The survey was conducted by match-making company HK Romance Dating between mid November and early December, in which they interviewed 533 men and women on phone and through questionnaires. 

Findings revealed around 80 percent of respondents expect to spend less than HK$3,000 for Christmas this year. Among them, one-tenth of men and 13 percent of women said they will only spend less than HK$500. 

Meanwhile, 15 percent of men and around 30 percent of women have no plans to buy gifts for the ones they have a crush on. 

About one-third of men said they want electronic goods as Christmas presents the most, followed by around two-fifths who want wristwatches. As for women, jewelry and accessories are the most wanted Christmas presents for more than a quarter of respondents (26 percent), and electronic goods for 17 percent of women. 

Still, three-fifths of respondents expect they will be spending more this year when comparing with last year's expenditures. Thirty percent of men foresee a 20 percent increase, while over 30 percent of women expect a 10 percent raise. 

The main reasons behind increased spending include the lingering Covid-19 pandemic, which stops couples from traveling overseas and leads them to spend in Hong Kong, and the electronic consumption voucher. 

When asked how will they celebrate Christmas with their loved ones, 36 percent of men and 19 percent of women said they will indulge themselves with a feast at a nice restaurant. 

Anita Cheung Wai-ping, founder of the match-making agency, suggested Hongkongers learning the preferences of their dates before deciding on a restaurant. She added some respondents said they will put more effort into meeting new dates as the pandemic development eases and Covid rules are relaxed. 

Another founder Yubi Wong Ka-yu suggested visiting special exhibitions or enjoying the holidays lights decorations at the Victoria Harbor if couples wish to save money.