For consumers aged 13 and up, the on the list behind a computer (1st place), and a TV set and smartphone (non-iPhone), both of which are tied for second. The iPhone was eighth on the 13-plus wish list, ranking lower than less glamorous gadgetry such as a Blu-ray player (5th) and an E-reader (6th).

The Nielsen survey gauges consumers' interest in buying tech products over the next six months.

Santa, I Want an iPad

Why would prepubescent consumers crave an expensive ($500 and up) tablet designed for a more mature audience? No doubt they've seen plenty of slick TV commercials for the iPad, which oozes telegenic charm. And it's possible that their parents, older siblings, or relatives already use an iPad, in which case the youngsters may have some experience with the device. Or maybe the kids at school talk up the iPad as a cool gaming system.

Whatever the case, the question is whether cash-strapped parents will place a shiny new iPad under the Xmas tree. Except for the most well-to-do families, the answer is probably no. Most moms and dads would likely balk at paying big bucks for a delicate electronic slate that might very well end up dusty and discarded beside a pile of Lincoln Logs within weeks.