What to get a 12yo boy who has everything

[Feckinlego]

Ds 12, literally has everything he wants. I've spent a lot of money the last few years on toys he doesn't want, just to increase his pile. I'm not doing that again, but I would love ideas of what other boys this age have loved.

What does he like?

My DS is a similar age. Not bothered about toys as such. I know he wants a new football top and has also mentioned a couple of games. He's just getting into 'labels' and I've found some nice things on the M&M website although I'm not sure about clothes as a gift unless specifically asked for. I've also spotted a personalised snack bowl on Etsy that I could wrap with packs of his favourite snacks.

Does your DS play an instrument? Could you get him something like that? A drone? Headphones? A gaming chair?

Go for 'experiences' e.g. Driving lessons (check out Young Driver). I'm considering scuba diving lessons for my own son's 12th birthday.

Books
Tickets (football match / zoo / go karting / whatever he's into)
Stuff for his room - new bedding, lamp, cushions etc

I also have a 12 year old who doesn't need anything and I'm struggling! Experiences are a good shout, I bought my nephew a driving one last year he loved! I'm refusing to buy any old thing just to make it look more on Xmas morning.... it's such a waste!

My DS is a little younger than yours, but we tend to go for more expensive/upmarket versions of things he needs.

Is he a gamer? Scuf gaming controllers are very sought after. Or a high-end gaming mouse if he’s into PC gaming.

DS is also into supporting his team but wearing their overpriced merchandise rather than watching actual matches so he’ll probably get team versions of things he actually needs like a new dressing gown.

That said, Triops were a surprising hit last year.

*his football team, that should say

Oh wow some fab ideas already. Love those scuf controllers. And never would I have thought of experiences. Hes not into traditional sports so merchandise etc is not an option. Thanks for all the suggestions.

My DS is the same age, we bought him scuba diving Padi course

Last few birthday presents have been experiences. Shooting real guns, archery, laser clay pigeon shooting etc. All went down very well, good to do with a friend too.

Some great ideas here. If you want to make sure there is a bit of a 'pile' for him to open, could you use it as an opportunity to get him things you would need to buy him anyway, for him to open? Pyjamas, nice shower gel, pants, a bag, that sort of thing?

I'm planning on an echo dot for my 11 year old. I think he will use it lots for trivia, general knowledge, homework, football scores. I imagine it might reduce time looking at a screen which will be good. He has a kindle already and reads daily, but you can ask Alexa to read your ebooks which might be nice for him when he is tired.
Also considering some sketching lessons.

Subscriptions such as playstation network, xbox, Netflix or spotify/iTunes etc.

I got my DS(14) an indoor skydiving experience (discounted at Red Letter Days) last year. Now all three of mine have asked for indoor skydiving this year! Less 'stuff' and I buy a recording of the 'flight' so they'll be able to watch themselves over and over!

Some fabulous ideas here! Thank you all so much. Love the skydiving, sketching lessons, echo dot ideas.

Ask him to write a wish list and choose from there.
This year we've decided to get a few token gifts and money so he can buy what he wants. Ours will be 14 on New Years Eve.

My DS 11 is the same, he has ps, switch, iPad, phone he said he doesn’t really want anything big this year but I struggled with stuff for his birthday as it was let alone Christmas 11 days before. I know he wants a switch game but he not mentioned anything els 😖

My 12 year old would like games for his Switch or DS, art supplies, books (fiction or on subjects of interest), chocolate, sweets.

My parents are getting us tickets for Disney on Ice this year.

Oh and also things like bath bombs, nice shower gel and bubble bath - he is very into cleanliness now - used to be a right little soap dodger!

I'm gathering ideas for my 12 year old. He wants an iPhone but it will be 2nd hand and cost will be split between me and his dad, who I've today tasked with researching as he's Apple, I'm Samsung. DS12 got 2nd hand S7 for birthday in March but only settled for it as he found out he'd have to download all his games from scratch on an iphone. So we should be able to sell the S7 off after Christmas to recoup some cost. He is also after a drawing tablet but I don't know where to even start. He gets money from my dad and plenty from his dad's side as it's a big family, plus his birthday is then in March so I think I might tell him he can get his own drawing tablet with his Christmas/birthday money, he'llhave more than enough. As the iphone will be costly, he wont get much else! I long for those younger years when they are happy with little toys!