The 51 Best Gifts for 12-Year-Old Boys

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Best Gifts for 12-Year-Old Boys

Amazon / Zappos / Amazon

Twelve-year-old boys might seem tricky to shop for, but there are plenty of fun gift options for them, ranging from the latest electronics, games, and toys to new clothes, shoes, and books. You can't go wrong if you stick to the tween’s hobbies and interests, such as books, music, coding, video games, or a favorite sports team. The best part about these gifts is that they’re great for all genders—girls and nonbinary tweens are sure to appreciate them, too.

Twelve-year-olds can be picky, and they’re likely pretty aware of what is trendy and cool among their group of friends. Our list has a wide variety of options, so you’re sure to find something that they’ll actually enjoy and want to use often. We carefully considered age recommendations, safety, design, ease of use, ease of assembly, material, sizing, and value when reviewing products.

Here are the best gifts for 12-year-old boys (that won’t make them roll their eyes).

UrbanEars Pampas Headphones

Urbanears Pampas Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphohones, Charcoal Black, Small

Amazon

Over-ear headphones are popular for kids of any age. These stand out because they’re comfortable, noise-blocking, and good for movies, music, and video games. The Pampas headphones are Bluetooth, so it will be easy for your tween to connect them to any of their devices. They collapse into a small size, making them easy to transport between home and school or over to a friend's house. Plus, with 30 hours of battery life, they can be used all day. Best of all, they’re sleek with a cool black matte finish and premium fabric on the band, so they'll last a long time in terms of durability and style.

Price at time of publication: $60 

Funkoverse Harry Potter 102 4-Pack Board Game

Funkoverse: Harry Potter 102 4-Pack Board Game
Amazon.

Calling all Harry Potter fans: This strategy board game brings the magic of Hogwarts to your own home. It can be played as a stand-alone game but can also be mixed with other Funkoverse games. Designed for two to four players, it includes two playable maps and four exclusive Harry Potter characters.

Price at time of publication: $40

Air Hogs Gravitor with Trick Stick

Air Hogs Gravitor with Trick Stick

Amazon

Fly this hover toy with just the power of your hands! The Air Hog Gravitor can do over 12 stunts and tricks, including a kick flip, and it’s easy to take along and play anytime. Tweens will love to try new moves, impress their friends, and defy gravity, all in an afternoon.

Price at time of publication: $24

Microsoft Xbox Series S

4.2
Xbox Series S
Amazon.

For tweens just getting into video games, this Xbox console is a great place to get started. Compatible with four generations of Xbox games, the Series S features advanced 3D Spatial Sound and lightning-fast load times. With the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (sold separately). Your 12-year-old can play hundreds of games remotely with his friends.

Price at time of publication: $289

Franklin Sports NFL Kids Football Uniform Set

Franklin Sports NFL Kids Football Uniform Set

Amazon

Sports-obsessed 12-year-old boys will love watching the game in style in this set. Select your tween’s favorite NFL team, and you’ll receive a jersey, helmet with the team’s logo, sweatpants, chinstrap, and iron-on numbers to customize the uniform. (Note that the helmet is for costume use rather than contact play.)

Price at time of publication: $60

The Comfy Original Quarter-Zip

THE COMFY Original Quarter Zip | Oversized Microfiber & Sherpa Wearable Blanket with Zipper, Seen On Shark Tank, One Size Fits All (Black)

Amazon

As seen on “Shark Tank,” the Comfy is the original wearable blanket that keeps you warm wherever you go. It truly is a great gift for anybody, but a 12-year-old boy will love playing video games, watching TV, camping, and just lounging at home in the warm, shearling fleece.

Price at time of publication: $57

What Our Editors Say

"As soon as the temps drop below 50 degrees, my son is ready to break out his Comfy. During virtual learning, this was his go-to cozy blanket." —Latifah Miles, former Verywell Family Commerce Editor

This game takes the classic version of Monopoly and elevates it with a voice-activated banking unit in the shape of Mr. Monopoly’s top hat, which handles all of the transactions. Just as competitive as the original, this version is a fun modern spin, and everyone will love the novelty of using credit cards to complete transactions.

Price at time of publication: $29 

Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor

NERF Disruptor Elite Blaster - 6-Dart Rotating Drum, Slam Fire, Includes 6 Official Elite Darts - for Kids, Teens, Adults (Amazon Exclusive)

Amazon

Equip your 12-year-old for neighborhood Nerf battles and trick shots with this Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor. It has a ​​six-dart rotating drum and fires foam darts up to 90 feet.

Price at time of publication: $15

Lanyani Teen Bifold Wallet

Lanyani Wallets For Boys Men Women Kids Teens Teenager RFID Blocking Small Thin Bifold Wallet (denim black)
Amazon.

This simple canvas wallet is a great first wallet for younger kids who might only have a few cards or cash to hold for school lunches and allowance. The wallet has multiple card slots for things like a school ID, debit card, or library card that are RFID blocking to prevent theft.

Price at time of publication: $15

Vans Kids' Checkerboard Classic Slip-On

Vans Slip-On Checkerboard Skate Shoe - Little Kid / Big Kid - Black / White

Journeys

If there’s a clothing brand that any 12-year-old will be happy to receive as a gift, it’s Vans.  Featuring the Vans signature checkerboard pattern, these shoes are a classic style, easy to slip on, and comfortable for everyday use.

Price at time of publication: $38

US Art Supply Store 162 Piece-Deluxe Mega Wood Box Art, Painting & Drawing Set

U.S. Art Supply 162-Piece Deluxe Mega Wood Box Art Painting and Drawing Set - Artist Painting Pad, 2 Sketch Pads, 24 Watercolor Paint Colors, 24 Oil Pastels, 24 Colored Pencils, 60 Crayons, 2 Brushes
Amazon.

This 162-piece art set has everything young artists could need, whether they’re avid painters or just starting out. Tweens can explore new mediums including watercolors, oil pastels, crayons, and more. The great thing about this set is it all packs up in a sturdy wooden box for bringing to school, friends' houses, or on the road. Also, the sheer amount of materials included makes this an amazing set to share with friends and family members, fostering creativity and collaboration.

Price at time of publication: $80

LEGO Imperial Light Cruiser

Imperial Light Cruiser™
Lego.

Chances are, LEGO has been a big part of a 12-year-old's life up until now, and they may be ready for some of the harder building challenges. This premium Star Wars set comes with 1,336 pieces to build the Imperial Light Cruiser and five Minifigures to set the stage for epic battle scenes. It comes with detailed instructions so any level of builder can build with confidence.

Price at time of publication: $160

A kid-specific fitness tracker is a fun way to encourage a healthy lifestyle. It allows your child to see their steps, movement, and sleep performance and compete with themselves to make improvements each day. The Fitbit is high-performing and will work just as well for young athletes as it does for adult runners.

Price at time of publication: $80

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard Paperback Boxed Set

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard Paperback Boxed Set

Amazon

Fantasy fans will love this series from “Percy Jackson” author Rick Riordan. Join Magnus Chase and friends as they battle giants, Norse gods, and more in this three-book series.

Price at time of publication: $30

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

4.6
Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch

Amazon

Finding a balance between screen time and other activities can be tough, but a new video game is a great gift for any kid. Watch as they build their community from scratch on a deserted island and customize their character, home, decorations, and the surrounding landscape. The game is compatible with a Nintendo Switch.

Price at time of publication: $60

X Rocker Eclipse Floor Rocker Gaming Chair

X Rocker 5110301 Eclipse Floor Rocker 2.0 BT, 31" x 16.5" x 27.5", Plastic, Black/Silver
Amazon.

Outfit your child’s bedroom or play area with a high-tech gaming chair like this one from X Rocker. It rocks, reclines, and folds to store, while its comfortable headrest with mounted speakers provides an immersive experience for any gaming fan. It connects to most gaming systems and looks nice with any kind of decor, thanks to the leather material.

Price at time of publication: $112

This four-person game will get the competitive juices flowing. Each team of two has up to three hits to return or spike the ball on the small, circular net. This game will have everyone’s hearts pumping and can easily be taken to the beach, the park, or grandma’s backyard in the included storage bag.

Price at time of publication: $65

Kan Jam Original Disc Toss Game

Kan Jam Original Disc Toss Game - American Made Outdoor Game for The Backyard, Beach, Park, Tailgates - Original and Travel Edition
Amazon.

Get your tween outside and moving with this fun game that can be played together. Invite their friends over or challenge the whole family with this four-player backyard staple. The goal of this fast-paced game is to get your disc in the other person's "kan" by tapping, hitting, or slamming the disc inside. This kit has everything you need for hours of exciting and often exhausting play, including portable can-shaped goals, labels, discs, and an instruction guide. 

Price at time of publication: $40

DROCON Ninja Drone for Kids

Drone with 1080P HD Camera for Adults, DROCON Spacekey Remote Control Drone for Kids Beginners, Drones Quadcopter with WiFi FPV Live Video, Foldable Drones...

Amazon

Controlled by a handy app, this drone is a great introduction to the world of flying. The included batteries will give about eight minutes each of flying per charge, and the wide-angle lens captures stunning pictures and videos. Its foldable design makes it small enough to take anywhere.

Price at time of publication: $80

Magneto Complete Kids Skateboard

Magneto Kids Skateboard | 22+ Inches Long by 6+ Inches Wide | Maple 7 ply Deck | Fully Assembled | School Locker Cruiser Board | Designed for Kids Teens Boys Girls & Adults

Amazon

Skateboarding is a great outlet for energetic boys looking for something active to do with their friends. Spend hours perfecting new tricks or ride to school on the Magneto skateboard, which is specifically designed for kids and teens looking for their first board. The deck is hard maple with a double kick tail and requires no assembly. Plus, there are several cool colors and patterns to pick from, so you’re sure to find the right fit for the tween in your life.  

Price at time of publication: $50

Joola Sport Squad HX40 Electric Tabletop Air Hockey Table

Sport Squad HX40 40 inch Table Top Air Hockey Table for Kids and Adults - Electric Motor Fan - Includes 2 Pushers and 2 Air Hockey Pucks - Great for Playing on The Floor, Tabletop, or Dorm Room

Amazon

Bring the fun of the arcade home with this tabletop air hockey table. The table comes with two plastic pucks, two plastic strikers, and two manual scorers for friendly competition between friends or siblings. The high-output fan makes for arcade-like gaming, and the airflow holes provide a smooth, frictionless playing surface. (Bonus for caregivers: The table has rubber pads so it won’t scratch up your table or floor.)

Price at time of publication: $80

Winning Fingers Flashing Cube Electronic Memory and Brain Game

winning-fingers-flashing-cube-electronic-memory-and-brain-game

Amazon

This light-up game cube provides entertainment at home or on the go. With four memory-building games—Chase Me, Catch Me, Follow Me, and Remember Me—this cube helps tweens develop their hand-eye coordination and is the right amount of challenging without being too difficult. Plus, when your 12-year-old is finished playing, he can press the Light Show button for a vibrant display of colorful flashing lights. 

Price at time of publication: $55

Herschel Classic Backpack XL

Herschel Classic Backpack | XL
Herschel Supply Co.

Middle school is a good time to upgrade from a kid’s style backpack to one that can be used for school, travel, and hanging out with friends. Herschel backpacks are popular for boys and girls of all ages because they are durable, comfortable, and stylish.

With 30 patterns and colors to choose from, Herschel’s original backpack has water bottle pockets, a laptop sleeve, and extra storage to fit everything your 12-year-old can think of.

Price at time of publication: $60

Hasbro Gaming Monopoly Deal Card Game

MONOPOLY Deal Card Game, Quick-Playing Card Game for 2-5 Players, Easter Basket Gifts, Game for Families and Kids Ages 8 and Up (Amazon Exclusive)

Amazon

Designed for two to six players, the Monopoly Deal card game is great for on-the-go and family fun. It’s a simple twist on the classic Monopoly game that’s easy to learn, quick to play, and competitive.

Price at time of publication: $8

OtterBox Defender Series Screenless Edition Case for iPhone 12

OtterBox DEFENDER SERIES SCREENLESS Case Case for iPhone 12 & iPhone 12 Pro - TEAL ME ABOUT IT (GUACAMOLE/CORSAIR)
Amazon.

If your 12-year-old has an iPhone, protecting it might not be their top priority. To keep it safe, give them an OtterBox Defender Series case (and yourself some peace of mind). The case has three layers of protection, port covers, and a built-in belt clip holster that doubles as a kickstand. 

Price at time of publication: $60

ArmoGear Laser Tag Guns with Vests Set

ArmoGear Laser Tag – Laser Tag Guns with Vests Set of 4 – Multi Player Lazer Tag Set for Kids Toy for Teen Boys & Girls – Outdoor Game for Kids, Adults...

Amazon

Bring all the fun of laser tag to your own backyard with this set from ArmoGear. Up to four teams can play together, making for the best birthday parties or summer nights when you need an easy way to entertain a gaggle of preteen boys. Twelve-year-olds will love the various features of this set, including vests, invisibility mode, night vision flashlights, voice-guided directions, and four laser shooter modes. All you need is batteries for hours of outdoor fun that will guarantee your 12-year-old burns off some energy and bonds with friends or family members.

Price at time of publication: $120

Gskyer AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope

4.7
Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners - Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and...

Amazon

Affordable, easy to set up, and easy to use, Gskyer crafts this telescope specifically for beginners. Even though it doesn’t have the sophistication of a super expensive telescope, it can magnify up to an astounding 40 times so your tween can explore the wondrous night sky in stunning detail.

One of this product’s most unique features is its Bluetooth control: With a smartphone in hand, you can see exactly what the kid-friendly telescope sees and snap Insta-worthy pictures. It also comes with an adjustable tripod and two different eyepieces, a 25-millimeter one for 16 times magnification and a 10-millimeter one for 40 times magnification.

Price at time of publication: $130

Saiji Gooseneck Bed Phone Holder

SAIJI Gooseneck Bed Phone Holder, Flexible Long Arm Phone Mount for Desk, Clip Bracket Clamp Stand for 4.0-6.5'' Mobile Cell Phone Stand Document...

Amazon

For an affordable gift option that your preteen is guaranteed to get tons of use out of, look to this phone stand that attaches to their bed. The flexible material makes it easy to adjust as they binge their favorite shows. Just be aware it may be difficult to pull them away from the screen at bedtime. Luckily, this can transfer to any couch or desk for hands-off watching, gaming, or reading. Take it on the go for entertainment on long road trips or plane rides.

Price at time of publication: $26

flybold Slackline Kit

4.6
flybold Slackline Kit | Slack Line Longer | 57 ft Line with Training Line | Tree Protectors, Arm Trainer, Ratchet Cover and Carry Bag | Tight Rope Slack...

Amazon

The objective is simple: Walk across a suspended rope, one end to the other. But slacklining is a never-ending test of strength, concentration, and balance. It’s popular everywhere, from college campuses to corporate team-building retreats, and it also makes a unique and enjoyable outdoor activity for 12-year-olds. They can string the line up in the backyard and challenge themselves until it’s too dark outside to see their feet. Or they can compete with friends and family to see who has ninja-like agility.

This comprehensive kit is especially great for preteens and beginners because it includes two training lines and several arm trainers that help with developing technique and balance. It also comes with a 49-foot main slackline, tree protectors, ratchet protectors, and a convenient carrying case—everything your 12-year-old needs for hours of fun. 

Price at time of publication: $80

OKK STEM Robot Building Block Toys for Kids

OKK Robot Building Toys for Boys, STEM Projects for Kids Ages 8-12, Remote & APP Controlled Engineering Learning Educational Coding DIY Building Kit...

Amazon

To your tween's delight, they can build their very own robot with everything included in this educational kit. It includes 635 pieces of building blocks—but don't panic. The instructions are detailed and come equipped with impressive visuals to aid you from the beginning of the building process to the end. It's a great way to introduce coding to your 12-year-old and inspire creative thinking.

Once the robot is completely assembled, he can control it with a phone via Bluetooth. The robot's head, shoulders, arms, tracks, and even eyebrows can move thanks to remote or voice control.

Price at time of publication: $80

KAILUA 4 String Soprano Ukulele

Kailua Soprano Ukulele for Beginners with Aquila Strings - 21 Inch Hand Crafted Mahogany Wood Ukulele Starter - Black Nylon Carrying Bag Included

Amazon

The Kailua is one of the most highly reviewed ukuleles online, making it a great gift for musically inclined tweens. It’s made of gorgeous mahogany wood etched with simple designs, and the nylon strings provide a rich sound on every note. And the best part? It’s much more affordable than competitors. Ukuleles are also one of the easiest string instruments to learn, providing a great foundation for guitar and other musical ventures.

Price at time of publication: $35

Hyodream 3D Moon Lamp

HYODREAM 3D Moon Lamp Kids Night Light Galaxy Lamp 16 Colors LED Light with Rechargeable Battery Touch & Remote Control as Birthday Gifts for...

Amazon

When your tween was younger, he may have had glow-in-the-dark stars on his ceiling or a night light. Now you can trade the stars for this moon lamp—a fantastic gift for science lovers, techies, and preteens who want their bedroom to be more mature.

With mind-blowing detail, this lamp resembles the shades and textures of the moon, and the simple touch of a remote control allows users to change the lamp to their desired color, from white to yellow to a reddish blood moon. Your purchase will also include a stylish wooden stand and a handy USB cable to give the lamp 12 hours of glow time. 

Price at time of publication: $27

If your 12-year-old has grown tired of losing the Battle Royale in “Fortnite” or completed every campaign in “Call of Duty,” the Meta Quest 2 VR set will give them a gaming experience unlike any other. They can experience realistic action with 3D graphics, a wide field of vision, and unparalleled audio effects.

The Meta Quest 2 is lightweight, comfortable, and comes at a mid-level price for virtual reality headsets. Once the video games are finished, kids can watch their favorite movies on the Quest’s 180-inch screen or choose from over 1,000 VR experiences, like puzzles, board games, and brain teasers.  

Price at time of publication: $399

Recycling has never been so much fun. This kit helps kids turn any old tin can into a super cool little robot that they can send waddling about their room. It comes with almost everything they need to get the robot up and running. You will need to supply the can (any soda can will do), one AA battery, and a small Phillips head screwdriver to get the work done.

Price at time of publication: $11

2K NBA 2K23

NBA 2K23 - PlayStation 4

Amazon

Available for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, 2K NBA 2K23 has butter-smooth gameplay, unparalleled graphics, and a myriad of game options. Your 12-year-old can play head-to-head against his friends or create a player who looks exactly like him—well, maybe slightly taller—and play from the rookie season to the Hall of Fame.

Over the past few years, 2K has made NBA legends like Jordan, Magic, and Shaq available, and they’ve added intricate game options like The Neighborhood, which allows users to connect online in an open universe.

Price at time of publication: $60

PoolCandy Illuminated Giant Floating LED Volleyball Set

poolcandy-illuminated-giant-floating-led-volleyball-set

Maisonette

Great for tweens who love the pool, this inflatable floating volleyball set is sure to make lasting summertime memories. Measuring 9 x 3 feet, the net can be lit up at night thanks to the waterproof LED lights. The net comes with an inflatable volleyball and weight bags to keep the net still, so your 12-year-old will be all set to bump, set, and spike. 

Price at time of publication: $50

Etsy Custom Bi Fold Wallet for Kids

Custom Bi Fold Wallet for Kids, Personalized Teen Wallet, Wallets for Teenagers, Custom Wallet for Pre Teens, Kids Wallet Customized Gift

Etsy

Thanks to independent creator MyPersonalMemories on Etsy, tweens can have a wallet completely customized for them. Choose from seven different colors to find the one that best matches his taste and style. Then, pick a fun font and add their name for a personalized touch.

Your preteen will love storing his money in a piece designed just for him, and you can feel good about supporting small businesses. Just be sure to factor in longer shipping times when ordering.

Price at time of publication: $15 for no engraving

Thames & Kosmos Exit: The Game

Exit: The Abandoned Cabin | Exit: The Game - A Kosmos Game | Kennerspiel Des Jahres Winner | Family-Friendly, Card-Based at-Home Escape Room Experience for...

Amazon

Bring escape rooms to your own living room with this party game for preteens. Players must solve riddles and puzzles to escape the sinister abandoned cabin while time is running out. This thrilling game makes for a great family game night or fun with friends.

While this game can only be played once, Thames & Kosmos has multiple different versions of Exit: The Game featuring different creepy locations, including a cursed labyrinth, haunted roller coaster, and more. They vary in difficulty, so tweens can gradually improve their escape skills as they race against the clock.

Price at time of publication: $15

Uncommon Goods Kid's Global Adventure Cooking Kit

Kid's Global Adventure Cooking Kit

Courtesy by Uncommon goods

Foster your 12-year-old’s love of cooking or introduce them to international cuisines with this global adventure cooking kit. Great for spending quality time with a parent or grandparent, this kit takes users on a culinary journey through different continents—all without leaving their kitchen.

The included instructions are easy to follow and include shopping lists and cooking directions for each of the meals. The kit also includes interesting facts and puzzles about each country represented, providing an educational experience in addition to the tasty fun.

Price at time of publication: $25

Gemmy Inflatable Internal Fan Movie Screen

12 ft. W x 9 ft. H Inflatable Movie Screen Air blown

The Home Depot

Plan a memorable movie night with this inflatable movie screen you can use in the living room or the backyard. Twelve-year-olds can watch movies with the family, play video games with friends, or watch the game on Sundays in an innovative way that’s sure to spice up any gathering.

Your tween may need help setting up this outdoor movie screen, but easy-to-follow instructions are included, along with a storage bag for bringing to friends' houses or on vacation. All you need is a projector, a speaker, and popcorn for the best movie theater experience at home.

Price at time of publication: $80

Marky Sparky Magnetic Dart Board

Marky Sparky Magnetic Dart Board

Amazon

Spruce up your preteen's bedroom or a game room with this magnetic dartboard. No need to worry about sharp darts damaging walls, furniture, or family members, because all of the darts included are magnetic.

Twelve-year-olds can hang this dartboard themselves, providing hours of fun as they practice their aim and master their skills playing against siblings or friends. This functional room decor will keep tweens entertained without screens.

Price at time of publication: $35

ThinkFun Gravity Maze

ThinkFun Gravity Maze

Amazon

There is no one way to play Gravity Maze—the game comes with 60 levels that become increasingly difficult as you work your way up. A marble run, logic game, and STEM toy all in one, it comes with a game grid, 10 towers, three stainless steel marbles, and a target piece to navigate through the maze.

Though it might seem intimidating at first, this super engaging maze game comes with clear instructions, making it easy to learn. While it helps improve strategic thinking, Gravity Maze also aids in building spatial reasoning and encourages thinking like an engineer.

Price at time of publication: $30

LEGO Architecture New York City

LEGO Architecture New York City Skyline 21028, Collectible Model Kit for Adults to Build, Creative Activity, Home Decor Gift Idea

Amazon

LEGO sets are a great gift for any age—just make sure you’ve found the right difficulty for your recipient. Twelve-year-olds will love this challenging architectural set that creates the New York City skyline. With 598 pieces, this kit promotes STEM concepts in an exciting way, resulting in a beautiful build to display or take apart and start again.

Due to the level of difficulty, this might be a great opportunity for tweens to bond with any adults in their life for those particularly challenging pieces. However, the included instructions are clear and easy to follow to create an impressive outcome.

Price at time of publication: $50

Marvin's Magic Fifty Greatest Card Tricks Set

Marvin's Magic Fifty Greatest Card Tricks Set

Amazon

Abracadabra! Help your preteen learn a new hobby with this easy magic set. This budget-friendly gift will teach 12-year-olds 50 card tricks, guaranteeing hours of learning and showing off to friends and family. Keep them occupied in the house or on the go with the convenient case. This set is for beginners or those interested in learning more about card tricks. 

Price at time of publication: $21

Jenga Giant JS7 Hardwood Game and Carry Bag

Jenga GIANT JS7 Hardwood Game

Amazon

This giant Jenga set takes all the nail-biting fun of the traditional game to new heights. When all 54 blocks are stacked up, it stands more than 3 feet tall, so be sure to play it in the backyard or a spacious game room. Players take turns trying to remove one block without sending the whole thing toppling, making every move a mesmerizing mix of panic and precision.

Price at time of publication: $170

Alesis CompactKit 4 Electronic Drum Set

Alesis CompactKit 4 – Tabletop Electric Drum Set with 70 Electronic and Acoustic Drum Kit Sounds, 4 Pads, and Drum Sticks

Amazon

Inspire a new hobby or foster musical skills in your tween with a drum set designed for beginners. Less expensive and much quieter than a traditional drum kit, the Alesis CompactKit 4 features four electric drum pads with 70 different sounds for a realistic experience. The drum coach feature helps your 12-year-old learn new beats and skills, and parents don't have to worry about noise since headphones can be plugged in for a quiet drumming practice during late nights or early mornings.

Price at time of publication: $89

Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike

Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike, Aluminum and Steel Frame Options, 7-21 Speeds Options, 24-29-Inch Wheels, Multiple Colors

Amazon

Outdoorsy and adventurous tweens need a bike that’s ready to tackle any terrain they encounter. The Schwinn High Timber Bike rides smoothly on concrete for chill neighborhood rides, but it’s also ready for bumpy mountain and park trails. Suitable for both kids and adults, this bike can grow with your child and suit him for years to come. It supports up to 250 pounds and includes an adjustable seat to accommodate growth spurts. The extensive speeds, gears, and other features make this a good investment for active summer months.

Price at time of publication: $530

Horizon Group USA Boy Craft Catapult Wars Build & Battles

Boy Craft Catapult Wars by Horizon Group USA

Amazon

This cool craft kit lets kids build their very own catapults to launch to fun new heights. It comes with everything they need to build two catapults, including 20 wooden pieces, glue, rope, stickers, and eight mini bean bags to send soaring through the air. Your tween and their friends can work together to hit targets or wage an all-out war against one another. It’s also a great way to help kids develop engineering and science skills because they can experiment with velocity, distance, and more.

Price at time of publication: $13

Ravensburger Marvel Villainous

Ravensburger Marvel Villainous: Infinite Power Strategy Board Game for Ages 12 & Up - The Next Chapter of Villainous

Amazon

In this strategy board game, your tween takes on the role of an iconic Marvel villain—choose between Thanos, Hela, Ultron, Taskmaster, or Killmonger—to fulfill their sinister schemes. Face off against mighty heroes to see if good or evil prevails, with no two games looking alike. Marvel fans and board game enthusiasts will love this expansion of Ravensburger's Villainous universe, made for two to 12 players. 

Price at time of publication: $40

Fireside Games Castle Panic

Fireside Games Castle Panic, Board Game for Adults and Family, Cooperative Board Game, Ages 10+, for 1 to 6 Players, Average Playtime 60 Minutes, Made

Amazon

When it’s time to step away from the screen, the Castle Panic board game makes a good diversion. It can be played by a single player or with up to six players, and the level of difficulty can be adjusted to provide a variety of challenges.

The goal is to defend the castle from monsters. Players work together to strategize and slay the monsters by rolling dice and choosing cards. Winning takes a mix of strategy and luck, and the one who masters both is crowned the Master Slayer.

Price at time of publication: $35

Snap Circuits Pro Electronics Exploration Kit

Snap Circuits Pro SC-500 Electronics Exploration Kit | Over 500 Projects | Full Color Project Manual | 73 + Snap Circuits Parts | STEM Educational Toy for...

Amazon

With the Snaps Circuit Kit, kids grow more comfortable learning about electric switches, fuses, digital circuits, and more with a very hands-on approach. They can create various projects, including an FM radio, a digital voice recorder, and a music alarm.

As your 12-year-old progresses through the manual, they will be able to master experiments that become more and more complex. Note that there are other adaptations of this game, like Snap Circuits Jr. or Snap Circuits Light, in which circuits glow in the dark.

Price at time of publication: $86

How We Selected the Best Gifts for 12-Year-Old Boys

We chose the best gifts for 12-year-old boys by researching reviews from customers and competitors while also studying the design and features of more than 70 products on the market. Additionally, we monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings on these picks. We considered toy safety, age recommendations, ease of use, design, size, features, and value when reviewing products.

What to Look for in Gifts for 12-Year-Old Boys

Hobbies and Interests

A great place to start your gift search is to consider the hobbies and interests of the kid at hand. Whether they're into sports, video games, anime, clothing, music, TikTok, travel, or movies, you can find inspiration from their passions. For example, if the tween is a huge basketball fan, consider buying them a ball or a jersey from their favorite team. If gaming is their thing, a pair of headphones or a new video game will likely be very well-received.

Trends

Tweens tend to be particularly interested in keeping up with current fads and peer approval. So, they may appreciate a gift that is trending. A quick Google search or check of social media will likely yield a variety of ideas, or you can ask any other 12-year-old boys you know (or even the tween in question himself) for suggestions.

Practicality

Another important component of gift buying is to consider the price, durability, and functionality of the possible present. Some tween gifts are pricy, so having a budget in mind helps to target your search. If you're interested in getting them a gift that is out of your price range, you could consider going in on it with another friend or relative to make it more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much can I expect to pay for a gift for a 12-year-old boy?

    The price of a gift for a 12-year-old boy ranges widely depending on your budget and how well you know the teen. There are plenty of pricey items that they’re sure to love, like the Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headset, which retails for $400, but there are many more affordable options that they’ll enjoy just as much, including the Air Hogs Gravitor with Trick Stick and the Marky Sparky Magnetic Dart Board, both of which cost less than $30. No matter your budget, the most important thing is selecting a gift that will make the 12-year-old boy in your life feel seen and appreciated.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Deanna McCormack is a freelance writer who focuses on family, kids, and household items. She’s her family’s top gift-giver and has two kids to keep her in the loop on what is trending. She won’t buy anything without reading almost every review on the internet.

Phoebe Sklansky is Verywell Family’s Associate Commerce Editor. She is an avid online shopper and particularly recommends gifts that can be used over and over, like headphones or a game.

More Toys and Gifts for Kids

When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here: