By the time most boys reach the age of 12 they have developed a wide range of interests and seem to want to spend more time with friends than with family members. Some days that 12 year old can seem like a complete stranger, which can make it more difficult for those who are buying Christmas or birthday gifts for these boys, which is why we put together this list of premium and highly rated toys and gifts appropriate for the 12 year old boy in your life.
In a Rush? See Our Top 3 Picks Just Below
Top Pick: Frisbee Game
Runner Up: Nice Art Set
2nd Runner Up: Remote Control Boat
Our Criteria For Evaluating the Best Toys and Gifts for 12 Year Old Boys
If you are like most consumers you want to know what criteria we used in evaluating each of the toys and gifts for 12 year old boys on our list. We use two important criteria:
Educational Value
We look at a toy and consider its ability to help a child develop physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. What can the child learn from playing with this toy or using this product? Will it help them develop gross or fine motor skills? Improve balance or stamina? Does it encourage cognitive thinking and problem solving? Will it encourage them to use their imagination or to communicate better with others etc.
Entertainment Value
If it is a toy or a game we look at whether or not the toy is fun, does it hold the child’s attention, and is it something he’ll want to play as much months from now as he does when he first receives it?
The Best Gift Ideas & Toys for 12 Year Old Boys List
1. Kan Jam Frisbee Game
Kan Jam is a fun flying disc game that is kind of a cross between Ultimate Frisbee, corn hole and basketball and a game most 12 year old boys would have a blast with! It can be played by 2 people or 2 teams and the object is either be the first to reach 21 points or to toss the disc into the slot for an instant win. It’s a fun outdoor game that provides fun and exercise for kids and adults.
Positives
Instructions to play are simple
This game is a hit for all ages
Negatives
Some consumers feel the price is too high for what you get
2. StratoLauncher IV Deluxe Water Rocket Launcher
This water rocket launcher kit is a great Christmas gift idea for any twelve year boy. This kit allows the child to turn a soda bottle into a high flying water rocket. This kit includes the StratoLauncher IV, Fins, Fittings, Ball head, Pressure gauge, fill funnel, Q Release. The kit is expandable so that the child can use this launcher for a bottle race car, to fly a glider, to use a parachute and much more.
Positives
This kit is well made
Rocket flies at a really good height
Negatives
There is some air leakage
3. Art Set
A great Christmas or birthday gift for any 12 year old boy who enjoys drawing or painting is this 145-piece art set. This set comes in a durable wooden art box and includes crayons, colored pencils, oil pastels, water colors, palettes, sketch pencils, paint brushes, painting papers, a pencil sharpener, ruler and eraser.
Positives
Plenty of different mediums for the child to work with
Makes it easy for child to keep supplies organized
Negatives
Some consumers found that the box came apart easily
4. Altair Remote Control Boat
Remote controlled vehicles hold a certain fascination for 12 year olds and this remote boat makes a great spring or summer birthday gift for a young man who enjoys playing in the water. This Altair RC boat will travel at 23 km/hour and the boat has safe right and safe propeller system.
It can be use in rivers, lakes, ponds and swimming pools making it ultra versatile! When you purchase this boat you get the boat itself, the remote control, Li-Ion battery, USB charging cable, spare propeller and a users manual.
Positives
Boat is easy to control
Boat is water tight
Negatives
None we could find
5. Mongoose BMX Race Bike
This Mongoose BMX race bike makes a great birthday or Christmas present for any 12 year old boy who likes riding around with friends or who wants to begin racing. This bike has 20 inch wheels, an aluminum frame, internal cable routing, and linear brake levers. This bike is suitable for riders who are 5’3” to 5’8.”
Positives
Well built
Lightweight
Easy to assemble
Negatives
Can’t adjust the saddle/seat
6. Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Clock Tower
Models make great gifts for kids who enjoy working with their hands, and this Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Clock Tower gift makes an excellent model building set. The kit is made up of 922 pieces of which 8 pieces are mini figures to make the model come alive.
When complete this model includes such iconic locations as the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom, Dumbledore’s Office and a section of the Icy Ballroom. This set can be combined with other Harry Potter sets to build an even larger and more impressive model.
Positives
Looks quite realistic
Fun to put together
Negatives
More difficult than other sets
7. Beginner 36-Inch Acoustic Guitar Set
If your child is interested in playing music this Acoustic Guitar Kit makes an excellent gift for boys age 12. The guitar has a Linden wood body, birch headstock, and dyed maple fretboard. It comes with a bag case, pitch pipe tuner, spare strings, pearloid picks, cleaning cloth and even a gift certificate.
Positives
Excellent quality
Great size guitar for kids
Cons
Some users have trouble tuning this guitar
8. Jansport Backpack
This Jansport backpack comes in many different colors and designs to suit any 12 year old boy. It has straight cut padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel. It has a front utility pocket with a built in organizer, a side water bottle compartment and a roomy main compartment.
Positives
Comes with a lifetime warranty
Good quality
Negatives
This backpack is too small for some users
9. A Cool Pair of Sneakers
If your boy is like most preteen boys then they are always looking for the coolest pair of sneakers they can find. These BRONAX Men’s Stylish Graffiti Sneakers make a great Christmas or birthday gift that most kids will love. These shoes come in sizes 3 through 13 and come in a variety of different colors including slip ons with shoelaces and rubber outsoles.
Positives
Really comfortable
Holds up well
Negatives
Lacks ankle support
10. Catan
This Settlers of Catan board game for 3 or 4 players makes a perfect birthday or Christmas gift for any boy of this age. This is a game they can play with friends or family members which will help them to further their social skills, turn taking and sportsmanship. Kids love building their own civilization and trying to make it grow.
Positives
Helps children develop strategy
Gets them off all of those electronic devices
Negatives
Some people get counterfeit versions
What Is A Unique Gift Idea for a 12 Year Old Boy Who Has Everything?
Some 12 year olds have all the toys they could possibly want or need. If you find yourself shopping for a preteen that has too much stuff then here are some alternate gift suggestions.
1. Give them An Experience
Most 12 year olds are eager to try new things and experience more of the world, so consider them giving a gift of an experience they won’t forget such as a day of zip lining or attending a professional baseball or basketball game. You can even give them a week at a science or music camp if that is their interest.
Tips for Finding the Best Toys & Gifts for 12 Year Old Boys
- Consider the child’s interests and hobbies and try and find gifts that will encourage those interests.
- Before purchasing a gift read reviews for the product you are considering to ensure that the product is durable and will last for at least a period of time.
- Consider purchasing a gift that will help to keep the young man active. Outdoor games, and toys are great additions to any child’s toys or gifts.
- Consider the child’s maturity level and try to find a gift that will speak to where the child is at developmentally.
Wrapping Up Our List of Toys & Gifts for 12 Year Boys
If you are looking for a great birthday or Christmas gift for a 12 year old boy on your shopping list and feel at a loss, then it is our hope that this list of premium gifts for young men of this age will help make your shopping easier.
