing commitments. Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket This isn't just any blanket. Loved by our outdoors editor Kai Burkhardt, it rolls up into practically nothing, so it won't be a hassle for them to carry around on all their adventures. And yes, it's machine-washable for when those inevitable messes happen. Read our review Mark & Graham Fillmore Vegan Leather Passport Case Help them kick off their celebratory travels with this monogrammed passport holder. Kraus has one and loves that it houses her essential travel documents in style. XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro Portable Projector If your grad loves to entertain, this projector is perfect for cozy movie nights or showing the big game. Associate testing writer Joe Bloss tried it out and loved that it packed a punch for a small and device. Take it to the next level by getting this screening kit so they can host a movie night outside. Read our review America The Beautiful Pass Got a grad with wanderlust who doesn't want more stuff? This pass grants free regular admission to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country, including all the stunning US national parks. Dash Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer Oven Just because they're limited on time, it doesn't mean they can't whip up quick and healthy meals. This cute air fryer is our pick for the best budget air fryer and is perfect for new grads who don't love spending time in the kitchen. Consider it the more grown-up version of an Easy-Bake our review Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set Help them feel like a true adult with this luxe cotton sheet set from Brooklinen, which we named our favorite gauzy cotton sheets in testing. Bonus: the lightweight, breezy material is especially useful for hot sleepers. Read our review Twelve South AirFly SE If your new grad is going to be logging airline miles for their new job, we've found just the gift for them. This editor-loved Twelve South gadget makes flying so much more seamless by letting you connect your own Bluetooth headphones to the headrest monitor with ease. Read our review Figs Zamora Jogger Style Scrub Pants for Women Nurses deserve better scrubs, and it's no secret Figs is the favorite. These scrubs are soft and stretchy, they actually look good and they're available in sizes XXS petite to XXL tall. Plus, they hold up to constant washing, according to reviewers. Lululemon Align No Line High-Rise Pant There's a good chance your favorite future nurse has Lululemon's coveted Align leggings. In case you missed it, the brand just dropped a new version without a front seam, which offers an even more streamlined look and feel. It's perfect for them to wear while working out or lounging around after a long day. PackIt Freezable Hampton Lunch Bag Nurses can barely get to the bathroom, let alone contemplate where to get lunch. CNN Underscored's Home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel swears by this freezable lunch bag for bringing her lunch to work, and we think busy nurses will appreciate it too. Read our review Pretty Pictures Gifts Co. Nurse Badge Holder ID badges are essential in medical facilities, so make theirs a little more fun with this personalized badge holder. Lunya Women's Washable Silk Tee Short Set After taking care of others all day, your nurse deserves to treat themselves to some TLC. This washable Lunya set currently comes in a variety of gorgeous shades and is the perfect luxe way to unwind and stay cool throughout the night. Kraus loves to wear it year-round since she's a hot sleeper. Carrie Clover Store Stethoscope Name Tag If you really want to go all in with the personalization, pair the ID badge holder with this customized stethoscope name tag. You can choose up to 24 characters, including letters and symbols. Add on their birthstone to really make it stand out. Comrad Knee-High Ombre Compression Socks Don't fret. These aren't Grandma's compression socks. While they are designed to do the same thing, which is improve blood flow, these actually look nice. Case in point? The nurses we know swear by them. Gales Frontline Nurse Shoes Nurses are on their feet all day, which means their shoes need to be comfy, durable and sturdy. These shoes check all those boxes and come in a variety of colors they can mix and match with their scrubs. Zadro TWB Towel Warmer What's better than a rejuvenating, warm shower after a long shift? A toasty bath towel, warmed in this tastefully designed device. It's the apex of self-care, making it a fitting gift for a hardworking future our review Yeti Rambler 26-Ounce Water Bottle This water bottle — the most durable one we tested — is a great job site companion. No matter how hot it gets, it'll also keep drinks cold after hours in the blazing sun. And at the end of a hard day's work, your grad will appreciate just how easy it is to our review ThruNite Archer 2A V3 Flashlight A waterproof, heavy-duty flashlight is worth its weight in gold to anyone working in the trades. Enter the ThruNite Archer. It has adjustable modes and throws a broad, 500-lumen flood-style our review The Sill Money Tree Plant Your new grad likely has dollar signs on the brain, so what better symbol of success to come than this aptly named money tree? This pretty plant has a stout trunk and is quite hardy, even if that new entrepreneur doesn't have an especially green thumb. (It's also pet-friendly.) Courant Catch:3 Early mornings are likely to be a routine for your trade school grad. This stylish catchall, available in Belgian linen and Italian leather finishes, can charge Android and Apple phones and Airpods, while also leaving room to keep keys and other important items corralled. Trade Coffee Make your grad's early mornings less of a snooze with a gourmet cup of coffee from Trade Coffee. We love this one for its variety and that you can customize a subscription pack based on their brewing method of choice. Read our review Lego Tiny Plants If they're still learning how to flex that green thumb, might we suggest this set of nine adorable faux Lego plants? We've been loving Lego's assortment of blooms and bouquets for gifting, and this set, which includes plants like a Venus Flytrap to a Jade Plant, also makes for a fun new piece of decor for their dorm or first apartment. Squishmallows Original 12-Inch Arella Brown Owl With Graduation Cap This cheeky Owl adorned in a grad cap is guaranteed to be a hoot for all ages! There's also a Blue Bigfoot and Grey Elephant outfitted in a grad cap, if owls aren't their thing. Anthropologie Icon Juice Glass Tumbler With Lid CNN Underscored's Slack channel is full of chatter about Anthropologie's Icon glasses. Kraus has two of them and is constantly refreshing the product page to see what new options are dropping. Next on my list? This version with a lid, which is perfect for the grad who wants to stay hydrated or caffeinated on the go. Savor the Memories Graduation Photo Charm Help the grad show appreciation for the people who supported them along the way with this cap charm that holds photos. Aura Carver 10-Inch Frame Help your friend show off all those school-day memories in this popular smart frame. Using Aura's AI tech, it can identify related photos and display them side by side. It features integrated speakers, and the sleek frame fits in with any decor. Mark and Graham Commute Clutch Whether they keep things simple or just want to give them something to keep their ducks in a row, this commute clutch is the perfect combination of practical and fashionable. Plus, it comes with an optional monogram for extra personalization. Dutton and Company One Degree Hotter Candle If your grad has a sense of humor, celebrate them with this fitting candle. 'Choosing the right graduation gift involves considering the graduate's future plans and personal interests,' said Jacqueline Whitmore, an internationally recognized etiquette expert. Say, for instance, your grad is moving into a dorm. They probably don't need a full set of cookware. 'If they're heading to college, something practical for their dorm room might be ideal,' Whitmore said. 'For those entering the workforce, professional gear or accessories could be more appropriate.' It's also important to consider the timing of the gift, Whitmore said: 'If you're unable to attend the graduation, sending your gift to arrive around the date can show that you're thinking of them.' And no matter what you get your grad and when you give it to them, always include a card. 'Words of encouragement and pride can be just as valuable as the gift itself,' she said. What is a practical graduation gift? What is a practical graduation gift? As Whitmore mentioned above, you should keep the type of grad you're shopping for top of mind. A high school grad probably won't have room to keep bulky kitchen appliances in a tiny dorm, while a college grad is likely looking for more elevated home basics such as linens or dinnerware for their first apartment. When in doubt, always consider their personal interests or hobbies when shopping for a graduation gift. How much money do you usually give for a graduation gift? How much money do you usually give for a graduation gift? Everyone has different budgets, which is why we included graduation gifts at a range of price points so you can choose what you are comfortable spending. The amount you spend is also likely dependent upon how close you are to the new grad. For this article, we consulted the following expert to gain their professional insights. Jacqueline Whitmore, an internationally recognized etiquette expert Here at Underscored, we make it our job to stay up to date on all the latest products, but we don't just find them; we also rigorously test products from hundreds of brands to make sure every gift you give is a hit. We also know that you get tired of seeing the same gift ideas year after year, which is why our team of editors has carefully curated each of our gift guides with a selection of products tailored to the person, hobby or event you're shopping for (though, if you're seeing some repeat products in our coverage, it probably just means that we really love them). For this article, senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus, associate editor Jillian Tracy and associate writer Maxwell Shukuya picked out their favorite gifts for every type of grad.
CNET
07-05-2025
- CNET
School Out for Summer? Here Are Some Ways to Store Your Dorm Stuff
If you're headed into the end of year school break and don't know where to stash all the dorm stuff you've managed to accumulate, you're not alone. If you live locally, it might not be that big of a deal to haul your stuff back to your parents' house, but what if you're not local, or if you're an international student? The least ideal situation is shipping everything back home to store until you have to return for a few months and ship it all back. Not only could this potentially be wildly expensive, but overall it'll likely be more work than it's worth. If you find yourself in this situation, you're in the right place, as we have a few options for you to look into. Whether your priority is affordability or convenience, these four tips should help you with your next move, literally and figuratively. For more moving tips, don't miss the best moving companies of 2025 and the top mistakes to avoid during your move. Rent a local storage unit for your dorm stuff If you're here, you've probably already had this thought, but it's a good one for many students. Some colleges actually offer storage units for students — some for free — so before you do anything else, check if your school has this option before you lug all of your stuff off campus. Of course, this won't be possible for everyone, so you may need to look at local options outside of campus. If storing your stuff on campus is out, check around for a local storage facility. This could be a task of its own, and you can expect others in your situation are also looking into storage units as close to their dorms as possible, so you may need to look a bit further out than you'd like to find the right price for yourself. Another factor will be how large of a unit you'll need. Your local U-Haul, for instance, may have self-storage facilities you can rent for the summer. Pro Tip: You're not alone, so grab a few friends to pitch in on a larger storage unit to cut down on costs. Look into a moving or storage service If convenience is your top priority and you have the funds for it, then a moving or storage service that caters specifically to college students may be just what you need. Check a service like Collegeboxes and Dorm Room Movers to get an idea of what that service offers. If you live in a college town, you may be able to find a local moving and storage service that caters to students and may be a little cheaper. These services are pretty straightforward. They'll provide you with cardboard boxes and packing tape you'll pack your stuff in, schedule a time to pick up your items, store them over the summer and then drop them off in the fall. It really doesn't get much simpler, and the peace of mind may justify what you shell out for a service like this. Store your stuff at a local friend's place If you're looking for a more frugal route, hit up a friend who lives in the area or is staying on or near campus while you're gone. This will likely be your cheapest option, and if they're a really good friend, it could possibly be free. You might still consider giving them a six-pack when you pick your stuff up. Think about selling some of your stuff Books, towels, sheets. Those are easy to pack up. If you are holding onto large items, you'll obviously need a larger space to store your stuff. If you want to save some money, do some research on how much it would cost to store your items versus selling them and buying new stuff when you come back. Unless you have an emotional attachment to your things, a big item like a desk or chair can easily be sold or donated and then repurchased later and possibly for cheaper. Even if you were to sell just your large items, you might be able to save money on a smaller storage unit, if that's the route you choose. This will require doing some math to see if it makes sense for you to do. Pro Tip: No matter what method you choose, you'll still likely have to pack and move some boxes, so make sure you know how to properly lift your heavy boxes and furniture. In search of more moving tips? Check out the best moving companies of 2025 to make your move a breeze, and avoid these common moving day mistakes for fewer stressors along the way!
