Best toys for 12-year-old boys in 2026

Twelve is where gift-givers panic and default to cash. Hold that thought — there's still a window for games the family actually plays, kits that produce something shelf-worthy, and gear for whatever they're suddenly serious about. Every pick below tested well with boys this age — though honestly, most great toys don't care.

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1. Dan&Darci Paint & Plant Flower Growing Kit for Kids

Dan&Darci Paint & Plant Flower Growing Kit for Kids - Easter Gift Ideas Age 5 6 7 8-12 Year Old Girl - Birthday Crafts Gifts for Girls & Boys, Fun Gardening Kits, Art Projects for Ages 5-12 Years

7.99★ 4.6Ages 8–12View on Amazon →

2. NERF Elite 2.0 Commander RD

NERF Elite 2.0 Commander RD-6 Dart Blaster, 12 Darts, 6-Dart Rotating Drum, Outdoor Toys, Ages 8 and Up$9.59★ 4.7Ages 8–14View on Amazon →

3. Technic Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 42093 Building Kit (579 Pieces)

Technic Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 42093 Building Kit (579 Pieces)$74.99★ 4.8Ages 8–14View on Amazon →

4. Technic Jeep Wrangler 4x4 Toy Car 42122 Model Building Kit

Technic Jeep Wrangler 4x4 Toy Car 42122 Model Building Kit - All Terrain Off Roader SUV Set, Authentic and Functional Design, STEM Birthday Gift Idea for Kids, Boys, and Girls Ages 9+$79.98★ 4.8Ages 8–14View on Amazon →

5. Hasbro Gaming Scrabble Board Game

Hasbro Gaming Scrabble Board Game, Classic Word Games for Kids Ages 8 and Up, Fun Family Game for 2-4 Players, The Classic Crossword Game

6. HAIBOXING 1:18 Scale All Terrain RC Car 18859

HAIBOXING 1:18 Scale All Terrain RC Car 18859, 36 KPH High Speed 4WD Electric Vehicle with 2.4 GHz Remote Control, 4X4 Waterproof Off-Road Truck with Two Rechargeable Batteries$69.97★ 4.5Ages 8–14View on Amazon →

7. Harry Potter Special Edition Box Set (Books 1

Harry Potter Special Edition Box Set (Books 1-7)$84.99★ 4.7Ages 9–14View on Amazon →

8. Toys Studio Series 86

Toys Studio Series 86-01 Deluxe Class The The Movie 1986 Autobot Jazz Action Figure - Ages 8 and Up, 4.5-inch$46.71★ 4.8Ages 8–14View on Amazon →

9. Magnetic Wooden Chess Set for Adults Kids 15'' Chess Board with Handmade Pieces

Magnetic Wooden Chess Set for Adults Kids 15'' Chess Board with Handmade Pieces, Folding Portable Travel Unique Chess Sets Game for Tournament Professional Beginner