Spending less is more this Christmas festive season - especially if you are a woman, or Gen Y.

Research from Mortgage Choice's consumer sentiment survey found that 41% of all Australians intend to spend less than they did last year over Christmas - and only 4% plan to spend more.

However, that leaves more than half planning to spend the same amount as they did last year.

The findings show that women will be among the more conservative shoppers in the rush for last-minute presents, with 45% planning to spend less, compared with only 36% of men.

Meanwhile, Gen Y had the strongest intent to rein in spending, followed closely by Gen X. Baby Boomers are more comfortable, with only 38% planning to curtail spending.

Mortgage Choice spokesperson Belinda Williamson said this went against Gen Y's "frivilous" spending reputation.

"They were most likely to make proactive changes to their financial situation next year and least likely to rely on their savings to cope with rising living costs,” Williamson said.

By state, WA provided the most consumers who planned to spend less this Christmas, with South Australians the most likely to spend the same or more than last year.