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Gifts for a 12-year-old: ideas for Christmas 2026

Gifts for 12-year-olds: gaming extras, speakers, sports bags and creative kit for the move up to secondary school.

By Sam · Updated 4 November 2026

Our picks

Our top pick
Researched
£23.37 at Amazon
as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
In stock
Runner-up
Researched
£45 at Amazon
as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
In stock
Also good
Researched
£59.95 at Amazon
as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
In stock

All 12 compared

£23.37 at Amazon
as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Our verdict
Our verdictResearched

A handy gift for someone who exercises at home.

Good
    Worth knowing

      Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they already own a set.

      £45 at Amazon
      as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
      Our verdict
      Our verdictResearched

      For a creative type who is into building.

      Good
        Worth knowing

          Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they don't have the shelf space or patience for a long build.

          £59.95 at Amazon
          as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
          Our verdict
          Our verdictResearched

          A good gift for a Switch 2 owner.

          Good
            Worth knowing

              Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they play handheld: it's for docked play.

              £220.28 at Amazon
              as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
              Our verdict
              Our verdictResearched

              A fun gift for someone who likes printing phone photos.

              Good
                Worth knowing

                  Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they do not want to keep buying film or use an app.

                  £69.52 at Amazon
                  as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
                  Our verdict
                  Our verdictResearched

                  A great introduction for a teenager or adult curious about electronics and code.

                  Good
                    Worth knowing

                      Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they dislike screens and wiring, or just want a finished gadget.

                      £46.99 at Amazon
                      as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
                      Our verdict
                      Our verdictResearched

                      A good present for someone who likes music by the pool, beach or in the garden.

                      Good
                        Worth knowing

                          Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they want deep bass or a loud party speaker.

                          £39.99 at Amazon
                          as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
                          Our verdict
                          Our verdictResearched

                          A practical gift for someone who goes to the gym.

                          Good
                            Worth knowing

                              Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they need a large bag: medium is mid-sized.

                              £11.98 at Amazon
                              as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
                              Our verdict
                              Our verdictResearched

                              A well-known aircraft and an easy first model for a teenager or adult who likes planes.

                              Good
                                Worth knowing

                                  Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they dislike small detail work: the parts are small and the painting needs a steady hand.

                                  £37.99 at Amazon
                                  as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
                                  Our verdict
                                  Our verdictResearched

                                  A good gift for a teenager who likes colourful shooters.

                                  Good
                                    Worth knowing

                                      Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they don't like online play: much of it is online.

                                      £44.89 at Amazon
                                      as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
                                      Our verdict
                                      Our verdictResearched

                                      A good gift for a gamer who likes multiplayer.

                                      Good
                                        Worth knowing

                                          Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they dislike fighting games: it's competitive.

                                          £27.30 at Amazon
                                          as of 4 Nov 2026, 23:24 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
                                          Our verdict
                                          Our verdictResearched

                                          A good present for a Switch-owning child or Sonic fan.

                                          Good
                                            Worth knowing

                                              Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they own a different console, or want a more serious racing game.

                                              Our verdict
                                              Our verdictResearched

                                              A good fidget or desk-toy present for a curious person.

                                              Good
                                                Worth knowing

                                                  Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if they want a puzzle with a single right answer.

                                                  ⓘ Some links are affiliate links: a purchase may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our recommendations. Prices shown may have changed since they were checked.

                                                  Before you buy
                                                  Check the age rating on games, and that gadgets work with the phone or console they have.
                                                  How we choose

                                                  We unbox and build what we can at home, hand it to someone the age it's sold for, and check prices and stock at UK shops through the day. Every pick is labelled: Tested at home when we've had it in our hands (bought, or sent free by the brand, and the review says which), Researched when we haven't. Commissions never change a pick or its place on the list. Read our full methodology →

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