The most preferred gift on the most romantic day of the year continues to be a box of chocolates, according to consumer research across seven Asia Pacific markets released on 30 January by Kraft Foods, the producer of Toblerone and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates.

Chocolate (69 percent), particularly premium chocolate, remains the hottest pick for the special day in addition to flowers (55 percent), a meal (50 percent) and a card (41 percent).

Nearly half of the surveyed men would like to receive chocolates on 14 February. While men and women have slightly different expectations for Valentine's Day, they share the same preference for Valentine's Day activities. Similar to responses from last year, dinner out at a good restaurant remains the most popular activity (60 percent), though a nice home-cook meal would also make the day special (25 percent). If you are planning to create a home-made dessert for your partner, don’t forget the most preferred flavors: chocolate (87 perecnt), fruit (40 percent) and cream (27 percent) - the top three essential ingredients for both genders across cultures and all ages.

Australian consumers polled are the least romantic. They don't plan to buy (32 percent) or receive (45 percent) anything on this romantic day. Almost 30 percent even said they didn't receive a thing for the last Valentine's Day.

It's a completely different scene in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. The majority (over 90 percent in each country) of surveyed consumers in major cities of these countries received at least something, whether a nice treat or something disappointing.

When it comes to receiving a gift, most consumers believe that "It's the thought that counts" (61 percent). "Brand/style" has become a more important selection criterion in general especially in Singapore (10 percent compared to 4 percent from last survey); while "Taste/deliciousness" is key in Indonesia and India.

Despite challenging economic times, more than one-third (35 percent) of respondents are happy to spend at least USD50 on their significant other on this special day. Some who are feeling the impact of the global economic crisis might be planning to take out a loan to buy gifts for their loved ones, but Kraft Foods' survey assures you over half of the respondents in each country except for Philippines (49 percent) and China (32 percent) are perfectly fine without a gift or a treat. Rather, they are happy to "just spend some time together" with their valentine. Chinese consumers do not expect a lot either, a little treat – like candy or chocolate – would more than sweeten their day.

The Valentine's Day survey, conducted by an independent research house commissioned by Kraft Foods, was held for the first time in January 2011, and a second time in November. The first survey involved more than 600 male and female consumers in major cities in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. Australia was added to the previous list of countries for the second survey, totaling 700 male and female respondents across Asia Pacific.