Middle school kids might be notoriously hard to shop for, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still be thrilled and delighted! What better way to encourage that wonder and joy than with things that shoot into the air, change shape, or let the kid be the boss with programming?
What we’re envisioning are hands-on toys and science kits that bring physics principles to life, providing gifts that even skeptical 12-year-olds can enjoy. (And if you’re shopping for an already-enthusiastic science-loving middle schooler, then this is definitely the guide for you!)
Why physics gifts, you may ask? If science conjures up memories of lots of math and tedious lab work and trying not to get an “F” grade, don’t worry – this is NOT the experience we want for kids, either! But the part of science that makes kids (and adults) go “ooooh” and “aaaaaah” when they see a rocket shoot into the air or know they successfully created a working mechanism, is the part to capture and share!
Here are some ideas for giving perfect physics-related gifts for kids in the 12-year-old age-range. (Or check out our exciting science gifts collection for more!)
First Up (No Pun Intended) – Rockets!
“Blast off” are thrilling words when accompanied by a water-and-air powered rocket that truly does shoot into the air. Give your tween a Bottle Rocket Launcher Kit, along with some liter or 2-liter bottles of their favorite soda, and let the party get started! This is a great activity to do with friends, too. Water and air pressure are used to send the leftover soda bottles up to 150 feet (about 15 stories) into the air!
If you prefer less forceful entertainment options, though, then an Electric Paper Airplane kit might be more their speed! Turn those paper models into something that really soars.
You can also give them a science kit to send things flying with a Ping Pong Catapult kit!
Create (or Re-Create) Feats of Engineering!
Whether your kid still loves LEGO or is bored by them at their “advanced” middle school age, they’re probably going to be fascinated by the kinds of STEM (or STEAM) building kits available now. With a Thames & Kosmos Architectural Engineering Kit, they can snap together pieces to construct stadiums, skyscrapers, and even a Ferris wheel. And in the process, they’ll begin to grasp principles of physics behind architectural design.
Other gifts that let 11- or 12-year-olds explore engineering are a related Structural Engineering kit (focused more on bridges) and ever-popular K’Nex building kits. Or for a more minimalist look, try some KEVA sets with wooden pieces.
Explore Circuitry – And Even Program a Robot!
Electricity is certainly an exciting key force in the world of physics. The following gifts are a great way for middle school kids to safely experiment with that force (and learn fun skills in the process).
Thames & Kosmos kits (available here and elsewhere) provide great introductions to the science of robotics through exciting hands-on robots like KAI – an AI robot – and Huey, a line-tracking and color-sensing robot.
There are also top-rated physics gifts options that most 12-year-olds will get a kick out of assembling and using, such as the Robotic Arm or a Cyborg Hand!
Other electronic kits that allow kids to build and program their own simple electronic devices are Snap Circuits. With pieces that snap together and allow experimentation, these are a fun and useful learning toy/tool.
More Fun Physics Gifts
Physics is a big field of study, encompassing everything from magnets to electronics to aerodynamics and flight, so it makes sense that there are myriad ideas for gifts in this area! Here are some additional wonder-inspiring ideas:
- Magnets. Whether it’s a magnet magic trick kit or just a handful of different strengths of magnets to experiment with, these are a fun toy (and good stocking stuffer).
- Slinkys. Because yes, the Slinky was originally used to study wave motion! Related is the Newton’s Cradle (or Newtonian Demonstrator), with the swinging orbs that show how for every action is an equal and opposite reaction.
- Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty. In magnetic and even color-changing options, this substance doesn’t follow Newton’s laws for solids and liquids. It’s a hugely popular – and inexpensive – gift that any kid will love!
- For more ideas, browse mind-blowing physics toys for all ages!
We hope this gives you some great ways to provide joy – and at the same time, knowledge – for your middle schoolers.
You might also be interested in our discover science gifts for 12-year-old boys guide (which of course has great ideas for girls, too!).
