35 Best Toys & Gift Ideas for 12-Year-Old Boys: 2024 Picks

For my 11-year-old son, this educational toy has been a great way to learn about electricity while having fun. It includes over 20 projects that range from basic to more complex, and it's durable enough to last for years. My 8-year-old grandson also enjoys working with it and has learned a lot from the hands-on experience. Even as an adult, I find it enjoyable and educational. It has provided hours of entertainment for my kids during cold weather, and I believe it's a valuable learning tool for their future.

I'm truly impressed with this Samsung tablet, perfect for my 12-year-old who can't seem to put down my smartphone. The 32GB internal memory is expandable up to 1TB with a microSD card, and the kid's mode keeps them safe online while limiting screen time. Plus, the 12-hour battery life and high-quality front and rear cameras make it enjoyable for the whole family.

I've been using this droid for a while now and I have some mixed feelings about it. On one hand, it's a cool toy that looks and sounds just like the real thing, and I had fun using the joystick and path drawing feature on the Star Wars app. However, I was disappointed that it didn't come with a quickstart guide and had compatibility issues with some of my devices. On the plus side, I enjoyed tinkering with the programming aspect on the Sphero EDU app, but I wish there was a more comprehensive reference guide for the sensors.

My 12-year-old son has been eager to learn drums, so I got him this portable electronic drum set. He's been enjoying the 10 effect sounds, 70 percussion sounds, and 50 play-along songs it offers. The coaching feature on the LCD screen has been helpful for him as a beginner, teaching him the basics as he goes. Additionally, he likes playing the games included to improve his drumming skills. The option to go mobile using six C batteries or use AC power has given him flexibility in where he practices.

This controller has a great build quality and is comfortable to hold, even for those with larger hands. The extra trigger buttons are useful for various games, and the battery life is impressive. However, connecting the controller can be a bit complicated, as it requires different button combinations for each platform. Some users may experience occasional disconnects and input lag, but overall, it performs well. While it may not be perfect, it's a solid alternative to more expensive brand-name controllers and works well for casual gaming across multiple platforms.

Love this compact drone for its impressive speed and responsiveness. Despite its small size, it handles breezes well and charges quickly with two batteries and charging cables. However, the app for viewing pictures and videos is unreliable, crashing frequently and causing connection issues. Despite these drawbacks, this drone's durability and performance make it a great choice for beginners and experienced users alike.

If you're looking for budget-friendly headphones with impressive sound quality, these headphones are a great choice. I've used them daily for years and they've proven to be quite durable, despite some minor wear and tear on the materials over time. The fit can be a bit tight and may become uncomfortable during long periods of use, but the overall performance and lightweight design outweigh this drawback. These headphones are perfect for those who want quality sound without breaking the bank.

My experience with this game has been nothing short of enjoyable and entertaining for the whole family. It can be quite challenging and requires some strategic thinking, making it a great addition to our Friday family game nights. The game is suitable for ages 8 and up, and even our grandma had a blast playing with the kids. We've had fun exploring the different variations in the rules and even came up with some of our own.

I'm thrilled with this LEGO movie-making kit that pairs perfectly with my smartphone. The included guide taught me how to create stop-motion animations with the six Minifigure heads and various accessories, making my 10 mini-movies truly come to life. The 78-page manual offers valuable tips on lighting, camera angles, and sound effects, as well as providing endless inspiration for my future projects.

Got the Xbox Series X recently and I couldn't be more impressed. The sleek design and optimal cooling system make it a visually appealing and functional console. The controller is comfortable, responsive, and has a handy share button for capturing gameplay moments. With 4K resolution, 120 frames per second, and incredibly fast load times, the gaming experience is taken to new heights. Although it's on the pricey side, the Xbox Series X is a must-have for serious gamers seeking a top-notch experience.

Great alternative to traditional skates, these are lightweight, cost-effective, and adaptable to various shoe sizes. My 10-year-old son found them challenging yet enjoyable, and after watching some demonstrations on YouTube, he was able to get the hang of it. It's important to have good balance and coordination, and I'd recommend wearing protective gear on knees and elbows for safety. These are perfect for kids who have outgrown their Heelys, providing a fun and engaging way to exercise and spend time outdoors.

I recently purchased this RC car and have been using it for about six months. The car itself is enjoyable to use, and the control and tire grip are impressive. However, the batteries that came with the car needed repair within the first week, and their capacity has weakened over time. My six-year-old now thinks the car is too slow, and I've had to replace the batteries with higher quality ones for better performance. Additionally, the screw on the battery door stripped easily, and I had to upsize the screw to fix it. The car is fun to play with on various terrains, but the lack of speed control and short battery life are disappointing aspects to consider.

I recently purchased this robot toy for my young grandson, and he was able to assemble it quickly with minimal effort. While the concept is interesting, it may not be challenging enough for more advanced children. The robot is mechanically driven and lacks sensors, making it more akin to a wind-up toy than an educational tool. Some users reported missing parts, such as the top cover or shield, which could lead to exposed wires.

After assembling this LEGO set over a few evenings, I was impressed by the intricate details and movable pieces that make it an incredible display piece. The interior of the ship is well-designed and even includes a missile launcher feature that my son thoroughly enjoys. Although the model is a bit cramped in some areas and not ideal for constant play due to pieces potentially falling off, it remains a fantastic addition to any Star Wars collection.

Great laser tag set for epic Nerf battles without the need for protective gear or messy clean-ups. My kids and I enjoy playing together without having to search for lost darts afterward. This set comes with two guns, offering a realistic experience with recoiling action, laser shooting sounds, and magazine reloading. The laser tags vibrate when hit and can be set for 10 or 25 hits before elimination. Just make sure to stock up on batteries, as each gun requires six AA batteries.

This bottle rocket set is a blast for kids and adults alike, providing hours of entertainment. The set comes with all the necessary components, making assembly easy and straightforward. Once we figured out how to properly secure the rubber cork, our rockets soared 200-300 feet in the air! It's worth noting that you can use any 1-liter bottle for this project, and even customize the rocket's appearance by attaching additional bottle pieces. The only downside was the durability of the plastic fins, as they tended to break after a few launches, but the company's responsive customer service and willingness to provide replacement parts made up for this minor issue.

If you're looking for a first longboard, this one is a fantastic choice. As a roller skater, I appreciated the ability to adjust the trucks to fit my individual style, although I did need to upgrade the bearings for a smoother ride. The board's design holds my feet securely, making it easy to carve, and it's not too heavy. For beginners or advanced skaters alike, these big soft wheels provide great grip in tight turns and overall, the board offers good quality at an affordable price.

I recently purchased this Kan Jam set and it has quickly become a favorite at my summer gatherings. The bag that comes with the set makes it super convenient to transport to the beach or other outdoor events. This game requires strategy and teamwork, making it a fun and engaging addition to our BBQs. The only downside I've experienced is that the frisbee seems a bit fragile, so I had to buy a sturdier one to keep the game going.

Love how these water balloons are perfect for keeping the little ones entertained, especially on hot summer days. I found that they're easy to fill and attach to the hose, allowing kids to join in the fun without much adult assistance. While some balloons may not fill up or pop, the majority provide tons of fun, allowing for exciting water battles among friends and family. Just remember to clean up the little pieces after the fun is over to keep the yard safe and tidy.

My experience with this slackline has been quite enjoyable and it has provided a fun physical activity for the whole family. The setup process was simple and the included instructions were helpful, especially for someone new to slacklining like myself. I appreciate that it comes with tree protectors, which are easy to use and important for preserving the trees. The training line is a great addition, as it gives my kids confidence while they practice their balance.

I've been enjoying shooting hoops with this adjustable basketball hoop, which features a sturdy 44-inch backboard and a telescopic mechanism that allows height adjustment from 7 to 10 feet. The weather-resistant steel hoop rim and the option to fill the base with water or sand for stability ensure its durability for long-term use. I appreciate that this hoop can be used for solo practice or playing with friends and family. The inclusion of a 5-year warranty from the company is a reassuring bonus.

This marble run set is incredibly engaging and different from others on the market. The hexagonal grid and steel ball bearings make for a unique and entertaining experience, although the pieces not locking together can be a bit frustrating at times. Despite being made from plastic and cardboard, the overall design is sturdy and provides hours of fun for both kids and adults.

My Bose Soundlink Color II speaker initially impressed me with its rich, clean sound and rugged design. However, after two years, the battery stopped charging, and I struggled to revive it, despite trying multiple charging methods and a driver update. Nonetheless, after some persistent button pushing, I managed to bring it back to life, and the sound quality remains as fantastic as when I first bought it.

This educational kit has provided hours of engaging fun for children ages 7-11, with some supervision required for the younger ones. As a mechanical engineer, I found the circuit-building process to be simplified and visually appealing with the diagrams and instructions included. The kit offers a range of projects that vary in complexity, allowing for off-script experimentation and fostering creativity. However, some basic electrical concepts may not be clearly explained, and it could be helpful to start with a more basic kit. Despite some packaging issues, the overall experience with this product has been positive, and it serves as a safe and enjoyable way for kids to learn about electricity and circuitry.

I recently purchased this deck of Brain Quest cards for my incoming 7th grader to maintain their academic skills during the summer break. The variety of questions keeps them engaged and sometimes even stumps me. The construction is durable enough for repeated use, and I appreciate that the answers are on the next card, eliminating the need to flip back and forth. However, the inconsistency in question difficulty is noticeable, with some being too easy or too difficult for the intended age group. Despite this, these cards have been a valuable addition to our family's learning resources and have sparked interesting conversations.

My experience with this chemistry set has been a fun way to engage in science projects with my child on rainy days. While it includes clear instructions and safety goggles for various experiments, more vials would have been a great addition as they take time to air dry between projects. Keep in mind that you'll need to supply several household items for the experiments, and it may require some extra store trips. Moreover, parents should read the instruction manual and purchase additional required items, such as denatured alcohol and a 9-volt battery, beforehand to ensure a smooth experience for their kids.

This mini robot ball is both fun and educational, offering a variety of driving modes and games for users of all ages. It performs well on different surfaces, including carpets, and is surprisingly fast and durable despite its small size. The accompanying app allows for coding and customization, making it an excellent tool for game developers and robotics enthusiasts. While it may not appeal to everyone, it has proven to be an entertaining and engaging toy for both children and pets.

This STEM robot toy might seem thoughtful at first glance, but it does require a lot of patience and time to assemble. I found that the small parts and intricate assembly can be a bit complicated for younger kids, so they might need adult help to complete the build. Once completed, the solar panel requires direct sunlight or a bright light bulb to function properly, which can be a bit of a challenge. Despite the difficulties, it was an enjoyable learning experience for both kids and parents, though I wouldn't recommend it for those with limited patience.

For someone who loves Star Wars and paper airplanes, these Star Wars Folded Flyers offer a unique and enjoyable crafting experience. I found the instructions to be a bit unclear at times, but working on these designs with my kids allowed us to bond and problem-solve together. While the aerodynamics of the planes may not be perfect, they still provide hours of fun and creative play for kids and adults alike.

I'm impressed by the quality and detail of these 32 NFL replica team helmets, perfect for any junior football fan. As a hands-on learning tool, they can track each team's standings and playoffs using the two included backing boards. The helmets, measuring approximately 1.5 inches high, have team names on both sides, making it easy to identify and arrange them according to the season's progression. My child loves using the helmets to make predictions and stay engaged with the NFL season.

Love how this toy engages both children and adults alike, making it a delightful addition to our family's collection. My grandson and I spent quality time learning to navigate the intricate tracks, which provided a stimulating challenge without being excessively difficult. This toy has proven to be a calming and entertaining alternative to screen time, helping develop hand-eye coordination in the process. The three starting positions serve as checkpoints, ensuring that a dropped marble doesn't completely derail the fun. This captivating and enjoyable toy keeps everyone entertained, although be warned - it can be tough to put down!

I've been using this hoverboard for a while now, and while my kids absolutely love it, I've noticed a few drawbacks. The lights and ease of use are great, but the durability leaves something to be desired - parts broke off after a few bumps in the house. Additionally, the battery life seems to vary between different colors of the same model, which can be frustrating when my kids want to ride together.

These bike wheel lights are a fantastic addition to my cycling gear, providing extra visibility during both day and night rides. They were a bit challenging to install, but once in place, they have made me feel much safer on the road. The lights are bright, colorful, and have even earned me some compliments from fellow riders. Although the battery life could be better, overall, I am very happy with this purchase and the increased visibility it provides.

Best toy I've bought in a while! As soon as I charged the car and put batteries in the remote control, it came to life and raced around, flipping and contorting as expected. My 5-year-old grandson couldn't get enough of it, and even the adults wanted to join in on the fun. The only downside was that the two-prong wall plug wasn't included, so I had to purchase one separately to complete the gift.

This Minecraft app has been a hit among tweens, offering endless opportunities to build, create, and explore a virtual world. I've witnessed firsthand how it helps kids develop real-life skills and sparks their imagination, though it can be quite addictive. While it requires parental permission for those under 13, many find it suitable for younger children as well.