Birthday present for 12 year old boy

Personally I would ask him for ideas.

Money!

Same here ask if there is something in particular he would like. My GC are only 6 and 4 they don’t hesitate to let me know what they would like.

Money and some sweets or chocs so there is a present to open

Thank-you GG13, Hetty58 and Redhead56.
Money would be welcomed but he gets that and an Amazon gift voucher that from other family members so I'd like to give him a gift wrapped surprise.

I too would ask him, or the parents/guardian.

Oh yes mumofmadboys I will include the obligatory chocolate!

Money, so he can choose a present for himself - easy all round !

I always ask the Mum for ideas, so our grandchildren aren’t disappointed. Trendy clothes, games, vouchers, outings etc.

Have just taken GD shopping for her birthday present. She chose the shops and had a budget. A lovely day was had by all.

My grandsons like hoodies with emblems on or their favourite football team.

Plus chocolate of any kind and a big bottle of 7Up.

My 13 year old GS says definitely money - but then maybe he's just hinting in this direction! Or maybe their team's football top?
We are lucky here in that we have a water park locally, so a 2 hour session on the zip line and the stand-up boards with friend has been well-received in the past.

If you want to give him a wrapped gift, but it seems to be customary to give them cash, you could give him a grown-up wallet with some hard cash in it.

Ya can’t miss with cash. Put it in a shoebox and wrap as to ad a hint of mystery (ooh!)

My 12 year old grandson wanted Warhammer figures. He was very specific about which ones he wanted to add to his "army". Lots of boys that age collect Warhammer models and play scenarios with their friends. If he does this you could buy an undercoat spray and a couple of brushes by way of "surprise".
Mabe also one of those clamp like gadgets to make painting easier?

...Then you could give the (remaining) cash towards models he's keen to buy.

I used to buy merchandise with whatever my grandson was into at that age, I think it was Minecraft at that time.

Ask his parents for ideas that always the safest way. Have been doing that with my grandson's since they where born.

I think a lot of money can easily be wasted these days.
Yes. Definitely ask his patents.
And ask him "what sort of things" he is hoping for on his birthday.

Thank-you ALL for your replies.
As I wrote above he gets money/vouchers from other people so I always get him a gift to open because he absolutely loves a surprise. Much easier to buy for girls I think!
His Mum buys all his clothes.
Theexwife Thank-you. I did the minecraft merchandise and made a Minecraft cake a couple of years ago which he really liked.
annodomini Thank-you, a wallet would have great once upon a time but we don't carry cash any more because we all pay via smart phone.
I'm still racking my brain for inspiration but have at least decided on his birthday cake!

An experience?

At 12 even parents do not always know what he craves.

The OP may think that giving cash means not exciting enough without a gift to unwrap, BUT if really interested in what is the best brithday pressie, then cash is the answer.

You can purchase cash cards. Sort of wallet type thing you can put whatever amount in notes you wish to give, and then wrap this up. Gives a pressie to open and can also add some chocolate.

I only purchase birthday and christmas presents for my g.children up to the time they leave Primary school - from then onwards it is always cash. Sometimes, they use it immediately - and I do not care on what -their choice. Sometimes, they maybe saving for something big.

At least I know I am giving them what THEY want to receive, - not what I want to give.

If he's anything like my GS he plays Fortnite, I often buy a Fortnight points gift card and what about a little leather friendship bracelet.

Why don't you ask one of his friends? They're bound to have some idea

Money……both of my grandchildren love to receive money, their eyes light up!. Always gifts (and money) for Christmas which they open when they come to see us. At 12 they know what they want to spend it on or they can choose to put it in their savings acc,.. it’s up to them what they spend it on.