30 Best Toys for 12-Year-Old-Boys
Updated 17 June 2021
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Author
Daniel is our primary content producer here at TheToyZone. He is a big kid at heart and a self confessed geek. His mission is to find toys that kids will treasure, researching and writing about toys he wants to play with himself.
Speaking as someone who hasn’t done much growing up since he was a 12-year-old boy (28 years ago), it’s not hard for me to remember what kind of toys I liked at that age. Of course, today’s 12-year-olds have a huge advantage over me because their toys are technological wonders that I could only have dreamed of.
Hoverboards, walkie talkies that actually work, Nintendo Switches, drones, smartwatches and LED ski skooters… this list is jam-packed with amazing toys that will delight any 12-year-old boy, whether they love action, science, adventure, creativity or sitting quietly reading a book, or even all of the above.
We’ve picked out the 30 best toys for this age group and have ruled out any fake online reviews to make sure that we’re only recommending toys that they’ll absolutely love.
We also have a list of the best toys for 12 year old girls that is also worth checking out.
1Trapped in a Video Game: The Complete Series
This set of the Trapped in a Video Game book series is a great idea to keep video game fans interested and away from their screens. In this series, 12-year-old Jesse and his friend Eric are sucked into a video game, and they need to fight their way through a series of adventures to survive and get back in one piece. Each of the five books features a different video game, such as Go Wild or Full Blast, which the pair have to navigate and overcome. Video game-themed challenges and tense situations pepper the pages of these books and are sure to thrill anyone who loves video games.
What we love
- Comes with a sturdy box to display the books in
- It engages kids who don't like reading much
What We Don't Like That Much
- The illustrations are a little disconnected for the storyline, but not enough to ruin the story
2How to Draw Anime (Includes Anime, Manga and Chibi) Part 1 Drawing Anime Faces
The Anime drawing style is becoming more and more popular among young kids now more than ever! How to Draw Anime contains comprehensive instructions on how to draw basic Anime, Manga and Chibi styles, and also includes step-by-step guides on everything required to have your kids excel in drawing their favorite characters, acquiring artistic skills as they go. Each tutorial is well planned and provides sound direction towards achieving satisfying results your child will be proud of.
What we love
- Includes detailed instructions for every part of the drawing, such as hair and eyes
- Very PG drawings, ready for kids of any age
What We Don't Like That Much
- Unfortunately, many of the pages are blank for drawing practice, reducing space for more lessons
3RoyalBaby Kids Bike Boys Girls Freestyle BMX Bicycle With Kickstand Gifts for Children Bikes 18 Inch White
The RoyalBaby Kids Bike, available in white, red, pink, green, and a selection of other colors, provides a secure way with which to teach your children how to ride a bike. Alternatively, it is simply a brand new bike they can ride safely from one place to another. With sturdy grips on the handles and a hand brake, it will feel as if your child has full control over their bike as they ease into acquiring their riding skills. The upgraded wheel structure, sealed bearings, and non-slip resin pedals allow your child to enjoy a smooth ride on most surfaces.
What we love
- With a handle on the seat, this is an easy-to-carry bike
- Several sizes to choose from for your growing children
What We Don't Like That Much
- Rear reflector on the back wheel cannot be fastened while the kickstand is attached
4Geospace Original LED Ski Skooter: Fold-up Snowboard Kick-Scooter Snow Sled Winter Sports (Red)
If you live in an area where you get a decent amount of snow in the winter months, the Original LED Ski Skooter is an interesting fold-up kick scooter you should consider purchasing for your child. It can be used either on snow or in grass, letting your children slide and cruise around enthusiastically. LED lights adorn the top of the scooter, providing full visibility of the area and ensuring your child will be riding safely. The LEDs come in five different colors, as well as flash, strobe, and fade modes to provide correct lighting under all circumstances, as the child drives around his brand new vehicle.
What we love
- Designed for smooth, safe riding thanks to heavy-duty polyurethane
- Holds up to 220 pounds, so is perfect for all children
What We Don't Like That Much
- A bigger LED light would have to be purchased separately, but it does come with a smaller one
5The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch
In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Hyrule, the world of Link and Zelda, is reinvented and reimagined for this new installment, introducing new game mechanics which allow you to live off the land, collect weapons and armor, use harvested items to cook food and create new elixirs. Follow Link on this epic adventure, fighting for survival and solving puzzles while exploring a whole new world. Since this game is now adapted for the Nintendo Switch, you’ll be able to keep track of your progress, and of course, you have the advantage of playing wherever you want.Why not check out our page loaded with Switch Game reviews.
What we love
- Huge world to explore for hours and hours of playtime
- Certain game modes, such as combat mode, vary throughout the game for a more thrilling experience
What We Don't Like That Much
- Tutorials don’t cover every aspect of the game so some extra time will be required to get to grips with all the fine details
6NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Break Open 4 Geodes Science Kit – Includes Goggles, Detailed Learning Guide and Display Stand - Great STEM Science Gift for Mineralogy and Geology Enthusiasts of any Age
Science lovers, aspiring archeologists, and those fascinated by rocks and gems will love this National Geographic Geodes Science Kit as it pushes them to explore the wonders of the Earth. With either a 2-geode kit, a 4-geode kit, or a 10-geode kit, you can uncover geodes from across the globe that are full of surprises once they are opened. The amethyst and quartz inside these geodes can explain how geodes form through volcanic activity and give your children a cool new gemstone to display.
What we love
- Goggles and a magnifying glass are included for detailed examination of the geodes
- The geodes included in the kit are not artificial but natural, making this a more authentic and educational tool
What We Don't Like That Much
- Does not include any hammer or mallet
7LEGO Architecture Shanghai 21039 Building Kit (597 Pieces)
This LEGO set is an exciting look into the architecture of Shanghai. With a skyline featuring a variety of buildings from the Chinese city, different building techniques and construction skills are showcased, giving origin to this unique scene. With famous structures such as the Chenghuang Miao Temple, the Longhua Temple, Bund area, and the Shanghai Tower, the kit offers a comprehensive look at the city of Shanghai as well as the characteristics of its building composition. The set comes with 597 pieces, delivering hours of exquisite fun that will challenge yours or your child’s skills for the ultimate reward.
What we love
- Complex superstructures included, challenging your skill level as LEGO builders
- Excellent to expose children to architecture and building techniques in other countries
What We Don't Like That Much
- Takes a while to put together but is very rewarding once it is finished
8Altair 818 Hornet Beginner Drone with Camera | Live Video Drone for Kids & Adults, 15 Min Flight Time, Altitude Hold, Personal Hobby Starter RC Quadcopter for All Ages (Yellow 818 Hornet)
If you want to capture exciting overhead video footage and enjoy flying your own gadgets, a drone is what you’re looking for. Built for rough kids and their adventures, the Altai 818 Hornet Beginner Drone comes equipped with a camera and is durable enough for continuous use. The drone has different flight modes, such as altitude hold, one-button takeoff, one-button landing, and headless mode, all of which make it easier for a child to fly and maneuver. The camera installed on the device is also high-quality with 720p HD technology, allowing for the production of superior content.
What we love
- The camera can snap photos and shoot videos
- This is a great drone for beginners, as it's quite effortless to learn how to handle
What We Don't Like That Much
- The battery only lasts about 10 minutes of continuous use
9LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall 75954 Building Kit and Magic Castle Toy, Fantasy Creatures, Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy and Hagrid (878 Pieces)
The LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall is a huge Harry Potter themed LEGO set, fit for any hardcore fan. With multiple pieces to build the real Hogwarts Great Hall, including a movable staircase, a treasure room and a potions room, this set will transport you and your kids to the set of their favorite magical school. Not only does it include the building pieces, but also 10 different LEGO figurines, featuring Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Draco Malfoy, making sure your Harry Potter adventure is complete.
What we love
- Instructions are broken down into easy-to-follow steps
- Very detailed, adding a bit of fun, challenging build time
What We Don't Like That Much
- Comes complete with almost every character, yet there is no Professor Snape
10[Upgraded] PROGRACE Kids Camera Waterproof Action Video Digital Camera 1080 HD Camcorder for Boys Toys Gifts Build-in Game (Green)
![B07DFHYJBR-[Upgraded] PROGRACE Kids Camera Waterproof Action Video Digital Camera 1080 HD Camcorder for Boys Toys Gifts Build-in Game (Green)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51-wA4IS1cL._SL500_.jpg)
The PROGRACE Kids Waterproof Action Video Digital Camera is a cool way for your kids to document their day-to-day adventures this summer. Available in a variety of styles and colors such as camo, blue, red and yellow, this digital camera is customizable and ready for action whenever required. With a camera mount, kids can attach the camera to any flat surface, such as skateboard decks, helmets and bikes, for breath-taking shots. It is also waterproof, dustproof, and constructed from antishock components that are able to withstand the frantic activities of young children while also capturing memorable moments.
What we love
- Comes with a rechargeable battery; ready for long adventures
- Can record continuously for up to one and a half hours at a time
What We Don't Like That Much
- SD cards may be difficult to remove, but that contributes to less damage to the card itself
11JLab JBuds Air True Wireless Signature Bluetooth Earbuds + Charging Case - Black - IP55 Sweat Resistance - Bluetooth 5.0 Connection - 3 EQ Sound Settings: JLab Signature, Balanced, Bass Boost
An amazing option for seamless audio listening, whether it be while exercising, gaming, or just casually listening, the JLab JBuds are a sleek pair of wireless earbuds that deliver great style along with excellent quality. With easy Bluetooth connection to any device, the earbuds can stay charged for up to 6 hours of nonstop playtime, as well as up to 18 hours stored within the included charging case. Volume and skip buttons are built into the buds, along with a microphone, making them an all-inclusive gadget that simplifies everyday living.
What we love
- Comes in sleek black, white, or black and gold
- Includes sweat resistant technology for scootering
What We Don't Like That Much
- You may have to switch out the silicone tips for a better fit, but it’s not difficult
12YouTube Starter Kit, Tubace Smartphone Video Microphone with Mini Tripod, Vlog YouTube Filmmaker Video Kit Compatible with iPhone 7 8 X XS MAX 11 Pro Samsung Huawei
As the rise of YouTube and YouTube creators continues to take the world by storm, children are becoming more and more interested with filming their lives and sharing it, expressing themselves creatively and reaching out to others through their work. The YouTube Starter Kit includes a smartphone holder, a shock mount tripod, and uni-directional microphone that attaches into any headphone jack. This all-inclusive kit allows kids to create their own video content with better quality than ever before.
What we love
- If a small camera is preferable to a smartphone, it can be attached to the tripod instead
- Comes with a windscreen and windshield for the microphone
What We Don't Like That Much
- May take an extra minute or so to sync the audio from the microphone with the video
13Pokémon TCG: Hidden Fates Elite Trainer Box, Multi
Pokémon cards are making a comeback, and the Pokémon TCG: Hidden Fates Elite Trainer Box is all you need to restart your Pokémon collection. The set contains 10 different Pokémon packs, all of which can potentially include a rare card. In the trainer box there are also 65 card sleeves, 45 Pokémon TCG energy cards, 6 damage-counter dice for gameplay, and 1 competition-legal coin flip die. Pokémon TCG is definitely an option to give serious consideration to for any Pokémon fan wanting to expand the collection.
What we love
- Said to be one of the best themed boxes for rare or cool cards
- Comes with a collector art foil card
What We Don't Like That Much
- Some of the packages are coming slightly opened, but not tampered with
14Nintendo Switch Lite - Turquoise
The Nintendo Switch has taken the world by storm by reinventing handheld gaming! The Nintendo Switch Lite is the newest version on the market, which introduces new colors as it provides practical alternatives to the old-fashioned bulky TV gaming systems. It offers the luxury of carrying your gaming library along while you travel as you’ll have the ability to play both digital and physical Switch games on the go. The new, sleek, beautifully designed Nintendo Switch Lite will deliver hours of fun for all gaming enthusiasts.
What we love
- Easy to hold, lighter and better for smaller hands
- Audio and video quality is better than ever
What We Don't Like That Much
- The system is a little fragile and prone to scratches, but no deal breaker
15Smart Watch for Kids - Kids Smartwatch Boys Girls Kids Smart Watches with Call Camera 7 Children Learning Games Alarm Clock Music Player Calculator for 4-12 Years Kids Electronic Learning Toys (Black)
In an age where people feel the need to stay connected to each other, the Smart Watch for Kids is a simple means with which to get your children used to having technology at their fingertips while also teaching them how to use it correctly. Your children’s smartwatch features everything they require out of the device: clock, alarm, phone functions, camera, games, and an SOS function for reaching emergency contacts. Available in black, blue. or pink to match your child's style, and it will not only keep them up to date but also protect them and keep them connected to you.
What we love
- Phone feature has great reception as well as good audio quality
- Comes with a decent amount of games, some of which are educational
What We Don't Like That Much
- SIM card must be purchased separately to actually use the phone function
16Magneto Slot Machine Longboard Skateboard (Slot-Machine)
This Magneto Slot Machine Longboard is a new type of longboard to discover this summer! By incorporating a patent-pending slot that runs the entire length of the board, the ability to turn and maneuver the board is enhanced, and the board is more aerodynamic. With the board's naturally curved deck, you can move smoothly as your feet bend comfortably with each turn. Furthermore, the board includes upgraded and higher quality bearings, which ensure a smooth ride and extra speed!
What we love
- The skate tool needed for adjustments is included with the board
- A layer of fiberglass is attached to the board for additional stability
What We Don't Like That Much
- Grip tape included was a bit off center, but can be easily repositioned
17Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kit Fast & Easy Fabric Designs 2 Minute Tie Dye, 4 Vibrant Colors, Tropical Fruit Punch
Tie Dye is becoming a pattern that is more and more in style as the years go on. Use the Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kit this summer while your kids are out of school and looking for something creative to do. It's great for dying things like t-shirts, socks, masks, or anything else your kids want to add some color to. Included are two containers meant for special 2-minute tie dye, as well as four easy-squeeze bottles containing brightly-colored dye, great for adding some pizzazz to your child’s wardrobe.
What we love
- After they have dried out, all of the dyes are safe to machine wash
- All of the colors stay vibrant and don’t fade, even after multiple washes
What We Don't Like That Much
- Microwave is needed if you want to do the 2-minute tie dye process
18Retevis RT38 Walkie Talkies for Kids,Toys with 22 CH Flashlight,USB Charging Port,Mini Hands Free Walkie Talkie Toy Gifts for Boys Girls Aged 6-12,Camping Hiking Outdoors(Blue, 2 Pack)
The Retevis Walkie Talkies for Kids are a fun, exciting way for your kids to stay in touch with their friends this summer. This slim and sleek pair of walkies comes in either red or blue, which makes them ideal for adventures since they can be easily carried along. For night time quests, the walkies come equipped with an external flashlight and a glowing screen.
What we love
- 22 channels and 121 codes for clear communication at all times
- Adjustable volume for enhanced hearing
What We Don't Like That Much
- Battery-powered and efficient, but does not come with a rechargeable battery
19HOVERSTAR Hoverboard HS 2.0v Chrome Color Bluetooth Flash Wheel with LED Light Self Balancing Wheel Electric Scooter (Chrome Green)
Available in either pink or purple, the HOVERSTAR Hoverboard HS 2.0v is a fun way to get around outside this summer. Equipped with LED flashing wheels and lights that line the front of the hoverboard, it is not just a fun way to move about, but a cool new gadget to show off to friends as well. The board is equipped with a lithium battery and constructed from heavy-duty material, all rigorously tested and approved by regulatory agencies to deliver a product which is safe to ride. Suitable for all ages, the HOVERSTAR Hoverboard is perfect for the summer season.
What we love
- Powered by a rechargeable battery
- A battery light indicator switches off when the juice is low
What We Don't Like That Much
- Can be a little loud, especially when riding indoors
20NERF Ultra Five Blaster -- 4-Dart Internal Clip, 4 Ultra Darts, Dart Storage -- Compatible Only Ultra Darts
The NERF Ultra Five Blaster is a high-powered NERF blaster to ramp up any NERF wars. With improved extreme-distance accuracy, and speed the new NERF Ultra darts are the furthest flying NERF darts ever made, traveling up to 120 feet. Not only that, but you can fire four darts in a row with the pump-action blasting mechanism. Those four darts can also themselves hold four darts at a time, so you’re always ready for a battle when trouble breaks out.If NERF is his thing, be sure to check out our other NERF reviews.
What we love
- Though the blaster shoots faster and further, the darts are still safe and don’t cause injury
- Since the accuracy is so good it is great for target practice
What We Don't Like That Much
- You have to remove the darts when it is not in use, or they may get damaged
21NERF Halo MA40 Motorized Dart Blaster -- Includes Removable 10-Dart Clip, 10 Official Elite Darts, and Attachable Rail Riser
This cool new NERF gun, modeled after the blaster in the Halo Infinite game, features motorized blasting that delivers an exciting new dimension to your NERF wars, as it shoots darts in rapid-fire sequence towards your opponents. The gun includes a set of ten special darts, all of which have a cool design based off the Halo green. NERF gear can also be attached to the rail riser, allowing you to customize the blaster to your child's preference. Check out our full review of the Halo MA40 including a video made by our reviewer Daniel.
What we love
- Comes with a game card to unlock a digital asset in the game
- Extremely detailed, bringing your child’s favorite game to life
What We Don't Like That Much
- Decently sized gun, but can be cumbersome for some children to handle
22Ravensburger Marvel Villainous: Infinite Power Strategy Board Game for Ages 12 & Up - The Next Chapter of Villainous
The Ravensburger game, Marvel Villainous, is a new card game where players can pick different Marvel villains, such as Thanos, Ultron, or Taskmaster. Each of them has his own powers and objectives during gameplay. With the Fate deck, the villains face off against Marvel heroes, moving their pieces and progressing through the game. An amazing gift for any Marvel fan, the game set will include five Villain characters, five villain guides, and five unique fate decks that will contribute towards hours of strategic gameplay.
What we love
- Comes equipped with a step-by-step rulebook, as well as an online video guide on YouTube
- All of the pieces are high quality and will last for years
What We Don't Like That Much
- Feels incomplete as a one against one game; the more players the better
23Altair AA102 RED RC Boat for Pools or Lakes [Ultra Fast Pro Caliber] Free Priority Shipping | Water Safety Propeller & Self Righting System | 2 Batteries Included | 30 km/h (Lincoln, NE Company)
![B088P7MJQN-Altair AA102 RED RC Boat for Pools or Lakes [Ultra Fast Pro Caliber] Free Priority Shipping | Water Safety Propeller & Self Righting System | 2 Batteries Included | 30 km/h (Lincoln, NE Company)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517KIZg228L._SL500_.jpg)
For a boat that can reach speeds of up to 30 km/h, the Altair AA102 Red RC Boat is ideal for play on the water, whether it be in a lake, river, or a pool. Built-in anti-capsize technology will prevent any damage to the boat as it speeds around. It also features an out-of-range alarm and a low battery alarm to prevent your boat from getting stranded. Ready to use right out of the box, this RC boat is ready for a summer of fun in the water.
What we love
- Its long range allows for sailing over long distances
- Two batteries are included for continuous operation
What We Don't Like That Much
- May have trouble connecting with the remote at some point, but is easy to troubleshoot
24Doom On You Card Game for Kids, Teens, Adults, Family, 3-6 Players
Doom on You is a fun new card game that challenges you and your family to be the last player standing, with food! Simple instructions ensure that players can quickly learn how to play using the special animal cards dealt to them, beating their rivals, and finishing with enough food to last them and their animals for another round. With the unexpected shake-ups from special cards like lightning and volcanoes, Doom On You is a thrilling new card game that offers twists and turns that will challenge your strategy and critical thinking skills!
What we love
- Two expansion packs are available for advanced gameplay
- The online quick demo video makes it easier to understand the dynamics of the game
What We Don't Like That Much
- Can be a bit competitive, which may make it hard for young kids
25Skateboard, 31"x8" Complete Skateboards for Girls Boys Adults Beginners, 7 Layer Canadian Maple Double Kick Deck Concave Standard Skate Boards Skateboard for Kids Ages 6-12 Teens
Featuring a seven-layer deck made from Canadian maple, this skateboard is a sturdy, safe way to learn to skate this season. High-quality trucks, antiskid grip tape, and antishock wheels with steel bearings, support your children’s learning as they practice new tricks, helping them turn easily and smoothly, as well as effortlessly ride their skateboard on pavements, at skate parks, and over ramps. Not only is the board sturdy, but it comes with a special design featuring the word “America”, which they can show off to friends and other riders.
What we love
- Board comes completely assembled, ready to ride out of the box
- Pattern on the back is printed with high quality colors that won’t fade easily
What We Don't Like That Much
- Trucks and bearings may arrive tight, but can be easily adjusted
26Pixicade: Transform Creative Drawings to Animated Playable Kids Games On Your Mobile Device - Build Your Own Video Game - Gifts for 10 Year Old Girl, Boys - Award Winning STEM Toys for Ages 6 - 12+
The Pixicade is an exciting new gadget that, using your child’s own creative drawings, can devise animated games and compose scenes on your mobile devices. As your children draw on the accompanying sketch pad and read through the two interactive books, full of detailed instructions on how the game design works, they will have plenty of opportunities to stay creative and occupied. Once the game is sketched, all that is required is to snap a picture, and it can be played on the phone or tablet, showing kids that they can create something unique.
What we love
- Includes five colored washable markers to draw on the pad
- All of the games are run through an app, compatible with most phones and tablets
What We Don't Like That Much
- Is not yet compatible with Kindle Fire tablets, but works wonderfully on others
27Towevine Water Gun Super Squirt Guns Water Soaker Blaster for Kids Adults Summer Outdoor Water Fighting Toy for Swimming Pool Party Garden Beach Sand Water Gun Toys Gifts for 8 9 10 11 12Kids(2-Pack)
Towevine's new Water Gun Super Squirt Gun features a brand new design and additional shooting power for a fun summer in the pool. Two water guns are included in this set, and each of them is equipped with five different sprinklers, allowing you to completely soak your opponent in one go. Ditch the old water guns with their slow filling time and short shooting range. These guns will outclass them any day and give you the edge in fantastic, high-powered water gun fights that will see you come out on top!
What we love
- Shoots water up to 36 feet, soaking your opponents
- Very lightweight and easy for small kids to handle
What We Don't Like That Much
- May leak if the closure mechanisms aren’t tight enough
In Conclusion
Being a 12-year-old boy in 2021 means having access to the kind of gadgets that James Bond himself would be envious of. So whether they’re exploring with their drone, searching for treasure with their metal detector, or starting up their YouTube channel, the toys on this list will have them ready for anything. Of course, 12-year-old boys aren’t quite as grown-up as they’d like you to believe. And neither are you, which is why we think your inner 12-year-old might be tempted to treat themselves (ie, you) to this Buttheads Fart Launcher 3000. Don’t pretend you’re not tempted… If you’re buying for a 12-year-old boy who is much too serious for that kind of nonsense, why not get some inspiration from our 10 Best Geology Kits for Kids, which might contain something more akin to their tastes?
