What to Buy an 12-Year-Old Gamer for Christmas

A black box with multicolored lines making up numbers inside it in front of a purple and pink snowy background.
Credit: Product from SmartGames | Edited by StealthOptional

A black box with multicolored lines making up numbers inside it in front of a purple and pink snowy background.
Credit: Product from SmartGames | Edited by StealthOptional

With the holiday season approaching, you might wonder what to gift the 12-year-old gamer. Finding the perfect gift can be more challenging than you think, but fear not, as this list has you covered.

A gamer at this age needs a gift that will spark their creativity and imagination while competing with the likes of Fortnite for the fun factor. It's by no means easy, especially compared to picking a gift for a 6-year-old, but the task is by no means impossible, either. This list should hopefully prove that...

Best Gifts for 12-year-old Gamers - Quick List

A brown box with "Edible Chemistry Kit" branding in black on the front.
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Credit: Copernicus Toys | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

Copernicus Toys Edible Chemistry Kit

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose the Copernicus Toys Edible Chemistry Kit

This hands-on chemistry kit offers more than 15 fun experiments that allow kids to explore science via edible creations. It comes with materials like magic color crystals, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid, allowing kids to create fizzy drinks, color-changing foaming jelly, and even polymer pudding.

The kit has all the necessary tools like cups, stirrers, and pipets, and the detailed instruction book to guide the process. Its design encourages scientific curiosity while ensuring safety with adult supervision. It's an excellent choice for a 12-year-old gamer who loves mixing play and learning.

Winyea Laser Tag Set featuring black laser guns with multicolored overlay designs.
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Credit: Winyea Tag Store | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

Winyea Laser Tag Set

  • Amazon - $27.19 / £54.99
  • eBay - $55.00 (4-vest set)

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose the Winyea Laser Tag Set

Immerse kids in a futuristic, sci-fi adventure with this cutting-edge laser tag set, designed to bring the excitement of cyberpunk-inspired battles right into your home. Featuring synchronized guns and vests, players can track their health and ammo in real-time, creating an authentic and exhilarating gaming experience for young adventurers.

The set includes two laser guns and matching vests, perfect for head-to-head competition or team play. Each vest features LED displays to monitor lives and team status, ensuring the action stays engaging and strategic. With an impressive 150-foot firing range, players can put their aim and tactics to the test in epic long-distance duels. Whether indoors or outdoors, this laser tag set delivers hours of thrilling fun and unforgettable battles.

A bright orange light-up football in a black box.
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Credit: FlashCatch | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

FlashCatch Light Up Football

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose the FlashCatch Light Up Football

The Flash Catch Light-Up Football takes the fun of the game into the night with its innovative LED design. Lighting up with every throw and catch, it adds a bright, glowing twist to after-dark play. Crafted to match the official size, weight, and grip of a professional football, it offers a smooth, familiar feel, making it perfect for players of all skill levels.

Ideal for casual fun or competitive play, this football provides hours of enjoyment for kids and adults alike. It comes with spare batteries, offering up to 30 hours of continuous action, so the excitement never has to end. A fantastic choice for 12-year-olds who love outdoor sports, this football adds a touch of glowing humor to traditional gameplay while keeping everyone active and entertained.

TGHIJKK Mini Foosball Table Soccer Game in white, blue, and orange next to its box.
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Credit: TGHIJKK | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

TGHIJKK Mini Foosball Table Soccer Game

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose the TGHIJKK Mini Foosball Table Soccer Game

This portable foosball table offers an exciting and interactive way for kids and families to bond over fast-paced fun. Lightweight and compact, it’s perfect for game nights, outdoor gatherings, and camping adventures. Designed for two players, this game promotes hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and strategic thinking, ensuring engaging play for all ages.

With realistic features like a diagonal field, twin-button controls, and a goal bell, it captures the thrill of a live soccer match in a portable format. Crafted from durable, child-safe materials with smooth edges and anti-slip handles, it’s built for safe and enjoyable gameplay. A perfect choice to keep your child entertained while nurturing essential skills.

A gray, orange, and black WALL-E-like robot.
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Credit: KIDWILL | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

KIDWILL 14 in 1 Solar Robot Kit

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose the KIDWILL 14 in 1 Solar Robot Kit

The 14 in 1 Solar Robot Kit invites your 12-year-old to explore creativity and problem-solving through engaging hands-on projects. This STEM-focused kit lets kids build up to 14 unique robot designs, including a walking crab, a wagging-tail dog, and even a zombie chaser. Each robot comes to life with gears, plates, and wheels, offering an exciting introduction to mechanics.

Powered by solar energy or the included battery, this kit doubles as a lesson in renewable energy, making it both educational and fun. With easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, it’s perfect for young builders eager to develop fine motor skills and ignite their passion for engineering.

A black board with lines of different colors making up numbers on top of it.
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Credit: SmartGames | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

SmartGames IQ Digits 120 Logic Challenges

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose the SmartGames IQ Digits 120 Logic Challenges

The IQ Digits puzzle is a small, portable brain game designed to challenge and interest players of all ages. It promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and concentration by presenting 120 logic and math-based challenges. The game includes a solid board with a clear cover, nine colorful number pieces, and a booklet with puzzles and solutions.

While designed as a one-player exercise, it can encourage collaborative problem-solving among friends or family. Its compact dimensions and safe casing make it excellent for travel, providing a thoughtful, educational aspect to downtime. It's a great choice for a 12-year-old who enjoys puzzles and learning new abilities through play.

A black box featuring different card tricks on the box.
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Credit: Marvin's Magic Store | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

Marvin's Magic iMagic Interactive Box of Tricks

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose Marvin's Magic iMagic Interactive Box of Tricks

This magic set is ideal for 12-year-old gamers who appreciate innovation and showmanship. It combines technology with classic tricks in an exciting manner. It has interactive props that integrate smoothly with a smart device, giving classic magic a modern touch. The package also includes a download code for Marvin's Magic iMagic app, accessible on iOS and Android.

It comes with detailed instructions that lead young magicians through various tricks, allowing them to gain confidence and performance abilities. Whether mastering sleight of hand or incorporating technology into illusions, this magic set promotes remote intensive play and gives hours of amusement.

Beria Tabletop Basketball Game in yellow, orange, and blue featuring pink and orange balls next to it.
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Credit: Beria | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

Beria Tabletop Basketball Game

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose the Beria Tabletop Basketball Game

This tabletop basketball game offers a fun and engaging screen-free activity that brings the thrill of real basketball to any setting. Designed to enhance hand-eye coordination and provide a stress-relieving experience, its lightweight construction makes it easy to set up and enjoy anywhere, from home to parties.

Crafted from high-quality ABS materials with smooth edges, it ensures safe play for kids. The set includes two basketball boards, hoops, miniature basketballs, and a scoreboard, delivering everything needed for competitive or casual fun. Perfect for a quick match or group entertainment, this game promises hours of enjoyment and makes an ideal gift for any 12-year-old sports enthusiast.

A white box with a light wood catapult graphic on the front.
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Credit: Copernicus Toys | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

Copernicus Toys Make A Mini Catapult DIY Model Kit

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose the Copernicus Toys Mini Catapult DIY Model Kit

This wooden DIY kit offers an exciting hands-on project for kids with an interest in history and mechanics. Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s design, it lets kids build a mini model of a classic catapult. The kit includes pre-cut wooden pieces and takes about 30 minutes to assemble, making it a perfect introduction to basic engineering concepts.

As they construct the model, children will learn how stored energy powers a catapult, all while creating a scaled-down version of this historic siege engine. Once built, the catapult launches mini projectiles, offering a fun way to witness physics in action. Compact, lightweight, and designed to inspire creativity and interactive play, this kit makes an ideal gift for curious young minds.

A child in a pink outfit swinging a pink ankle skipping rope around their leg.
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Credit: Chridark | Amazon | Free use for promotional purposes

Chridark Ankle Skip Ball

* prices are subject to change

Why we chose the Chridark Ankle Skip Ball

The ankle slip ball is an energetic toy that blends movement and fun, encouraging kids to stay active while having a blast. Equipped with a color-flashing wheel, it lights up as the ball moves, powered by electromagnetic induction—no batteries required.

The game is easy to play: simply slip the ankle ring onto one foot, swing your leg to spin the rope, and jump over the ball. Crafted from durable PP and PVC materials, it offers comfortable ankle cushioning and a flexible elastic drawstring for smooth play. Suitable for both children and adults, this slip ball makes an excellent gift for anyone looking to get active and enjoy some lively fun.

Final Thoughts

This thoughtfully selected list provides a range of gift ideas tailored to the unique interests of your 12-year-old—whether they're into gaming, puzzles, outdoor adventures, or hands-on projects. Each gift sparks creativity and offers hours of fun, making it the perfect choice to delight them this holiday season. No matter what they love, these options are sure to bring joy and excitement to their holidays!