The 51 Best Gifts for 12-Year-Old Boys

Funkoverse Harry Potter 102 4-Pack Board Game at Amazon

Air Hogs Gravitor with Trick Stick at Amazon

Microsoft Xbox Series S at Amazon

Franklin Sports NFL Kids Football Uniform Set at Amazon

The Comfy Original Quarter-Zip at Amazon

Hasbro Monopoly Voice Banking at Amazon

Nerf N-Strike Elite Disruptor at Amazon

Lanyani Teen Bifold Wallet at Amazon

Vans Kids' Checkerboard Classic Slip-On at Amazon

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

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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

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

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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

4.2

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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

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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

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

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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

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

Amazon.

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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

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

Amazon.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

4.6

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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

Amazon.

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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

Amazon

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

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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

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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

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

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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

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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 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

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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

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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

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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

4.7

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

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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

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

4.6

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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

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

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

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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

4.5

Amazon

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

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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

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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

Maisonette

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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

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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

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

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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

The Home Depot

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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