AI Tools Transform Christmas Shopping as More Consumers Turn to Chatbots for Gift Inspiration

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way people search for Christmas gifts, with more shoppers turning to chatbots for personalised ideas and guidance. For many, AI has become a helpful shortcut in navigating the overwhelming number of products available during the holiday season.

Rachael Dunfell, a 33 year old from Manchester, experienced this shift firsthand. Faced with the challenge of finding a meaningful present for her husband’s 21 year old cousin, she turned to Microsoft’s Copilot chatbot after struggling to generate any ideas. All she knew was that he liked specialised racing bikes and had an interest in Vikings. She fed those details into the AI tool, which quickly directed her to a niche retailer selling Viking themed metal bike components. The suggestion turned out to be ideal.

“It’s something I never would have found on my own,” Rachael said. “But it was perfect.”

Stories like hers are becoming increasingly common. Shoppers are relying on AI assistants such as Copilot, OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini to spark inspiration, refine vague ideas and help them discover products they might otherwise overlook. The tools work by analysing interests, hobbies, budgets and personal details, then generating curated suggestions that feel both thoughtful and specific.

Retail analysts say the rise of AI assisted gifting marks a significant shift in consumer behaviour. In past years, people might have turned to social media, online wish lists or generic search results. Now, chatbots can narrow down options in seconds, making the experience faster and less stressful. The ability to compare prices, check availability and even generate gift lists automatically has turned AI into a trusted shopping companion.

For retailers, the trend presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, AI can direct more targeted traffic to niche shops and smaller brands, as in Rachael’s case. On the other, it may change how consumers search for goods, reducing the effectiveness of traditional advertising or search engine optimisation. Retailers are increasingly experimenting with AI integration on their websites to stay competitive, with some offering built in gift recommendation tools powered by machine learning.

AI is also influencing how people budget for the holidays. Many shoppers use chatbots to compare prices across multiple stores, look for discounts and decide when to buy. The ability to request cheaper alternatives or specify exact price ranges makes AI particularly appealing to bargain hunters looking to stretch their holiday spending.

Behavioural experts say the shift reflects a broader comfort with AI in everyday decision making. As people use these tools for work, planning and entertainment, turning to them for holiday shopping feels natural. The personalised nature of AI recommendations also gives shoppers a sense of confidence, especially when buying for relatives whose tastes they may not fully understand.

While some consumers still prefer browsing in person or finding gifts the traditional way, the growing reliance on AI suggests that digital assistance will play an even bigger role in future holiday seasons. The combination of convenience, speed and creativity is proving hard to resist.