Let chatbots shop around while you double-check the receipts

• Use AI chatbots for ideas and product comparisons, then confirm live prices on Yahoo Shopping, Google Shopping, or DealSeek

• On Amazon, pair Rufus (gift ideas + specs) with DealSeek (coupons + low-price alerts) before you check out

• Protect yourself by running sketchy links through scam checkers, typing retailer URLs in yourself, and avoiding any deal that wants gift cards or wire transfers

AI has officially gone from a tech buzzword to a holiday shopping sidekick.

According to Intuits 2025 Holiday Shopping Report, nearly 4 in 10 shoppers (39%) plan to use AI tools for gift buying this year, a 70% jump from last year. The top reasons include finding better prices and discounts (64%), discovering new products (51%), and getting more personalized recommendations (47%).

I spoke with smart shopping expert Trae Bodge, founder of TrueTrae.com, about the best ways to use AI toolsfor your Black Friday and Christmas shopping this year. And perhaps more importantly, how to avoid the inherent risks that come with them.

What AI is actually good for on Black Friday (and what its not)

Bodge says AI chatbots are great for the idea part of shopping, but are still a work in progress for the live deal-hunting piece.

I find AI chatbots to be helpful in finding deals and providing product recommendations, but I havent seen that chatbots can source the most current deals, she explains.

Use chatbots (like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.) to:

• Brainstorm gift ideas for hard-to-shop-for people
• Narrow down options (for example, comparing features of similar TVs, headphones, or kitchen gadgets)
• Get a quick list of retailer policies or return rules to sanity-check before you buy

But when you need up-to-the-minute prices or doorbuster deals, Bodge recommends going to tools built specifically for that, such as Yahoo Shopping or Google Shopping.

These platforms use AI on the backend to surface and compare current prices, but theyre wired into real-time product feeds rather than just pulling from older web pages.

The bottom line is to use chatbots for strategy and product research, then use shopping engines and deal sites for live prices and promos.

Using Amazons Rufus to spot real deals (and good gifts)

If youre an Amazon shopper, Bodge is a fan of Rufus, Amazons built-in AI shopping assistant in the app and on desktop.

I do love Rufus, she says. I use it to ask in-depth questions about products, and its also helpful for gift suggestions if you dont know what to give someone you can tell Rufus about your recipient and ask for suggestions within a specified budget.

Heres how to put Rufus to work for holiday shopping:

Ask for tailored gift ideas

• Example: Gift ideas under $40 for a co-worker who loves coffee and travel.
• Example: Stocking stuffers under $15 for a 10-year-old who loves LEGOs and drawing.

Use it for deal scouting inside Amazon

• You can ask for top deals in [category] like top toy deals for kids ages 1012 or best TV deals under $500 with at least 4-star ratings.
• Rufus can surface daily deals and promotions and help you compare options based on features, reviews and price.

Ask follow-up questions before you buy

• Is this a good TV for a bright room?
• Which of these has the best battery life?

Rufus can even tie into Amazons newer AI features, like visual tools (Lens Live) and Help me decide, which help you compare similar products and get a best overall, budget pick, and upgrade option.

Youll still want to quickly compare against at least one other retailer or price-comparison tool, but Rufus can dramatically cut down the time you spend clicking through pages of listings.

Other AI tools that can quietly save you money

Travel planning and deals

Bodge says she doesnt personally use ChatGPT for travel prices because she usually has a specific destination and dates in mind.

But if your plans are flexible, chatbots can be super helpful for the following:

• Generating sample itineraries that are very helpful when researching a destination (for example, ask something like Create a 5-day Barcelona itinerary for 2 adults and a teen who loves art and food off the beaten path).
• Ive found that AI is also good at spotting off-peak travel dates and alternate airports that can knock a big chunk off the final price. Give this prompt a shot, Find the cheapest off-peak dates to fly from [HOME AIRPORT] to [DESTINATION] around [MONTH/RANGE], plus any cheaper nearby airports.
• Creating pre-travel checklists so you dont waste money on forgotten items or last-minute purchases.

Use the chatbot to sketch the trip, then price it out on actual travel sites. Try not to rely on the bot for final travel costs or availability.

Amazon-specific deal finder: DealSeek

If most of your holiday shopping happens on Amazon, Bodge calls out a newer tool called DealSeek.

DealSeek is an AI-powered site and app that scans Amazon for promo codes, coupons, and flash sales, and highlights what it says are some of the best deals at any given time, updated hourly.

Some users also rely on it to flag items that are at or near their lowest price in recent months, similar to what traditional price-tracking tools do.

How to use it smartly:

• Before you checkout on Amazon, search that item or category on DealSeek.
• Look for any hidden coupons or lower-than-normal price notes.
• Still double-check reviews and return policies back on Amazon before you buy, especially when buying from 3^rd parties.

AI can save you money but scammers are using it too

Bodge stresses that while AI can help you find deals, its also supercharging , especially around Black Friday.

Tools like McAfees Scam Detector, now part of McAfees core security plans, use machine learning to scan links, texts, emails, and even videos for signs of phishing, fraud, and deepfake manipulation.

According to Bodge, heres how a scam detector can protect you when doing your holiday shopping:

Check links from chatbots - If a popular AI chatbot like ChatGPT, Grok, or Gemini suggests a site youve never heard of, be sure to copy the URL and paste it into a scam-checking tool like McAfees Scam Detector to see if it looks suspicious before you click.

Scan sketchy texts and emails If you ever get a message telling you about a delivery problem, or a surprise account alert, dont blindly believe it. Run it through a scam-detection tools and itll analyze the full message and flag likely before you click on anything.

Spot deepfake ads and videos One of the newest AI is the use of fake celebrity or expert videos to push bogus shopping links. They look amazingly real, but if something seems a little off about them, you should trust your gut and investigate. Most Scam Detector (and similar tools) are built to catch these before you compromise your credit card information.

Quick safety rules to pair with your AI tools:

• Type in retailer URLs yourself instead of clicking links in messages.
• Be wary of any deal that requires payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or crypto.
• When in doubt, go directly to the retailers official site or app and look for the promotion there.

The takeaway: Let AI be your co-pilot, not your autopilot

This holiday season, AI can absolutely help you shop smarter:

• Use chatbots to brainstorm gifts, compare products and plan trips.
• Use AI-powered shopping engines and tools (Yahoo Shopping, Google Shopping, DealSeek) to surface real-time deals.
• Use security tools like McAfees Scam Detector to sanity-check links, messages and ads before you click.

But the basics still apply: compare prices, read reviews on trusted sites, and slow down before you enter payment info anywhere new.

Holiday deals come with new financial risks

Consumers facing high costs may be tempted by buy now, pay later (BNPL) and deferred-interest credit card offers
Advocates say both products can mask significant fees and steep retroactive interest charges
Experts urge shoppers to proceed cautiously and avoid promotions that seem too good to be true

As the holiday shopping season ramps up during what advocates call an ongoing affordability crisis, consumer experts are urging shoppers to think twice before accepting promotions that promise painless financing. The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) warns that both buy now, pay later (BNPL) plans and so-called no interest credit card promotions can trap people in costly debt at a time when household obligations are already at historic highs.

Buy now, pay later loans can make unaffordable purchases look cheaper than they are, and zero-interest credit card promotions can be a risky hidden time bomb, said Lauren Saunders, associate director at NCLC, in a news release.

Despite their appeal, these products often come with fine-print pitfalls and, according to the group, a weakened regulatory environment is leaving consumers more exposed than in past years. With the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) pulling back from aggressive oversight, advocates say its more important than ever for shoppers to protect themselves.

BNPL loans can mask high fees and repayment issues

BNPL services are marketed as an interest-free way to stretch out payments, but NCLC warns that lenders often charge late fees, bounced-payment fees and other add-ons that can quickly raise the true cost of a purchase. Consumers have also reported trouble cancelling BNPL loans when orders are returned or cancelled a problem that has left some paying off financing for items they never kept.

Managing several BNPL plans at once can be equally hazardous. With different due dates across multiple providers, shoppers may inadvertently trigger overdraft or nonsufficient-fund fees, compounding their financial strain.

Deferred-interest credit cards can deliver steep retroactive charges

Deferred-interest credit card promotions may be even more dangerous. Ads commonly promise no interest for 12 months or 0% until 2026, but the catch is buried deep: if the entire balance isnt paid off before the promotional period ends, the lender retroactively charges interest on the full purchase amount going all the way back to the original transaction date.

NCLC offers a stark example: a shopper who buys a $2,500 laptop under a one-year deferred-interest plan at 31% APR and pays down everything except $100 by the deadline would still be hit with roughly $430 in back-dated interest on the entire purchase.

Dont let deceptive financial promotions with huge, delayed charges ruin your holidays, said NCLC senior attorney Chi Chi Wu. If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is. Dont let predatory lenders put you on the hook for this years holiday spending into next year and beyond.

Tips for safer holiday financing

For shoppers considering BNPL:

• Consider skipping purchases you cannot pay off immediately

• Review all fees and be cautious about BNPL-linked subscriptions

• Track payment dates closely and avoid juggling multiple BNPL plans

• Monitor total BNPL debt and know your right to cancel automatic payments

For those weighing interest-free credit card deals:

• Avoid deferred-interest promotions altogether

• Dont stack multiple deferred-interest purchases on one account

• Pay more than the minimum payment each month to reduce risk

The retailer is hosting seven days of deals plus early access, collectable merch, and special in-store moments

• A week-long celebration of savings deals kick off from Sunday, Nov. 23 through Saturday, Nov. 29 at Target.

• Shoppers can expect up to 50% off in top categories (tech, toys, small appliances, apparel), plus exclusive launches youll only find at Target.

• There will also be in-store surprises and special experiences think early access for members, tote giveaways for the first 100 shoppers, and festive in-store moments.

This year, Target isnt just running its usual Black Friday sale its transforming it into an experience.

Beginning Sunday, November 23, and running through Saturday, November 29, Target is rolling out big savings, exclusive product launches, and fun in-store moments for shoppers. Whether youre browsing online or venturing into the stores, its all about finding more than just a deal its about the joy of discovery.

"Our guests are starting their holiday shopping earlier than ever, so we're turning Black Friday into a multi-day celebration made just for them," Rick Gomez, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Target, said in a news release.

"From incredible daily deals on the most-wanted gifts to in-store-only surprises, every moment of Black Friday at Target is designed to make it easier and more joyful for our guests to create lasting holiday memories.

Specific deals

Heres a look at what shoppers can expect from the deals during Targets Black Friday sale:

• Up to 50% off tech and video games from brands like Nintendo, Bose, Samsung and more.

• Up to 50% off toys, including popular toys from brands like Barbie, Spiderman, Bluey, Disney, Play-Doh, Fisher-Price, Pokmon, games and puzzles and more

• Up to 50% off small appliances and floorcare, from brands like Dyson, BISSEL, Instant Pot and more

• 50% off on select Beats headphones

• 40% off select sweatshirts and denim for all

• Save up to $200 on select Apple products

• Save $100 on PlayStation 5 consoles

On top of that, Target Circle 360 members will get access to exclusive deals from November 27-29. Heres whats up for grabs:

• Up to 50% off toys including brands like Jurassic World, Squishmallows and FAO Schwarz

• Up to 50% off sleepwear for all

• 40% off select LEGO sets

• 40% off Wondershop holiday dcor

• 40% off shoes and slippers for all

• 40% off beauty sets

• 40% off sweaters for all

• 40% off outerwear and cold weather accessories

• Up to 40% off men's & women's clothing from brands including Cupshe, Land's End, Coofandy and more

The Black Friday shopping experience

What really sets this apart is how Target is creating an event rather than just a sale.

Stores will open at 6 a.m. on Friday for the Black Friday push, and if youre among the first 100 guests in line at a store on Nov 28, youll receive a free limited-edition tote filled with holiday-themed goodies and 10 of those shoppers per store will win prizes ranging from $99 to $350 in value.

Inside the store, youll find seasonal touches like The JoyPop Game, where you press a booth popper to reveal surprise items like gift tags or wrapping paper.

Plus, shopping is easy: you can choose in-store, online or via the Target app, with same-day delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup options.

When delivery saves your sanity and when it just drains your budget

• Handy for last-minute PJs or outfits, but youre mostly paying for convenience, not built-in savings

• Always compare Old Navys site (plus rush shipping) to DoorDash item prices + fees + tip before you check out

• Use it for 12 truly urgent items and stack DoorDash promos, DashPass, and any dining/Doordash credits to offset the extra cost

Old Navy just made it possible to get your Christmas Jingle Jammies the same way you get Friday night takeout.

Thanks to a new nationwide partnership with DoorDash, shoppers can now order Old Navy favorites like denim, activewear, matching holiday pajamas, and other basics and score on-demand delivery from more than 1,000 stores across the U.S.

Its meant to be fast, convenient, and just in time for the holiday chaos. But is it actually a money saver, or just another way to pay extra for the same clothes?

Heres how it works, and more importantly, how to use it without wrecking your budget.

How the Old Navy + DoorDash partnership works

The setup is simple:

1. Open the DoorDash app.
2. Search for Old Navy.
3. Add items to your cart and check out for same-day delivery.

DoorDash says Old Navy is one of the first big apparel chains on its platform, giving tens of millions of monthly users access to clothing and gifts on demand.

Some of the scenarios when this can be a lifesaver include:

• Your kids school announces holiday pajama day tomorrow.
• Youre getting ready for the family Christmas card picture and realize someones matching PJ set is the wrong size.
• You need a last-minute outfit for a party and dont have time to fight mall traffic.

Used strategically, this can save you money. Used on autopilot, it can quietly cost more than just walking into the store.

Where you can actually save

Avoiding last-minute shipping fees

If you shop regularly on OldNavy.com, you probably already know that they charge $25 for 12-day priority shipping. Pretty steep.

Instead of paying for expedited shipping, you just pay a DoorDash delivery fee and tip, often for same-day or even within an hour.

When youre down to the wire, compare the following prices

Rush shipping cost from Old Navys site

vs.

DoorDashs delivery fee + service fees + tip

If the totals are close, DoorDash wins easily on speed. If rush shipping is outrageous, DoorDash may actually be the better value, especially for a single item you truly need now.

The fees and markups to watch for

Like with restaurant orders, DoorDash apparel prices may not always match in-store tags. Retail partners often set separate prices for delivery marketplaces, and youll also see:

• A delivery fee
• A service fee
• A possible small-order fee
• Tip for the driver

Those can add up fast on a $30 pair of jeans.

Money move shoppers forget:

A great way to test the service is to open the Old Navy app or website and compare prices item by item before you check out on DoorDash.

If prices are higher on DoorDash and youre paying fees, think of it as paying for the convenience, not necessarily a savings play.

When your total starts creeping above what youd pay in-store (even after factoring in gas and your time), its probably not worth it unless youre in a true time crunch.

Pro tips to squeeze real value out of this

1. Save it for fill-the-gap buys, not whole wardrobes

Use DoorDash for one or two urgent items: think things like a missing pajama size, a replacement sweater for a party, leggings for a kid who outgrew everything.

Do your bigger hauls in-store or through Old Navys own site, where you can stack site-wide sales with coupons.

2. Stack promos on the DoorDash side, not just Old Navys

DoorDash frequently runs the following promos:

• Percent-off deals for specific retailers
• Spend X, save Y promotions
• DashPass perks with $0 delivery on eligible orders

Check the Old Navy page in the app for current promos before you order. A modest item markup can be offset (or even beaten)if youre stacking a DoorDash discount on top.

3. Turn food credits into clothing

If your credit card or bank occasionally gives you DoorDash credits or monthly dining benefits, you may be able to use those on Old Navy orders too, effectively turning food perks into clothing.

Read the fine print on your perk, but this is an underrated way to stretch benefits you might otherwise forget to use.

Organizers aim to turn spending power into political pressure

Grassroots coalition calls for nationwide Black Friday boycott

Target, Home Depot and Amazon singled out over immigration and DEI issues

Organizers say consumers can wield economic power against authoritarianism

Building on a year of high-profile consumer boycotts, a coalition of civil-rights and progressive groups is urging Americans to withhold their shopping dollars this Thanksgiving weekend to protest the Trump administrations immigration crackdown and attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts and the corporations they say enable them.

The We Aint Buying It campaign, led by many of the same organizations behind the recent No Kings protests, is calling on consumers to avoid Target, Home Depot and Amazon on Black Friday, typically one of the most lucrative retail days of the year. Instead, organizers want shoppers to support small and community-based businesses.

We are reclaiming our power. We are redirecting our spending. And we are resisting this rise to authoritarianism, said LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter.

Groups behind the campaign view it as part of a broader, multi-front resistance effort that includes mass mobilizations, mutual aid and local organizing. It also echoes earlier economic protests in the Trump era from ongoing Target boycotts over DEI rollbacks to a wave of cancellations of Disney+ and Hulu after ABC suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.

Consumer pressure rarely causes major, immediate financial damage, experts say. But it can thrust powerful companies into an uncomfortable spotlight.

Theyre effective not so much because they actually reduce sales that much, said Nien-h Hsieh, a professor at Harvard Business School, in a Guardian article. But its really about calling attention and putting the company in the spotlight.

Why these companies are being targeted

We Aint Buying It is focusing on three corporate giants, though organizers say their message is meant to resonate across all major businesses.

• Amazon has long been a target for activists who object to its political spending and the corporate tax cuts it benefited from during Trumps first administration.
• Home Depot has drawn criticism after reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out arrests on or near its properties, though the company says it receives no notice and plays no role in enforcement.
• Target is facing renewed scrutiny after scaling back its DEI goals a move that helped spark months of boycotts and contributed to declines in sales and foot traffic. The retailer recently reported its first major layoffs in a decade and the upcoming departure of its CEO, who cited inflation, tariffs and the boycott among the pressures on the company.

Organizers say more than 80 groups, including labor unions, have signed onto the campaign since its launch earlier this month.

A weekend of no shopping except local

The boycott begins on Thanksgiving with the motto: Dont spend a dime, spend time with your family.
On Black Friday, participants are asked not to shop at all unless its at a local or independent business.
Saturday is also focused on local spending, while Sunday emphasizes mutual aid efforts.

On Cyber Monday, organizers are promoting a cyber shutdown no online shopping and even deleting shopping apps or canceling subscriptions.

What organizers hope to achieve

The groups behind We Aint Buying It stress that the effort is about more than temporary boycotts of specific companies. They want consumers to rethink how their money flows and to reinvest in their own communities over the long term. Participant toolkits, social-media messaging and local events are all part of the push.

Activists have long used the Black Friday spotlight to call attention to labor abuses, the climate crisis, overconsumption and corporate practices. Economic boycotts can succeed in drawing public attention, especially from shoppers already concerned about the issues being raised.

Success ultimately depends on the goal, experts say. While it can be difficult to force changes in corporate policy through short-term or digital-only actions, consumer activism can be a powerful awareness tool and sustained pressure has historically helped shift the practices of companies and governments alike, from the farmworker strikes of the 1960s to anti-apartheid boycotts in the 1980s.