At 12 years old, your boy is growing up right before your eyes. While the preferences and interests of all kids at this age may be different, there are also many things they have in common. If you're struggling to find ways to keep your pre-teen engaged, this list of the best toys for 12-year-old boys may help.
From outdoor doors to exciting board games, there are plenty of opportunities for your child to play with age-appropriate toys and activities. Keep reading to find out more about ways to engage with your child.
Ways to Engage Your 12-Year-Old Boy
Believe it or not, play is still important for your child, even at 12 years old. Depending on your pre-teen’s temperament, you might feel like they don’t play as much as they used to. While play might look different at this age, it’s still important for them to be creative, use their imagination, and spend time exploring outdoors.
There are numerous developmental milestones your boy is reaching at this age, and knowing what they’re currently learning and dealing with can help you connect with them.
At 12-years-old, most boys will start to:
- Practice problem-solving
- Shift from concrete thinking to abstract
- Understand cause and effect
- Play sports effectively
- Become aware of whether they’re liked or accepted
- Feel a wide range of feelings on any given day
While this can be a challenging time for pre-teens, your understanding and support can make a big difference in how they view themselves and the world around them.
As they continue to develop their own interests and hobbies, you can support them in their journey by providing them with toys, games, and puzzles that allow them to practice all the skills they’re learning.
Foldable Mini Drone
Drones are an excellent choice for older boys and they come in so many varieties. This foldable mini nano drone from the Holy Stone Store is a great choice even for beginners. It’s simple to control and your 12-year-old will learn how to fly it in no time.
The Foldable Mini Drone has an altitude hold function which allows them to release the throttle and keep the drone hovering at that height. It’s also easy to carry around and travel with because it folds into the controller. There are many other functions of this small but mighty drone like the headless mode, one key return, and one key take-off.
- Foldable and easy to carry
- Includes numerous functions
- Perfect for beginners
Bow and Arrow Set
This Bow and Arrow Set is perfect for active boys who love playing sports. Get your child outdoors with this archery set. It comes with a detachable target stand, 2 bows, and 14 arrows. The suction cup arrows make it fun for practicing but also safe for kids around this age.
The arrows and bows are also made out of durable materials to keep your child safe. The set comes with LED lights so that it can be used outdoors later in the day or even in a low-light room.
- Perfect for active kids
- Great for independent play
- Helps with hand-eye coordination
Hand-Controlled Hover Ball
Your 12-year-old boy will be amazed by this Hand-Controlled Hover Ball from the Ciniffo Store. This flying orb ball has a powerful engine and functions based on aviation flight principles, leading to numerous flight modes. It’s great for playing, but it also provides an opportunity to learn about STEM, and even to work on hand-eye-coordination.
When playing with the Hover Ball, your child can control the ball to make it float, glide, or climb in the air. They can also practice throwing it and watching it fly back, almost like a boomerang. It’s a neat toy that your child will love and it’s perfect for playing with friends or siblings as well.
- A flexible, lightweight, and durable flying orb is perfect for playing outside.
- Use your hands to guide it through the air or as a boomerang.
- In-depth instructions teach your child many different ways to engage with this toy.
- This toy is made of durable and safe material.
STEM 13-in-1 Solar Power Robots
When you hear the phrase Solar Power Robots, you know it’s going to be a fun toy for your growing boy. This 13-in-1 STEM Robotics Kit comes with the materials and detailed instructions for your child to build 13 different robots. All parts are included from the gears to the tires.
Your child can also easily disassemble the pieces to rebuild something new. All materials from the Solar Power Robots are non-toxic and made to last. It’s a great project for you to do together with your kids or for them to learn and practice independently.
- Increases STEM knowledge
- Create up to 13 different robots
- Durable, smooth, and safe for young children
- Teaches about solar energy
- Ignites imagination, creativity, critical thinking skills, and more
Punching Bag Set
Staying active is an important part of play as a 12-year-old boy. This Punching Bag Set from the GaHoo Store is a great way to encourage your child to exercise. Boxing has numerous benefits and this set gives children an age-appropriate introduction to the sport.
The Punching Bag Set is easy to set up and it comes with everything they need, including the inflatable punching ball, an adjustable stand, and boxing gloves. It also includes the pump you need to set up the punching ball and easily refill it.
- Easy to set up
- Perfect for exercise and staying active
- Comes with everything they need to get started
Science Magic Kit
For kids who love science, this Science Magic Kit from National Geographic is a great way to help them learn. It combines the best parts of science and magic for a fun and educational experience. The Science Magic Kit includes 10 science experiments including a coin float, snow experiment, and more.
While learning about science, your child also gets to perform a magic trick with each experiment. They’ll love showing off their skills to family and friends. This kit has everything your child needs to get started and includes a one-of-a-kind experiment guide with detailed instructions.
- Includes 10 Amazing Magic Tricks
- Perfect for STEM learning
- Comes with all the tools you need
Shape Shifting Box
Looking for a unique puzzle toy for your 12-year-old? This Shape Shifting Box is an awesome toy your child will love. This award-winning puzzle box includes magnets that allow it to transform into other 70 shapes.
The surface is durable and high-gloss to prevent tearing. Depending on the preference of your child, there are numerous varieties and designs to choose from with other 15 different patterns. Since they’re magnetized, you can also connect multiple Shape Shifting Boxes to create larger structures.
- Comes in a variety of patterns and colors
- Includes 4 unique patterns
- Can transform into over 70 shapes
4 in 1 STEM Kit
Another great way for your child to play and learn is this 4-in-1 STEM Kit. This wooden craft building kit includes the materials to make 3D wooden puzzles with safe, pollutant-free wood. All of the parts of this building kit are laser-cut with smooth edges for safety.
The 4-in-1 STEM Kit includes the pieces for your child to assemble 4 different models. It also comes with instructions so they can work with you or independently to assemble each model. It’s a great way to teach them to follow instructions and practice hand-eye coordination.
- Great for STEM learning
- High quality materials
- Includes 4 different model styles
Think2Master United States Puzzle
The Think2Master United States Puzzle is a fun and educational toy for your child. Puzzles can already be a lot of fun, but this puzzle teaches your child about each US state while they put the pieces together. There are 252 pieces in all, making it challenging enough to keep your child engaged.
The United States Puzzle also includes colorful artwork and the capitals of each state listed on the map. They can also learn about important landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Mount Rushmore.
3D Wooden Brain Teaser Puzzle
The 3D Wooden Brain Teaser Puzzle is another challenging and educational puzzle for your 12-year-old boy to enjoy. The wooden t-shape puzzles provide them with hours of fun and even once they figure it out, they can put it back together and keep playing.
The design encourages your child to learn about spatial skills, creative thinking, and problem-solving. Additionally, the cube comes with 54 pieces and it’s a great way to reduce stress.
Choosing the Best Toys for 12-Year-Old Boys
While your 12-year-old boy might act like he's too cool for school, he's still a kid and play is still important. As a parent, your support makes a huge difference even if your child doesn't realize it yet. One simple way to support your child is by finding age-appropriate toys and activities for him to enjoy.
This list of the best toys for 12-year-old boys gives you plenty of options for a birthday or just for a surprise. No matter what you choose, all of these toys are great options for your pre-teen.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Studio Romantic/Shutterstock.com.