Ages 12

Gifts for 12-year-olds

A twelve-year-old's interests are a better starting point than a generic tween gift label. Look for a project they would choose, a game that works with their friends, or a specific addition to equipment they already use.

Before choosing from this collection

Browse all gifts →

Ask for a specific next step

Someone who already draws may prefer a particular material to an introductory assortment. A builder may want a display model or a reusable system. Ask what they would make next and what they already own so the gift extends an interest instead of restarting it.

Check the social arrangement

A strategy game needs an interested group and time to learn it. A video game may support online friends without offering shared-screen play at home. Ask how the recipient expects to use it, then verify player modes, hardware and format for the exact edition.

Include the ownership costs

Refill materials, controllers and a compatible device can change the real cost of a project or game. Read the product's requirements before spending the entire budget on the headline item. For an unfamiliar hobby, a complete starter activity can be more useful than an accessory that needs a missing base set.

Compare 3 examples from this shelf

LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box

Manufacturer lists ages 4–99

Choose it for: The builder enjoys supplying the idea as well as assembling it.

Consider another option if: The gift needs to deliver one particular character or realistic model.

Read the review and sources →

Slackers Ninjaline Intro Kit

Amazon listing: ages 5+

Choose it for: A climbing enthusiast has a willing adult and a confirmed suitable site.

Consider another option if: The recipient's household has not agreed to install and maintain it.

Read the review and sources →

Crayola Inspiration Art Case

Crayola: ages 4+

Choose it for: The child already draws and would use several media.

Consider another option if: Their existing supplies are plentiful and they need a new project instead.

Read the review and sources →

For a closer comparison: Video Games for Kids: Choose by Console, Age, and Players →

LEGO Creator Beautiful Dolphins 31385: product photograph from Target.

Gift ages 9–12

LEGO Creator Beautiful Dolphins 31385

An ocean-themed build that doubles as a shelf display.

★ 5.0 · 40 Target ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. $25–$50Screen-freeSome setupQuiet

See the details →

Razor A Kick Scooter — Red: product photograph from Target.

Gift ages 5–12

Razor A Kick Scooter — Red

A compact two-wheel scooter for children already comfortable balancing.

★ 4.6 · 1,855 Target ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. $25–$50Screen-freeLow setupQuiet

See the details →

Micro Maxi Kick Scooter with LED Wheels: photograph of the linked Amazon edition.

Gift ages 5–12

Micro Maxi Kick Scooter with LED Wheels

A premium three-wheel option for school-age riders who prefer a stable platform.

★ 4.8 · 2,977 Amazon ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. $100+Screen-freeLow setupQuiet

See the details →

Creativity for Kids Glow-in-the-Dark Rock Painting: product photograph from Target.

Gift ages 6–12

Creativity for Kids Glow-in-the-Dark Rock Painting

A craft kit with enough rocks to share and a finished object to keep.

★ 4.7 · 364 Target ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. under $25Screen-freeLow setupQuiet

See the details →

Rainbow Loom MEGA Combo Set: photograph of the linked Amazon edition.

Gift ages 7–12

Rainbow Loom MEGA Combo Set

A bracelet-making kit with a loom, organizer, and more than 7,000 bands.

★ 4.8 · 6,719 Amazon ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. under $25Screen-freeLow setupQuiet

See the details →

Melissa & Doug Flower Fleece Quilt Kit: product photograph from Target.

Gift ages 6–12

Melissa & Doug Flower Fleece Quilt Kit

A substantial no-sew project with a usable result.

★ 4.6 · 39 Target ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. $25–$50Screen-freeSome setupQuiet

See the details →

Stomp Rocket Dueling Rocket Launcher: product photograph from Target.

Gift ages 5–12

Stomp Rocket Dueling Rocket Launcher

Two launch pads turn a familiar stomp rocket into a shared outdoor challenge.

★ 4.5 · 363 Target ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. under $25Screen-freeLow setupQuiet

See the details →

Bearington Rainbow Shimmers Unicorn — 10 Inches: photograph of the linked Amazon edition.

Gift ages 3–12

Bearington Rainbow Shimmers Unicorn — 10 Inches

A white plush unicorn with rainbow details for cuddling and invented stories.

★ 4.8 · 8,242 Amazon ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. $25–$50Screen-freeNo setupQuiet

See the details →

LEGO Creator Medieval Dragon 31161: product photograph from Target.

Gift ages 9–12

LEGO Creator Medieval Dragon 31161

A bigger fantasy creature project for a builder who wants both detail and posing.

★ 4.8 · 75 Target ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. $50–$100Screen-freeSome setupQuiet

See the details →

National Geographic Earth Science Kit: photograph of the linked Amazon edition.

Gift ages 8–12

National Geographic Earth Science Kit

An Earth science activity kit with volcano, crystal, tornado, and excavation projects.

★ 4.7 · 17,435 Amazon ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. $25–$50Screen-freeSome setupQuiet

See the details →

LEGO Creator Space Astronaut 31152: photograph of the linked Amazon edition.

Gift ages 9–12

LEGO Creator Space Astronaut 31152

A three-in-one building set that becomes an astronaut, space dog, or space jet.

★ 4.8 · 1,209 Amazon ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. $25–$50Screen-freeSome setupQuiet

See the details →

LEGO City Express Passenger Train 60337: product photograph from Target.

Gift ages 7–12

LEGO City Express Passenger Train 60337

A substantial build-and-run train gift with track and passenger scenes included.

★ 4.5 · 113 Target ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. $100+Screen-freeMore setupModerate noise

See the details →

Makeblock mBot Robot Kit: product photograph from Makeblock.

Gift ages 6–12

Makeblock mBot Robot Kit

An entry-level build-and-code robot for a child who wants to see the electronics.

★ 4.8 · 460 Makeblock ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. $50–$100Uses techMore setupModerate noise

See the details →

Makeblock mBot2 Coding Robot: product photograph from Makeblock.

Gift ages 8–12

Makeblock mBot2 Coding Robot

A more capable coding project for children ready to explore sensors as well as movement.

★ 4.9 · 173 Makeblock ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. $100+Uses techMore setupModerate noise

See the details →

Makeblock mBot Ranger 3-in-1 Robot Kit: product photograph from Makeblock.

Gift ages 8–12

Makeblock mBot Ranger 3-in-1 Robot Kit

A mechanical step up for a child who wants to rebuild the robot itself.

★ 4.8 · 138 Makeblock ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. $100+Uses techMore setupModerate noise

See the details →

Makeblock mBot Ultimate 10-in-1 Robot Kit: product photograph from Makeblock.

Gift ages 12–16

Makeblock mBot Ultimate 10-in-1 Robot Kit

A serious robotics project for an older child already interested in mechanisms and coding.

★ 4.7 · 99 Makeblock ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. $100+Uses techMore setupModerate noise

See the details →

Sphero Mini Robot Ball — Blue: product photograph from Sphero.

Gift ages 8–12

Sphero Mini Robot Ball — Blue

A tiny rolling robot for app-based coding challenges in a small space.

★ 4.5 · 323 Best Buy ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. $50–$100Uses techSome setupModerate noise

See the details →

SmartGames IQ Love product and packaging

Gift ages 7–12

SmartGames IQ Love

Travel board, jewel pieces and 120 challenges with solutions.

★ 4.8 · 441 Amazon ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. under $25Screen-freeNo setupQuiet

See the details →

SmartGames IQ Six Pro product and packaging

Gift ages 8–12

SmartGames IQ Six Pro

Travel case, 12 hexagonal pieces and 120 challenges across three play modes.

★ 4.8 · 362 Amazon ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. under $25Screen-freeNo setupQuiet

See the details →

SmartGames Cats & Boxes product and packaging

Gift ages 7–12

SmartGames Cats & Boxes

Lidded puzzle board, cats, movable boxes and 60 challenges.

★ 4.8 · 844 Amazon ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. under $25Screen-freeNo setupQuiet

See the details →

SmartGames IQ Fit product and packaging

Gift ages 6–12

SmartGames IQ Fit

Compact case, three-dimensional puzzle pieces and 120 challenges.

★ 4.7 · 2,291 Amazon ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. under $25Screen-freeNo setupQuiet

See the details →

SmartGames IQ XOXO product and packaging

Gift ages 6–12

SmartGames IQ XOXO

Travel board, ten double-sided pieces and 120 challenges.

★ 4.8 · 2,288 Amazon ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. under $25Screen-freeNo setupQuiet

See the details →

SmartGames Squirrels Go Nuts! product and packaging

Gift ages 6–12

SmartGames Squirrels Go Nuts!

Sliding squirrel puzzle, travel case and 60 challenges.

★ 4.7 · 1,282 Amazon ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. under $25Screen-freeNo setupQuiet

See the details →

SmartGames Jump In' product and packaging

Gift ages 7–12

SmartGames Jump In'

Rabbits, foxes, mushrooms, lidded board and 60 challenges.

★ 4.7 · 879 Amazon ratings Snapshot: 2026-09-05

Est. under $25Screen-freeNo setupQuiet

See the details →