Best gifts for 12-year-old boys

An old-school way to enjoy tunes

Victrola Journey Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player, available at Amazon

Even if he doesn't have a record collection, he can get that old-school feel with the retro-looking Victrola record player. It has built-in Bluetooth speakers, so he can stream music, podcasts, and more from his smart device. It has a headphone jack, too, so listening can be a solo activity.

See more of the best budget record players.

A bright toy the whole family can enjoy

Tosy Flying Disc, available at Amazon

With 16.7 million color variations — yes, really — there's no shortage of cool lights on the Tosy flying disc. The rechargeable toy will have friends and family taking turns flinging it to one another while LED lights glow through the air. The smart modes can be adjusted for color, brightness, style, and timer.

A metal detector for a curious treasure hunter

Bounty Hunter Tracker IV Metal Detector, available at Amazon

Whether the family is headed on a beach vacation or he's looking to kill time in the backyard, he can break out this beginner-friendly metal detector. Weighing just 2.6 pounds, this nifty device can locate coins, jewelry, and more. Plus, it might come in handy if he ever misplaces something.

A quiet drum set he can rock out to

Donner DED-80 Electronic Drum Set, available at Amazon

Designed to be much quieter than other electronic drums, this set comes with 4 mesh pads, 3 cymbals, and 2 pedals, as well as 180 sounds, 30 demo songs, and more. It's compact enough that it can fit in his bedroom, but it'll still give him the real feel. For a part two to the gift, introduce him to some drum lessons.

A mobile-game-making kit

Pixicade Special Animation Edition, available at Amazon

Pixicade is one of the coolest gifts for a 12-year-old boy who loves video games — it comes with over 100. This edition features tips from animator and YouTube star Alan Becker. It allows kids to unleash their creative side by drawing characters and game levels, using the companion app to make them come to life, and then playing it.

A hands-free way to go cruising

Gyroor Self-Balancing Scooter, available at Amazon

With dual 250-watt motors, he can ride up to 7.75 miles per hour on this Gyroor scooter. He won't have handlebars to hold onto, though, so he'll have to practice balancing with the use of his core. It features two LED headlights so he can see the terrain in front of him.

A buildable rocket that launches into space

Estes Tandem-X Flying Model Rocket Launch Set, available at Amazon

Half the fun of these model rockets is putting them together, and the other half is launching them high. Pair them with Estes engines, and he'll be able to soar the Amazon rocket 600 feet and the Crossfire 1,150 feet in the air. He'll be pining for the moment he gets to count down for blast off.

A beginner-friendly intro to smartwatches

Apple Watch SE 3, available at Amazon

Now the 12-year-old in your life won't have an excuse to miss your texts, because the Apple Watch SE 3 will be strapped right to his wrist. He can receive texts and calls, as well as listen to music and podcasts, all from the compact device. Another cool feature is that it automatically notifies loved ones when he's reached his destination.

A solar-powered robot with different configurations

Sillibird Solar Robot Creation Kit, available at Amazon

Just when he finishes using the 190 pieces to create one robot, he'll have 11 others to build with this Sillbird kit. No matter what he creates, it's solar-powered to bring this educational toy to life. With clear step-by-step directions, he'll be proud to do it all on his own.

A pre-measured kit for the novice baker

Baketivity Cake Pop Baking Kit, available at Amazon

The kitchen won't get demolished when he has a Baketivity baking kit. The necessary ingredients, aside from the refrigerated ones, are included and premeasured, so he'll have exactly what he needs. And if you're lucky, you'll get a bite of one of his chocolate-covered cake pops!

A cozy blanket to rep his favorite team

FOCO Team Logo Sherpa Fleece Throw, available at Amazon

For a Sunday spent on the couch watching RedZone, he can cozy up and rep his favorite team with this sherpa fleece blanket. Officially licensed by the NFL, just select his die-hard team, and it's automatically a winning gift for a 12-year-old boy. It measures in at about 5 by 5.8 feet, so it's a hearty blanket to keep warm.

A book he won't be able to put down

"Hole in the Sky" by Daniel Wilson, available at Amazon

"Hole in the Sky" is an extraterrestrial sci-fi thriller that reimagines first contact with aliens from an Indigenous perspective. It won a 2026 Alex Award from the Young Adult Library Services Association division of the American Library Association thanks its appeal to young readers. Plus, a Netflix adaptation is in the works that tweens will be eager to watch after finishing the book.

A battle card game for newcomers

Magic: The Gathering Starter Commander Deck, available at Amazon

He'll be challenging his friends to epic battles using this Magic starter deck. It's easy to learn how to follow the rules and develop strategy so he'll be entertained for hours on end. Both beginners and avid fans will use any free time to break out this deck.

A glowing game for all his friends

Starlux Games Glow-in-the-Dark Capture the Flag, available at Amazon

When he and his friends are hanging outside looking for something to do, they can break out the glow-in-the-dark version of capture the flag. Designed for 4 to 20 players, this strategic game includes 23 glowing game lights and 12 game options, so they'll never get bored. The mission is simple: Capture the flag from the other team's territory without getting tagged.

A mini-fridge for his bedroom

Frigidaire Retro Mini Personal Fridge, available at Amazon

We all know a tween who likes to spend more time in their room than anywhere else. Give him a gift that'll make his space even better: a mini fridge. This retro-style option holds up to six cans, so he'll always have a cold drink within arm's reach.

Unlimited video games

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, available at Xbox

If they're all about gaming, this ultimate membership grants access to over 500 games, including new releases, so they'll never be bored again. The Xbox Game Pass works across games on Xbox console, PC, and supported handhelds.

An arcade game that he can reconfigure

Thames & Kosmos Pinball Machine Maker, available at Amazon

He'll never get bored with the classic game of pinball when he has this Thames & Kosmos version. It allows him to reconfigure the pieces to make all kinds of obstacles. Plus, it'll give him a lesson in physics, motion, and gravity.

A wireless way to enjoy his favorite music

JBL Vibe Beam, available at Amazon

Whether he's waiting at the bus stop or winding down after a long day, he can pop in these JBL earbuds and enjoy his favorite music or podcasts featuring the brand's Deep Bass Sound. The earbuds have eight hours of battery, and the charging case offers another 24 hours, so he won't have to constantly recharge them. They were designed to forget you're even wearing them, so you know they're a comfortable pick he'll be happy to wear.

See more of the best budget headphones.

A suspenseful series that moves quickly

"Theodore Boone" by John Grisham, available at Amazon

For the reader in your life, you'll set him up for success by gifting him the whole "Theodore Boone" series. It's a modern legal thriller that tweens and teens can easily follow. He'll inevitably love the first book, and he won't have to run to the store or library to grab the next.

A puzzle to fidget with

Kanoodle, available at Amazon

This brain teaser game challenges your tween to solve 200 2D and 3D puzzles. He won't even realize he's learning as this educational gift works on his spatial reasoning and critical thinking skills. He can play by himself or set up a timer and challenge friends or family to beat his solve time.

A homemade way to add a little spice to his food

Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit, available at Uncommon Goods

This kit allows future chefs or tweens who simply love hot sauce to make six bottles of their own. Other than some kitchen utensils and a blender or food processor, it includes everything needed to make sauce. The included labels mean he'll be able to name and design labels for his creations, too.

A backyard game to get him in the competitive spirit

Spikeball, available at Amazon

It's impossible not to have fun when you have a small group playing Spikeball, a cross between volleyball and four square. Use the net to bounce the ball between players, and he'll be surprised how much energy he's burning in the process. This set comes with a convenient carrying case, so it's easy to store and take to a friend's house.

A compact way to get his reading in

Amazon Kindle, available at Amazon

If he's shown an interest in reading, the Kindle will send it into overdrive, because the 6-inch display is easy to bring with him. This is the brand's lightest, most compact model, so it's much more convenient than a singular book. Couple this gift for 12-year-old boys with a Kindle Unlimited subscription, and he'll have access to over 4 million titles.

A board game he'll 'Marvel' at

Trivial Pursuit: Marvel Studios The Infinity Saga, available at Walmart

He already has the classic board games, so test him on something he loves: the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With 1,800 questions spanning MCU Phases 1-3, which includes 23 films, he'll outwit opponents to prove he knows his stuff. It'll be a must-play when his friends come over.

A cool glow for his bedroom

Govee LED Strip Lights, available at Amazon

The atmosphere of his room will change in an instant with these LED lights. He can manage the colors manually or by syncing them to music to go with the beat. It's all smartly done with an app, Alexa, or Google Home.

A shoe every tween wants

New Balance 9060 Sneakers, available at Dick's Sporting Goods in Adult and Kids sizing

Sneakers are a big deal to middle schoolers, so make sure he's happy with what's on his feet. The New Balance 9060 Sneakers have recently picked up in popularity. Kids (and parents) like that they are comfortable, go with everything, and come in a range of colorways.

A high-quality gaming headset

Steel Series Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Headset, available at Amazon

If you can't get him away from his video games, you might as well get him a gift that'll make the experience even more enjoyable. These high-quality gaming headphones include a microphone, so he can talk to his friends while in action. They're compatible with Xbox, PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, and more.

A Lego set fit to fight crime

Lego DC Batman Forever Batmobile, available at Amazon

With 909 pieces, this Batmobile has just the right amount of detail for a 12-year-old builder. The Batmobile blocks come with a Batman minifigure and display stand. Any DC Comics fan will be proud to display the finished product.