Image: MomJunction Design Team
Picking the best toys for 12-year-olds can be tricky since children from this age group are neither kids nor teens. They are in the most difficult stage having child-like qualities and experiencing new things. One day they might like something; the next day, they might get bored of it already. They learn new skills, find new interests, make new friends, and discover themselves. They try hard to be in vogue by keeping up with the latest trends.
The whims of a 12-year-old don’t make it any easier to buy them a suitable toy. You need to choose a quality toy that will positively respond to the child and their parents. It should be practical, fun, and unique. To end your dilemma, we have listed some unique, best-selling toys or gift ideas for a 12-year-old for you to choose from.
Top Picks
15 Best Toys For 12-Year-Olds
1. Best Ergonomic Design: Selieve Kids’ Walkie Talkies – Blue
The delightful toy is perfect for 12-year-olds as it can be used both outdoors and indoors. Its ergonomic design and light and small body makes it easy to carry and a single push of a button enables your child to talk into it. It has a range of about three miles in open areas and 0.5 to one mile in crowded areas. This walkie talkie features 22 channels and is secured with 99 CTCSS sub-codes so that no unwanted people can communicate with your child. It also features an earpiece connection in case you want to buy an additional earpiece. You can talk without pressing the PTT button when the voice activated transmission is on. It has a key lock function so that children cannot modify the channels. This product testing video will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
Pros
- Intelligent alarm system in case user wanders away
- Not easy to modify the channels makes it safe to use
- Flashlight comes in handy for night use
- LCD back screen display
- Available in seven colors
- Ideal for kids in the three to twelve age range
Cons
- Some may find the electromagnetic frequency to be high
- Batteries may lose charge quickly upon usage
2. Best For Creativity: Agoigo Kids Waterproof Camera – Pink
This cool toy for 12 year olds is a camera that features a 1080P HD IPS screen and five megapixels. There’s a choice of 6 filters and 28 frames that helps kids exercise their creativity and have a lot of fun with different effects. It has great picture clarity with extremely high quality videos and images. Its waterproof case allows pictures to be taken up to 98 feet underwater. The case also provides protection from falls and scratches, thus ensuring durability. Its rechargeable 600mAh lithium battery has a life of two to three hours, which shuts down automatically when not in use. Its 32GB SD card allows you to store hundreds of pictures and its versatile mounting kit allows the camera to be attached to any flat surface. You can hang the camera around your neck with the durable pink lanyard.
Pros
- Has a time lapse of up to ten seconds
- Puzzle games induce creativity
- Has an optical zoom of up to eight times
- Comes in six colors
Cons
- Cannot record sound when underwater
- May make squealing sounds when used
"My son has used this kid-friendly camera on various adventures, from snorkeling to backyard play. It has been quite durable, especially with its waterproof case. The picture quality is decent and helps capture the joy of my son's memories."
3. Best For Developing Memory Skills: Winning Fingers Flashing Cube
The toy for 12-year-olds is sure to make any child happy with its unique cube design that lights up and four quick-fingered games. The volume of the games can be adjusted and can even be muted completely. The games are quite challenging and the two ‘Chase Me’ games enhance eye-hand coordination and speed as it requires you to follow the moving light by rotating the cube and pressing buttons, and pressing and avoiding certain lights. The third game requires matching the correct pattern of lights and colors from one side to the other and the fourth game flashes patterns of light for you to memorize and repeat. At the end of the game, press the ‘Light Show’ button to enjoy a display of fun flashing lights. This testing cum review video can tell you more about this entertaining toy.
Pros
- Colorful lights makes it exciting to play with
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
- Comes in a colorful display box for gifting
- Enhances memory and hand-eye coordination skills
- Suitable for kids in the six to twelve age range
Cons
- Toy may be smaller than expected
- May not be durably built
Did you know?
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 7,262 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
4. Best For Racing Car Enthusiasts: Free To Fly Remote Control Car – Cyan
This remote-controlled toy for 12-year-olds is a delight for children who love racing cars and speed. With a body scaled to 1:22 ratio, this car can perform 360° flips and rolls, features a 2.4GHz remote controller designed for two joysticks, and 4 LED lights. It’s great for off-roading too with its soft, oversized TRP tyres, four wheel drive system, and two powerful motors. There are a set of auxiliary wheels at the front and rear of the car which help the car to quickly disengage if required. It also includes two rechargeable 500 mAh batteries on which the car can run for 15 minutes each, two AA batteries, and a screwdriver to open the battery case.
Pros
- Can pass obstacles easily when played
- Tyres are anti-crash and shock-absorbent
- Can be driven on beaches and grasslands
- Can be controlled within 40 kilometers radius
- Available in six colors
Cons
- Batteries may drain charge quickly
- May not be durably built
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 4,734 positive reviews on Amazon.
5. Best For Parties: Superwin LED Light Up Gloves – Rainbow
These LED gloves make a cool toy for 12 year olds with their three bright colors and six flashing light modes that are ideal for creating a dazzling effect at parties with their vibrant colors. These gloves come with four spare replaceable batteries and have a button closure with a well fitting and elasticized cuff. Crafted with stretchable and soft knit material, it’s perfectly safe for children and contains no formaldehyde or any other toxic material. They are one of the perfect gifts for Halloween and Christmas and can really add to the fun of the party while dancing to your favorite music.
Pros
- Comes in a gift box
- Made with a breathable lining
- Suitable for children aged seven and above
- Comes in three sizes
Cons
- Button batteries may lead to choking hazards
- Gloves may run large
"These light-up gloves have proved to be a delightful addition to my children's toy collection. The kids are completely taken by their bright, flashing fingers and color-changing features. I like that they come with pre-installed batteries."
6. Best For Outdoors: Small Discoverer Outdoor Exploration Set
Let your child discover the explorer in themselves with this toy for 12-year-olds that includes a kid’s hiking backpack, binoculars, three x 60mm magnifying glass, compass, whistle, and an LED hand crank flashlight. It encourages your child to spend time outdoors studying nature or role-play a detective, and you don’t have to worry as all the products are safety verified. The binoculars offer four times magnification with a 30 mm lens diameter, rubber eyepiece for safety, a carrying case, and a string to hang them. The compass teaches kids about directions and how to read the map while the magnifying glass enables them to study flowers, insects, or leaves. This outdoor adventure toy for exploration will help any 12-year-old to discover their adventurous side!
Pros
- Ideal gift for encouraging outdoor exploration
- Comes in a compact storage bag
- Suitable for adventure walks and sporting games
- Magnifying glass helps teach how to make a fire
- Available in three colors
Cons
- Flashlight may not be durable
- Compass may seem flimsy
Quick fact7. Best For Mental Development: IQ Builder Arts And Crafts
A fun and exciting activity, this toy for 12 year olds has a set of coloring puzzles to keep your child engaged for hours. These 3D art coloring puzzles are designed for mental development and stimulation. Coloring and solving puzzles also improve motor skills, enhance creativity, color awareness, color recognition and judgment, improve hand-eye coordination, and heighten focus. It also helps your child learn about structure and boundaries. This puzzle toy for cognitive development includes nine designs along with four packs of ten coloring markers. You can assemble and color an airplane, helicopter, and train, a butterfly, elephant, and horse, two houses and a big Eiffel Tower.
Pros
- Can be used by adults for therapy sessions
- Suitable for a screen-free time
- Effectively targets cognitive muscle development
- Helps enhance spatial awareness
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- May not be easy to maintain the pieces
"It's durable enough to handle the excited hands of my grandkids and has a variety of builds for both individual and group play. The marker quality could be better, but it is still an engaging pastime that has encouraged their crafty side."
Quick tip8. Best For STEM Learning: Gobidex 6-In-1 Solar Robot Kit
One of the best toys for 12-year-olds with a scientific bent of mind, your child can create six working models, including an explorer, a space station, a shuttle, a space rover, an astronaut, and a dog. This educational STEM toy helps children experience and learn about renewable energy and builds a strong foundation in science, technology, robotics, crafts, and engineering.
This solar-powered, innovative science experiment kit for curious minds enhances creativity and imagination, and children can learn while having hours of fun with their friends or family. The pieces are durable, sturdy, and completely safe for your child.
Pros
- Suitable for indoors and outdoors
- Comes with an instruction manual
- Available in two colors
- Lightweight
Cons
- May be slightly complicated for some
- Batteries may lose charge quickly upon usage
"This solar toy has impressed me with its quick charging and ease of assembly. It's fantastic for hands-on engagement, and the intricate details help develop my daughter's patience. It started off a bit challenging, but she thoroughly enjoyed it once she got the hang of it."
9. Best For Hand-Eye Coordination: BooTaa Pack Of Two LED Airplane Toys – Blue Green
Let your child’s imagination fly with these 17.5 inches LED airplanes that come in a set of two with two flight modes— reversal mode and glider mode. Just insert the small wing into the lower hole in the plane’s tail and it will glide, and if you insert it in the upper hole, it will fly in reversal mode. This is a fun way of encouraging children to spend time outdoors and also develop hand-eye coordination, critical thinking, observation, and a sense of direction. These tried-and-tested transportation toys for active play are made of high-polymer EPP material and are lightweight, flexible, and impact-resistant. They are extremely safe for children, easy to assemble, and don’t need a battery.
Pros
- Helps in parent and child bonding
- Toy does not contain any sharp edges
- Suitable for gifting for any occasion
- Available in three styles
- Affordable gift option
Cons
- May be heavy at the front
- May lose flying time upon wear and tear
"These are quite the delight when it comes to outdoor play. The ability to change tail wing positions for straight flight or dramatic loops adds variety and keeps the kids engaged. They are pretty sturdy and simple to assemble, and watching them light up in the dark adds an extra bit of fun."
10. Best For Fine Motor Skills: Layken STEM Building Toy
The cool toy for 12-year-olds with 132 pieces enhances hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, encourages creativity, and stimulates imagination. It also enhances social-interaction skills like teamwork, collaboration, patience, and communication, and also hones cognitive skills like problem-solving and logical thinking. They have a choice of constructing five models that come with instructions or build anything they want. The brightly colored blocks encourage kids to build their own car, airplane, helicopter, motorcycle, and construction truck which come with instructions. It keeps kids engaged and busy for hours and helps them build self-confidence. All the pieces are washable and made with premium non-toxic plastic, also being certified lead, phthalate, cadmium, and BPA-free. This safety-tested building set for 12-year-olds offers the perfect balance of learning and fun.
Pros
- Enhances hand-eye coordination
- Can be gifted for any occasion
- Sharpens manipulative ability
- Teaches children how to recognize shapes
- Backed by a one-year warranty
Cons
- May not be easy to assemble
- Small parts may lead to choking hazards
"The well-made pieces have made this building set an excellent buy. It offers my young engineer creative freedom to build a variety of things. I like creating it with her—it gives us a wonderful bonding experience."
11. Best For Improving Math Skills: Hony Double-Sided Dart Board For Kids
This fun toy for 12-year-olds comprises a dart board with 12 sticky balls in four colors. The diameter of the dart board is 14 inches and the balls stay firmly attached to the board with the high quality hook-and-loops. It includes a free sticky hook to hang the dart board on any smooth surface such as wood, tile, or glass. The targets feature numbers so that children can practise hand-eye coordination. This toy is durable and lightweight with soft fabric in the center and durable stitching. This interactive game can be played with family and friends and boosts social bonds.
Pros
- Double-sided board with two playing modes
- Enhances children’s mathematical skills
- Teaches children how to aim and focus
- Suitable for gifting for any occasion
Cons
- Balls may lose stickiness upon wear and tear
- Hanging part may require additional reinforcing
"I've played various games with my kids, and this Velcro ball board has become one of our favorites, especially during the colder months. While smaller than we had expected, it is fun and engaging. I also appreciate that we can use it indoors as it doesn't cause any damage to the walls."
12. Best For Hands-On Skills: Vatos Alphabets Robot Creative Building Bricks
The versatile toy for 12-year-olds consists of 644-piece STEM building toys that can be built into 13 letters from M to Z, 13 military gear, or they can all be combined to form a huge, flexible robot. A total of 27 models can be made to maximize the hands-on skills of your kid, and it also includes a brick separator. This toy is both entertaining and educational and is perfect for children who enjoy hands-on imaginative play. It can also boost their problem solving ability and logical thinking. This toy is suitable for kids in the six to twelve age range and is made of non-toxic ABS plastic with a smooth finish to ace the test of safety and durability.
Pros
- Sharpens manipulative ability of children
- Can be paired with existing building bricks
- Comes with an instruction manual
- Backed by a 18-month warranty
- Matches international standards
- Enhances spatial reasoning
Cons
- Pieces may fall apart upon assembling
- Small parts may lead to choking hazards
"I recently introduced my child to this robot Lego set and was pleasantly surprised. It's compatible with our other sets, expanding his play experience. Though my son needed a bit of my help to put it together, it was a fun way to bond with him."
13. Best Long-Lasting: Tigtecgame Blaster Gun Toy – Blue
The toy for 12-year-olds features two air blasters that feature auto left and right movements with a two-gear fast and slow speed. The gun is long-lasting, durable, and is made of non-toxic, premium ABS material. The set features 18 orange and blue bullets with a diameter of one-inch that are made of foam balls. Shooting can be carried by air pressure, making it quite suitable for children to play with. This shooting toy is very interactive and children can bond with parents and friends while playing with it. It also includes a moving shooting target based on a theme of eliminating pirates mounted on a sturdy and durable frame, and it comes with a charging cable for the 1200mAh rechargeable battery.
Pros
- Teaches children how to focus
- Safe for both indoor and outdoor use
- Suitable for beginners and experienced shooters
- Available in two colors
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- May require supervision while assembling
"This moving target toy has been a lot of fun for both the kids and adults in our family. Though the assembly was easy, and the compact size is handy for storage, I did feel that the quality could be better. Still, its entertainment value shines through during family gatherings."
14. Best For Summers: Pesuma Water Guns For Kids
The cool toy for 12-year-olds comprises two large size water blaster guns which measure 15×5.3×2 inches and hold 25 ounces of water to squirt water 50 times. Made of high-quality ABS plastic, it’s tested for durability and safety and contains no toxic material. Kids can squirt water up to 33 feet— thanks to the high-pressure pump design. This game is absolutely perfect for hot summer days, but do ensure that it’s used under adult supervision and avoid squirting directly in the eyes.
Pros
- Can hold up to 800cc of water
- Can be used for playing with pets
- Suitable for being filled with ice
- Great for outdoor pool parties
Cons
- Rubber cap may not be strong enough
- Water may leak upon extended usage
"They're user-friendly, sturdy, and even appeal to my five-year-old as they are easy to use. Despite regular use, they seem like they could last through this summer, and I like the capacity and spray distance."
15. Best For Improving Social Skills: Lydaz Fort Building Kit
The STEM toy for 12-year-olds features 32 sturdy balls which are 2.2 inches in diameter and 67 thick rods that are 15.3 inches long. This 99-piece kit is great for two to four children to play together, teaching them interaction, sharing, and other social skills while also boosting creativity, imagination and eye-hand coordination. All pieces are crafted with high-quality, non-toxic, and BPA-free PVC plastic, making it the perfect gift for children.
Pros
- Improves team spirit
- Encourages social interaction
- Includes instructions
- Can be used to build fort in any shape and size
- Bag included for easy portability and storage
- Stable structure
Cons
- May contain sharp edges
- May require more connectors
"It is a clever solution that has given my kids a tidy way to create play spaces while encouraging their imagination. It allows them to build a variety of structures. It is also easy to use and stores away compactly."
How To Choose The Right Toys For 12 Year Olds?
Here are a few pointers to help you choose the perfect toy for your 12-year-old..
- Engagement and interest: Understand your child’s interests and choose toys that can engage them. Children of this age start developing hobbies and interests that are more adult-like. They may start a hobby of collecting things or start mastering a skill. Children may start writing journals or may develop an interest in art and crafts, science kits, or they may start bettering their score in video and computer games. They might want to start on games that take a longer time to complete like complex jigsaw puzzles, scrabble, or complicated construction sets. They are also more into outdoor activities like skates, rollerblades, outdoor sporting equipment, bicycles, and scooters.
- Money or gift cards: This is a very safe gift no matter what their interest is. In case they are saving up to buy something, this is always welcome. A gift card from a store they like to frequent is always a good idea.
- Something for their free time and hobbies: Depending on their personal hobbies and interests, you can go for a digital camera as at this stage they love taking photos and sharing them with their friends or on social media. Video games for a gamer— gift cards for the console they like, gaming headphones, new controllers, or merchandise of their favorite video game character are all good ideas. For a sporty teenager, sports memorabilia, a new ball, or some sports equipment is a good idea. Art books and art supplies make a great gift for an artsy teenager.
- Toys that can enhance EQ: This is the age when children start understanding the subtleties of different emotions and also start learning how to manage their emotions like sadness, anger, and empathy. They start looking within and develop new interests and hone new talents. Looking for toys that are designed to build EQ are not only fun but also help in developing emotional maturity and the ability to handle future challenges. Games like collaborative board games, books on emotions and feelings, open-ended play with construction kits, problem solving games, art and craft, and card games are good ways to build EQ. Children of this age often like to use their imagination and solve problems. Puzzles or games that encourage team playing are also good choices.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is our product writer with experience in toys and gifts. Children aged 12 are on the verge of being teenagers, going through major changes in their mind and body. So shortlisting the best toys for them needs some careful thought and consideration. After a comparison of numerous recommendations and customer reviews, she has created a list of the best options. This article also has a buying guide section to ease your shopping experience.
Toys play a key role in a child’s mental and physical development. However, finding the best toys for 12-year-old boys can be a daunting task as they are neither children nor teens. So, before buying a toy for them, try to know their interests and go for something fun, engaging, and has skill-building features. You can pick a superhero-themed toy, a car, or a water gun based on their interests. Make sure you buy age-appropriate toys that support their passions or help them create new hobbies.
Infographic: Notable Points About Selecting Toys For 12-Year-Olds
From innovative gadgets to challenging puzzles, a wide range of toys are available to captivate the curiosity and creativity of 12-year-olds. However, selecting the perfect toy for your pre-teen can be tricky, given their rapid cognitive and emotional changes. Check out the infographic to learn about developmental changes to consider while selecting a useful and enjoyable toy for your 12-year-old.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Memory game for kids
https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/activity-guides/thinking-and-brain-games/memory-game - Gabriela Bentoa and Gisela Dias; (2017); The importance of outdoor play for young children’s healthy development
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6806863/
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