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Gift ideas for a 12-year-old who already seems to have everything

32 replies

ToffeePennie · 22/05/2026 07:22

My son is turning 12. He doesn’t really want or need anything.
He’s into Japanese anime, scouts/camping, coding, watching and making videos, his pets, Pokemon, hanging out with his mates and Xbox gaming. He also enjoyed going to an escape room recently, but they can be hit and miss as he enjoys it then the “come down” from the adrenaline can make him quite sad.

He already has a decent phone, a survival kit, colouring/creating anime stuff, lots of Pokemon stuff, a full video editing software on his computer plus all the external hardware (microphone, green screen etc). And a TV/Xbox in his bedroom, plus a kindle.

He is not into sports (esp football), books and reading (have to be very specific) or anything else really. He is also autistic and has a congenital spinal disorder so we can’t have things like trampolines or slides in our garden as they can damage his spine more.
I’m stuck…what would you all get your child in this situation??

OP posts:
ThroughTheRedDoor · 22/05/2026 07:36

Does he have raspberry pi's/arduinos? And somehow the associated kit?

JoyfulSpring · 22/05/2026 07:36

Gaming gift card for fortnite/roblox/fifa etc?

JoyfulSpring · 22/05/2026 07:35

Does his spinal condition rule out a bike or an e-scooter?

redhatpurplehair · 22/05/2026 07:33

Driving lessons? They do them from age 11 where I live.

JoyfulSpring · 22/05/2026 07:33

Is he into clothes/trainers?
My son is also turning 12 and so far I have got him a mini fridge for his room, an air fryer (I know it's strange but he wanted one and I think it will make him a bit more independent in the kitchen), some crocs, a basketball hoop to go on the wall, new England top for world cup, and some Nike trainers. I feel like a just need some smaller filler bits and I am struggling. Watching this thread for ideas! Has he asked for anything?

WildCountry · 22/05/2026 07:32

My son is 11. Recent things he’s enjoyed are - an ‘Alexa’ which he mostly gets to read him audible books as he can’t be bothered to read. So an
audible subscription too. He also got an adult Micro scooter recently which he enjoys and is much easier to transport around than the bike.

Busy77 · 22/05/2026 07:27

How about a 3D printer?