As Drones, Smartphones and Tablets Top Americans' Holiday

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - Nov 24, 2015) -   While you may enjoy decking the halls, the holidays can be the pits for your favorite gadget. According to the findings of a new study from SquareTrade ^® , the highly rated protection plan, smartphones top Americans' wish lists this year but are accident victim No. 1 during the holidays. ¹

SquareTrade's poll on which electronics are topping holiday wish lists revealed that:

• 25 percent want an Apple ^® iPhone ^® 6s;
• 22 percent want an Apple iPad mini™;
• 20 percent want a drone;
• 18 percent want an Apple Watch ^® ;
• 9 percent want a Gameband Minecraft™; and
• 7 percent want a Petzi™ Treat Cam.

"We were not surprised to see drones as one of the top three electronics on Americans' wish lists this year as we are seeing a clear increase in protection plans for these new devices," said Jessica Hoffman, vice president of global communications for SquareTrade. "Whether it's a drone, a smartphone or a pet cam that you're gifting, a protection plan is a thoughtful and pragmatic accessory."

The research also found that smartphones, laptops, tablets and cameras are commonly in danger during the holiday season. Accidents frequently happen during the following activities:

• Traveling: 37 percent of accidents
• Holiday shopping: 32 percent 
• Cooking: 22 percent
• Decorating: 9 percent

SquareTrade suggests the following tips to keep your electronics safe and sound during the holidays:

• Be careful of accidental device dunks into the holiday eggnog. Keep your gadgets in your pockets while drinking;
• Snow and electronics never mix. Keep your gadgets away from freezing temperatures that can damage batteries and melting snow that can cause malfunctions;
• Jingle bell rocking with your gadget in hand can lead to accidental drops onto hard surfaces. Keep your electronics off the dance floor;
• Crowded shops are a device's nightmare. Keep your phone out of your hands while navigating crowds;
• Cooking and baking with a gadget nearby can lead to a burnt device. Keep them away from ovens and sinks.

¹ Data Sources: SquareTrade's 2015 Holiday Surveys were conducted in October 2015 using Google Consumer Surveys. Feedback was collected from 3,700 online consumers. Other sources include the US Census Bureau's 2014 Population Estimates and the 2011 number of households estimates.

About SquareTrade SquareTrade is a highly rated protection plan trusted by millions of happy customers for its fast and exceptional service. SquareTrade protects mobile devices, laptops and tablets, and other consumer electronics and appliances from malfunctions, accidental damage and life's frequent mishaps. Unlike old-fashioned warranties, SquareTrade is designed for today's consumer and uses innovative technology to deliver a zero hassle claims process. SquareTrade has more than 230,000 fans on Facebook, consistently wins industry awards and receives thousands of 5-star reviews for its legendary customer service. Top retailers around the world offer SquareTrade, achieving significant sales growth and happier customers. Privately held, SquareTrade's investors include Bain Capital and Bain Capital Ventures. SquareTrade is headquartered in San Francisco and London. For more information, go to www.squaretrade.com .

SquareTrade and the SquareTrade logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SquareTrade, Inc. in the US and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners, who are not affiliated with SquareTrade and do not endorse its products and services.