The Dream of AI-Powered Shopping
One of the bold promises of generative AI is its ability to act autonomously on behalf of its users. This emerging technology is expected to streamline labor-intensive tasks like shopping, offering convenience and efficiency. Theoretically, AI could “think” through multiple steps of a transaction, bringing us closer to a future of seamless consumer experiences. But how does this vision hold up in practice? I decided to test it for my holiday shopping this year.
Why I Turned to AI for Holiday Shopping
Shopping has never been my favorite activity. The seemingly endless options, both online and offline, quickly overwhelm me. During the holiday season, the stakes feel even higher—how do you express your gratitude and appreciation in a thoughtful gift? With time running out and a growing shopping list, I decided to let AI tools lighten the load.
Over a few weeks, I experimented with platforms like Perplexity AI, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, Anthropic’s Claude, and Amazon’s Rufus. Each tool promised to simplify the process, but my journey revealed some limitations.
Testing AI Shopping Tools: The Results
Perplexity AI: This platform offers a feature called “Buy with Pro,” marketed as a game-changer for shopping. With a $20 monthly subscription, it promises an “AI commerce experience” designed to make online shopping easier and more enjoyable. However, it quickly became clear that Perplexity is primarily a glorified search engine. While it suggested items like bakeware sets and quirky baking-themed apparel for a friend who loves to bake, most results lacked the unique, thoughtful touch I was seeking.
ChatGPT: OpenAI’s chatbot stood out for its creativity. It categorized gifts into thoughtful themes like “Personalized,” “Luxury,” and “Baking-Themed.” Suggestions like a handmade ceramic mixing bowl or a bespoke recipe journal felt far more meaningful. Although ChatGPT didn’t directly link to products, it provided URLs when prompted, making it the most useful brainstorming tool.
Google’s Gemini and Others: While platforms like Gemini and Amazon’s Rufus offered practical suggestions, they didn’t particularly stand out. For example, Gemini suggested a Kindle for my teenage niece and a solar-powered bike light for a milestone-birthday gift. While functional, these ideas lacked the creativity I was hoping for.
AI’s Current Limitations
Despite their potential, none of these AI tools could autonomously handle end-to-end shopping tasks. They excel in summarizing product details, comparing options, and brainstorming ideas, but the final steps—like completing transactions—still require human intervention. This underscores that the technology, while promising, is far from “agentic” in the truest sense.
Moreover, some platforms raised ethical concerns. For instance, Perplexity’s use of third-party reviews to inform its suggestions brought up questions about data sourcing and attribution. While this might streamline decision-making, it also highlights the murky territory AI companies are navigating.
The Verdict: A Work in Progress
AI tools like ChatGPT proved to be valuable for brainstorming creative gift ideas, especially for unique recipients like a baking enthusiast or a 16-year-old with eclectic tastes. However, the shopping experience was far from effortless. I spent so much time refining prompts and sifting through suggestions that many of my gifts didn’t arrive in time for the holidays.
Still, the process offered a glimpse into the potential future of shopping. Platforms like Perplexity AI are clearly laying the groundwork to transform e-commerce, but they’re not quite there yet. As AI continues to evolve, it’s easy to imagine a day when these tools handle everything from selection to delivery without human input.
Looking Ahead
For now, AI-powered shopping feels more like an experimental novelty than a practical solution. But as advancements in generative AI continue, shoppers may one day enjoy a fully automated and personalized experience. If this happens, it could redefine how we approach consumerism altogether.
Looking for more insights into how AI is shaping everyday tasks? Learn how AI chatbots are revolutionizing modern shopping experiences.
