12-year-old boys are at a sensitive age when they are just discovering their preferences but are also open to new and exciting ideas. Every boy is an individual so there’s no formula when it comes to picking a gift that will keep their attention and lead to hours of fun. We’ve done the research to make your life easier and come up with 40 ideas for gifts for your boys. We’re confident that these gifts will enrich your children’s lives and leave you breathing a sigh of relief. Whatever the occasion we’ve found some options for you.
Our Top 3 Picks
Best
Mini Drone for Kids
It’s like playing a video game, only it’s real.
Buy it!
Also Great
Instax Camera
An instant camera that prints photos for the budding photographer.
Buy it!
Good on a Budget
Monopoly: Fortnite
A perennial favorite update for gaming fans.
Buy it!
Christmas Gifts For 12 Year Old Boys
Mega Cyborg Hand STEM Experiment Kit.
This gift will definitely keep your young boys occupied for many hours on end. Designed for the tinkerers, building and playing with this gift will lead to a lot of fun as well as teaching basic principles of physics. Educational and fun, what more could you want? Additionally, no batteries are required as it uses manual power aided by hydraulic pressure. This one will be a sure-fire success with your budding genius.
Get it from Amazon.
Interactive Glow in The Dark T-Shirt.
This t-shirt is available in a variety of sizes and colors and will make sure that your son is the life of the party. Using the included Glow torch, designs can be drawn onto the reflective area of the t shirt. Designs will last for a few minutes before fading away leaving a blank canvas for the endless creativity of your child. The best thing is that if you lose the Glow torch, it will still work with a mobile phone’s flashlight.
Get it from Amazon.
Hover Shot – Orblitz Floating Ball Shooting Game
Are you looking for a fun gift to help improve your boy’s hand to eye coordination as well as to keep them engrossed in a fun activity? Look no further than this particular gift. There are five floating targets. The idea is to shoot them accurately with the included gun and bullets. The game becomes even more fun when the lights go off as the targets and bullets glow in the dark.
Get it from Amazon.
Robotics Catapult
Is your son a construction aficionado? We’ve got just the gift for him. This robotics catapult will challenge him to build and operate machinery based on potential and kinetic energy. Combining the best of historical machines and modern construction practices this toy will educate your young boy about scientific principles as well as inspire him with hands-on learning. This gift features two possible models as well as the poss
Get it from Amazon.
Jellyfish Lava Lamp
This amazing present will amaze and inspire curiosity in your growing boy in equal measure. Not to mention that after a long day, it will help him to relax and get to sleep. Featuring multiple modes of lighting and color, the dancing jellyfish will enthrall the imagination of your boy with its soothing deep sea atmosphere. Equipped with an ultra quiet water pump that helps in relieving stress and anxiety. It only requires water and a few drops of dish soap for operation. Perfect for any lover of marine life, young or old.
Get it from Amazon.
TrueBalance Coordination Game
Looking for a gift that is easy and fun to play with for all ages? This screen free option is just the thing you’ve been looking for. It will stimulate the focus and concentration of your boy as well as develop fine motor and sensory skills and hand to eye coordination. Sturdy construction means longlasting fun for all the members of the family. This one is the winner of the Creative Kids Toy of The Year for 2018.
Get it from Amazon.
LED Gloves
These gloves are a perfect gift for any occasion. Made of a cotton/polyester mix that will keep your hands warm in the winter and cool in the summer, they are functional as well as entertaining. They are also completely non-toxic. Equipped with three colors and ten different lighting combinations, they are great for parties, social events as well as regular use. You may just find yourself borrowing these from your boy for running or cycling at night. They come with batteries included which are easily replaceable.
Get it from Amazon.
Marvin’s Magic – Fifty Greatest Card Tricks Set
Is your son a fan of magic? Does he like to amaze and delight everyone around him with tricks that have no apparent explanation? This is the perfect gift idea for him. He will be able to expand his repertoire of tricks with these selected 50 techniques presented in this special package. All of the tricks have been specially chosen so that they are easily learned and mastered by children. The set comes with 5 card sets as well as an app to learn bonus tricks.
Get it from Amazon.
Birthday Gifts For 12 Year Old Boys
Tabletop Electric Drum Set
This one is for all budding musicians no matter the level of expertise. Who doesn’t love being able to drum beats? We haven’t yet met a boy who isn’t captivated by the ability to make noise in rhythm to their favorite music. This gift comes with everything needed to start pounding out those beats your son always wanted to. The best thing about it? It comes with headphone output so your son doesn’t bring down the house. Equipped with 70 electronic/acoustic drum kit voices as well as 50 playalong songs to perfect those musical skills.
Get it from Amazon.
Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones
These headphones are perfect for your avid music listener. They use Bluetooth 5.0 (with a range of 30 feet) for wireless listening. Each charge lasts for over 30 hours! Perfect for those extended listening sessions. Extremely comfortable to wear with adjustable ear caps and headband. There is also a builtin microphone for use with voice commands and the sound quality is unparalleled for this price. They come with batteries and a charging cable included.
Get it from Amazon.
NERF Disruptor Elite Blaster
Who doesn’t love a shootout with a NERF blaster? This gift will have your boy occupied for hours on end. Better yet, buy yourself one as well and challenge them for even more fun. It holds 6 darts in its quickdraw blaster and can fire individually or in rapid succession (slam fire mode) depending on the number of targets. Each dart can be fired up to 90 feet. The package comes with 6 elite darts and extra darts can also be purchased.
Get it from Amazon.
162-Piece Deluxe Mega Wood Box Art Painting and Drawing Set
This wonderful art set will provide your creative genius with everything they need to produce amazing works of art, be they pencil or crayon sketches, watercolors or oil paintings, or even oil pastel drawings. The quality of each item in this set is nothing less than professional and includes everything necessary for those masterpieces. The wooden container makes for a lovely travel case and the paints are completely non-toxic.
Get it from Amazon.
Eclipse Floor Rocker
This floor rocker is the next evolution of gaming setups. It comes equipped with head rest mounted speakers that provide immersive audio for that realistic gaming experience. This gift will allow your son to pursue his gaming in great comfort with no distractions. Its design allows for rocking and reclining so there’s no tiredness even with those extended sessions. It is compatible with most gaming systems and is also conveniently foldable when not in use, though you may find your boy will use it even when not gaming. Lastly, its sleek looks match with any state-of-the-art gaming system.
Get it from Amazon.
Herschel Classic Backpack
This is the perfect companion to your son’s adventures be they scholastic or extracurricular. With an ample storage capacity of 30L, there’s not much that won’t fit inside this backpack. Specially designed so that it ensures comfortable carrying even when full. It is also built to last and comes with pockets for everything your son may need on his journey; whether technology or sustenance.
Get it from Amazon.
Laser Tag Guns with Vests Set of 4
It used to be that if you wanted to enjoy a game of laser-tag, you’d have to go to a special arena and pay for the experience. With this present, you can enjoy the same experience anywhere you like, whether at home or outdoors. This complete set will allow the entire family to participate in epic battles. With an extended array of features and various weapon modes, this one is sure to provide many hours of hugely fun battles.
Get it from Amazon.
3D Moon Lamp
This magical lamp will turn your room into a galactic experience. With a total of 16 color transformations available, it will relax and soothe even the most tired and anxious minds at the end of the day. Use it as a nightlight or as a lamp and it is equally as amazing. It comes included with remote control and is also touch activated. There are 4 display modes with dimmable lighting. This one is sure to be a hit with you boy.
Get it from Amazon.
fortnite birthday shirt for boy
Fun Gifts For 12 Year Old Boys
Mini Drone
This mini drone is perfect as an introduction to the world of drone flying. Specially designed as a suitable toy for young and old alike, it’s easy to learn to fly and will have your son entranced from the very start. One key take off and landing as well as automatic height control make it simple to use. Headless mode makes it even easier to control without having to worry about which way the drone is facing. Its durability and speed control make it suitable for indoor as well as outdoor use. Comes with 3 batteries for extended flying time.
Get it from Amazon.
Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera
Combining the ease of use of digital cameras with the immediate output of polaroids is a sure fire way of capturing delightful photos wherever you go. This camera will be sure to also capture the imagination and creativity of your tween and is great as an introduction to the world of photography. It only takes a few minutes to be able to see the credit card sized photos that are taken. It even includes a mirror to make it easier to frame and take selfies. Your boy will take this gift everywhere he goes.
Get it from Amazon.
MONOPOLY: Fortnite Edition
Inspired by the popular video game, this edition of Monopoly is a twist on the old board game where instead of acquiring property, players battle to survive as long as they can by claiming locations. Players strive to earn health point chips instead of money in order to survive. Great fun for the entire family and your son’s friends.
Get it from Amazon.
Kids Camera Waterproof
For your budding action star, get this waterproof camera and watch them go. It is also a great vlogging camera and you can even attach it to a helmet or a bicycle for a variety of uses. Comes equipped with a built-in, longlasting battery for 1.5 hours of recording time as well as a number of accessories for a variety of uses. All you need to get started are included in the package. In no time at all, your son will be making amazing videos of his adventures.
Get it from Amazon.
American Ninja Warrior Competition Obstacle Course
This gift will have your boy jumping, running, hopping, and crawling all over the place in an effort to be the ultimate ninja warrior. It can be configured in a number of ways that enable head to head, team, or timed modes for a variety of skill levels and intensities. The set comes with included diagrams for suggested courses and various pieces of equipment to construct them. The question is, will you be able to resist the temptation to race against your son?
Get it from Amazon.
Glow in The Dark Basketball
Any dedicated basketball fan will absolutely love this particular item. How many times has your son had to stop playing because there isn’t enough light? No longer! With this ball, play can be extended into the darkness by simply activating the inner lights with a bounce. It features two LED’s and preinstalled batteries that last for a long time ensuring that the focus is on having fun and improving those skills. Sturdy and durable, you will find this product lasts for a long time.
Get it from Amazon.
Table Tennis to Go
Another one for your tween sports fans. This gift item will ensure that your son can play his favorite game wherever he chooses. All you need is a table and players. Everything else is provided in this conveniently portable set. In fact, any table can be converted into a table tennis table. Gone are the days of having to buy an expensive table to play this game. Its sturdy construction means that this one will be a favorite for a long time to come.
Get it from Amazon.
Scrabble
A classic with no introduction needed! Almost everyone knows this game and rightly so. Extremely simple to play and yet so much fun for the entire family. This one will have your son searching for the words and learning to increase his vocabulary while having fun. Your son will be an eloquent wordmaster in no time at all.
Get it from Amazon.
Unique Gifts For 12 Year Old Boys
The Mandalorian Imperial Light Cruiser
Introduce your son to the world of Star Wars with this Lego kit of the Imperial Light Cruiser from The Mandalorian, Season 2. It consists of 1,336 pieces so it will take dedication and time to construct. Comes equipped with extra features such as 2 rotating turrets with spring loaded shooters, 2 mini TIE fighters as well as a launcher. 5 mini figures with various weapons are also included in the package for hours of fun play. The bridge doubles as a convenient handle for flying. An exceptional gift.
Get it from Amazon.
Funkoverse Strategy Game
This strategy board game is based on the popular Harry Potter books and will take your boy on a magical adventure with his favorite Hogwarts characters. For two to four players, it is easy to learn and will have your son enthralled in no time at all. The set comes with four characters, cards, and bases as well as numerous accessories to get started.
Get it from Amazon.
Air Hogs Gravitor with Trick Stick
Once your son learns the basics of this amazing toy, he will be unstoppable. It allows indoor hovering flight using the hands, feet, or any part of the body as a base. Extremely simple to operate and learn, it senses altitude. Whether playing individually or with friends, progressively complex tricks can be learned to amaze others with physical creativity and inventiveness. With its durable construction, this gift will grab everyone’s attention and keep it for hours on end. Comes with a charging cable, instruction manual, and an extra trick stick.
Get it from Amazon.
Original Disc Toss Ultimate Backyard Game
This outdoor party game is simple in concept but don’t be fooled, it will have your son diving and reaching all over the place in an effort to score points. A competitive game for up to 4 players, it takes seconds to set up and is perfect for that day out on the beach, the park, or indeed anywhere. Teams take turns in throwing the flying disc in an effort to make it land in the container. Various amounts of points are scored depending on the accuracy of the throw and the first team to 21 points wins.
Get it from Amazon.
Robot Building Toys for Boys
This one is for budding engineering geniuses everywhere. It is perfect as a fun and educational gift that will teach your son about robotics as well as programming in the most fun way possible. It comes with 635 snap together pieces that when assembled comprise a fully functional articulated robot that can be controlled by remote (app downloadable onto your phone) or programmed to move. Comes with built-in rechargeable batteries and a controller that has a 65ft range. We think you will agree that learning with this toy is so much fun.
Get it from Amazon.
Tin Can Robot
Another one for engineering enthusiasts. This robot only needs a metal drink can to complete its construction. No special tool or knowledge is required and the kit comes with detailed instructions on how to complete this toy. Asides from teaching basic engineering principles it also teaches the value of recycling which we think is an important lesson for every child to learn. Requires one AA battery (not supplied).
Get it from Amazon.
Premium Magnetic Dart Board
This variation on the classic darts game is indispensable for developing your boy’s hand to eye coordination as well as keeping them occupied for large periods of time. Safe for use by kids and adults alike, these darts won’t harm your children, pets, or walls in any way. The extra durable, large dart board is an exact replica of the classic board except that it’s magnetic. The darts themselves fly true and will stick to the board every time. Fun for the entire family for years to come.
Get it from Amazon.
Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game
This logic game will have your boy strategizing and developing his critical thinking and spatial reasoning skills in an effort to complete the puzzles. Simple in concept yet complex in practice this gift will teach and entertain in equal measure. Comes equipped with a game grid, nine towers, one target piece, and three marbles. It requires very little setup and with over 60 challenges ranging from beginner to expert, we are sure that this is one present that won’t be ignored.
Get it from Amazon.
Outdoors Gifts For 12 Year Old Boys
Spikeball Game Set
Spikeball is an extremely fun and energetic game to play for all the family. Best of all, it’s really simple to learn to play and can be played anywhere in an outdoor setting. It incorporates elements of volleyball and foursquare in its play and can be played by up to four people in two teams of two players. Guaranteed fun with its high tempo play, it is a sure-fire way to develop physical and coordination skills on an individual level as well as cooperation with others in teamwork. This one will get your boy moving.
Get it from Amazon.
THE COMFY Original Quarter Zip
The original wearable blanket as seen on Shark Tank. Say goodbye to the cold with its inner Sherpa lining and voluminous size that can cover the entire body. Now with an improved design over the original version including a quarter zip for easy wearing. You will quickly find that this innovative item will become your boy’s favorite piece of clothing, whether he is camping in the great outdoors or relaxing on the sofa with his favorite game or movie.
Get it from Amazon.
NERF Sports Dude Perfect PerfectSmash Football
This gift is the perfect item to get the American Football aficionado. It will help develop hand to eye coordination skills as well as overall fitness levels. The target can be stood up on its own, hung anywhere, or even thrown in the air for a real challenge. The main idea is to hit the center of the pop-out target to score points. Simple to play yet difficult to master, this item promises hours of fun learning how to do the special trick shots.
Get it from Amazon.
Fitbit Ace 3 Activity Tracker
This fitness activity tracker is just the thing for your active boy. Designed with kids in mind, its rugged construction and impressive list of features make this an essential item to own. With activity and sleep tracking as well as motivating and fun challenges for the entire family, your child’s fitness has never been easier to track and achieve. Waterproof with up to 8 days of battery life, we are sure you’ll agree this one is not to be missed.
Get it from Amazon.
Gskyer Telescope
Does your boy spend time wondering about the universe we are living in? Is he a budding stargazer? If so, look no further than this gift. It’ll bring the stars and the moon right to him, gloriously magnified. Comes with easy to follow instructions for assembly as well as extra components for attaching a mobile phone to take amazing pictures (even remotely.) A two- year warranty and technical support within 24 hours is also included as part of the package.
Get it from Amazon.
Slackline
Slacklines are a great way to train balance, coordination, core strength, focus, and posture. The benefits are numerous and best of all they are so much fun. This particular slackline is longer than the average and comes with extra accessories for an all round memorable experience time and time again. Your boy will love this gift and since it’s suitable for use almost anywhere outdoors, it will rapidly become one of his favorite items to take wherever he goes.
Get it from Amazon.
The Boys’ Book of Survival
This amazing book is an indispensable gift to get your growing boy. Ever wondered how to survive a tornado or a duel? Ever thought about how to escape an avalanche or survive in bear country? Look no further for the answers. This book has them all. For more everyday events, it also includes tips for him on how to survive an essay crisis and his teachers as well as a school dance and a shopping trip with his mom. This book will have your boy prepared for any imaginable situation.
Get it from Amazon.
Walkie Talkies for Kids
These walkie — talkies are great fun as a toy as well as for keeping in touch with your boy over long distances (up to two miles.) With their child-friendly ergonomic design, sturdy construction, and bright colors, your child will love them immediately. They are very easy to use and come in handy with indoor and outdoor activities (especially camping.) This model also includes a handy flashlight for use at night.
Get it from Amazon.