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). Price at time of publication: $60  Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $24 Price at time of publication: $289
Price at time of publication: $60 Price at time of publication: $57 Price at time of publication: $29 
Price at time of publication: $15 Price at time of publication: $15 Price at time of publication: $38
Price at time of publication: $80 Price at time of publication: $160 Price at time of publication: $80 Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $60 Price at time of publication: $112 Price at time of publication: $65 Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $80 Price at time of publication: $50 Price at time of publication: $80 Price at time of publication: $55 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 Price at time of publication: $8 Price at time of publication: $60 Price at time of publication: $120 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 Price at time of publication: $26 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 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 Price at time of publication: $35 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 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 Price at time of publication: $11 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 Price at time of publication: $50 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 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
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 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 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 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 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 Price at time of publication: $21
Price at time of publication: $170 Price at time of publication: $89 Price at time of publication: $530 Price at time of publication: $13
Price at time of publication: $40 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 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

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.

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.

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:

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