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Alright, here’s the deal: shopping for 12-year-olds is like trying to decode a secret meme language while riding a rollercoaster. They’re too cool for toys, but not quite adults. So we made this list of gifts that actually get a thumbs up, not an eye roll.

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#1

Because Running Around Screaming ‘Pew Pew’ Is Way Cooler With A Laser Tag Set

Because Running Around Screaming ‘Pew Pew’ Is Way Cooler With A Laser Tag Set

amazon.com Report

Review: "This game is a blast. Chased my kids at night because it lights up. Started with 15 lives each - guess who never lost one? Yep, Mom won (sorry kids). The vest and guns light up, vibrate, and even talk. Super cool! Can go up to 99 lives, but who’s got that much stamina? LOL" - Dimples Gehman

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    #2

    Turn Goofy Bestie Pics Into Real Stickers With A Heat Printing Instant Camera

    Turn Goofy Bestie Pics Into Real Stickers With A Heat Printing Instant Camera

    amazon.com Report

    Review: "This camera prints photos instantly, gives black and white prints while saving the color version. She loves the dual-lens for selfies and filters to jazz up pics. No need for ink, just easy and fun!" - Eileen Miller

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    #3

    From Nerd To Botanist With A Mini Greenhouse Building Kit

    From Nerd To Botanist With A Mini Greenhouse Building Kit

    amazon.com , Stephanie Snyder Report

    Review: "Super fun and tricky project! Took me weeks - working a little bit here and there - but totally worth it. Highly recommend!" - Stephanie Snyder

    #4

    A 10-Piece Hello Kitty Lip Gloss Set For A Different, Slightly Sticky Flavor Every School Day

    A 10-Piece Hello Kitty Lip Gloss Set For A Different, Slightly Sticky Flavor Every School Day

    amazon.com , sadah Report

    Review: "Got these for a birthday party goodie bag - total hit! Quality was great and size just right. Perfect for any age!" - M. G

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    #5

    Turn Boring Notes Into Sparkly Art With A Glitter Highlighter Set

    Turn Boring Notes Into Sparkly Art With A Glitter Highlighter Set

    amazon.com , Junkie4fitness Report

    Review: "These are smooth and perfect! The Japanese brand never disappoints." - Junkie4fitness

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    #6

    That Lonely Spot On Their Desk Wants A Labubu Toy That’s Cool And A Little Mischievous

    That Lonely Spot On Their Desk Wants A Labubu Toy That’s Cool And A Little Mischievous

    amazon.com Report

    Review: "Authentic Labubu! Box was sealed and verified on the Pop Mart site. Came very nicely packaged." - Brandi Janca-Ramos

    #7

    A Chocolate Snowman Cocoa Bomb That Turns Plain Milk Into A Sweet, Marshmallow Surprise

    A Chocolate Snowman Cocoa Bomb That Turns Plain Milk Into A Sweet, Marshmallow Surprise

    amazon.com Report

    Review: "Bigger than I expected but super cute!" - Lindy

    Shopping cart full? Good. Each item here is a sneaky trick to win their hearts without learning a single TikTok dance. You got this.

    #8

    Light Up Their Room With A Moon Lamp That’s Straight From Another World

    Light Up Their Room With A Moon Lamp That’s Straight From Another World

    amazon.com Report

    Review: "Love this moon lamp. I have one in my room and gifted four more to friends with kids. The colors and brightness settings are awesome, and the pulsing modes? Next level. Feels like holding the moon in your hand." - Michael J. Faradie

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    #9

    A Set Of Safari Sheet Masks For A Wildly Moisturizing Bathroom Adventure

    A Set Of Safari Sheet Masks For A Wildly Moisturizing Bathroom Adventure

    amazon.com , EvelynAlvarez Report

    Review: "Otter face mask is the cutest! Really enjoyed these fun masks." - EvelynAlvarez

    #10

    Feel Like A Sith Lord With A Voice-Activated Darth Vader Light Switch

    Feel Like A Sith Lord With A Voice-Activated Darth Vader Light Switch

    amazon.com , ErvinGonzalez Report

    Review: "Sounds exactly like Darth Vader and looks awesome." - ErvinGonzalez

    #11

    For Artistic Tweens: The Playful Wreck This Journal To Let Creativity Run Wild

    For Artistic Tweens: The Playful Wreck This Journal To Let Creativity Run Wild

    amazon.com Report

    Review: "Bought for my 11-year-old and me - had SO much fun! Helped me unleash feelings I didn’t expect to. Already ordered more." - SB518

    Source: travis_j_occleshaw

    #12

    Introduce Them To The Silly Side Of Things With Cards Against Humanity: Family Edition

    Introduce Them To The Silly Side Of Things With Cards Against Humanity: Family Edition

    amazon.com Report

    Review: "Family night favorite! Kids 10 & 13 love it. Cards are tame but hilarious - ‘just inappropriate enough.’ Can't wait for expansions." - Rae

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    #13

    Turn Any Bike Into A Rolling Rave With Bike Wheel Lights

    Turn Any Bike Into A Rolling Rave With Bike Wheel Lights

    amazon.com Report

    Review: "These lights are bright and easy to install. Battery lasts forever - 6 months and still going strong!" - Sarah

    #14

    Get Ready To Laugh With Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, The Ultimate Party Game

    Get Ready To Laugh With Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, The Ultimate Party Game

    amazon.com Report

    Review: "SO much fun! Played for hours with my family. Be ready for sore hands from all the slapping. Totally worth it!" - Audra

    Goal: See a real smile, not one of those soul-crushing eye rolls. These gifts are the cheat codes to their ‘cringe’ radar. You’re basically a gift ninja now.

    #15

    The Perfect Little Bottle Of Screams: The Screaming Goat

    The Perfect Little Bottle Of Screams: The Screaming Goat

    amazon.com , mdecamp Report

    Review: "This little goat is hilarious. Small book with cool facts." - mdecamp

    #16

    The Classic Family Frenemy: UNO Card Game (Minecraft Edition!)

    The Classic Family Frenemy: UNO Card Game (Minecraft Edition!)

    amazon.com , Jessica Report

    Review: "Easy rules and tons of fun for kids! Loved the Minecraft twist." - Jessica

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    See also on Rankify.me
    #17

    Eating Just Got Cooler With Star Wars Chopsticks

    Eating Just Got Cooler With Star Wars Chopsticks

    amazon.com Report

    Review: "Big hit at the holiday! Sword fights and laughs with these chopsticks. Fun for all ages." - Sue M.

    #18

    Play Mad Scientist Then Eat Your Work With An Edible Candy Science Kit

    Play Mad Scientist Then Eat Your Work With An Edible Candy Science Kit

    amazon.com Report

    Review: "Box felt a bit empty, but my daughter loved the 'unicorn poop' candy we got to make. Had some baking pans ready, and it was worth it!" - Amanda Lockman

    #19

    Make That Boring Water Cycle Essay Bearable With Colorful Kitty Pens

    Make That Boring Water Cycle Essay Bearable With Colorful Kitty Pens

    amazon.com Report

    Review: "So cute and writes super smoothly." - Becca

    #20

    Tiny Blocks, Big Thrills: The Mini Jenga Set

    Tiny Blocks, Big Thrills: The Mini Jenga Set

    amazon.com , Amazon Customer Report

    Review: "Fits in your pocket but delivers all the Jenga suspense. Great for travel!" - Amazon Customer

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    See also on Rankify.me
    #21

    Unleash The Artist With 642 Tiny Things To Draw

    Unleash The Artist With 642 Tiny Things To Draw

    amazon.com Report

    Review: "My daughter stopped asking me what to draw thanks to this book. Gets her thinking outside the box!" - S. Dearolf

    #22

    Homework Helper (And Joke Teller): The Amazon Echo Dot Kids

    Homework Helper (And Joke Teller): The Amazon Echo Dot Kids

    amazon.com Report

    Review: "My kid wanted an Alexa, and this one is not just smart but also a room decoration! Plays songs, answers questions, and keeps them entertained." - Yeny Londoño

    #23

    Lure Them Outside (Briefly) With A Parachute Toy

    Lure Them Outside (Briefly) With A Parachute Toy

    amazon.com , Hatem Habbouch Report

    Review: "Fun and tangle-free! Kids loved playing with these. Great for imaginative play." - Hatem Habbouch

    #24

    This Shape Shifting Box Turns Into 70 Different Things, Because Why Not?

    This Shape Shifting Box Turns Into 70 Different Things, Because Why Not?

    amazon.com Report

    Review: "Thought it was small and pricey, but it became the top Christmas gift - kids can’t stop playing!" - Blair001

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    See also on Rankify.me
    #25

    Help Them Chill With A 12-Sided Fidget Toy—Like Control-Alt-Delete for Fingers

    Help Them Chill With A 12-Sided Fidget Toy—Like Control-Alt-Delete for Fingers

    amazon.com Report

    Review: "Thought it’d feel cheap, but it’s actually pretty nice. Might buy another!" - Wybie

    #26

    Get Awkwardly Close In The Best Way With Classic Twister

    Get Awkwardly Close In The Best Way With Classic Twister

    amazon.com , ByMe.87 Report

    Review: "Finally got this classic game for my girls - so much fun! Mat slides a bit but totally playable." - ByMe.87