Motorola: An Unexpected Gift
Gift-giving during the holiday season is both a joy and a challenge—finding that one perfect thing that captures your love and thoughtfulness can be an unexpectedly daunting task. In Motorola’s episodic series, “An Unexpected Gift”, RIOT Creative Agency set out to explore the highs, lows, and humorous revelations of this process with three couples, no scripts, and a city full of possibilities. Each couple had 45 minutes, a Moto Z smartphone, and a simple mission: find a gift unlike anything they’d given before. What unfolded was a heartwarming and hilarious journey through the streets of SoHo in New York City, featuring real reactions and genuine connections.
An Episodic Journey Through Holiday Gift-Giving
Shannon & Belouka (GQ)
In the first episode, Shannon and Belouka were set loose in SoHo to find gifts for one another. Armed with the Moto Z, they navigated the bustling streets, popping in and out of shops in search of the perfect item. Shannon’s journey was filled with indecision—wandering through stores and coming up empty-handed until inspirationAn idea is a thought, concept, or mental image that emerges as a solution, inspiration, or innovation. Ideas form the foundation of creativity and problem-solving, driving progress and sparking new opportunities. struck. Meanwhile, Belouka moved with confidence, claiming, “I know exactly what I’m gonna get you.” In a twist of fate that neither could have predicted, the two ended up buying the same gift for one another—a humorous yet sweet moment that revealed their shared wavelength. “Are you serious right now?” Shannon laughed upon the reveal, capturing the essence of their playful dynamic.
Dan & Michael (Wired)
Dan and Michael’s episode brought out their creative and thoughtful sides. Dan set out with a clear visionA concept is a foundational idea or vision that serves as the starting point for creative projects, strategies, or campaigns. It shapes direction and provides a framework for development, execution, and storytelling., immediately gravitating toward an acoustic guitar—a gift he knew Michael would love. “How beautiful is this one?” he mused while holding it. Meanwhile, Michael took a more unconventional route, selecting a collection of vintage horror movie memorabilia. The big reveal was nothing short of heartfelt: “What is this?” Dan exclaimed with delight. “I love it!” Their episode showcased not only the joy of gift-giving but also the excitement of truly knowing your partner’s unique interests.
Jessica & Michael (Glamour)
In the final episode, Jessica and Michael highlighted the personal and practical side of gifting. Jessica, ever thoughtful, aimed to improve her boyfriend’s wardrobe by hunting for sweaters and cardigans, explaining, “He needs a little help, so I’m gonna help him.” On the other hand, Michael sought out something that reminded him of Jessica’s essence, eventually choosing a stunning fragrance. The reveal brought smiles and laughter, as Jessica remarked, “You listen when I talk.” Their story was a testament to how thoughtful gifts can deepen relationships by showing you truly care and pay attention.
A Celebration of Gift-Giving, Powered by Motorola
The Moto Z smartphone played a pivotal role in each episode, not only as a branded sponsor but as an essential tool for navigating New York City. From acting as a stopwatch for the 45-minute countdown to mapping routes, researching stores, and documenting their journeys, the Moto Z organically integrated itself into the fabric of each couple’s adventure. This seamless incorporation showcased how technology can enhance not just logistics but also creativityCreativity is the ability to generate new ideas, concepts, or solutions by thinking in unique, innovative, and unconventional ways. It is the foundation of innovation, problem-solving, and artistic expression. and spontaneity in the gift-giving process.
“An Unexpected Gift” is a humorous, honest, and heartfelt exploration of what it means to give and receive during the holidays. Whether it’s an unexpected coincidence, a thoughtful reflection of someone’s personality, or a practical gesture of care, the series reminds us that the best gifts aren’t always the most extravagant—they’re the ones that come from the heart.
