Why AI is winning this holiday

PYMNTS data shows that 50% of shoppers used generative AI at least once on Black Friday. People use AI to cut costs and time, not to complicate things. Top use cases include:

• Find discount codes and deals (42%)
• Track prices and drops (35%)
• Compare products and reviews (31%)
• Generate gift ideas (30%)
• Understand specs and features (28%)

Popular tools include ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Think of them as shopping concierges that work 24/7.

The best ways to use AI tools for holiday shopping 2025

Get great gift ideas fast

Tell the AI who you’re buying for, your budget, and a hobby or two. Ask for 5–10 ideas with links and price ranges. Then ask for a cheaper version or a premium pick.

• Example prompt: “Give 7 gift ideas under $50 for a college student who cooks and hikes. Include links and return policies.”
• Pro tip: Ask for “in-stock options” and “delivery by Dec. 20.”

Find deals and track price drops

Use AI to hunt coupon codes, cash-back offers, and price-matching policies. Pair this with a price tracker on major sites.

• Ask: “List current coupon codes and cash-back rates for [store]. Include any exclusions.”
• Ask: “Compare today’s price history for [product model] at three major retailers.”

Compare products with confidence

AI can summarize specs, warranties, and real user reviews. It can also flag key differences between models.

• Ask: “Compare [Model A] vs [Model B] TV: screen type, refresh rate, HDR, ports, and warranty. Summarize pros and cons in bullets.”
• Verify claims on the retailer page before you buy.

Try before you buy with virtual tools

Many stores offer virtual fitting rooms and AR previews. Use them for sizes, shades, and room layouts. Snap a quick photo of your room or face to test items.

• Check return windows for items tried with AR or virtual fit.
• Save screenshots for easy reference at checkout.

Search smarter, not longer

AI-powered search can refine results by budget, shipping speed, and store policies.

• Ask: “Find winter boots under $120, waterproof, 2-day shipping, top-rated for snow.”
• Ask: “Show gifts with extended holiday returns and free shipping.”

Pay and gift the digital way

Digital wallets are on the rise. Visa says about 20% of Americans prefer them today. Among Gen Z, 36% use a digital wallet versus 34% who use a physical card.

• Use wallets for faster checkout and fewer typing errors.
• Turn on transaction alerts to track spending.

Crypto gifting is also growing. One in five Americans would be excited to receive cryptocurrency as a gift. If you choose this route:

• Stick to trusted exchanges and clear instructions for the recipient.
• Note volatility and potential tax issues.
• Consider stablecoins, which some expect to gain more use by 2030–2035.

Shop safer with AI

People want AI to help, not to overreach. Follow these steps to keep control of your data and choices:

• Do not paste full names, addresses, or order numbers into chat prompts.
• Use official apps or websites. Avoid unknown browser extensions.
• Sign in with passkeys or strong 2FA. Avoid SMS codes when you can.
• Verify product details on the retailer site before checkout.
• Watch for fake “too good to be true” links or phishing emails.
• Read return and price-match policies before purchase.
• When in doubt, chat with a human agent. Many shoppers still prefer human help, and that’s fine.

Quick start checklist

• Pick one AI assistant (ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini) and one price tracker.
• Make a gift list with budget caps and deadlines.
• Ask AI for 5 ideas per person, then refine by price and shipping date.
• Run a coupon-and-cash-back check before checkout.
• Use a digital wallet and enable purchase alerts.
• Save receipts and track returns in one folder or app.

AI makes holiday shopping easier when you set clear goals: save time, save money, and reduce stress. Used well, AI tools for holiday shopping 2025 help you find better gifts, lock in fair prices, and check out fast—while you stay in charge of your data and your budget.

(Source: https://www.pymnts.com/artificial-intelligence-2/2025/visa-47percent-of-americans-use-ai-tools-for-holiday-shopping/)

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