Forget everything you know about shopping for kids – twelve is a whole new game. These young minds are crafting their own identities, diving deep into passions, and developing surprisingly sophisticated tastes. Their wish lists might include anything from professional art supplies to advanced gaming gear.
Our expert-picked selections navigate this complexity, offering gifts that hit the sweet spot between grown-up cool and age-appropriate fun.
1.Numark Headphones
For the 12-year-old who’s passionate about music, these Numark headphones make an excellent gift. The 40mm Neodymium drivers deliver crisp, powerful sound perfect for listening to music, DJ monitoring, podcasting or online lessons.
With a 3m cable and adapter, these professional-style headphones connect to any device. For the audiophile or aspiring DJ, they provide excellent sound in a comfortable design. Music fuels creativity and self-expression at this age – these headphones unleash the full potential.
- Excellent sound quality
- Closed-back design blocks noise
- Comfortable padded headband
- Rotating ear cups for easy monitoring
- Works with any device
- Not wireless
- Bulkier than earbuds
2.Fjällräven Men's Övik Melange Hat
This rib-knit acrylic hat by Fjällräven is a cozy and fashionable gift idea. The melange yarn blends two colors together for a stylish marbled effect. The soft, pliable acrylic keeps heads warm while the ribbed knit allows for a comfortable, flexible fit.
The small Fjällräven leather logo adds a touch of class. With its timeless design, this hat pairs well with any cold-weather outfit, from streetwear to outdoor gear. The soft acrylic is durable enough for daily wear and washes easily when dirty. For the trendy yet outdoorsy teen, this winter hat combines comfort, style and everyday versatility.
- Soft, warm acrylic knit
- Marbled melange yarn
- Classic ribbed knit design
- Fjällräven leather logo
- Durable and easy to wash
- Hand wash only
- Sizing runs large
3.BrainBolt Electronic Memory Challenger
For a 12-year-old boy who appreciates a blend of challenge and fun, this electronic brain game by Brainbolt is an ideal gift. This handheld memory challenger offers a thrilling test of cognitive agility and quick recall. It’s not just about quick reflexes, it improves sequential thinking skills and builds confidence as players navigate increasingly complex patterns of light.
This engaging game features a solo mode for personal play and a two-player mode for friendly competition. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon at home or a lively gathering with buddies, it’s ready to bring excitement. It’s more than a game though, it’s also a unique way to improve brain development and strengthen memory and reaction skills. The compact design makes it an excellent travel companion, ready for action while in the car, on a plane or wherever the day may go. It does require batteries but it comes with three AAA batteries installed, providing instant fun and skill development right out of the box.
- Improves memory and reflexes
- Multiplayer game for group challenges
- Compact design is great for travel
- Includes starter batteries
- Plastic construction so handle with care
4.Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid
Noise from gaming, music and TV can become an issue at 12-years-old and cause conflict in the household; these noise-canceling headphones might just provide a solution. Compatible with a whole range of devices, using Bluetooth connectivity, these headphones can be used for various activities, saving the household from the noise of a 12-year-old boy’s interests and saving the 12-year-boy from the noise of the rest of the household!
These high-quality headphones reduce noise by about 90% so he can concentrate fully on what he’s doing. With a 40-hour playtime and comfortable design, with memory foam features, these make a great gift.
- Promotes independence
- Reduces ambient noise by 90%
- 40-hour playtime
- Comfortable; memory foam earcups
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Require charging
5.New Era NY Yankees Baseball Cap
If you’re looking to buy a more practical gift for a 12-year-old boy then a baseball cap may be a good idea. A baseball cap can be both fashionable and practical, and the New Era NY Yankees Baseball Cap ticks both of these boxes.
With its classic design, the New Era NY Yankees Baseball Cap is available in a range of colors so you can select one which suits the 12-year-old boy that you’re buying for. As well as being a fashion statement a baseball cap is also ideal for protection from the sun and made from 100% cotton to stay cool.
- One size fits most
- Classic design
- Adjustable strap
- 100% cotton
- Available in a range of colors
- May not suit all styles
6.Hetyre Night Light Bluetooth Speaker
This versatile Bluetooth speaker is an awesome gift idea for a 12 year old boy who loves gadgets and technology. It packs 5 fun features into one convenient device – a Bluetooth speaker, LED lamp, alarm clock, MP3 player and speakerphone. The built-in LED lights can shine in a variety of colors that dance along with music or provide a soft night light.
The large 2000mAh battery lasts over a week on a single charge. 12 year old boys will love being able to play music wirelessly from their phone or tablet and use the speakerphone feature for calls with friends. The alarm clock with snooze helps them become more responsible getting up for school. This gadget will be the highlight of any young techie’s bedroom.
- 5-in-1 functionality
- Dancing colored lights
- Huge battery for long play
- Speakerphone for calls
- Alarm clock with snooze
- Buttons could be hard to read in dark
7.Kan Jam Portable Disc Slam Outdoor Game
Physical skills like throwing, catching, hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness are still being worked upon and improved at 12-years-old but are also usually of a high enough standard that children can enjoy joining in with games with family and friends.
The Kan Jam Portable Disc Slam Outdoor Game is great for all ages, develops a whole host of physical skills and has a quick easy set up too. A great gift for a 12-year-old boy who loves sports and playing outdoors.
- Great for all ages
- Perfect for outdoor events
- Quick, easy set-up
- Durable materials
- Improves physical skills
- Requires other players
8.Upriser Ducati Panigale V4 S Remote Controlled Motorcycle
Remote-controlled vehicles are popular with 12-year-old boys who like technology and the opportunity to control items. The Upriser Ducati Panigale V4 S Remote Controlled Motorcycle is a replica of a popular motorcycle that can be controlled and used to perform stunts.
With up to 45 minutes of drive time from a single charge, the Upriser Ducati V4 S Remote Controlled Motorcycle gives 12-year-olds a longer opportunity to play; practicing steering and negotiating space, thereby developing spatial awareness. The self-balancing motorcycle can reach speeds of up to 12 mph and perform several different stunts, this will be a popular gift for a 12-year-old boy.
- Remote controlled
- Encourages an interest in technology
- Self-balancing
- Up to 12 mph
- 45 minutes of drive time
- Requires regular charging
9.Lacoste Unisex Kid’s Analogue Quartz Watch
By age 12 many boys are pretty fashion conscious and want to express themselves through their style. A watch makes a lovely, special gift for a boy who is starting to become more interested in their image.
The Lacoste Analogue Classic Quartz watch has a classic, clean and sporty design and is made with high-quality materials. Water-resistance means that it can stand up to being worn by a 12-year-old and it comes with a gift box and 2-year warranty, making it an ideal gift.
- Sporty, classic design
- High-quality materials
- Water-resistant
- Complete with gift box
- 2-year warranty
- Specialist batteries
10.Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a versatile gaming system, offering the opportunity to connect to a TV or screen at home as well as a portable gaming system with great battery life. The handheld device is a popular selling point as many gamers want the ability to play on-the-go.
For many 12-year-olds this will be perfect, offering the ability to play wherever they are. We often think of playing video games as a simple leisure pursuit but they offer plenty of learning benefits too. Alongside increasing skills associated with technology, playing video games can increase physical dexterity in the thumb and fingers, improve hand-eye coordination and reaction times and develop critical thinking skills. This is a big-ticket gift that will certainly please a 12-year-old recipient.
- Can be connected to the TV
- Portable, on the go gaming
- Improves technology skills
- Encourages dexterity and fine motor skills
- Develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Expensive item
- Requires charging
11.Lego Architecture Las Vegas
Over 500 pieces of Lego that can be made into an accurate, detailed replica of the Las Vegas Skyline, this set is ideal for 12-year-old boys who are beginning to develop an interest in architecture or geography. This set features famous Las Vegas landmarks to improve 12-year-olds knowledge of the area and also comes with a booklet explaining some of the architecture found in Las Vegas.
The Lego Architecture Las Vegas set will help to improve children’s construction skills as well as their ability to follow instructions, concentrate and persevere at an activity for an extended period of time. It is also compatible with other Lego sets if the 12-year-old you’re buying for likes to play creatively.
- Develops an interest in architecture
- Features famous Las Vegas landmarks
- Improves construction skills
- Compatible with other Lego sets
- 500 pieces; requires careful storage
12.Sony LinkBuds S
These awesome Bluetooth earbuds by Sony are a great gift idea for a 12 year old who’s into gadgets and music. The LinkBuds S feature intelligent noise canceling that automatically adapts to the environment for undisturbed listening. The ambient sound mode lets in essential sounds when needed.
With a comfortable and secure fit, integrated processor for immersive sound quality and touch controls for managing music and calls, these earbuds are packed with features. A 12 year old boy will love the ability to connect to two devices at once like a phone and gaming system. With up to 6 hours battery life and a charging case that extends playtime, they can listen for hours on end.
- Advanced noise canceling
- Ambient sound mode
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Connects to two devices
- More expensive than basic earbuds
13.Hasbro Risk Board Game
Risk is a classic board game that can be played at family gatherings with older children and adults, or with friends. Playing board games in this way offers a whole host of benefits to children as it helps to develop social skills. 12-year-olds will love being able to join in with what adults and older children are doing and will develop social skills such as turn-taking, emotional self-regulation and playing by the rules.
The Hasbro Risk Board Game is a particularly good game for developing strategy skills such as critical thinking, planning ahead and problem-solving as players have to decided how to distribute their resources and what to prioritize. These are important skills that a 12-year-old could use in a range of situations.
- Introduction to a classic board game
- Increases strategy skills
- Improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Develops social skills
- Requires other players
14.Nerf Fortnite TS Blaster
Nerf blasters are extremely popular with 12-year-old boys and are ideal for fast-moving games and fun. This blaster comes with 20 darts and can fire these from a motorized barrel which will certainly keep things moving quickly!
Playing with Nerf blasters is a great way to improve hand eye coordination and develop spatial awareness as a 12-year-old handles and aims the blaster. This particular blaster is based on the popular Fortnite computer game which is sure to make it a real hit with many 12-year-olds, for whom playing with Nerf blasters can be a popular social activity as they play imaginative, strategy-based games with their Nerf blasters, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Motorized blaster
- Can shoot 10 darts
- Dart storage clips included
- 20 darts included
- Inspired by popular Fortnite computer game
- Requires batteries
15.Ravensburger Porsche 911
Based on the classic Porsche 911 car to spark a 12-year-old boy’s interest this 3D jigsaw puzzle is a great way to increase construction skills and spatial awareness as they figure out where to place each piece, and then have to carefully place each piece. The jigsaw puzzle does not require glue, as the pieces are designed to hold together without it but children must use careful fine motor skills to ensure that pieces hold well.
The Ravensburger Porsche 911 3D jigsaw puzzle would make an ideal gift for a 12-year-old boy with an interest in classic cars and will help to build concentration and perseverance.
- Based on a classic car
- Improves construction skills
- Develops spatial awareness
- Builds concentration and perseverance
- Requires careful storage
