Nielsen: Kids Really, Really Love Apple this Holiday Season

HO HO HO, iOSWell, the weather sure seems unnervingly warm, but the holidays are here. And if you’re the parent of little ones, it’s time to start sweating as the kids ask Santa for uncomfortably expensive presents. What are kids asking for these days–a pony? Their very own jetpack? Nope. According to a Nielsen study, most children just want iOS devices under the tree this year.

Nielsen has just released it’s annual study of U.S. kids’ most-wanted holiday presents, and it’s a clear indicator the Apple brand has permeated all demographics. The highest requested item by children aged 6 to 12 this year is the iPad; 48-percent of those surveyed are hoping to unwrap Apple’s tablet this holiday season, an increase of 4-percent over 2011.

While Nintendo’s just-launched Wii U gaming console took the second-place spot with a 39-percent rate, the next three spots are dominated by iOS devices. 36-percent of kids want an iPod Touch, tied with demand for an iPad mini. The iPhone — the study doesn’t separate by version — was requested by 33-percent of the children surveyed.

Relevant to recent news, Samsung didn’t fare as well. Only 9-percent of kids wanted a Samsung Galaxy Note or Tab. Cue sad holiday trombone.

Nielsen Holiday 2012

The iPad also dominated Nielsen’s study of consumers aged 13 and older. 21-percent of the older demographic were interested in an iPad as a gift this holiday. Interestingly, the iPad mini only accounted for 11-percent of the survey group, so we’re assuming the top spot is geared toward a “general” inclination for the iPad brand.

As a parent of a 7-year old, I have to say the survey seems fairly realistic. My kid has spent the past month demanding Santa leave an iPad or laptop under the tree. But in reality, he just wants anything that will play Minecraft.

Regardless, I hope he enjoys his new underwear.