
When boys turn twelve, it’s the ultimate rite of passage to go from being a kid to becoming a teenager. As he grows older, his age group becomes one where he probably really wants to be like the coolest kids. What does that mean for you? It means you better find him something cool to help him jump-start his teenage years.
Your pre-teen son will experience a lot of challenges that come with the many changes happening to his body. Because of this, it is important to provide your young man with support in different ways, one of which includes ensuring that the toys you give him help him with this exciting yet daunting transition.
Toddlers are arguably the most adorable age, but 12 years old is still a great stage in a boy’s life. What do you get for him? Something that he’d enjoy and can use learn stuff like programming and electronics.
Look no further! We’ve discussed, debated, and then hand-picked some of the coolest toys and gift ideas that we think 12-year-old boys will love.
Product Image | Product Name | Feature | Price |
Altair AA108 Drone |
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Aqua Fast RC Remote Control Boat |
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Mongoose Ledge 2.1 Boys’ Mountain Bike |
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4M Doodling Robot |
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Moonracer Djubi Classic |
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OWI 14-in-1 Solar Robot |
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Hamper Hoops by Wham-O |
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Nerf N-Strike Elite Toy Blaster |
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ThinkFun Adams Cube |
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Franklin Sports Deluxe Youth Uniform |
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Best Toys & Gifts that You Could Gift Your 12 Year Old Boy
So, what are the best toys and gifts for 12-year-old boys? There are different things to consider when making this selection. We have searched long and hard to find our top 20 choices that will match your child’s developmental needs:
Table of Contents
- Best Toys & Gifts that You Could Gift Your 12 Year Old Boy
- 1. Altair AA108 Drone
- 2. Altair AA Aqua Fast RC Remote Control Boat for Pools and Lakes
- 3. Mongoose Ledge 2.1 Boys’ Mountain Bike
- 4. 4M Doodling Robot
- 5. Moonracer Djubi Classic
- 6. OWI 14-in-1 Solar Robot
- 7. Hamper Hoops by Wham-O
- 8. Strongarm Nerf N-Strike Elite Toy Blaster
- 9. ThinkFun Adams Cube
- 10. Franklin Sports NFL Deluxe Youth Uniform Set
- 11. Scale Large 1:10 RC Car Boys remote Control Car 4×4 Off road Monster Truck
- 12. LEGO Architecture’s The Eiffel Tower
- 13. Melissa & Doug Suspend Family Game
- 14. Louisville Slugger UPM Pitching Machine
- 15. Franklin NHL Hockey and Knee Hockey Indoor Sport 2in1 Set
- 16. Microsoft Xbox One S 500GB Console Halo Collection
- 17. Apple iPod touch 16GB (6th Generation)
- 18. Kan Jam Game Set
- 19. Darice 120-Piece Deluxe Art Set
- 20. Spikeball’s Spikeball Combo Set
- 21. Minecraft Nintendo switch
- 22. Threeking Rc Stunt Car
- 23. Activ Life LED Bike Wheel Lights
- 24. Riddell NFL Football Helmet
- 25. Snap Circuits Arcade Electronics Kit
- 26. Samsung Galaxy Tablet E 9.6
- 27. Alesis Electronic Drum Set
- 28. Heel wheels By Razor
- 29. LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon
- 30. Nerf Lazer Tag
- 31. Flybold Slackline Training Line Kit
- 32. Brain Quest Grade 7 Cards
- 33. Sphero Mini Programmable Robot Ball
- 34. Ravensburger GraviTrax Marble Run
- 35. Klutz Star Wars Folded Flyers
- Points Considered When Choosing These Toys
- 12-Year-Olds and Their Needs
- Why Trust The Bestforthekids
- In conclusion
1. Altair AA108 Drone
Drones for kids have become quite popular and it’s no doubt that they would make a great gift. The AA108 drone is perfect gift for any twelve-year-old boy for a lot of reasons. The AA108 has multiple flight modes including a 1-button takeoff and landing mode, which is really helpful as your twelve-year-old just starts learning how the fly. Not only that, but the drone comes with two ten-minute batteries giving kids an ample amount of practice time.
The premium camera is wide angled and will take amazing bird’s eye photos. And even better it has a stabilizer to ensure your pictures always come out great!
What’s Great About It: This drone is great for helping your son or grandson learn hand-eye coordination while having fun too. Plus, the AA108 is made by a company out of Lincoln, NE so you will get amazing American based customer service.
Pros:
- The camera quality is so high that it will always amaze you.
- It has multiple flight modes and is easy to use.
Cons:
- Short battery span and is a little bit expensive.
2. Altair AA Aqua Fast RC Remote Control Boat for Pools and Lakes
Does your 12-year-old have an interest in boats and water sports? This is the perfect gift, especially for those summer birthdays and events. The Altair remote control boat reaches up to 30 km/h and has a range of 100 meters. You do not have to worry about the boat when it capsizes as the remote control has an option that allows you to flip the boat right side up. One of the features that current users love is the engine that allows water to flow through to cool the boat.
This toy boat is sleek and loved by the children who use it, it is perfect for a day at the pool or the lake. The Altair boat package includes two batteries, a boat stand and a remote control. The battery life is long and will keep your child entertained!
What’s Great About It: This quadcopter suits all users and is quite easy for beginners. It also functions well during the day and at night, thanks to its LED lights. Controlling it can be challenging as it goes further, but that’s normal and your son will enjoy it.
Pros:
- It can be used simultaneously in the nighttime and daytime because of LED lights.
- Have good speed and good range.
Cons:
- It’s a little bit challenging to understand the controlling system.
3. Mongoose Ledge 2.1 Boys’ Mountain Bike

Biking is one of the most fun activities for kids that are also beneficial to one’s health. Numerous children enjoy biking as they get to control where they go and what adventures they go on.
This boys’ mountain bike by Mongoose comes with 24-inch wheels. It is a 21-speed bike which helps a lot in muscle development, hence the benefit it can give to twelve-year-old boys regarding their physical development.
What’s Great About It: Balance and coordination are among the benefits biking can give. Moreover, it is a great form of exercise that can prevent obesity and various illnesses. Users will definitely enjoy this product, although it requires patience especially when it comes to shifting.
Pros:
- Good grip for traveling in the snow, mountain, dirt, and mud.
- Having seven speeds will make it easy for you to travel along the hill areas.
Cons:
- It’s heavy and expensive.
4. 4M Doodling Robot
If your son loves to draw, this artistic item may be perfect for him.
Using spinning and vibration, this doodling robot makes it possible to create a work of art. It requires adjustment of the height and angle of the robot’s colored pens, then just observing it work.
This robot perfectly suits science enthusiasts particularly those interested in robotics. It does not require special knowledge or tools, so it is perfect for any skill level.
What’s Great About It: From arts to science, this toy covers an array of educational subjects that can stimulate your 12-year-old kid’s developing mind. It comes with detailed instructions that can help children when using it.
Pros:
- Easy to use with the instruction chart.
- Improves imagination
- Low price
Cons:
- The battery is not included in the box.
5. Moonracer Djubi Classic
Outdoor games are fun and beneficial, especially for growing kids. The good thing about this toy is that you can enjoy it at the park, the beach or your own backyard.
Djubi Classic comes with two rackets, two balls, one launching hook, one catching net, and an ergonomic handle. Releasing the ball is easy, and the ball can fly up to 100 feet in the air.
What’s Great About It: It suits a 12-year-old boy very well, as it helps strengthen their muscles and enhance their balance and coordination as they go through physical development. Be careful not to play too aggressively as you may tear the net.
Pros:
- It can be played anywhere, indoor or outdoor
- Low price
- Lightweight and easy to play
Cons:
- It can break easily if the ball hits on a hard surface.
6. OWI 14-in-1 Solar Robot
With this solar robot by OWI, 12-year-old can enjoy building and playing with humanoids, vehicle-type robots, and animals like dogs, crabs, or turtles. Solar powered, this product does not require batteries.
Being an educational toy, this can be a good addition to a home-school curriculum.
What’s Great About It: It is suitable for both beginners and experienced robot builders. It helps kids develop problem solving skills and creativity, given the fact that it is a construction toy. Just get ready to study the directions for a better experience.
Pros:
- Works both on water and land.
- Fourtin varieties of robots can be made with this single robot kit which improves your kid’s engineering ability.
Cons:
- The tiny parts of this robot kit can be dangerous for the kids, so be alert all the time.
7. Hamper Hoops by Wham-O
Want to teach your son to clean up while having fun? Start with asking him to clean up his dirty laundry with Wham-O’s Hamper Hoops.
This product comes with a basketball blackboard, hoop and net, and a removable laundry bag. With its simple design, you won’t have any problem fitting it on your door. All you need to do is hang it on his door and let him shoot his dirty clothes into the hamper through the net.
What’s Great About It: It provides a new and fun way of teaching responsibilities to your growing son, while encouraging him to move as well.
Pros:
- Improves shooting ability
- Learn to take responsibility from a young age.
- Low price and easy to carry anywhere.
Cons:
- Little space, and can’t put too many things in it.
8. Strongarm Nerf N-Strike Elite Toy Blaster
If the twelve-year-old in your life enjoy watching battles and shooting a nerf gun is the perfect gift. The Strongarm Nerf Blaster fires six darts in a row from the quick firing blaster. It aims easily and shoots up to 90 feet away. This nerf fun is designed for distance and quality and is top rated on Amazon. Those who have purchased this gun said they have come back again and again to purchase as a gift and even for their own home.
The barrel is easily reloadable and it flips open easily to allow you to replace the darts. Kids love the motion of the barrel as it rotates while shooting, it creates the perfect playtime toy. It is also lightweight so your child will not get tired of carrying it around.
What’s Great About It: This is rated the best sidearm nerf gun among users, it fits perfectly in a holster, the Strongarm packs a punch and makes awesome sounds when you spin it closed. It is the perfect addition to your twelve-year-old’s toy collection especially if they have an interest in shooting at targets!
Pros:
- Fast and good shooting range
- Easy to control and recyclable.
Cons:
- If used hazardously then it can be jumped.
9. ThinkFun Adams Cube
Puzzles stimulate the brain, particularly the memory parts. If you want something that can challenge your son’s mental ability, buying this puzzle is a great move.
Adams Cube is like a fusion of six geometric puzzles that form a cube. It contains five puzzle pieces that your child can arrange within a polygon frame.
The product comes with an indigenous design, which provides aesthetic benefits for your son.
What’s Great About It: Being a puzzle game, it improves your son’s mental abilities, particularly recalling information and problem solving. Just be careful in handling it, as it contains small parts that small children can choke on.
Pros:
- Improves brain power.
- Low price and can be carried anywhere.
Cons:
- Have to always keep it away from little kids who can choke the small parts of it.
10. Franklin Sports NFL Deluxe Youth Uniform Set
Does your son love playing football? If so, you may want to buy him this uniform set. It comes with an NFL team jersey and pants, and a dress-up helmet. You may also place iron-on numbers onto the jersey.
The team jersey is 100 percent polyester-mesh and the team pants are 100 percent double-knit polyester. The pants also come with an elastic waistband and cuffs.
What’s Great About It: While your son may also use it in playing football, he can wear this outfit as a costume or while supporting his team during a game. Just make sure to be careful with it, as it has small parts that may harm your smaller kids.
Pros:
- Will get varieties of items in a single pack at a low price.
- Kids can wear it on any occasion.
Cons:
- Low-quality clothes.
11. Scale Large 1:10 RC Car Boys remote Control Car 4×4 Off road Monster Truck
Monster trucks are an epic gift to give those car loving young men in your life. This RC car can run on any surface, from snow to grass to sand. We love the battery life on this specific car, it lsts up to 45 minutes without needing a charge. The tires are also water proof, and the car goes up to 30 MPH.
Laegendary does a great job with the look and ease of use of this car. Your child will love the large tires and the exquisite color and also it is simple to use right out of the box. The remote control is easy to maneuver and it has two modes, one for low speed to learn and one for high speed to race and play in larger areas. This is the perfect gift for any car lover.
What’s Great About It: This is especially beneficial to 12-year-old kids who want to improve their reflexes, visual motor coordination, spatial reasoning, and problem solving skills.
Pros:
- Good speed, waterproof tires, and can run anywhere.
- Good battery span.
Cons:
- A little bit expensive.
12. LEGO Architecture’s The Eiffel Tower
This is a perfect gift for kids with interest in architecture. With the LEGO bricks, your son can make his very own interpretation of the famous Eiffel Tower.
This building play set is easy to use because it comes with a booklet showing design details, history, and architecture of the tower. Once built, the tower will stand 12 inches high with a width of four centimeters and depth of 11 centimeters.
What’s Great About It: It enhances your kid’s ability and interest in design, architecture, and history. It also develops creativity and problem solving skills. This is easy for those who are good in following instructions.
Pros:
- The quality is good.
- Kids will become creative with these types of toys.
Cons:
- The price is a little high.
13. Melissa & Doug Suspend Family Game
If you’re looking for a game that focuses on balance, Melissa & Doug’s Suspend Family Game would be a perfect choice.
This game set comes with wooden connectors, a wooden base, frame, game rods, and a colored dice. Apart from balance, players also need to find the game rods’ correct placement.
What’s Great About It: The game enhances each player’s cognitive skills, hand-eye coordination, and interpersonal communication skills. Not only can it help your child in his mental development, but also in becoming a good team player. It can be challenging for younger children, hence the age recommendation for older kids.
Pros:
- Easy to play and low price.
- It can be played anywhere with anyone.
Cons:
- The steel rod of it can hurt the kids.
14. Louisville Slugger UPM Pitching Machine
Does your son or grandson love baseball? We love this gift as it gets your child outside and active as well as helps them improve in their athletic skills. The Louisville slugger pitching machine throws any type of ball from baseballs to slow pitch balls, depending on what you want to use. It goes from 18 to 45 MPH for hard baseballs and up to 60 MPH for plastic balls. This gives your child the opportunity to grow in their skill and use the machine over time to improve.
We like that this machine is completely manual and doesn’t need batteries or electricity. And even better, it is less than 25 pounds, therefore, very easy to transport. The pitch will always be level to teach proper swinging mechanics. This gift will have your child improving in their baseball skills!
What’s Great About It: Two things we love included its ease of transportation, it can be folded quickly and easily for storage. Also, its versatility, it can throw any type of ball at any speed- your child can be at whatever level of the game and enjoy this pitching machine.
Pros:
- Good throwing variations and can run without battery and electricity.
- Lightweight and can be moved easily.
Cons:
- It can’t run automatically, and someone always has to stand behind to load the ball.
15. Franklin NHL Hockey and Knee Hockey Indoor Sport 2in1 Set
This product allows your child to play a sport in the convenience of their own home. This sport usually involves ice, but this item enables your kid to enjoy it in a normal space.
Using their hockey sticks, children can play with this item in a spacious area of their homes. The game set comes with two goals, two adjustable hockey sticks, two mini hockey sticks, one hockey ball, and two mini foam hockey balls.
What’s Great About It: It is a very good gift item for beginners and an effective way to encourage your kids to be physically active. Just make sure your child is careful when handling it as it has small parts that may harm younger children.
Pros:
- Easy to play and easy to carry anywhere.
- All hockey kits in one gift
Cons:
- Always need ample space to play it.
16. Microsoft Xbox One S 500GB Console Halo Collection
A boy’s pre-teen life won’t be complete without video games. This is true for a huge number of kids.
These days, Xbox One has become more popular among gamers. It catches the interests of numerous boys, so it is definitely one of the best gift ideas for your twelve-year-old son.
This bundle uses more advanced technology that enhances the players’ experience. It features Bluetooth technology and texture grip, and is compatible with Kinect for Xbox One.
What’s Great About It: Because it uses advanced technology, it can provide good-quality experience especially to young players who tend to have high standards with this kind of product. Make sure your son uses this product with a good balance of physical activity too.
Pros:
- 4K video streaming and 4k blu ray available.
- Comfortable controlling system and Bluetooth technology.
Cons:
- Kids can get addicted to it, so be careful.
17. Apple iPod touch 16GB (6th Generation)
Of course, this item deserves a spot on our list of best gift ideas. Young people have a great fascination for gadgets, so this product will please your twelve-year-old boy.
Basically, an iPod touch is just like an iPhone without cellular services. And the iPod touch 6th generation is just like the iPhone 6, which will please your son.
What’s Great About It: Made by Apple, it assures users of a high-quality product. It also uses advanced technology to enhance user experience.
Pros:
- No cosmic ray damage from 12 inches away.
- Comparatively good battery span.
Cons:
- The price is high and not certified by apple.
18. Kan Jam Game Set
This is the perfect gift for 12-year-old boys who love getting outdoors and physical.
With this game set, your son will need to aim to throw the Frisbee-like disks through the Kan’s slots and his opponents should try to deflect them.
What’s Great About It: It is very easy to set up and contains good-quality items giving high-quality experience to users. It also strengthens the body while enhancing the player’s interpersonal skills and ability to work with a team.
Pros:
- Low price, easy to carry, and easy to play.
- It can improve a kid’s throwing ability.
Cons:
- Always need big space and can only be played outside.
19. Darice 120-Piece Deluxe Art Set
This set is best for boys who have got a talent in visual arts. The product comes with pencils, markers, pastels, watercolors, and various accessories.
Needless to say, this art set allows users to freely draw, paint, and create different artworks that will amaze and impress.
What’s Great About It: It helps improve your kid’s creativity and imagination as he enhances his artistic skills.
Pros:
- Low price and have varieties of colors.
- The quality of these colors is so good.
Cons:
- Small parts of this Crayon box can hurt little children.
20. Spikeball’s Spikeball Combo Set
Playing spikeball is somewhat similar to playing volleyball. But instead of a net, you get a ring that appears like a trampoline.
The product comes with three balls, a spikeball ring, net, drawstring bag, and rule book.
What’s Great About It: These days, spikeball has become a popular sport, so it’s a good thing to be able to play it. Likewise, it helps strengthen the body especially those of pre-teens who are going through physical development.
Pros:
- Improves the physical strength of kids.
- The price is low and can be carried anywhere.
Cons:
- It can’t be played in small places or indoors.
21. Minecraft Nintendo switch

The Nintendo Switch is at the top of many kids’ lists. It is a hot gift this holiday season. A lot of people are buying them for themselves, so if you have a 12-year-old boy, it would be great to consider buying it for him. We’re huge advocates of buying Nintendo Switch for 12-year-old boys. It is hands down the best system available for him.
What’s Great About It: Minecraft is one of the most popular games nowadays. This game will help the kids to improve their imagination and creativity
Pros:
- It is a product with an innovative idea and design style.
- It can be used in travel or as a home console.
Cons:
- Short Battery span
22. Threeking Rc Stunt Car

RC cars (Remote Control Cars) are the best gifts for the kids. They are lightweight, easy to use, and make exciting sounds. These toys are so popular because they combine two of our favorite things: toys and remote control. And when you can make a toy as fun as a remote control car, it’s hard to go wrong.
What’s great about it: This type of car is suitable for 12-year-old boys who want to use their cars ruthlessly. With good battery life, it can provide you with every type of stunt.
Pros:
- Remote control toys are very durable, which saves on repair costs.
- They can also maintain their value over time
Cons:
- They’re loud and noisy
23. Activ Life LED Bike Wheel Lights

If you’re looking for the best gifts for kids, there are many options. A led while bicycle wheel light is one of these unique gifts. Bicycle lights are a great way to share your love of the outdoors with your kids on those dark winter nights. These little gadgets may just save their lives, too.
What’s great about it: This will be a perfect gift for a 12-year-old boy. This LED bike will improve their physical strength, which they can easily use in any dark place.
Pros:
- It’s a lot cheaper than electronic rear lights, which is a big advantage for kids.
- They give off relatively little light, so they won’t distract drivers or other cyclists.
Cons:
- Bike lights don’t last forever.
24. Riddell NFL Football Helmet

There are many reasons to buy a football helmet. You can choose from various designs, colors, and price points to suit your budget. Football helmets are designed with safety in mind. They’re lighter compared to other forms of protective gear, allowing kids to move freely without fatigue or injury. When children wear their helmets, they also have a better chance of being able to hear and understand instructions from the referee during play.
What’s great about it: If your kid is a big fan of football and always loves to play it, then this will be the perfect gift for him. It will always protect him while enjoying the game.
Pros:
- Full protection against all hits
- Makes football more fun
Cons:
- Reduces the player’s field of view
25. Snap Circuits Arcade Electronics Kit

Snap Circuits are a fun and educational toy for kids aged 8+. The kit allows them to build circuits and control lights, motors, and even sensors. The kits help kids learn about how electronics work and how they can be created. As the kit contains all the parts that the child needs, it is a very economical gift. Snap Circuits make learning about electronics fun, simple, and easy to understand.
What’s great about it: If your kid loves to play with electric things, then this snap circuits electronic arcade kit with a very little price will be the best fit for him. Also will improve his thinking ability to create perfect things.
Pros:
- They’re relatively inexpensive
- They’re easy to carry around and store in a backpack or suitcase when traveling.
Cons:
- The instructions can be very detailed, so it’s not easy for kids to follow the steps on their own.
26. Samsung Galaxy Tablet E 9.6

Samsung is one of the most popular tablet brands, and it’s made an effort to make its tablets more versatile than ever. The tablet is aimed at people who want a larger screen to use while watching movies, reading books, or playing games without having to carry an iPad around so ut is perfect for your boy.
What’s great about it: One of the most popular gifts among 12-year-old boys. With a colorful display and good battery life, your kid is going to love this tablet. This tablet will also help him to learn so many things easily.
Pros:
- Colorful display
- Long-lasting battery
Cons:
- Overheating
27. Alesis Electronic Drum Set

The electronic drum set is a perfect instrument for all ages. It has been designed so that everyone can play it. Your young boy can get a number of different sounds from it by adjusting the sensitivity to the correct level. This will not only make him sound good but also encourage him to be creative. The electronic drum set is the new hotness in music education.
What’s great about it: One of the unique drum gifts, with four ultra-portable pads. If the kid is a music lover, then it will be the best gift for him.
Pros:
- It’s portable, can be used indoors or outdoors.
- It can be used by up to nine kids at a time.
Cons:
- A bit expensive
28. Heel wheels By Razor

Heel wheels are fun because they can be used by kids anywhere – at home, in the backyard, or on the beach. They also provide exercise, which is why heel wheels are recommended for kids between the ages of 6 and 12 years old. Heel wheels are good for kids who love to ride bikes and scooters. They have bright colors, soft rubber wheels, and a handle so that kids can carry them when they are not in use.
What’s great about it: Heel wheels are one of the most attractive gifts among kid’s. This will improve your kids physical health, and the kid will also learn about balancing there bodys.
Pros:
- It is durable
- It keeps children active
Cons:
- It gets dirty easily
29. LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon

Lego is one of the most popular toys in the world. It’s easy to see why: They’re durable, they don’t get lost, and they’re inexpensive. There are lots of interesting models that kids can build out of Lego bricks, but over the years, there has been a proliferation of Star Wars Lego sets, with more than 100 sets available for purchase.
What’s great about it: LEGO gifts are always popular, and if it’s Star Wars, then they are going to love this LEGO. This will improve their design and architecture ability and make them creative.
Pros:
- The sets are durable and can be passed down from child to child
- Easily accessible
Cons:
- There are many different versions of the models available, so you might have trouble finding the right one for your boy.
30. Nerf Lazer Tag

Lazer tag is another great option for boys of this age. You can buy a set that comes with the gun and all the accessories, or you can buy the gun separately. Lazer Tag is a popular game that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. Everyone needs to have some fun in their life, and laser tag is not only entertaining but also an important part of childhood development.
What’s great about it: If your kids love shooting games then this gift will be the perfect fit for them. The laser light in it will improve the kid’s aim to shoot ideally.
Pros:
- It’s cheaper than most other toys
- It’s fun for all ages even beyond 12
Cons:
- You need to play outside, so if the weather isn’t cooperating, it might not be fun
31. Flybold Slackline Training Line Kit

Slackline Training Line Kit is basically an 8-foot length of nylon webbing that’s hooked together at each end with padded handles on each side. The simple design makes it easy to use and transport — you simply throw it over your shoulder, loop the ends around your hands, and then walk away from your house (or wherever you’re using it).
What’s great about it: If you love to gift your kid a combination of many things, then there will be nothing better than this gift. Here you will get so many things like ratchets, tree protectors, ractchets protectors, etc., which also can be controlled by your mobile with a Bluetooth system.
Pros:
- It’s very easy to use.
- It connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and also comes with remote control.
Cons:
- It’s not really durable.
32. Brain Quest Grade 7 Cards

Brain Quest is a line of educational games that teach children how to think and reason. It’s an easy way for parents to get their kids interested in learning. The Brain Quest series is also a popular gift item, especially with 12-year-olds. Parents love Brain Quest because they’re inexpensive and easy to administer. If you want your son to learn something new, Brain Quest is a great option.
What’s great about it: If you want to give something related to education, then this gift will be the perfect match. It will improve his problem-solving ability, and he will become good at math.
Pros:
- It encourages problem-solving in a variety of ways.
- It is particularly good for teaching your child basic math concepts.
Cons:
- Kids tend to tire of the game after a while, which is why brain Quest often comes with multiple sets of questions and challenges.
33. Sphero Mini Programmable Robot Ball

Robot toys have been around for a while now —But new robotics technology is bringing robotics toys to a whole new level, and they’re being used in educational settings as well. Robot toys are not only fun to play with but also good for improving problem-solving skills and creativity. And as you might imagine, there are some disadvantages to robot toys, too.
What’s great about it: One of the most incredible creations by engineers. It is a perfect combination of science, technology, and mathematics. It can be used via mobile, tablet, etc.
Pros:
- Easy for kids to control
- It is focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Cons:
- Not durable battery life
34. Ravensburger GraviTrax Marble Run

It’s a good thing that marble runs are so affordable because they’re sure to be popular gifts this holiday season. While fun, marble runs aren’t especially expensive, but they are fairly durable and appropriate for most boys. They are a great way to get your son into shape or have some fun with him as he gets older.
What’s great about it: One of the best construction activity games for 12-year-old boys. After attaching all the pieces, kids can enjoy the game easily. It will improve their building ability, and they will become more creative.
Pros:
- Very easy to put together
- Made of strong materials
Cons:
- Shot battery life
35. Klutz Star Wars Folded Flyers

Reviewers are impressed by how easy and fun it is to fold these Star Wars-themed paper planes. They have a “cool” factor, too, since they’re based on some of the ships in the movie: X-wing, Tie Fighter, Millennium Falcon, and Kylo Ren’s Command Shuttle. And they really fly! This is a great buy for your kids or grandkids.
What’s great about it: If your kid is in love with flying things, then these Star Wars folded flyers will surely amaze him. With the instructions mentioned in it, a kid can easily fly it.
Pros:
- Fun to fold, fly, and decorate
- Has detailed instructions on how to fold the ships
Cons:
- Limited sheets of paper
Points Considered When Choosing These Toys
Choosing the best gift item for anyone is hard, even more so if you are doing it for a twelve-year-old boy. As you already know, kids in their adolescence phase are undergoing various changes in their bodies that affect their daily activities and interests.
When choosing a toy or any gift item for a twelve-year-old kid, make sure to consider his developmental needs and what will be good for his growing body and developing brain.
Don’t forget to consider the feedback from customers and the reputation of your prospective brand of item. Make sure to choose a good-quality toy that suits the needs of your child.
12-Year-Olds and Their Needs
Did you know that child development experts include 12 in the young teenage years? Kids this age have already passed the baby stage and are facing a lot of changes physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially speaking.
Physically, these kids grow muscles and facial hair for instance. While those happenings may look normal, know that the kids who are actually experiencing such changes may feel uncomfortable. Their daily activities should adjust to what’s happening to their bodies in order to make better adjustments.
The same thing goes for the mental, emotional, and social needs of these kids. Once they enter the puberty stage, parents like you should be mindful of these needs. When it comes to daily activities, make sure to guide them and let them choose the ones that can enhance their skills linked to these concerns.
As a parent, it can be really challenging to raise and handle a 12-year-old child. From simply choosing an item for your child to getting them involved in various activities, you would need to exert a really big effort to succeed. And speaking of buying toys and other gifts for them, you would need to put a lot of things into consideration in order to make the best pick.
Let us discuss the various needs of a pre-teen in a more detailed way:
Physical Needs
Having growing muscles, your pre-teen should enhance his physical development by engaging in physical activities. That’s why in this list, you will see a number of game sets for physical indoor or outdoor games. With those types of products, your kid will be able to get what he needs while going through physical development.
Physical games are a form of exercise that can strengthen the body and improve one’s abilities. It pays to be able to play some of them. And while small children have experienced playing some games, it is important to try more challenging ones as they grow up.
Mental Needs
Once your kid enters the puberty phase, his usual activities will change. His mental exercises should level up so he can keep up with the changes happening in his brain.
The puzzles and building games featured here are good for stimulating the brain. Especially designed for twelve-year-old boys, these items can help stimulate your child while adjusting to the changes happening in his brain. It helps to engage in activities that could improve memory, enhance problem solving skills, and develop creativity.
Emotional Needs
While you may have educated yourself about the best items that can provide your child’s developmental needs, you should also consider the preferences of your child. If he loves engineering stuff, let him play with a building play set. If he loves robotics, allow him to experience building a robot.
Pre-teens tend to be emotional. They want to be independent, but they also want to feel that someone genuinely cares about them. As a parent, it is your responsibility to tend to your child’s emotional needs in this challenging phase in his life.
Social Needs
There are game sets on our list that require playing with a team. Those items are good for your child and can help him enhance his interpersonal communication skills. During the stage of his life, being friends with people becomes more important because it gives your child the feeling that somebody knows and understands what they are going through.
Additionally, mingling with people is very important in life as a whole. That’s why it is very crucial to enhance one’s social skills at a young age.
Education Value
If you’re shopping for a 12-year-old boy this holiday season, you know he’s not a little kid anymore, but still not yet a teenager. It is the beginning of another journey so the gifts should have an impact on his education journey. You can’t afford to get a toy that will make him lose focus and bring unwanted results in school.
Age Recommendation
It is important to note there is a reason different ages are recommended for certain toys and gifts. So you need to look for the one that goes with the age of your boy. Buying gifts that are not for his age can lead to effects on his mental capabilities and affect his behavior, wisdom and even experience. The gifts and toys in this article are perfect for his age.
Safety Instructions
There are some basic safety instructions that should be kept in mind while buying a gift for young boys. As kids love to play with their toys they might face many accidents during play. So, there should be overall attention towards their safety and making their toys as safe as possible by following the safety instructions. Toys are meant for children for playing so safety matters a lot in those things which are given to the child.
Why Trust The Bestforthekids
When you want to get a review of a product, it is common sense to find a website that knows what they are talking about. After all, who would you trust more than someone who is reviewing products for children every single day? Bestforthekids.com is a place where parents can go to find great gifts and toys for their boys, including things for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, pre-teens, and teenagers.
We’re an authority in this niche and created a community where parents can view reviews, and become familiar with the names of the best products and their creators, and gifts you can get for your little loved ones.
In conclusion
Being a twelve-year-old kid is tough and challenging. As a concerned parent, you can help your child conquer the hardships by guiding him in his everyday activities. It is important to involve yourself in his life and give him items that can provide him with physical, mental, emotional, and social support.