AI has moved into the mainstream and is reshaping how consumers discover, evaluate, and purchase holiday gifts. Nearly nine in ten shoppers already use AI tools, and many plan to increase their usage in the months ahead. Insights from YouCam Apps users and the Spate Popularity Index show a new era of smarter and more intentional holiday shopping.
As consumers prioritize value and personalization, AI powered recommendations, virtual try ons, and curated guides are becoming central to the shopping experience. Shoppers are moving away from holiday excess and focusing on meaningful, budget conscious purchases. At the same time, hybrid shopping has become the norm as people combine the convenience of digital browsing with the hands on benefits of in store exploration.
For brands, this shift presents a significant opportunity. Fast and seamless AI integration allows businesses to deliver customized experiences at scale, from skin analysis to beauty advisors to conversational agentic tools. By understanding emerging behaviors, category interest, and the types of AI tools shoppers want most, companies can stay ahead of holiday demand and create stronger and more relevant consumer connections.

