47 good gift ideas for 12-year-olds

At this age, a boy undergoes a significant transition from cartoons to video games, from parental opinion to personal desires, and from parental preferences to idol preferences. So give up on choosing clothes or imposing your vision, and focus on new technologies, and cool gifts for 12-year-olds.

Let’s also consider the relationship between the donor and the recipient. It’s one thing to think about what to give your own son for his 12th birthday, and it’s quite another to choose a gift for your nephew or a school friend. In any case, avoid asking the birthday boy directly what he wants. Since he is still a child, his preferences can change quickly, and what interested him last week may not interest him today.

In order to choose appropriate 12yr-old gifts, it is very important to understand his hobbies and interests. However, it is worth noting that these interests can change as quickly as the child’s mood. Here are some typical tips for what children want at this age:

Desire to be fashionable and stylish, including interest in clothes and accessories.
The need for personal space, for example, the freedom to decorate one’s own room.
Increasing interest in art, creativity and sports.
Desire to be more mature.
Finding role models.
The desire for self-realization and revealing potential.
Concern about one’s appearance.

There are obvious bad gifts that everyone understands. We mean items that may seem acceptable as gifts, but are not. The main list of what not to choose as a gift for a 12-year-old looks like this:

Kitchenware, be it a set of dishes or a coffee maker;
Everything related to school;
Mystical or religious items such as Tarot cards;
Money;
Miniature souvenirs such as figurines. They will probably end up in a drawer and be forgotten about;
Very expensive things;
Shoes or clothes. It’s almost impossible to satisfy the tastes of the birthday boy;
It’s better to choose a mechanical analogue.;
Banal and boring gifts.

Knowing what not to do, let’s consider what are the original and popular gifts for 12-year-olds exist.

Monopoly

The game “Monopoly” is a classic board game that will not only allow you to have fun together, but also help you develop economic skills. Players have to buy property, develop it and earn money from it.

Air hockey

If a child has played this game at least once, he will definitely want to have it at home. Air hockey provides many fun moments when playing with someone else. This is a very fast and dynamic game.

3D VR headset

A 12-year-old child is not interested in the surrounding world as it was before. However, a 3D VR headset could change that. The only thing he needs is a Smartphone, which is usually a given at this age.

Tubing sled

If you’re considering gifts for 12-year-old boys for the winter period, there are many options for this time of year. Modern tubing sleds offer a unique and experience. They provide a fantastic opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities during the winter months. Riding on these sleds is not only comfortable, but also much faster than on classic versions. In addition, their lightweight design allows the child to easily maneuver and climb hills independently.

Razor RipStik Air Pro

A modern take on traditional skateboards, the Razor RipStik Air Pro is like an updated and improved version of a classic teenage pastime. This is a great way to lead an active lifestyle and spend more time outdoors.

Architectural modeling of mini-bricks

Architectural modeling is a modern and innovative technique that even adults are fascinated by. This goes beyond the typical experience of making ceramic constructors. Working with small bricks gives the child a real sense of construction. A huge set of brick parts, glue and instructions ensure the creation of a real masterpiece.

Ant farm

An ant farm is an interesting option for young researchers who immerse themselves in the world of insects. If the ants are not disturbed and periodically fed, they will lead a peaceful life and charm those around them.

Digital compass

A digital compass with additional functions will be an appropriate gift only for a child who loves walks in nature. A good gift for those who love hiking and orienteering.

Walkie-talkie set

If the child has a sibling or a close friend, a set of walkie-talkies can be a great gift. Let the child feel like a spy or a secret agent on a secret mission.

Beetle on solar batteries

At first glance, it’s an ordinary bug, but in reality, it’s not that simple. This is an original gift that works on solar energy. As soon as the sun hits the beetle, it starts buzzing and vibrating, making it a realistic and attractive toy. This is truly one of thebest gifts for 12-year-olds.

Portable stereo speaker

Just what a young music lover needs. If a boy or girl already loves music, it’s time to give him a portable stereo. It will come in handy anywhere he wants to enjoy his favorite songs.

Home planetarium

What child doesn’t like to look at the starry sky? And what if this starry sky could be recreated right in their room? This is possible thanks to a home planetarium that can project stars and constellations onto the ceiling. Thanks to its moving parts, the starry sky will change over time.

Balance board

Another excellent toy that promotes the development of physical culture. Nothing complicated, just stand on two legs, keeping your balance. A good gift if the child is fond of active sports.

Beanbag

If the child likes to sit on the floor, then a bean bag chair can come in handy. Such a chair can be moved around the apartment and you can sit on it anywhere. If there was no place for a boy before, now it will be everywhere.

Nerf blaster

Don’t know what it is? No problem, your son knows for sure. When considering the top gifts for 12-year-olds, think not only about their usefulness and educational value, but also about the entertainment component. A blaster with foam darts is fun and enjoyable.

Electronic drum set

Such a gift is suitable only for a devoted musician. If the child is interested not only in music, but also in its creation, then such a gift can be quite appropriate. Electronic drum kits are small in size and can be easily installed on various surfaces.

Digital microscope

An interesting device for a young researcher. A microscope will allow not only to see something microscopic under magnification, but also to save this image to memory. Of course, if the child is not interested in scientific research, it’s better not to spend money on such an expensive gift. However, a digital microscope can definitely stimulate interest and a passion for science.

Electric constructor

A battery-powered electronics research kit that teaches you how to build your own voltmeter, smart flashlight, noise meter, range finder, and other useful devices. The kit includes diagrams for various parts.

Game steering wheel with pedals

Such a cool gift for 12-year-olds will only be relevant if he is fond of racing games. Therefore, you need to understand his interests and preferences well. With such a steering wheel, playing simulators becomes much more interesting and realistic.

Radio-controlled interactive spider toy

A great gift option for a real prankster who will scare his family and guests more than once with such a toy. Such a spider can make characteristic sounds and emit steam.

Wood burning kit

A woodburning tool can already be a gift for a 12-year-old child. He is already responsible enough to handle this tool. Wood burning teaches you to focus on the task at hand without distraction.

Air soccer ball

The game is somewhat similar to air hockey but instead of a puck, there’s a large ball that can be played on the floor. At the bottom of the toy is a powerful and quiet fan. It can lift the ball over many surfaces, allowing it to be played almost anywhere. Illumination and smooth sliding make the gift even more interesting. You can play it both alone and with friends. The ball has a special bumper to protect furniture.

Bow and arrow set

Bow and arrow set are among the active gifts for twelve year olds. If the child has never shot a bow before, then it’s time for him to start. This simple and safe toy is perfect for winter fun. It is better to stock up on arrows, because the game is so addictive that you want to shoot again and again.

Stikbot animation studio

A Stikbot studio or an animation creation kit is perfect for developing a child’s creative abilities. With such a gift, a 12-year-old child will feel like an adult director or screenwriter. The kit already includes a scene, a tripod for shooting, figures, and additional accessories. All that remains is to add your own fantasy.

Quilling kit

The kit includes instructions, color schemes and paper strips. With them, you can create a real masterpiece and develop the creative abilities of children.

Felting kit

This set has everything you need: instructions, colorful schemes, wool and other materials. It is advisable to choose a set with the birthday kid’s favorite animal to make the gift even more charming. Such a set is ideal for a kid with creative inclinations.

Decorative fountain

A wonderful little fountain will be a decoration of a children’s room. It can bring harmony and peace to the child’s life. Thanks to built-in lights, the fountain will periodically change its color. Such a gift will be interesting to those who appreciate aesthetic things.

Bluetooth headphones with earplugs

When choosing gifts for 12yr-olds consider their tastes. If the birthday kid likes to listen to music, then Bluetooth headphones with earplugs will definitely come in handy. With such headphones, you can enjoy music at home, at school, on the road, anywhere. In addition, they look stylish.

Kigurumi pajamas

Only very close people can give pajamas to a child. Kigurumi is not an ordinary pajama, but a really interesting thing. It is created in the shape of some animal, so it is ideal to choose a Kigurumi with the girl’s favorite animal.

Henna tattoo

At the age of 12, a girl is already thinking about jewelry, cosmetics and everything that can make her more beautiful. Henna tattooing is a real art of painting the body with special vegetable dyes or leaf pastes. A girl can paint her body with different patterns to look unique.

Aquafarm

This is not just a stylish aquarium, but a real aqua farm. It will fit perfectly into any interior. This ecosystem is self-sufficient and requires minimal attention. Such a gift will delight you with floating fish and decorative plants at the same time.

Rainbow loom

It’s wonderful when a gift for a 12-year-old child develops creative abilities. One such option can be the Rainbow loom. The child will weave a variety of colorful bracelets and develop his imagination and creative abilities. With more than 4,000 rubber bands, the girl will be busy for a long time.

Soap making kit

A set for soap making is another way to develop a child’s creative abilities. A girl can independently create soap of various shapes. The set includes essential oil, blister forms, a special base for soap making. The child will make something useful with his own hands and will be able to use it for a long time.

Perfume making kit

At the age of 12, a child takes the first steps into the world of perfumery, begins to study possible smells and their application. With the set for creating perfumes, the kid will immerse himself in the world of fragrances and learn to create his own unique perfume. The set includes various recipes for creating aromas that allow you to discover your favorite aromas.

3D wooden puzzle

A wooden puzzle for creating 3D figures is a wonderful and original 12 year birthday gift. The elements of the puzzle are movable, which allows you to play with the assembled figure. Alternatively, the child can simply put it in their room to admire.

Smartphone projector

Modern technologies for improving content viewing from a smartphone. The projector enlarges the screen and projects the image onto the wall. A great gift for a child who spends a lot of time in front of a gadget.

Curling spiral set

At the age of 12, the girl is ready to experiment not only with clothes, but also with her appearance, including her hairstyle. Soft curling spiral set is the most harmless way to change her hairstyle. She can always experiment with her hairstyle to find her own style.

Stamp making kit

A gift set that allows to create own unique stamps. The child can create an individual stamp and show it to friends. The kit includes all the necessary tools to create unique stamps, as well as sketches and instructions.

Hair chalk set

When considering what to give a 12-year-old girl, pay attention to a set of hair chalk. This is a great opportunity for her to experiment with her hair, choosing original colors. The chalk is made of natural materials, is easy to apply and easy to wash off. Following the instructions, she will be able to achieve the desired results.

Colored clip-in hair extensions

This is another way for a girl to play with her hair. With the help of clip-in extensions, she can achieve the desired hair length and color. Clip-in hair is easily attached with bobby pins and can be removed quickly and painlessly.

Selfie stick

At this age, the kid already loves to take selfies and capture the best moments of the life. What are the best gifts for twelve-year-olds who love photography? If the child does not yet have a selfie stick, he definitely needs one. With such a gift, child will spend a lot of time taking bright photos.

Sketchbook

Such a gift is not suitable for every child, but only for those who are actively engaged in drawing. Don’t give a sketchbook for the development of creative abilities, but if the child draws well and likes it, then a sketchbook will be an excellent gift.

DIY dollhouse

This is a very realistic and detailed constructor that is fun to assemble and then admire. The child can assemble all the details until kid achieves a unique interior element.

Electronic butterfly

The butterfly in the jar will fly if you touch the lid. It’s like real magic because a butterfly can fly forever. At first, it is even difficult to understand that this is an electronic butterfly. With this miracle in a jar, you can surprise not only the child, but also his parents, not to mention friends.

Zodiac sign necklace

If the girl is interested in astrology or likes her zodiac sign, you can give a necklace with the image of his zodiac sign. A wonderful handmade necklace with the constellation of the kid’s zodiac sign in a delicate classic design will appeal to the child.

Pindaloo

A pogo stick is a good gift idea for 12-year-olds who like to be active. The game is a fun, portable activity that can keep kids engaged and moving even on cold winter days. Like juggling, this game develops hand-eye coordination, balance and patience as you throw the ball, track it and catch it through the pipe. The child can play this game independently or come up with cool tricks.

Crochet kit

With the help of this set, a child can learn to crochet. The kit includes all the necessary materials to create your own masterpiece. Thanks to this set, the child will be able to better develop his creative abilities and try himself in a new business.