Try Some 12 Best Gifts for 12 Year Old Boys… One of the Trickiest Ages to Shop for 🤖of These Best Gifts For A 7 Year-Old Girl!
Shopping for a 12-year-old boy is basically like trying to hit a moving target. Too old for the “cute kid stuff” you might have had in mind, but not quite ready for full-on teen gifts, gadgets, and experiences. One minute he’s obsessed with slime or action figures, the next he’s pretending he’s a tech reviewer on YouTube or building a Lego set that’s basically a small city.
Luckily, you don’t have to spend hours wandering aisles or panicking online. We’ve rounded up gifts that actually hit that sweet spot: fun, age-appropriate, and something he’ll actually want instead of politely tossing aside. From tech toys to hands-on projects, and a few clever gift cards that let him call the shots, this list has something for every kind of 12-year-old boy — whether he’s an adventurer, gamer, or just likes a little bit of chaos in his day.
Let’s dive in before he changes his mind about what he wants… again.
1. Gift Cards, But Better
Image courtesy of Perfect Gift.
Gift cards might not seem like that exciting of a gift to you, but just imagine how the unbridled potential of $25 feels to a 12 year old boy. A kid whose purchasing power is probably limited to a little bit of allowance. A kid who would probably really appreciate the chance to test out that growing sense of independence by picking out a gift for himself.
Bonus points if you can text it right to his phone (spoiler: with Perfect Gift, you have that option!)
Plus, Perfect Gift offers fast shipping and thoughtful customization options, so you can make the gift feel even more special with a personal message or picture of the two of you together.
But what kind of gift cards should you be looking for, when it comes to the 12 year old boy in your life? Here are a few best sellers that might fit the bill:
- Buy a Nintendo eShop gift card, or Xbox, or Playstation… really, whatever his console of choice is
- Buy an AMC Theaters gift card so he can choose the next movie the fam goes to see
- Buy an REI gift card so he can get new gear for his bike, athleticwear, or anything else he needs for his next backyard campout or great outdoor adventure
Or you can give him even more options when you send him one of Perfect Gift’s PG+ gift cards – get all the details here.
2. Makey Makey
Image courtesy of Makey Makey.
If he’s the kind of kid who likes to tinker, experiment, or just mess around with random objects until something “magically” works, Makey Makey is basically wizardry in a box. It’s a kit that turns everyday items—like bananas, coins, or even pencil drawings—into touchpads or controllers. Suddenly, a bunch of scrap materials on the kitchen counter becomes a playable piano, a game controller, or a weird, interactive invention that only he could dream up.
It’s creative, hands-on, and surprisingly educational, giving him a little taste of coding, circuits, and engineering without feeling like homework. Plus, it’s endlessly flexible: there’s no single “right” way to play, so he can invent his own games, gadgets, and experiments again and again. For a 12-year-old boy, that mix of tech, creativity, and chaos is basically gift gold.
3. Guitar Lessons
Guitar lessons aren’t just a gift—they’re an invitation to rock out like a mini rock star. At 12, he’s starting to explore who he is, and having an instrument in his hands gives him a way to express himself, experiment with his style, and even impress friends (or future bandmates) along the way.
Learning guitar also opens doors to social connection—jam sessions, school bands, or just swapping riffs with buddies—which is a total win during those tricky preteen years.
Plus, there’s a hidden bonus: playing music is amazing for mental health. It teaches focus, patience, and gives him a creative outlet when life gets stressful.
You can complete the gift with all sorts of fun gizmos and gadgets, like this Make Your Own Guitar Pick Punch so he can express himself with some custom gear too.
4. Stargazing Kit
Image courtesy of Bespoke Post.
If he’s ever gazed up at the night sky and wondered what’s out there, a stargazing kit is basically a ticket to adventure—without leaving the backyard. This kit usually comes with a telescope, constellation guides, and sometimes even glow-in-the-dark star maps, turning him into a full-on junior astronomer.
It’s perfect for sparking curiosity, encouraging patience, and giving him a little quiet time to explore and discover. Plus, it’s one of those gifts that works solo or as a shared experience: late-night stargazing sessions with family or friends create memories he’ll actually remember. For a 12-year-old boy, it mixes science, imagination, and a touch of wonder—basically everything that makes learning feel like an epic adventure.
5. Boardless Skateboard
Image courtesy of Sharper Image.
Strap on a Boardless Skateboard and all of a sudden, the driveway becomes a playground. No pushing, no batteries — just two rolling foot platforms and a wave‑like motion that feels part skateboard, part hoverboard (but way cooler than either).
For a 12‑year-old, it hits the choppy “not a kid, not a teen yet” zone perfectly: it feels a little daring, a little rebellious, and totally fun. It’s also a rad way to boost balance and coordination without needing skate‑park skills — and it’s light enough for him to carry to the park or cruise the block with friends.
Bottom line: it’s simple, active, and a little wild — exactly the kind of “I’m not a kid” gift that feels just right at this age.
6. LEGO Set
Image courtesy of LEGO.
There’s “playing with blocks,” and then there’s a LEGO set like this — the sweet spot between “kid toy” and full‑on “grown-up hobby.” The Arcade Machine isn’t just a build-it-and-forget-it kind of set; it’s a 468-piece mini masterpiece that opens up into a gamer’s room complete with tiny consoles, a sofa, a minifigure, and even a coin slot that spits out bricks when you press it.
For a 12‑year‑old, it hits that perfect middle ground: complex enough to feel like an accomplishment when it’s done, but not so overwhelming that he gets frustrated halfway through. Building it boosts fine-motor skills, patience, and problem‑solving — and once it’s built, it doubles as super cool desk or shelf decor.
Whether he’s into video games, retro vibes, or just the satisfying click‑click of bricks snapping together, this LEGO is the type of gift that sticks — long after the wrapping paper is gone.
Shop Arcade Machine LEGO Set >>
7. Graphic Novel Classics
Image courtesy of Target.
Graphic‑novel versions of classic literature are the kind of gift that practically bridges the generation gap — parents love that he’s finally reading “big kid books,” and he thinks it’s just a cool, comic‑style story. Whether it’s The Hobbit, The Iliad, or even Edgar Allan Poe tales — reimagined with vivid art and modern pacing — these versions deliver the epic stories without the “long book” intimidation factor.
For a 12‑year‑old, it’s perfect: the pacing feels like a comic, the art keeps it fun, but it sneakily builds vocabulary, reading stamina, and an appreciation for timeless stories.
And for the record, there are definitely some more traditional comic book runs that are good enough to be counted as literature. Some of them might still be a little adult for this age range, but if he gets hooked now, well… he’ll be reading the only graphic novel to land on Time’s list of best works of literature in the last century in no time!
And in our book, that’s a win for everyone.
Shop The Hobbit: A Graphic Novel >>
8. Unlock the Controller Game
Image courtesy of Uncommon Goods.
If he loves video games but you’re tired of screen time, the “Unlock the Controller” escape‑room game is a smart middle ground — think puzzles, teamwork, and the same rush he’d get from a boss‑fight, but IRL. It’s an at‑home challenge where he’s got to crack codes, solve riddles, and work through a mystery (alone or with friends), which feels way cooler than homework.
This kind of game draws him in without being a “book.” It exercises his brain, tests his patience, and gives him a huge payoff when he finally “unlocks” the solution. Plus, it’s one of those gifts that can easily become a group event — ideal for sleepovers, family game night, or rainy afternoons when he actually gets off the screen and gets creative.
Shop Unlock the Controller Escape Room Game >>
9. ZipString Arcana
Image courtesy of ZipString.
If he’s ever dreamed of being a superhero (or just wants to impress everyone on the block), ZipString Arcana is basically a backstage pass to his own action movie. Strap it on his wrist, press the trigger, and it shoots out a glowing loop of string that zips and dances in the air — then retracts automatically when you let go.
It’s part cool toy, part party trick, part creativity launcher: he can lasso, swing, loop, or just show off his skills. It feels more grown‑up than slime or action figures — but still totally fun and silly enough for a preteen. Great for nights messing around in the backyard, showing off to friends, or inventing his own “superpower” moves.
10. DIY Craft Cola Kit
Image courtesy of Craft a Brew.
If he’s the kind of kid who likes experimenting in the kitchen or making things from scratch, this DIY Craft Cola Kit is basically “science class meets soda shop.” He gets to mix, measure, and create fizzy drinks with his own hands — and then drink the results. It’s hands‑on, a little bit wild, and way cooler than just handing him a soda from the fridge.
It’s a recipe for fun and creativity — a neat intro to chemistry, with the delicious reward of a homemade cola at the end. Whether it becomes his signature drink or just a weekend project, this kit turns a regular afternoon into a mini‑experiment (and a tasty one at that).
11. Marble Run Machine
Image courtesy of Uncommon Goods.
If he’s the kind of kid who likes puzzles, chaos, or just figuring out how things move, a marble‑run building kit is basically a playground in a box. This isn’t prescriptive — there’s no one “right” way to build. He gets to design ramps, loops, tunnels, and vaults, then drop the marble and watch gravity and physics do their thing.
It brings together creativity, problem solving, and a bit of engineering — without ever feeling like homework. Plus, it’s endlessly replayable: build, test, tweak, rebuild, repeat. Whether he builds it solo or with friends, the payoff’s instant, and the process is oddly soothing. Solid brains‑and‑fun balance for a kid who’s ready for something a little more grown‑up than basic toys.
12. Accubow Virtual Archery
Image courtesy of Accubow.
If he’s ready to feel like a video game hero in real life, the Accubow Nano is pure next-level fun. It’s a compact bow that syncs with virtual games, letting him shoot arrows on-screen with real bow mechanics — no foam darts required.
It’s all about hand-eye coordination, focus, and that satisfying “I nailed it” feeling every time he hits a target. Plus, it’s active, skill-building, and way more interactive than just swiping a controller, so he’ll actually want to get up off the couch to play!
That’s it for our list of best gifts for 12 year old boys.
Our gifting experts are always on the hunt for the latest and greatest gifts that everyone on your list will actually want, so check back soon for more recommendations. Until then, happy shopping!
