18 of the best gifts for 12-year-old boys, from cool gadgets to creative toys
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Although they're still kids, 12-year-old boys are on the cusp of their teenage years, which means the last thing they want is a gift that seems immature or childish. After all, they'll be heading to high school before you know it. It doesn't have to be difficult to find a gift that matches this unique stage in life, though. The key is to home in on his interests and put a spin on it to truly make it something he'll love.
Maybe the tween boy in your life is all about getting energy out, or maybe he's always looking for the next gadget to hold his interest. Rack your brain for what he really enjoys, and you'll be able to narrow down gift ideas from our list of the best gifts for 12-year-old boys in a cinch. Whether he's the creative type or can always be found with a basketball in his hand, these beloved classics and this year's most popular gifts are sure to be winners.
Fat Brain Toys
Starlux Games Glow-in-the-Dark Capture the Flag, available at Amazon
When he and his friends are hanging outside looking for something to do, they can break out the glow-in-the-dark version of capture the flag. Designed for 4 to 20 players, this strategic game includes 23 glowing game lights and 12 game options, so they'll never get bored. The mission is simple: Capture the flag from the other team's territory without getting tagged.
Educational Insights
This brain teaser game challenges your tween to solve 200 2D and 3D puzzles. He won't even realize he's learning as this educational gift works on his spatial reasoning and critical thinking skills. He can play by himself or set up a timer and challenge friends or family to beat his solve time.
Uncommon Goods
Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit, available at Uncommon Goods
This kit allows future chefs or tweens who simply love hot sauce to make six bottles of their own. Other than some kitchen utensils and a blender or food processor, it includes everything needed to make sauce. The included labels mean he'll be able to name and design labels for his creations, too.
Amazon
Pixicade Special Animation Edition, available at Amazon
Pixicade is one of the coolest gifts for a 12-year-old boy who loves video games — it comes with over 100. This edition features tips from animator and YouTube star Alan Becker. It allows kids to unleash their creative side by drawing characters and game levels, using the companion app to make them come to life, and then playing it.
Amazon
Amazon Kindle, available at Amazon
If he's shown an interest in reading, the Kindle will send it into overdrive, because the 6-inch display is easy to bring with him. This is the brand's lightest, most compact model, so it's much more convenient than a singular book. Couple this gift for 12-year-old boys with a Kindle Unlimited subscription, and he'll have access to over 4 million titles.
Amazon
Trivial Pursuit: Marvel Studios The Infinity Saga, available at Amazon
He already has the classic board games, so test him on something he loves: the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With 1,800 questions spanning MCU Phases 1-3, which includes 23 films, he'll outwit opponents to prove he knows his stuff. It'll be a must-play when his friends come over.
Amazon
Estes Tandem-X Flying Model Rocket Launch Set, available at Amazon
Half the fun of these model rockets is putting them together, and the other half is launching them high. Pair them with Estes engines, and he'll be able to soar the Amazon rocket 600 feet and the Crossfire 1,150 feet in the air. He'll be pining for the moment he gets to count down for blast off.
Amazon
Govee LED Strip Lights, available at Amazon
The atmosphere of his room will change in an instant with these LED lights. He can manage the colors manually or by syncing them to music to go with the beat. It's all smartly done with an app, Alexa, or Google Home.
Dick's Sporting Goods
New Balance 9060 Sneakers, available at Dick's Sporting Goods
Sneakers are a big deal to middle schoolers, so make sure he's happy with what's on his feet. The New Balance 9060 Sneakers have recently picked up in popularity. Kids (and parents) like that they are comfortable, go with everything, and come in a range of colorways.
Amazon
"Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline, available at Amazon
"Ready Player One" features a teenage protagonist who embarks on the ultimate virtual reality video game quest. It won an Alex Award from the Young Adult Library Services Association division of the American Library Association thanks its appeal to young readers. Plus, the book inspired a movie adaptation that tweens will be eager to watch after finishing the book.
Amazon
Frigidaire Retro Mini Personal Fridge, available at Amazon
We all know a tween who likes to spend more time in their room than anywhere else. Give him a gift that'll truly make his room even better: a mini fridge. This retro-style option holds up to 12 cans, so he'll always have a cold drink within arm's reach.
Amazon
Donner DED-80 Electronic Drum Set, available at Amazon
Designed to be much quieter than other electronic drums, this set comes with 4 mesh pads, 3 cymbals, and 2 pedals, as well as 180 sounds, 30 demo songs, and more. It's compact enough that it can fit in his bedroom, but it'll still give him the real feel. For a part two to the gift, introduce him to some drum lessons.
Amazon
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen), available at Amazon
Now the 12-year-old in your life won't have an excuse to miss your texts, because the Apple Watch SE will be strapped right to his wrist. He can receive texts and calls, as well as listen to music and podcasts, all from the compact device. Another cool feature is that it automatically notifies loved ones when he's reached his destination.
Amazon
Bounty Hunter Tracker IV Metal Detector, available at Amazon
Whether the family is headed on a beach vacation or he's looking to kill time in the backyard, he can break out this beginner-friendly metal detector. Weighing just 2.6 pounds, this nifty device can locate coins, jewelry, and more. Plus, it might come in handy if he ever misplaces something.
Amazon
Spikeball, available at Amazon
It's impossible not to have fun when you have a small group playing Spikeball, a cross between volleyball and four square. Use the net to bounce the ball between players, and he'll be surprised how much energy he's burning in the process. This set comes with a convenient carrying case, so it's easy to store and take to a friend's house.
Amazon
Steel Series Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Headset, available at Amazon
If you can't get him away from his video games, you might as well get him a gift that'll make the experience even more enjoyable. These high-quality gaming headphones include a microphone, so he can talk to his friends while in action. They're compatible with Xbox, PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, and more.
Lego
Lego DC Batman Forever Batmobile, available at Amazon
With 909 pieces, this Batmobile has just the right amount of detail for a 12-year-old builder. The Batmobile blocks come with a Batman minifigure and display stand. Any DC Comics fan will be proud to display the finished product.
Lootcrate
Loot Crate Mystery Subscription, available at Amazon
As long as he's into movies, TV shows, games, or comics, he'll appreciate this surprise every month. The mystery box includes licensed and exclusive collectibles, gear, figures, and more. Whether you want to gift him one, three, six, or twelve months, he'll look forward to delivery day.
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