Holiday shopping 2025 revolution: AI tools and crypto gifts surge among Gen Z – what to gift this Christmas

Crypto gifts for Christmas: This holiday season, younger Americans are changing the way the country shops as a new Visa Holiday Spending Shift Survey found that nearly half of US shoppers are using AI tools to help with holiday tasks, while cryptocurrency gifts are capturing growing interest, as per a report.

AI Tools Revolutionize Holiday Shopping

For Gen Z, digital tools aren’t just convenient, they’re central to the shopping experience. According to Visa, 47% of Americans are using AI for at least one holiday task, with gift discovery ranking highest, as per The Street report.

Cryptocurrency Gifts Gain Popularity

Meanwhile, 45% of Gen Z say they would be excited to receive cryptocurrency as a gift, compared with 28% of the broader population.


Bruce Cundiff, vice president of Consumer Insights at Visa, said, “The data tells a fascinating story about the spending shift we're witnessing: shoppers are embracing AI and digital tools at remarkable speed, with nearly half of Americans now using AI to enhance their shopping experience,” as quoted by The Street.

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Gen Z Leads the Shift to Digital-First Shopping

The survey highlights how Gen Z is shaping digital-first commerce:

• 44% have made purchases using cryptocurrency.
• 71% prefer biometric authentication for payments.
• 36% favor digital wallets as much as physical cards.
• 60% buy gifts from overseas via global e-commerce platforms.

Global E-Commerce & Gen Z Travel Plans Boost International Digital Payments

Visa notes that these trends mark a move toward “digital-native” shopping, where AI, cryptocurrency, and cross-border purchases are seamlessly integrated. Globally, 41% of Gen Z respondents also plan to travel more this season, further increasing international digital transactions.

Inflation and Housing Costs Influence Spending Habits

Economic pressures are playing a role, too. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that US consumer prices rose 2.7% year-over-year, with the broader 12-month inflation rate around 3%. Housing costs remain particularly high for Gen Z renters at 3.8% year-over-year.

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Stablecoins Expected to Play a Bigger Role by 2035

The survey suggests that these economic pressures, combined with tech-savvy habits, are driving younger shoppers toward alternative stores of value like Bitcoin, stablecoins, and other digital assets. Nearly one in ten Americans believes stablecoins will dominate by 2030, and 28% expect their use to rise significantly by 2035, as per The Street report.

Shoppers Still Want Human Support

Even with AI becoming a central tool, shoppers still value clarity and human support. Visa found that 61% prefer human customer service, 60% want transparency on how AI uses personal data, and 66% worry about friends or family falling for online scams.

FAQs

How many Americans are using AI for holiday shopping in 2025?
Nearly 47% of US shoppers are using AI tools for at least one holiday task, as per Visa data.

How interested is Gen Z in receiving cryptocurrency as a gift?
45% of Gen Z say they would be excited to get cryptocurrency for the holidays.