Luckily, we researched the best toys from top brands, being sure to consider each pick’s recommended age, safety features, and educational value. Based on these factors, our top picks include an interactive laser tag set from NERF, a New York cityscape from LEGO, and a beginner-friendly drum kit from Alesis. Here, the best toys for 12-year-old boys. Unlike other Nerf products, there are no rubber bullets to worry about breaking furniture or getting lost behind couches, making this toy suitable for indoor play as well. Add in even more sets and invite more friends for a larger outdoor game perfect for a birthday party or backyard barbecue. The sturdy taggers are loaded with cool features, according to users, making them perfect for all ages so even adults can get in on the fun. You can adjust how you play by picking the number of lives allotted to each player. Just note that users reported that some of the buttons can stick over time. Dimensions: 12.13 x 14.88 x 4.37 inches | Material: Plastic | Age Range: 8 years and up Price at time of publish: $89 Dimensions: 18.1 x 10.2 x 5.9 inches | Material: Not Listed | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Age Range: Not Listed Though it might seem intimidating at first, this super engaging maze game comes with clear instructions, making it easy to learn. While it helps improve strategic thinking, Gravity Maze also aids in building spatial reasoning and encourages thinking like an engineer. Price at time of publish: $29 Dimensions: 9.38 x 3 x 10.5 inches | Material: Paper, plastic | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Age Range: 8 years and up Price at time of publish: $530 Dimensions: 53.5 x 27.5 x 8.5 inches | Material: Steel, rubber | Weight: 47 pounds | Age Range: Not Listed Price at time of publish: $13 Dimensions: 11.5 x 9 x 13 inches | Material: Wood | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Age Range: 8 years and up Price at time of publish: $60 Dimensions: 20.59 x 11.3 x 9.57 inches | Material: Plastic | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Age Range: 8 years and up Once the robot is completely assembled, he can control his new robot with a phone via Bluetooth. The robot’s head, shoulders, arms, tracks, and even eyebrows can move thanks to remote or voice control. Price at time of publish: $80 Dimensions: 11 x 10 x 2 inches | Material: Plastic | Weight: 2 pounds | Age Range: 8 years and up Price at time of publish: $40 Dimensions: 10.5 x 2.5 x 10.5 inches | Material: Plastic, Cardboard | Weight: 2.72 pounds | Age Range: 12 years and up The goal is to defend the castle from monsters. Players work together to strategize and slay the monsters by rolling dice and choosing cards. Winning takes a mix of strategy and luck, and the one who masters both is crowned the Master Slayer. Price at time of publish: $35 Dimensions: 10.5 x 10.5 x 2.5 inches | Material: Cardboard | Weight: 2.04 pounds | Age Range: 10 years and up There are 598 pieces in all and it comes with instructions containing background information about each of the buildings’ architecture and history. Once they build it, it makes a great display piece for their room and the pieces can also be combined with other LEGO sets for huge city scenes. Price at time of publish: $50 Dimensions: 10 x 9 x 1 inches | Material: Plastic | Weight: 1.28 pounds | Age Range: 12 years and up As your 12-year old progresses through the manual, he’ll be able to master experiments that become more and more complex. Note that there are other adaptations of this game, like Snap Circuits Jr. or Snap Circuits Light, in which circuits glow in the dark. Price at time of publish: $86 Dimensions: 17.7 x 3.3 x 13.8 inches | Material: Plastic | Weight: 9.02 pounds | Age Range: 8 years and up While most customers say this kit is fun and educational, some caution that it involves quite a few steps and can be complicated for younger children. For 12-year-olds, however, it should be challenging enough without any difficulty. Price at time of publish: $12 Dimensions: 6.75 x 3.25 x 5.25 inches | Material: Not listed | Weight: 0.45 pounds | Age Range: 8 to 15 years There are 54 blocks in all, and your tower could reach over three feet tall during play. Players take turns trying to remove one block without sending the whole thing toppling. Each move provides a mesmerizing mix of panic and precision, hopefully followed by a sigh of relief as each one is successfully removed. Price at time of publish: $170 Dimensions: 18.5 x 13.5 x 9 inches | Material: Wood | Weight: 18.2 pounds | Age Range: 12 years and up
Safety
If you are choosing an active toy, look for recommended protective gear (helmets, safety goggles, knee pads) to go with it. Include your 12-year-old boy in picking out the perfect accessories that will keep them safe while expressing their personal style. This way, staying safe remains pivotal and cool.
Educational Value
Many 12-year-olds enjoy trying new things and learning new skills, making their toys a great opportunity to incorporate learning and fun. Whether it’s a STEM-focused experiment or a board game that the whole family can enjoy, great toys for preteens allow them to take learning outside of the classroom. “I love as many open-ended projects as possible,” Chuck English, Virginia STEM Coordinator at the Science Museum of Virginia, says. “But if kids are not used to that, they need just enough scaffolding to get them started," he adds. Look for hints, website guides, or other ideas to get the ball rolling without taking over the activity from the child.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She’s also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product round-ups, craft articles, and more.
