A roaring fireplace radiates warmth and light while a snowstorm rages outside—a classic holiday scene. But these days, it’s just as likely to have been created by artificial intelligence. Perhaps Santa and Mrs. Claus sit in armchairs beside the fire—or perhaps not. It’s all up to the content creator.
In today’s hyperconnected world, even the age-old traditions of the season are being reimagined through technology, updated for the modern era. The same is true for gift giving. Technology has transformed the timeless custom of sharing abundance with loved ones. For instance, gift cards let givers personalize and guide their presents without dictating them—preserving the spirit of generosity while bringing it into the digital age.
Cutting-edge technology is helping keep these traditions alive, fresh, and relevant for generations to come. One company, Prezzee, has been at the forefront of this evolution, creating dynamic, personalized gift cards—even ones that can bring Santa right into someone’s home.
Gift Cards: A Holiday Legacy
Prepaid cards have become a cornerstone of holiday gift giving. Data consistently shows that gift cards are the number one request from recipients, representing nearly half of total holiday spend. Research from the Blackhawk Network found that during the 2024 holiday season, consumers received an average of three gift cards, with a combined value of just over $200.
The versatility of these cards is evident in the repeat business they generate. Consumers who buy gift cards one year are overwhelmingly likely to return to that same option year after year. Javelin Strategy & Research has found that among people who bought a holiday gift card last year, 96% are likely or definitely going to buy a gift card again for the holidays this year. And the vast majority of those are going to spend a similar amount or even more money this time around.
Within the gift card landscape, electronic versions are gaining ground—driven by the convenience of online delivery and the flexibility they offer. Consumers favor eGift cards for their personalization options, from custom messaging and artwork to tailored value amounts for each recipient. Card processing firms also appreciate their versatility and the wide range of merchants and products they can be used with.
Another factor driving their popularity is how easily they meet diverse gifting needs. Have a family member overseas for the holidays? An electronic card makes it simple. Need a last-minute gift for someone you forgot to add to your list? A digital card can be purchased and delivered in minutes.
“It’s easy to send at any point, especially when you’re not going to be with the person for a physical gift exchange,” said Jordan Hirschfield, Director of Prepaid at Javelin. “You can buy one in U.S. dollars and send it in U.S. dollars, even from overseas. And there’s a security level to sending it electronically versus putting a gift card in the mail.”
“It also works for retailers to have that option when inventories run low, prices are too high and people aren’t quite sure what they want to get someone,” he added. “They can always send that digital gift card as either an alternative gift or as an additional gift.”
AI Has Changed the Season
Just as it’s being used to create images for the holiday season, AI is also adding color to the rise of gift cards, deepening the emotional connection and convenience for buyers and sellers alike. For electronic gift cards, generative AI can create custom content and artwork that feels personal and unique to the recipient.
Once again, cutting-edge technology of the kind that Prezzee is creating helps deliver the timeless message of the holiday season—connection, creativity, and care. Prezzee has worked to bring together the best of tradition and technology by making personalized eGifting easier, offering eGift cards that combine a personal video or voice message with a greeting card.
With Prezzee, card shoppers can use AI to craft their message, ensuring each note feels personal and perfectly suited to the recipient. Custom artwork can also be generated for the card, transforming digital gifts into something rich with emotional resonance. AI can even create tailored rewards for both the purchaser and the recipient. Retailers can get innovative and use AI to add new elements to their traditional holiday approaches, as Prezzee demonstrated last year.
That was when Prezzee’s Magical Messages Campaign drew on all these advanced technologies, allowing families to send personalized videos from Santa himself. A hologram-like image of St. Nick delivered the message, which could include the recipient’s name, age, and hometown. The messages could be accompanied by Santa’s Magical Smart eGift Cards. The campaign highlighted how cutting-edge tools can help recreate classic holiday memories.
This Years’s AI Experiences at Prezzee
This year, Prezzee is bringing holiday magic to life through two unique AI-powered experiences One is for consumers and one is for businesses, but both are designed to make gifting more personal, memorable, and fun.
For the B2C audience, people can nominate friends or family members for Santa’s official Nice List — and surprise them with a personalized video straight from the North Pole. Individuals can submit the name of someone special to them, along with theirage, hometown, a photo, and why they deserve a spot on Santa’s Nice List.
Santa will respond with an AI-created personalized video message, calling the person by name and congratulating them for making the Nice List. The experience can also include Santa’s Magical Smart eGift Card, a Prezzee gift card that delivers a present along with that holiday joy.
For organizations, Prezzee has introduced AI Carollers, a playful, shareable experience that transforms a workplace team into virtual singers. Users simply upload up to four team members’ photos and choose a festive song for the group to “perform.” AI brings it all to life in a custom, animated video you can share with your entire team. Again, the giver can also add a Prezzee eGift Card.
Together, these experiences showcase how Prezzee is using AI to make digital gifting and the entire holiday season more interactive, emotional, and delightfully personal — for both consumers and businesses.
Prezzee has long combined fintech innovation with customer experience to create unique experiences that especially resonate throughout the holiday season. To find out how Prezzee can transform your holidays, click here.
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