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

[ToffeePennie]

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??

How about a 3D printer?

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.

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?

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

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

Gaming gift card for fortnite/roblox/fifa etc?

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

About this age I started gaining mine money with a small gift - chocolate, pyjamas, a card game - that sort of thing. That way they can choose - PlayStation game, cinema tickets, etc.

Does he like lego sets?

What about days out/experiences?

for example my 11yo daughter loves animals so we’ll often get her a zoo experience or similar

that way it’s not “things”

We also put a decent dart board up in our back garden recently and he loves that.

If he likes Pokemon there is a new set being released today called Mega Evolution—Chaos Rising that he obviously wouldn't have any cards from.

what about an experience?

We did a zoo experience at that age for a birthday - think it was mininzookeeper for the day that included feeding and petting lemurs which are adorable. Was excellent.

Or maybe tickets to a show. We went to see back to the future at the theatre which is excellent.

3d printer is an excellent idea - I love it!!
Yeah with his spine, he’s not supposed to ride bikes at all, so e-bikes/scooters are out.
We have Alexa fitted into our entire house (new build that hubby was able to get into an wire the walls up - he’s a major gadget freak)
Lego would be a good one thank you!
Sadly he’s not really into clothes or shoes either, shoes are tricky as he can only wear sketchers as they don’t cause back issues.

Ooh did not know that! He plays in our local tournaments, was quite good - won his under 11s, and is in a big tourney in Birmingham soon for semi finals. That’s a good one too!

I know you said he’s not big on reading but as he loves anime would he enjoy some manga?

If he likes making digital art, maybe a graphics tablet? They are like a little pen that you can draw with and it transfers to the screen.

Does he have a phone yet? Mine got them for 12th birthday

Monzo or hyperjar card with money on.
Greggs voucher
Gaming voucher

He does like the theatre, we are a massive theatre family (I’m going to be in Frozen later this year!) but I’m not sure what’s left to go and see! I’ll have to think.

Definitely try and get some oyf he's playing tournaments. Some nice playable cards in the new set. Rymans, Smyths, TG Jones and local card shops should all have the new sets today.

Tickets to Comic con, great for those that love anime

Gift voucher for Tokyo toys, stocks loads of anime stuff

Funko pop yourself (where you customise a pop figure to look like you) www.funko.com/gb/build-your-custom-pop/

Mini fridge for his room

Blanket with his pets photos on or Etsy do some nice things like personalised
pictures of your pet, key rings with your pets paw print etc

Cash!!!

Thank you all! I’m gathering all of these ideas and jotting them down to my husband! These ideas are AMAZING!

What zoos have people done the zookeeper things at?

This is a fabulous idea. I love darts and it hadn’t occurred to me to put a board up outside. Nowhere really to put one inside but will have a look at this idea for my husband’s birthday.

My son is desperate for a 3D printer so I was going to suggest that too.

A Japanese snack box from Amazon and a Cryptic Killers crime file are potentially good additions to the main gift you decide on...