> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://aiodapp.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Choose a free gift adding method

> Compare AIOD's auto-added, customer-choice, discount-code, and code-plus-choice gift methods.

The **Gift adding method** controls whether AIOD adds a gift automatically, lets the customer choose it, or waits for a discount code.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/aiod-4861190f/i-rrNz8paXSQjZm3/images/help/discount-template-gallery.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=i-rrNz8paXSQjZm3&q=85&s=eb8a91ea7d57022e9c6a6e18439807c5" alt="AIOD template gallery showing the Free Gift with Purchase template" width="1536" height="1024" data-path="images/help/discount-template-gallery.png" />

## Compare the four methods

| Method                         | Choose it when                                                           | Additional control                                           |
| ------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Auto-added**                 | Every qualifying cart should receive a predetermined gift automatically. | **Quantity per gift**                                        |
| **Customer chooses**           | A qualifying customer should choose from several available gifts.        | **Total gifts customer can choose**                          |
| **Trigger with discount code** | AIOD should add the gift only after the customer enters a valid code.    | Code, usage limits, discount URL, and coupon widget settings |
| **Code + customer chooses**    | A valid code should unlock a gift-selection widget.                      | Code settings and **Total gifts customer can choose**        |

## Decision checklist

* Choose **Auto-added** for the least-friction experience.
* Choose **Customer chooses** when preference matters more than automatic fulfillment.
* Choose **Trigger with discount code** for a campaign with one predetermined gift.
* Choose **Code + customer chooses** when both campaign access and customer selection are required.

Code-based methods require the **AIOD Discount Input** widget on the cart page or side cart drawer. Test the exact code in a private window before sharing it.

After choosing a method, configure the gift quantity, qualifying purchase rules, availability, schedule, and widget design. Read [Free Gift with Purchase](/docs/templates/free-gift-with-purchase#gift-adding-method) for all conditional fields.