The same way it's done in kindergartens around the world? They say "write me a story about your family" or "draw your family tree." So ok: "write me a program that is somehow relevant to your life."

Imagine you are teaching someone basic web development. The assignment is "make a webpage that displays some facts about your favorite tv show." Easy.

I can buy that it makes the grading more complicated, but coming up with assignments is not difficult.