How do I import contacts and photos to my new iPhone 5 from my iPad 2. ICloud is set up, I've tried a restore and backup and nothing seems to be coming over to the iPhone.

Instead of thinking about restoring from an iCloud backup, think instead about sharing iCloud data.

Presumably your iPhone 5 and iPad 2 are using the same Apple ID and password. So as soon as you go to Settings > iCloud on your iPhone and turn on Contacts (assuming your iCloud account is properly set up on your iPhone), voila, your contacts will appear! Regarding photos, the same logic applies to Photo Stream.

Mail would be the same if you're using iCloud mail. Otherwise, it would be more difficult.

You say you compared settings to your husband's, and that your iPhone is a day old. When you got your iPhone, was it set up as a brand new device, or might it have had some history using someone else's Apple ID? Is your Apple ID different from your husband's? I recommend keeping them different.

Anyway, if the iPhone has some history with someone else's Apple ID, and you're too far along into the process to start over by erasing the iPhone, check the Apple ID here:

Settings > iCloud (you did this already, I believe)

Settngs > iTunes & App Stores

Settings > FaceTime

Settings > Messages

Unrelated, but also check the phone number at Settings > Phone > My Number

Sure. Set it up as a new device, make sure it has your personal information in the early parts of setup (Apple ID), and then you could consider restoring from backup if you need things like songs, apps, etc. (although if they're in someone else's Apple ID you'll have to deal with that by authorizing the computer).

Anyway, if you're not too concerned about that and more interested in contacts and photos (and the photos are in Photo Stream), then try erasing doing these three things:

1. Check Settings > FaceTime and set the correct Apple ID
2. Check Settings > Messages and set the correct Apple ID
3. Do Settings > General > Reset > Erase all content and settings

If you think of it, it would be interesting to see how the Genius resolved the issue if you wouldn't mind posting that.

Thanks.

Fascinating. Thanks.