The best gifts for 12 year olds in 2026: Skullcandy earbuds, a KODAK Step photo printer, a Stanley Quencher, a Spikeball set, a Sphero BOLT coding robot and Santorini. Gifts for tweens who are into tech, sports and game night, from $12. Partnerships ...
Small, inexpensive wireless earbuds; a good first pair. About $35.
Skullcandy Dime 3 True Wireless Earbuds
Pocket printer that turns phone photos into sticky-back prints for lockers and notebooks. About $90.
KODAK Step Slim Instant 2x3 Photo Printer
Smaller Quencher with a handle and straw that fits a backpack side pocket or a cup holder. About $35.
Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler with Handle (20 oz)
Backyard and park game for four players that gets kids off screens. About $75.
Spikeball Standard 3 Ball Kit
Programmable robot ball with an LED matrix; they can drive it or code it in the app. About $179.
Sphero BOLT Coding Robot
Strategy game that's easy to learn and fun to play with parents. About $50.
Santorini
Small origami-themed card game for friends and sleepovers. About $18.
Sea Salt & Paper
Map-drawing game where everyone plays at once. About $30.
Cartographers
Bold paint markers for customizing shoes, rocks and notebooks. About $17.
OOLY Vivid Pop! Water Based Paint Markers (Set of 8)
Brush and fine-tip markers for hand lettering and doodles. About $32.
Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers, Galaxy 10-Pack
Reusable notebook; scan notes to the cloud, then wipe the pages clean. About $35.
Rocketbook Core
Soft, quiet foam basketball for dribbling indoors. About $30.
SKLZ Bashhhketball
Travel-size tube of the famously good-smelling body cream. About $12.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (travel size)
Pirate card game for ages 8 and up; easy to learn and fun with a big group of friends. About $20.
Skull King
Cheap, no-bounce sunglasses for sports and recess; low stakes if they get lost. About $30.
