28.11.2025 NEWS

Is AI Good at Choosing Christmas Gifts?

As Christmas approaches, the familiar rush to find the perfect present is underway. In 2024, Brits are expected to spend a staggering £28.6 billion on Christmas gifts, up from £27.6 billion last year, according to research from comparison platform Finder. That’s an average of £596 per person, proof that the nation’s festive spirit (and spending power) remains strong. But this year, something new is joining the gift-giving process: artificial intelligence.

Generative AI (gen AI) tools are becoming an increasingly popular part of Christmas shopping, helping people brainstorm, compare, and even purchase gifts. Whether through chatbots like ChatGPT, AI-powered shopping assistants from Amazon and Google, or the recommendation engines built into online stores, AI is quietly reshaping how we make festive choices. The big question is, can AI really choose a good Christmas gift?

AI: The New Personal Christmas Shopper

A recent global survey by Accenture found that a striking 95% of consumers believe gen AI can help them find better gifts, while 90% say they value the recommendations these tools provide. It’s not hard to see why. AI can scan huge datasets of trends, preferences, and product reviews in seconds, offering inspiration that feels tailored to your needs, even if you don’t quite know what you’re looking for. Perhaps, in a world where time is short and choice is overwhelming, many shoppers appreciate an intelligent nudge in the right direction.

Where AI Excels at Gifting

AI’s greatest strength lies in data-driven personalisation. It can analyse purchase histories, search trends, and social media activity to predict what might delight a recipient. Retailers like Amazon and Etsy already use AI algorithms to power product recommendations, but generative AI takes it a step further — by conversing with shoppers, refining options, and suggesting unexpected but thoughtful ideas.

AI can also make the shopping process more efficient. Instead of spending hours scrolling through endless lists, users can get instant recommendations that fit their budget and recipient profile. Some AI tools can even generate personalised messages or wrapping ideas, completing the gifting experience from start to finish. For those who struggle with decision fatigue during the holidays, AI offers a welcome shortcut. It removes guesswork, surfaces hidden gems, and helps ensure gifts are both relevant and meaningful.

Where AI Still Falls Short

Of course, not even the smartest algorithm can fully replace human intuition. Sometimes, what makes a present memorable is the thoughtfulness behind it: a handmade item, a shared photo book, or something symbolic of a friendship. AI might suggest practical or trendy options, but it can’t replicate the emotional insight of a person who knows their loved ones intimately. There’s also the question of authenticity. As AI-generated product suggestions become more common, some shoppers worry that gifts might start to feel generic , chosen by an algorithm rather than from the heart. The best approach may be to use AI as a starting point for inspiration, then add a personal touch that makes the gift uniquely yours.

The Future of AI-Powered Gifting

AI isn’t replacing the joy of gift-giving, it’s enhancing it. As tools continue to evolve, they’ll become even better at understanding context, sentiment, and individual taste. Imagine AI assistants that can analyse your loved one’s social media posts to predict what they might appreciate most, or systems that automatically curate eco-friendly or handmade options based on your values.

For now, AI is a powerful ally in the search for the perfect present. It helps reduce stress, save time, and spark creativity, all while making the shopping process a little more fun. So, is AI good at choosing Christmas gifts? The answer is: yes, with a little help from you. It’s brilliant at analysing data and surfacing clever ideas, but the heart behind the gift still has to come from the giver.

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