91 Affordable Gifts for 12 Year Old Boys That Don’t Suck

Let them see how it used to be with this sensational upright arcade machine which is programmed with an incredible 3016 games, and can have customized artwork as an optional extra.

It’s no secret that getting a pre-teen to clean is an uphill struggle, but with this novelty gift they won’t need much encouragement. Hidden within is a $1, $5, $10, $20, or $50 bill – all they have to do is use the soap until they can reach the envelope inside.

If your boy likes nothing better than tinkering around with machines, this kit will make an exceptional gift idea. He can build his own duel overhead cam V8 Engine model that actually works, so he can see from the start how an internal combustion engine is built and runs.

This bedside lamp does the job of five different gadgets – alarm, lamp, clock, speaker, and MP3 player. He can change the colors (48 colors available), adjust the brightness, listen to music or audio books, and even answer calls, all while being soothed by the relaxing, calm glow.

This retro-inspired pixel art game will make a fun gift for 12 year old boys who like to dabble with design. Based on an old school model, this cute gadget allows users to create their own pixel pictures, as well as wake them up, check the weather, and other cool functions.

Curious kids will spend hours poring over the answers in this incredible book. ‘What if?’ includes some of the most absurd and seemingly impossible-to-answer questions, along with scientifically researched answers which have been garnered through computer simulations, military research, complicated math equations, and more. Based on Randall Munroe’s webcomic.

Make him work hard for his money by hiding it inside the Enigma Discovery Puzzle Box. Made from wood and lightweight but sturdy, you can slide cash in through the slot, and then leave him to figure out how to open it to reach the prize inside. Solution is included.

If you were to ask someone to guess how many coins are in a jar, they would probably get it wrong. With this savings jar, savers can keep an eye on the amount of money they are saving thanks to the digital LCD display. Ideal if you are looking for gifts for 12 year old boys.

Sparks will fly when he straps on a pair of these incredible heel wheels. Adjustable to fit sizes US youth 12 to adult 12, these Razor Jetts are easy to fit and include replaceable spark pads, which throw out the coolest sparks when they come into contact with the ground.

Winner of more than 50 awards, this LittleBits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit will introduce kids to coding in a fun and educational way. First they build their droid, and then learn to control it via their android or iPhone device, with more than 20 missions to ‘teach’ their creation.

Totally gross, 12 year old boys will absolutely adore ‘What’s That Smell?’, the hilarious game which sees players identifying nice and nasty smells, with the loser sniffing the worst ones of all.

Incredibly stable to ride thanks to the low-to-the-ground design, this recumbent trike is designed for use on flat terrain and is steered by a joystick for an additional fun factor.

Try telling a pre-teen how to behave and he’ll promptly do the opposite. But buy him a book with the title ‘How Not to be a D*ck’ and he’ll be all over it! Packed with advice on etiquette, this book will prepare him for life with its no-nonsense text and illustrations.

Keep him active even after dark with Pindaloo. Using the clear plastic half pipe, players can juggle the red and blue LED balls as they catch them with one end and toss them with the other, with the added fun of bright, glowing lights. Visually fascinating, it’s ideal for the whole family.

Choose either a one time purchase or a rolling subscription and watch as you make your 12 year old happier than ever. Filled with a huge variety of some of the very best snacks available right now, the Hangry Kit will be there waiting whenever those troublesome tummy rumbles come calling.

Fun, yet useful, these lazy glasses are perfect for the little one that loves to watch TV in bed. With these cool glasses on, the user will be able to lay flat whilst still having a wonderful view of the screen thanks to the specially designed prism. Comfortable and worth a look.

If his technology is of the Apple variety, this charging station will keep all his gadgets close at hand as well as neat and tidy, with no cords trailing about. Compatible with Qi-enabled phones, iWatches, AirPods, and Pencils, this stand will charge them all, and then fold away when not in use.

Have you seen or read the first Harry Potter story? If so, you will know a lot about wizard’s chess. From The Noble Collection comes this officially licensed Harry Potter Wizard’s Chess set that is simply awesome to play and looks so so cool! Perfect for playing or even just displaying.

Fill this pod with whatever gift you want to give him, and then set your own code that he’ll have to crack before he can get to the prize. Much more fun than just giving cash, the reusable Puzzle Pod will make him work for the goods in a stimulating way.

Take the legwork out of skateboarding with this rad remote control version. The deck is made with 7-ply maple wood and comes with a wireless remote control so boarding to school is easy. With three speeds of 10, 15, and 20KM/H, a full charge takes just 2 hours to complete.

12 year old boys will enjoy designing and building their own wooden catapults before engaging in combat with the opposing team, to see who can launch their beanbags the furthest.

If his idea of an awesome robot is one with four wheels, the Sphero RVR is definitely the one for him. Ready assembled so the fun can begin straightaway, this incredibly cool car can be customized with the different sensors included as he learns how to make it do his bidding.

Just like the original, only better, the Polaroid Originals Now I-Type Instant Camera adds nostalgia to modern photography. With autofocus for clear photos and a self-timer so everyone can get in on the action, this camera comes in seven great colors, and will give him iconic Polaroid photos in seconds.

A matter of minutes inside this charging case, and the included Apple AirPods will be charged and ready to go, whether that’s playing music or connecting with Siri.

Selfies and group photos are all well and good, but they just stay in his phone or on a memory stick, never to be seen again. Give him the pleasure of real, physical photos with the Fujifilm instax Mini 9. Available in 14 different colors, the camera will produce wallet-sized prints instantly.

Fidget Toys have come a long way since spinners, and this one is truly spectacular. Beautifully colored and designed, the Shashibo Cube is fitted with 36 rare earth magnets that allow users to create more than 70 shapes and configurations while keeping their hands busy. Further sets can be added for bigger models.

Save walls (and lives) with a dartboard which uses magnets, not sharp tips! Fun for all, this board comes with 6 safe magnetic darts so they can perfect their aim without pain.

If he always has his head in the clouds, give him the means to see what’s above them with this powerful 70mm Travel Scope. Perfect for beginners, this portable telescope will give him clear views of the sky at night, and allow him to see far away objects during the day.

There are certain times in a 12 year old boy’s life when he should be left to his own devices, and playing on his chosen platform is one of them. These socks will act as the perfect deterrent to parental and sibling intrusions as he puts his feet up to play.

Like volleyball but different, Spikeball is the fast and furious game which sees teams competing to bounce the ball off the horizontal net to catch the other side out.

If he’s going to spend hours gaming, at least make sure he’s doing it in comfort with the Ferghana Video Gaming Chair. Available in a range of color options, the chair reclines, swivels, adjusts, and even has a retractable footrest and a USB powered lumbar massage cushion to ease lower back pain.

He’ll get a shock, literally, when he starts playing with Lighting Reaction Reloaded because this game rewards those with the slowest reactions with jolt of electricity! Not as horrific as it sounds, of course, players must move fast when the light turns green or things are going to get real shocking.

Has he always wanted a drum kit but you were worried about the noise? Well, with the Alesis Ultra-Portable Electronic 4 Tabletop Kit, he can drum his way through the day without you hearing a thing. With 70 sounds, coaching, and a game function, it also comes with a headphone output for total privacy.

The game of Fortnite spawned some of the most interesting characters from the world of gaming, and young artists will find this book invaluable for learning how to draw them perfectly. Containing step-by-step instructions for 35 of the best characters, this book will give them another skill to learn and master.

Joke-loving kids will get a real giggle out of The Don’t Laugh Challenge. Aimed at 12 year olds, this edition of the game challenges players to keep a straight face while their opponents tell jokes and act out silly scenarios pulling the funniest faces they can muster.

Fancy dress parties can be a bit of a chore when it comes to choosing costumes. Solve the struggle with an inflatable sumo wrestling kit which comes with its own built-in fan.

Encourage a love of geology with this awesomely cool rock tumbling kit from National Geographic, which will enable kids to take any stone and polish it to gemstone perfection.

Christmas isn’t the only time to have decorative lights around the home – these LED light strips will add color and ambience all year round. This 25ft or 50ft lighting can be used for walls, shelves, TVs, or anywhere else, and comes with a remote control to adjust both the brightness and color.

Would the 12 year old in your life love to fly? Help them reach the skies by introducing them to one of these Syma remote controlled helicopters. Great to look at, this chopper has been designed to be simple to fly and is a great beginner aircraft for RC aviation fans everywhere.

The Plankpad makes exercising so much fun that he’ll never feel bored while working out. Compatible with iPads, iPhones, and android devices, the Plankpad lets users play games while perfecting their own plank position to build muscles, burn fat, and ward off back pain by strengthening abs and back.

This translucent cube is not only gorgeous to look at, but it also incorporates 6 different puzzles which become more difficult to solve as each one is completed.

Kids with an interest in gaming will love putting this incredibly detailed LEGO kit together, because it builds into an astonishing replica of the Nintendo Entertainment System. With 2646 pieces included, the TV comes with a scrollable moving screen, and a LEGO Mario minifigure will react if inserted into the top.

Nothing fills a gamer’s heart with joy more than a lit screen, so make him smile every time he has a hot drink with this heat-changing mug which features a classic Gameboy console.

It doesn’t matter what kind of ball he has, the Louisville Slugger is up to the challenge! From hardballs to volleyballs, this speed-adjustable machine will pitch them again and again for consistent practice.

Protect his ears as well as his eyes with a pair of these uber cool shades. Fitted with Bose open ear headphones in the arms, these Bluetooth sunglasses block up to 99.99% of harmful rays, and allow him to listen to music discreetly while also being aware of his surroundings.

Whether his game tends to go on after dark or he spends hours practicing his skills, this light-up soccer ball will give him extra time. Fitted with two Hi Bright LED bulbs, the size 5 ball will light up as soon as it’s bounced, and switch off after 30 seconds of inactivity.

Slacklining is the art of being able to walk, run, or balance on a length of flat webbing, suspended between two points. Give your child the opportunity to learn this absorbing skill with a Slackline kit. Made to attach to two trees, this kit is ideal for beginners through to improvers.

Okay, so these Activ Life Bike Wheel Lights will help keep him safe at night, but they’re also super cool and will make him the envy of all his mates. Made to fit 12” to 29” wheels, no tools are required to fit these lights as they’re attached using silicone bands.

It’s the stuff nightmares are made of, unless you’re a 12 year old boy! ‘Trapped In a Video Game – The Complete Series’ is a boxset of five books by Dustin Brady, which put readers right in the middle of the action as hero Jesse fights droids, monsters, and other video game nasties.

Brain Fart is so much fun to play, as each player tries to think of an item beginning with the designated letter, in the categories displayed on the dice. Confused? You will be!

Drawing with a mouse is never going to produce great results, so give him the means to digitally draw the natural way – with a pen. Pressure sensitive and with a pen-on-paper feel, this pen and tablet set plugs into a device via USB-A, and can be set for left or right-handed use.

Make sure he’s warm when he’s playing outdoors with this incredibly soft fleece pullover. Printed in a variety of different colorways, this galaxy-inspired sweater comes with two side pockets to keep his hands warm, and a generously-sized hood for warmth and comfort.

Make sure his drinking water is always fresh and clean with a LARQ self-cleaning bottle. Insulated to keep drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 12, the LARQ bottle uses UV-C LED to kill bacteria and viruses automatically every two hours, or more frequently with the touch of a button.

He won’t have to come in once the sun goes down, thanks to the GlowCity light up football. Fitted with a super bright LED light for after dark play, the ball will stay lit for the duration of the game, and switch off after 30 seconds of inactivity.

Give him a hobby with a bit of a difference by gifting him this Smart Ukulele. App enabled, this instrument features 72 fretboard lights so he can follow along with his fingers while watching the instructional videos. Perfect for beginners, the set comes with everything he’ll need to get started straightaway.

As they approach the teenage years, they want to spend more time with their friends, and music can play a huge part of that. The Bose SoundLink Color II is a fully portable and lightweight speaker that can accommodate wireless calls up to 30 feet away, and is water resistant for poolside fun.

He’ll be able to let everyone know just how grateful they should be for his presence when he’s wearing this funny t-shirt. Made from 90% USA-grown cotton, this tee comes in a sport gray and is printed with ‘I paused my game to be here’ in large letters across the front.

If he wants to workout, make sure he does it correctly and efficiently with the Perfect Pushup System. With ergonomic grips that help to distribute the weight evenly, this system rotates during exercises to encourage more muscle activation, and adheres to hard floors securely so he’s protected from slipping mishaps.

The perfect way to while away the time, this wooden hookey board can be hung both indoors and out, and comes with 12 rings so it’s ready to play straight out of the box.

Half card game and half dodgeball, Throw Throw Burrito is a chaotic game for all the family. Brought to you by the makers of Exploding Kittens, this crazy game sees players trying to match cards before their opponents do, while also dodging the foam burritos that their enemies are lobbing.

Buddha Boards are a great way to both relieve stress and practice artistic skills without wasting paper (or leaving evidence behind!), as every picture drawn disappears slowly as the water evaporates.

Brought to us by Think Fun, the Gravity Maze is an award winning strategy STEM game that is sure to engage, excite, and educate children. It is no wonder this game won the Toy of the Year award as it is simply awesome. With tons of challenges included, it is impossible to get bored.

Lovers of Minecraft will be delighted to add this sword to their collection. Ideal as part of a fancy dress costume, or just as a collector’s item, this officially licenced sword measures approx. 2 feet in length, and is lightweight but sturdy so is suitable for younger role players too.

This Mindstorms LEGO kit can be built into one of 17 different robot designs, which can then be programmed to walk and talk, as well as play games and perform different tasks.

If he uses lockers at school or at the gym or pool, the Tapplock Keyless Smart Padlock is the convenient way of keeping his things safe, without the need for keys. Using a fingerprint, Morse code, or Bluetooth, this padlock will run for up to 8 months on just one 2 hour charge.

The ideal gift for 12 year old boys who like to use their brains as well as their hands, the Spin Master Games Perplexus Beast will keep them enthralled for hours. With more than 100 obstacles for them to overcome, the aim is to get the ball through the mazes and out the other side.

Make his commute to school or after-school clubs easier with the Segway Ninebot eKickScooter. Travelling up to 6.3 miles on one single charge, the Segway Ninebot can reach speeds of up to 10 MPH, and yet folds so it’s easy to carry or pack in the trunk of the car.

Encourage cooperation while he’s having fun with Spaceteam. Every player is on the same team, and all 3-6 members must work together to fix the malfunction on their space ship before time runs out. Fast-paced and potentially loud and frantic, it’s the perfect gift for pre-teen boys.

Gaming computers are great, and if your kid prefers playing their games on PC as opposed to a console, then this keyboard is the best gift that you could buy. Great to look at, it benefits from LED backlights that will illuminate their desk in the best way possible! Go on, light up their life.

Travelling up to 12 miles on a 4 hour charge, this incredible scooter has a top speed of 15.5MPH and a fold and lock mechanism making it the ideal commuting vehicle.

Secret book compartments are awesome, heck all kinds of secret compartments are at least a little bit cool. Surprise the child in your life by creating them one of these deceptive books and watch as their face lights up when they realize the purpose behind the pages. Find out how to make one right here.

Curious kids will love entertaining their friends and family, as well as themselves, with this big book of Difficult Riddles for Smart Kids. Featuring 300 riddles and brainteasers for all ages, this book will give them something to mull over when they have lots of time to fill.

He can still practice his throws even when the weather is bad with this indoor Mini Basketball Hoop. Designed to fit over the door, the hoop comes with a padded polycarbonate board to keep paintwork safe, and a 5” rubber basketball for scaled down slam dunking.

If they like to combine STEM fun with learning, Gravitrax fits the bill perfectly as they build marble runs and complete one of the 24 challenges using the 122 pieces enclosed.

Every one of the 135 pieces included in this LEGO kit builds up to create an impressive stunt car, with a powerful pull-back motor, bumper, spoiler, and wide rim tires.

Let him play basketball indoors with no risk of damaging the walls or paintwork. Made to hang over a door, this hoop comes with a padded polycarbonate board and 9 inch steel breakaway rim, while the ball is smaller than a standard basketball and is made from foam so it’s gentle.

The Plugable USB 2.0 Digital Microscope will make getting up close and personal so much easier, as it plugs into a laptop or PC and displays the image directly onto the screen. Just one touch of the button captures the image in a photograph, so he can revisit his discoveries again and again.

He’ll never be bored again when visiting relatives’ homes when he has this Complete Ping Pong set from Franklin Sports. With an easy-to-install net, two balls, and two paddles included, along with a handy carry case, all he’ll need to add is a suitable table and someone to play against.

If your child loves getting out and about, or even just takes a lot of stuff with them to school, this backpack should be the first choice when looking for a new bag. With a basketball net included, USB ports, and even a headphone port, it is the ultimate carry case for anything and everything.

The robot takes on a whole new persona with the impressive UBTECH JIMU mythical robot set. Perfect for STEM learning, this fearsome dragon can be built by your child, and then programmed to emit a red or blue ‘flame’, flap its wings, and learn other cool tricks and movements.

Whether he’s curious about listening to Mom and Dad’s old albums or just wants to experience the magic of vinyl for himself, this awesome record player will make an outstanding gift for 12 year old boys who love music. Fitted with a diamond elliptical tipped stylus for clear sound, he’ll adore this unique gift.

Combining classic with contemporary, Monopoly now comes in an edition which will delight Fortnite fans everywhere as they play to survive the Storm and earn health chips to secure their victory.

Start his journey into musical greatness with this Fender FA-115 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar. With strings, strap, picks, tuner, and gig bag included, this guitar also comes with an instructional DVD and free online lessons so he can start jamming with his friends almost as soon as he opens the box.

Much more than a standard soccer ball, the Kickerball will allow players to learn impressive new skills. Using aerodynamic materials and special panelling, the Kickerball has been designed for bending, swerving, and curving for impressive new soccer moves. Falling between a size 4 and 5 ball, it’s ideal for younger players.

Snuggle blankets make great gifts, whether they’re 12 or 112. Follow this blog post to find out how to make a brilliant Star Wars themed throw that your boy will love.

There’ll be no need for a home gym or a trip to the local one when he has CrossGrips. Easy to install in under 15 seconds, these pull-up handles can fit onto almost any doorframe, giving him the means to do pull-ups, push-ups, chin-ups, and sit-ups without even leaving the house.

If your child spends the majority of their time roaming the realms of Minecraft on their Xbox One, this brilliant controller is the best gift that you could ever get them. The Minecraft Creeper design is absolutely perfect for lovers of this great game and will make them feel more connected than ever.

Drag him away from the screen with this absorbing book of riddles. Written to stretch kids’ minds, this book contains 300 riddles that will have them scratching their heads as they try to solve the seemingly impossible clues with logic, reasoning, memory, and lateral thinking.

This is such a fun DIY that you’ll want to remember it for when they grow out of favorite tees, because each one can be recycled into one of these no-sew totes.

Waterproof and windproof on the outside and fleecy on the inside, the Game Bag will ensure he’s cozy and dry when he’s watching the game or sitting around a campfire. Covering around 75% of his body, the Game Bag features a ‘step into’ design and comes with its own stuff bag.

Indoors or out, the Bloomio Twist will make an excellent gift for 12 year old boys who like a little light after dark. Solar or USB charged, the Bloomio Twist’s colors and brightness can be controlled via the included app, and it’s waterproof so is perfect for use by the pool.

With extremely simple instructions to follow, and a clear layout, the following webpage contains every piece of information needed to create your very own DIY Nerf darts that you can make at home. Fun to make and extremely cheap, they would make a very good gift for the Nerf nerd in your life.

Fully assembled so he can start riding as soon as it’s out of the box, the RIMABLE Complete 22 Inches Skateboard will get him to where he’s going, faster and with style. Available in both plain colors and galaxy designs, the included super smooth PU wheels are fitted with high speed bearings.

Sometimes, some of the very best gifts are the ones that have been handmade from the heart. If the little man in your life could do with a brand new wallet for keeping his allowance in, you should without a doubt consider making him one of these slick duct tape wallets. Check it out.

Are you looking for a new, fun and exciting way to give gifts? If so, you need to take a look at this brilliant DIY guide that will teach you how to make a color changing phone case. Sound too good to be true? It really isn’t. Follow the link and see what you think.

Send his imagination soaring with this superb LEGO kit which allows him to build a model space shuttle. Accompanied by a Mars rover, astronauts, helidrone, and storage drone, it’s out of this world.

These sugar gummy fall leaves are made without the additives found in commercial candy, and they’re great for Halloween parties or just cozy fall nights in front of the TV.

Use his favorite colors to create this artistically abstract mug which needs just nail polish, warm water, and toothpicks to make the pretty marbled design.

Stress balls are a great way to work out worry through kneading and squeezing, and this DIY shows you how to make your own using just a balloon and a cup of cornstarch.

Does the little lad in your life love to play guitar? Awesome! It really is a great hobby to get into. Show them that you appreciate their passions by making them one of these brilliantly cool guitar pick necklaces that they will want to keep forever.

12 year olds seem to carry an awful lot of kit, whether it’s for learning or leisure. Give them a stylish backpack to put it all in with this 30 minute DIY tutorial.

This bookshelf will look incredible in a 12 year old boy’s bedroom, as it’s made out of pallets and crates, and adds a whole outdoorsy vibe to whichever room it’s in.

If he thinks wearing a winter hat isn’t cool, he’ll change his mind when he sees this fab fleece football hat which can be made in very little time and with basic sewing knowhow.

Follow this post to find out how you can turn an old t-shirt into a pair of comfortable jersey shorts, complete with an elasticated drawstring waistband, for the ultimate in comfort.