Best Christmas Gifts for 12 Year Olds in 2025
The holiday season is coming, and finding the best Christmas gifts for 12 year olds in 2025 can be a fun challenge. Twelve is that sweet spot – old enough for tech and trends, young enough to still love toys and games. This ultimate gift guide covers top gifts for 12 year olds in every category – from budget-friendly stocking stuffers to premium splurges. We’ll share Christmas gift ideas for tweens that include cool toys, educational kits, books, fashion, sports gear, creative kits and more. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking just the right present for the tween in your life!
Tech & Gadgets
Tech toys and electronics are always a hit for tweens who love gadgets. Tablets, smartwatches, and wireless headphones make great gifts (especially if you’re looking for Christmas gift ideas for tweens who love screen time). Look for durable kid-friendly devices with parental controls and fun features.
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition Tablet
A 10″ HD tablet made for kids (ages 6–12) with robust parental controls, a 13‑hour battery and kid-tough case. A great educational tablet preloaded with games and books.
VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2
A kids’ smartwatch with two cameras for selfies/videos, fitness tracker, games and safe messaging. It’s a fun, first “smart” watch that parents love for safety and kids love for cool tech.
JLab JBuddies Studio Kids Wireless Headphones
Volume-limited Bluetooth headphones made for kids. Ideal for music or gaming, these foldable headphones are both stylish and safe (with a built-in volume cap).
Sphero BOLT Programmable Robot Ball
This app-enabled robot ball is perfect for tweens interested in coding and robotics. They can drive it or program it (with block coding or JavaScript) to learn STEM skills hands-on.
These tech gifts are among the top gifts for 12 year olds, blending fun and learning. Look for features like durable design and educational apps to make sure your 12-year-old stays entertained and engaged.
STEM & Educational Kits
Encourage learning with gifts that inspire curiosity and creativity. STEM kits, science experiments, and robotics sets offer hours of hands-on fun. Tweens who love building and experimenting will enjoy these educational gift ideas.
Kids at this age often love exploring how things work. A science or engineering kit lets them build and experiment, boosting skills in coding, robotics, or chemistry. It’s one of the best ways to give a gift that’s fun and educational.
Snap Circuits Classic SC-300 Electronics Kit
A popular STEM kit with over 300 electronic projects (build lights, sounds, alarms and more by snapping pieces together). No soldering needed, great for beginners.
LEGO Technic NASA Mars Rover Perseverance
A 374-piece LEGO set that builds a realistic Mars Rover (complete with Ingenuity helicopter!). Young space enthusiasts can drive and display this detailed engineering build.
Bill Nye’s Rocket Lab VR Science Kit
A VR science kit where kids build a real rocket and use augmented reality to learn. (While not on Amazon, it’s a trendy STEM gift shown by experts to get kids excited about science.)
These kits nurture the budding scientist or engineer in your 12-year-old. They cover “STEAM” (science, tech, engineering, art, math) and make learning feel like a game – perfect for curious pre-teens.
Games & Family Fun
Family game night is a win-win gift – fun for kids and adults alike. Look beyond screen time to classic and new games that 12-year-olds can enjoy with friends and family. Fast-paced card and board games or active tabletop games make excellent gifts.
Games are cool Christmas Gifts for 12 Year Olds because this age group loves a bit of competition and teamwork. From card games to interactive party games, look for anything that gets kids off devices and interacting in person.
Pickleball Blast – The Pickle Smackdown Game
A family table-top game by Moose Toys. It brings the fun of pickleball indoors – kids smash plastic pickle balls across the table into jars. It’s energetic, quick to set up, and perfect for group play.
Mattel UNO Teams Card Game
The classic UNO game reimagined for teams. Kids pair up to match colors and play special cards like “Wild Team Play.” It’s simple, social, and great for 12-year-olds (and has an accessible “colorblind-friendly” design too).
Sixem: Sour Patch Kids Dice Game
A fast-paced dice game that doubles as a Sour Patch Kids branding. Roll dice to complete patterns on your sheet, then yell “Stop!” to freeze opponents. It combines strategy and speed in a sweet-sour theme, and is ideal for ages 12+.
Spikeball 3-Ball Roundnet Game
A viral outdoor game for two teams of 2. Hits around a small trampoline net; a hit family/picnic game. Active and competitive, it’s a blast for sporty tweens. (Also consider kid-friendly Nerf sports sets or tabletop ping-pong sets.)
Whether it’s high-energy or chill, these games make great Christmas gift ideas for tweens who love playing with others. They encourage social time (and might even keep devices at bay for a while!).
Toys & Building Sets
Building toys and hands-on kits are timeless tween gifts. Think LEGO sets, craft kits, and more – anything that lets a 12-year-old build, create and imagine. These also make excellent educational toys under the guise of play.
Twelve-year-olds still love hands-on toys, so include something like a large LEGO kit or a construction toy in your search for best Christmas gifts for 12 year olds in 2025. Parents often find success with sets that challenge them just enough without being frustrating.
LEGO Technic Porsche GT4 e-Performance Race Car
A detailed remote-control LEGO model of a Porsche GT4. Kids (age 10+) can build the car, then use the Control+ app to drive it. It’s a premium LEGO set that car enthusiasts will adore, and was highlighted as a top LEGO pick.
Hexbug Nano V2 Habitat Kit
A small robotic bug and maze kit. Kids can build maze tracks and watch the bug scurry through. It teaches simple circuits and is endlessly fascinating to tinker with.
Outdoor Play Set (e.g. Nerf sports)
While not a single toy, consider bundles like a Nerf baseball/football set or camping gear. These active toys encourage backyard play. For example, a Nerf Football and target set or starter baseball set can get tweens outside and moving.
From fancy LEGO builds to creative craft kits, these toys spark imagination and let kids make or design something of their own. They’re classic top gifts for 12 year olds, appealing to both boys and girls who still love to create with their hands.
Sports & Outdoor Gear
For active tweens, sports and outdoor gifts are a slam dunk. Gear for their favorite sport or outdoor game can excite a 12-year-old who loves to stay active. Plus, these gifts often get the whole family outside. So, this can be a great Christmas Gifts for 12-Year-Olds.
Physical activity is important for pre-teens, so gifts like sports equipment, scooters or even camping gear are winners. A new soccer ball or a pair of roller skates gets them outdoors and off screens.
Wilson Traditional Soccer Ball (Size 5)
A classic synthetic leather soccer ball. Great for the budding athlete or backyard play. Durable and sized for youth soccer, it’s an affordable gift that encourages active play.
Razor A2 Kick Scooter for Kids
A foldable aluminum kick scooter adjustable to their height. Perfect for neighborhood rides. Scooters are great for independent fun and exercise – a hit especially with boys who love action toys.
Basketball Hoop or Net Set
For younger teens, a simple basketball hoop set (adjustable height) or a tennis net can be great. (E.g., a Spalding adjustable basketball hoop for driveways.)
Skateboard or Rollerblades
If they showed interest in skating, consider a starter skateboard or inline skates with protective gear. (Brands like Razor or Rollerblade have beginner models.)
According to recent surveys, parents plan to spend hundreds on kids’ gifts, so you can find something sporty at any price point. Even a modest investment in gear (like <$50 balls or gloves) will be appreciated and used all year long.
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Books & Reading
Don’t overlook books! Many 12-year-olds love a good story, especially adventure or graphic novels that match their growing reading level. Books are great gifts that inspire imagination and can suit any interest. So, this can be a great Christmas Gifts for 12 Year Olds.
This tween years is perfect for popular middle-grade series. Give them an engaging book or series box set, and you might spark a lifelong reading habit. Mix classics and new hits for a well-rounded stack.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Book 1) by J.K. Rowling
The start of the beloved wizarding saga. Its blend of magic and adventure still hooks new readers at age 12. (Choose hardcover for a nicer gift presentation.)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Greek gods and modern myths. This series is a huge hit with tweens, especially boys. They’ll race through this adventurous first book and its sequels.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
An uplifting story about empathy and kindness, great for the more sensitive tween.
Graphic Novels (e.g. Dog Man, Amulet series)
Funny, illustrated reads like Dog Man by Dav Pilkey or Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi. These pull in reluctant readers and make great bedtime books.
A Subscription Box
Consider a book subscription box like OwlCrate Jr. or Literati, which sends age-appropriate books each month. It’s a gift that keeps giving year-round.
Well-chosen books are some of the best Christmas gifts for 12 year olds in 2025 because they entertain and educate. A mix of fantasy, humor, and heartwarming tales will cover all tastes.
Creative & DIY Kits
Boost creativity with crafts and DIY sets. Many tweens enjoy art projects, model kits, or anything they can make by hand. Craft kits let them design something unique – whether it’s jewelry, mini-models, or art projects.
Super Smalls Super Entrepreneur Bead Kit
A jewelry-making kit that encourages creativity and “entrepreneurship.” It has 600+ beads, charms, stretchy cord, a bead board and how-to guides. Kids can create bracelets or necklaces and learn about designing products – clever and fun!
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
A cute instant print camera for capturing memories. Tweens love snapping photos of friends, pets or cool moments, then decorating their room with the prints. Comes in fun colors and is very easy to use (perfect beginner “Polaroid” camera).
Crayola Inspiration Art Case (140 pieces)
A classic kit of crayons, colored pencils, markers and paper all in one carrying case. Great for the artistically inclined tween to doodle and color wherever inspiration strikes.
Art Supplies or Sewing/Crafting
Consider an advanced sketchbook with quality pencils, a leather-craft kit, or a beginning sewing kit. These tools help creative kids hone their hobbies.
These gifts show the recipient that you support their talents. Whether they end up selling bead bracelets or decorating their room with Instax photos, they’ll have fun expressing themselves.
Fashion & Accessories
Twelve-year-olds often start showing interest in style and trends. Small fashion gifts and accessories are fun ways to let them express themselves. Think jewelry, watches, or even room decor that reflects their personality.
Casio Digital Watch or Smartwatch
A cool watch can be exciting at this age. (See the tech section’s kid smartwatch above.) Classic Casio models are inexpensive and stylish.
Graphic Tee or Hoodie
A trendy T-shirt (with their favorite band, movie or color) or a cozy hoodie. (E.g., a Stranger Things or anime graphic shirt on Amazon.)
Room Decor
LED string lights, a fun alarm clock, or a novelty pillow can brighten their space.
Sneakers or Backpack
Possibly a pair of “light-up” sneakers or a backpack with a favorite theme (like sports or gaming). These are more premium gifts but very useful.
Keep it simple: accessories under $30 (cute jewelry, nail art kits) or splurges up to $50 (clothes, watches). These items are some of the “cool toys for 12 year olds” if they match the tween’s personal style.
Budget & Splurge Picks
Whether you’re shopping on a budget or ready to splurge, there’s something in this guide for you. The average parent plans to spend about $461 per child on holiday gifts, but you can easily find great picks under $50 and up to $200+.
Budget-Friendly (Under $25)
Card games (UNO Teams), art supplies (marker sets), books, small gadgets (Bluetooth earbuds), or STEM mini-kits (Snap Circuits Jr. or crystal growing kits). Even a monthly subscription (like Amazon Music or a video game pass) can be an affordable gift of entertainment.
Mid-Range ($25–$75)
The products listed above mostly fall here – tablets, scooters, larger LEGO sets. For example, the LEGO Porsche ($140) and Sphero BOLT ($130) are premium, but many items like smartwatches ($30–$50) and board games ($15–$30) fit mid-range budgets.
Splurge ($100+)
High-end tablets, VR kits (like Bill Nye VR kit ~$65 plus a smartphone), premium LEGO sets, or a new smartphone if you’re really upgrading. Even experience gifts (theme park passes, lessons or camp) count. A nicer camera (Instax Mini ~$70) or a bike can also be a big-ticket present.
No matter your budget, matching the gift to the kid’s interests and maturity is key. A thoughtfully chosen $30 gadget can be more memorable than a random $200 toy. Aim for a balance of fun and function.
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FAQs
Q: What is a good Christmas gift for a 12-year-old girl?
A: It depends on her interests, but creative and personalized gifts are popular for girls this age. Ideas include arts and crafts kits (like a jewelry-making set or painting supplies), STEM kits (like a coding robot), and trendy accessories (cute hair clips, a fun bag, or a beginner-friendly tablet). Many 12-year-old girls also love books by popular young authors or graphic novels, plus fashion gifts like a stylish hoodie or sneakers. If she likes music or videos, consider wireless headphones (volume-limited for safety) or an instant camera to capture memories. In short, think about her hobbies: art, science, reading, or fashion, and choose something that lets her express herself or learn new skills.
Q: What do 12-year-old boys like for Christmas?
A: Boys at 12 often enjoy active and tech gifts. Sports equipment (soccer ball, basketball hoop, Nerf blaster), building sets (LEGO Technic, model kits), and video games or accessories (headset, game gift card) are big hits. Gadgets like drones or science kits also excite boys in this age group. Many like tech toys (robots, coding kits) or ride-on toys (scooters, hoverboards). Again, consider his personality – a sporty boy might love a new skateboard, while a STEM-curious boy might love Snap Circuits or a robot. For either gender, gift cards to a favorite store (for clothes, games, or books) allow them to choose something they really want.
Q: What are Christmas gift ideas for tweens?
A: Tweens (ages ~10–12) have varied interests. Popular gift ideas include:
- Tech Gadgets: Tablets (Amazon Fire Kids), kid-friendly smartwatches, tablets.
- Toys & Games: LEGO sets (like Creator or Technic), board games (Catan, Ticket to Ride), card games (Uno Teams, Exploding Kittens).
- Educational Kits: Science experiment kits, math puzzle games (Turing Tumble), art sets, coding robots.
- Books & Media: Box sets of fantasy novels (Harry Potter, Percy Jackson), graphic novels (Dog Man), or book subscriptions. Movie or music gift cards also work.
- Fashion & Accessories: Cute backpacks, light-up sneakers, costume jewelry kits, or room decor (LED lights, posters).
- Sports & Outdoor: A new soccer ball, basketball, bike, skateboard, or outdoor game (Spikeball, frisbee).
- Creative Tools: Art supplies (sketchbooks, Cricut kits), camera (Instax), or beginner musical instruments (ukulele, keyboard).
Mix and match based on what the specific child enjoys. If they’re into gaming, a game-related gift is great; if they love science, a cool STEM toy is a win. The key is to pick something age-appropriate that matches their hobbies.
Q: What are cool toys for Christmas Gifts for 12-Year-Olds?
A: “Cool” is subjective, but in 2025 many kids are into:
- STEM & Tech Toys: Programmable robots (Sphero), VR science kits (Bill Nye Rocket Lab VR), or STEM challenge kits.
- Collectibles & Games: New board games (e.g., Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set), trading card games (Pokémon or Magic decks), or collectible figures (Funko Pop! sets).
- Outdoor Gadgets: Mini drones, electric scooters, or sports pack (NERF Extreme gear).
- Creative Gadgets: Instant cameras (Instax), DIY slushie or candy making kits, 3D pens.
- Classics with a Twist: LEGO sets aimed at older kids, higher-end puzzles, or RC cars.
Ultimately, the coolest toy is one that matches the child’s interests. A tween gamer might find a digital gift card or gaming console accessory awesome, while a science-loving child might find a solar robot kit incredibly cool.
Q: How much should I spend on a Christmas Gifts for 12-Year-Olds?
A: Gift budgets vary widely. Many parents report spending a few hundred dollars per child. You could buy multiple modest gifts ($20–$50 each) or one big gift (~$100+). Aim for a mix of price points: for example, one $100 tech gift, a $30 game, and a $10 fun stocking stuffer. Consider your family’s budget and your relationship to the child. Often the thought and relevance of a gift matter more than the price tag. There are great gift options at every budget – just pick something age-appropriate and engaging.
Q: What if the 12-year-old already has “everything”?
A: Go for experiences or consumable gifts. Examples: movie tickets, an art or science class, a gift card to a favorite store or app platform (Google Play/Amazon Games), or even a subscription box (like KiwiCo STEAM crates or an audiobooks service). You could also give personalized gifts (custom T-shirts, engraved water bottles) or DIY “coupon” gifts (for a day out together). For tweens, sometimes a new video game or the latest book in a series they love can feel like something “new.” The key is knowing their current interests and picking something that either adds to that interest or offers a fresh experience.
Choosing the right gift depends on the individual, but with this guide you have Christmas gift ideas for tweens across all interests and budgets. From tech gadgets and cool toys for 12 year olds to best gifts for pre-teens in fashion, sports, and education, we’ve covered it all. With these ideas, you’ll be ready to wrap up the perfect Christmas Gifts for 12-Year-Olds in 2025!
