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How to get your holiday shopping done with Google Home

Your smart speaker can make buying gifts easier.

Brian Bennett Former Senior writer
Brian Bennett is a former senior writer for the home and outdoor section at CNET.
Brian Bennett
2 min read
Tyler Lizenby/CNET

With days left until Christmas, the mall is the last place you want to be. But that doesn't mean you can finish the last of your holiday shopping

Turn to your  Google Home  speaker instead to buy those last few gifts. While Google Assistant is no match yet for Amazon Alexa and its direct tie-in to the e-commerce juggernaut, new upgrades promise to give Google Home devices greater purchasing powers.

So don't freak out if you're behind the shopping curve this holiday season. Instead, learn how Google Assistant can lend a helping hand with buying your holiday gifts.

Read more: 5 ways to celebrate Christmas with Google Home

Find things to buy

Though Alexa can search all of the millions of products listed on Amazon, Google Assistant has similar shopping chops in the works. Tied to the search giant's nascent e-commerce platform, you can now place orders through Google Home smart speakers.

Start by saying, "Hey, Google, how do I shop?" Google Assistant then outlines an overview of the Google Express shopping service. Participating stores include vendors such as Walmart, Costco, Target, Best Buy  and Home Depot. Shopping from your couch sure beats going to your local brick-and-mortar store this time of year.

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Use the shopping list in the Google Home app to shop for gifts on Google Express.

Screenshot by Brian Bennett/CNET

Gift lists

Google also announced that Google Assistant can create shopping lists for you as well. For instance, when you say, "Hey, Google, create a gift list" Assistant will comply. You can add items to this list as well. Saying things like, "Add opera tickets for mom to my gift list" does the trick.

You could already ask the Google Assistant to add items to your "Shopping list," connected to Google Express. The list is tucked away inside the Google Home app. Go to Account > Settings > Services > Shopping list.

Watch this: How to save money on nearly everything you buy online

Best gifts under $25

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The best gifts for everyone on your list: CNET's Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday memories: Create a holiday photo slideshow for the Google Home Hub