Space. The final frontier. Since the beginning of human civilization, we’ve gazed up at the cosmos in wonder and curiosity. For many 12 year old boys, space represents adventure, exploration, and excitement. There’s just something thrilling about astronauts, rockets, planets, and the mysteries of the universe.
As a parent or relative of a space-loving 12 year old boy, you may be looking for the perfect space-themed gifts to encourage their interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and satisfy their intergalactic imagination. With so many types of space toys out there, where do you start?
This ultimate guide will rocket through everything you need to know about the best space toys for 12 year old boys. We’ll explore the benefits of space toys, top picks for every budget, and how to choose toys that educate and inspire the future aerospace engineers and astrophysicists in your life. Houston, we have liftoff!
Why Space Toys are Great for 12 Year Old Boys
Space toys allow 12 year old boys to explore STEM principles like engineering, physics, and astronomy hands-on. They provide an immersive experience that stimulates curiosity, teaches problem-solving skills, and gets their brains working in new ways.
Some key benefits of space toys include:
- Inspiring a passion for space: Space toys let their imagination soar and get them excited about space exploration and science.
- Hands-on learning: Interactive space toys make academic concepts tangible, rather than just theoretical.
- Developing STEM skills: Building rocket models, robot kits, and science experiments improves critical thinking, spatial reasoning, and interest in STEM fields.
- Encouraging creativity: Open-ended play like modeling clay, art sets, and design kits allows boys to experiment and be creative.
- Bonding time: Assembling models, playing games, or conducting experiments are great opportunities for family time and learning together.
No matter if you have an aspiring astronaut, budding engineer, or science buff in the making, space toys can launch you on a lifetime journey of loving science and discovery.
A Brief History of Space Toys
Long before space travel became a reality, children dreamed of exploring other worlds with toys. Here’s a quick look back at the history of space toys and their impact:
- 1950s: Early space toys reflected excitement about the Space Race and new rocket technology. Model kits, tin robots, and ray guns were popular.
- 1960s: Toys like Major Matt Mason action figures, Zero-G Space Stations, and AMC’s Inflat-A-Space inflatable toy captured the thrills of the first moon landing.
- 1970s-80s: Space toys diversified beyond NASA and astronauts to include Star Wars and other sci-fi. Lego space sets also became popular.
- 1990s: Toy lines for movies like Star Wars, Star Trek, and Alien kept space toys innovative and exciting.
- 2000s: Robotic space toys incorporating digital technology like LEDs and touch sensors were introduced, making play more interactive.
Today’s space toys build on this rich heritage while taking advantage of the latest technology to create immersive play experiences that educate and inspire young minds.
Types of Space Toys for 12 Year Old Boys
There are tons of options when it comes to space toys that will delight 12 year old boys. Here are some of the most popular categories:
STEM Learning Toys
STEM toys use principles of science, technology, engineering, and math to encourage critical thinking skills through hands-on play.
Some top picks for 12 year olds include:
- Snap Circuits: Build over 175 projects like FM radios, digital voice recorders, and LED displays by snapping together electronic components.
- Kiwi Crate: Receive a new STEM or STEAM-based project every month, from robotics to electronics.
- **CODE Robot: **Program this interactive, Wi-Fi enabled robot using coding blocks or JavaScript.
- Scientific Explorer Mind Blowing Science Kit: Perform over 20 cool chemical reactions at home like erupting volcano, color changing and glow-in-the-dark effects.
- Omano Telescopes: High-powered, starter monocular telescopes for viewing craters on the moon, Saturn’s rings and more celestial objects.
STEM toys start at around $20 for individual kits and range up to $250 or more for advanced robotics kits. Monthly subscription boxes cost between $15-$40 per month.
Building Toys
From modeling clay to architecture sets, building toys allow 12 year olds to construct and create their interplanetary visions.
Engaging options include:
- LEGO NASA Apollo Saturn V: Build the iconic rocket with 1,969 pieces and recreations of the lunar lander and lunar surface. A collector’s item for $120.
- K’NEX 35 Model Building Set: Construct working models of 35 NASA spacecrafts, orbital stations, and launch vehicles. Over 824 pieces for $50.
- Playmobil Mars Space Station: Create a futuristic Martian base with a research lab, shuttle garage, and Mars rover for $300.
- Magic Nuudles: Magnetically connect these colorful, reusable building pieces to construct planets, aliens, spaceships and more. Just $20 for 200 nuudles.
- Mad Mattr Space Exploration Set: Mold this color-changing, reusable dough into astronaut figurines, planets and rockets. $20 for 3 lbs.
With prices ranging from $15 for basic kits to over $100 for intricate setups with hundreds of pieces, building toys make an engaging hands-on gift.
Action Figures and Playsets
From tiny green aliens to Jedi knights, action figures let their imagination decide what galactic adventures to embark on.
Top action figure picks include:
- LEGO Star Wars Action Figures: An iconic lineup of over 200 minifigures from Darth Vader to Baby Yoda, starting at $8 each.
- Funko POP! Space Figures: These stylized vinyl figures cover real astronauts like Sally Ride to aliens from fiction for $10-15 each.
- Playmobil Space Rocket and Figure: This 34-piece playset comes with an astronaut, robot, tools and a rocket with LED lights. $35
- Schleich NASA Astronaut Action Figure: Plastic 10-inch movable figure with authentic NASA spacesuit details for $12.
Bundle action figures with related playsets to build out their space adventures. Playsets range wildly based on size and features, from $25 for a simple multi-pack up to $100 or more for sets with multiple vehicles, landscapes and figures.
Electronics and Tech Toys
For tech-loving kids, interactive and programmable space toys bring imagination and STEM learning together through lights, sounds and more.
Our top electronic space toy picks are:
- OSMO STEM Starter Kit: Combines an iPad, reflector, and 5 learning games focused on math, science, and coding skills. $80.
- littleBits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit: Build and customize your own R2 unit or Gonk droid with over 22 components using this easy snap-together electronic blocks system. $100.
- Sphero R2-D2 App-Enabled Droid: Drive and control this fully interactive R2 unit from your phone or tablet as it reacts to your commands, watches movies with you, and more. $200.
- ** Bigquerymoney Telescope for Kids: **This beginner telescope kit comes with a smartphone adapter so they can capture cosmic images. $45.
Electronic toys range from $50 for basic programmable robots and circuit kits to $200+ for more advanced interactive droids with companion apps.
Arts and Crafts
For kids who want to get creative, art supplies, DIY projects, and design sets let them imagine and build their own space universe.
Top space-themed arts and crafts gifts include:
- Melissa & Doug® Solar System Floor Puzzle: This 48-piece jigsaw puzzle creates a 4-foot wide solar system map they can walk on. $15.
- 4M Solar Robot Kit: Assemble this papercraft model that moves on solar power. $15.
- Space Explorer Rocket Launch Set: Design, build and blast off air-powered paper rockets. $25.
- Crayola Light Up Tracing Pad: Draw alien landscapes, spaceships and astronaut adventures with this nifty LED tablet. $30.
- Snap Circuits Light: Create glowing space art projects by wiring up and customizing a 64 LED light board. $35.
Art and craft gifts range from $10 and up for basic supplies to $50 or more for bigger projects kids will spend hours on.
Educational Space Toys
Toys with an educational focus teach kids about real-world space topics through books, building sets, science kits and more.
Some stellar educational space toys include:
- National Geographic Mega Space Explorer Set: Includes a 160-page book, meteorite sample, poster, star chart and more—perfect for aspiring astronomers. $25.
- Omano Junior Telescope: This beginner 50x magnification telescope is perfect for moon and planet viewing. $40.
- Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit: Hands-on experiments teach concepts like solar energy, illumination, and chromatography. $25.
- PattyBoutik Astronaut Costume Set: Includes NASA-inspired jumpsuit, gloves, and space helmet to roleplay imaginative missions. $30.
- Snap Circuits Arcade: Learn electronics by building space-themed projects like an electronic cannon, infrared detector, and flying saucer. $30.
Look for kits that provide actual meteorite samples, space factoids, astronomy guides, and hands-on science projects to education through play. Prices start around $15 for books up to $150 or more for advanced telescope kits.
Trendy Space Toys They’ll Love
Keep up with the latest space toy trends to wow 12 year olds with the hottest galactic gifts. Today’s trendiest toys include:
- Osmo Creative Kit: This additive art set lets them draw stellar constellations and space-scapes on an iPad through tactile magnetic pieces and digital tools. $49.
- DOTS SPAC3: Design and customize glow-in-the-dark space posters with colorful foam stickers in this creative DIY kit. $20.
- PlayShifu AR Flashcards: Merge space science and mobile tech with these augmented reality flashcards covering facts about the solar system, NASA, and space travel. $25.
- Speechless Live Video Chat with an Astronaut: Arrange a 10-minute real-time video chat with an astronaut aboard the ISS through this incredible service. $50.
- LEGO Ideas NASA Apollo Saturn V: Build the iconic rocket with 1,969 pieces and lunar lander in this new collector’s edition model. $120.
Expect to spend $25 to $200 on the latest trendy space toys that combine STEM learning with futuristic fun.
{{< image src=”space-toys-header.jpg” alt=”Assorted space toys on blue background” caption=”Space toys allow kids to explore the mysteries of the cosmos through immersive and educational play.” >}}
Now that we’ve covered the amazing range of space toys, which gifts are the right fit for the 12 year old space cadet in your life? Here are tips on choosing toys they’ll love.
Tailor to Their Interests
Think about the types of space topics and activities they already enjoy. Are they an aspiring astronaut who would go crazy for a telescope kit? Do they love assembling models or is hands-on science experiments more their thing? Let their passions guide you.
Look for STEM Learning Potential
Toys that subtly teach science, tech, engineering, art and math skills will engage their brains while being super fun. Look for toys with an educational focus or that encourage problem-solving.
Make Sure It’s Interactive
At this age, our interest is peaked by experiences that are hands-on, buildable, customizable and novel. Toys they can interact with or manipulate will hold their attention best.
Consider Group Play
While 12 year olds still love solo play, they’re also expanding into hanging with friends more. Multi-player games and projects you can work on together are great options.
Know Their Skill Level
Find the sweet spot between too simple and overly advanced. You want toys that challenge their budding skills while still being achievable enough to accomplish independently.
Look for Added Play Value
Toys that tie into an existing interest like Star Wars, provide multi-facets like a game and building set in one, or that can be expanded on later will give them even more ways to engage.
Follow these tips to zero in on can’t-miss space toys. Now check out our top picks for every budget.
Best Space Toys for 12 Year Old Boys
Here are our top space toy recommendations across a range of budgets to appeal to every space cadet.
Budget Space Toys Under $25
You don’t need to spend a fortune to find amazing space toys they’ll adore. Great budget options include:
- National Geographic Break Open 10 Geodes Kit – Crack open 10 geode samples to reveal sparkly crystalline formations found across the solar system. Just $20.
- Scientific Explorer Mind Blowing Science Kit – Perform over 20 cool science experiments at home like an erupting space volcano and glow-in-the-dark reactions. $15.
- Klutz Lego Chain Reactions Craft Kit – Build 10 moving machines like a space shuttle launch using Lego bricks and moving parts. $17.
- Melissa & Doug Glow-in-the-Dark Puzzle Solar System– This 48-piece jigsaw puzzle creates a 4-foot wide solar system map they can walk on. $15.
- OWI One World Tech OWI-MSK Solar Moon Phase Kit – Assemble this working model to see the phases of the moon right in their room. $20.
You can find great space toys under $25 that awaken their curiosity and love of science.
Mid-Range Space Toys $25-$75
For kids looking to expand their space toy collection, mid-range gifts from $25-$75 include:
- Playmobil Mars Space Station – Construct a Martian research base complete with labs, vehicles, astronauts, and more futuristic accessories. $50.
- National Geographic Mega Space Explorer Set – Everything an aspiring astronomer needs, from a meteorite sample to the telescope, a star chart, and a 160-page book. $40.
- **Omano JuniorScope **- This beginner 50x magnification refractor telescope is perfect for viewing the moon and planets. $40.
- Snap Circuits Arcade – Learn electronics and lighting by building over 75 space-themed projects like a flying saucer and Mars rover. $50.
- Kiwi Crate STEM Projects – Receive a new hands-on science or engineering project designed for kids 12+ every month. $20-25/month.
You’ll find awesome STEM learning kits, telescopes, models, and other interactive toys in this mid-range price sweet spot.
Higher End Space Toys $75-$200+
For the space obsessed, higher end toys from $75-$200+ take play to the next level through robotics, electronics, and more.
Some of our top picks include:
- littleBits Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit – Build your own customizable R2 unit or Gonk droid through easy snap-together electronic blocks. $100.
- Sphero R2-D2 App-Enabled Droid – Drive and control the most authentic and interactive R2-D2 robot companion through voice commands and smartphone app. $200.
- PlayShifu AR Flashcards – Augmented reality flashcards bring real-time interactive 3D graphics to teach space science topics when viewed through a smartphone. $25 for 20-card deck.
- Osmo Genius Space STEM Starter Kit – 5 immersive iPad learning games focused on STEM skills fused with fun drawing and building projects. $80.
- Celestron Inspire 80AZ Telescope – Serious hobby telescope with computerized object tracking, eyepiece and smartphone adapter for photographing celestial objects. $175.
Investing in next-level programmable robots, advanced telescopes, and other high-tech toys opens unlimited play potential.
DIY Space Toys
If you’re on a budget, some crafty DIY ideas make fun projects to build together:
- Bottle Rocket Launchers – Make mini rockets from empty bottles and launch into the sky.
- Space Suit Costume – Sew together an aluminum foil space suit or upcycle household materials.
- Astronaut Ice Cream – Whip up edible astronaut ice cream using powdered milk, marshmallows and sugar.
- Moon Phase Calendar – Track the lunar cycle with this painted calendar.
Let their creativity reach new heights by designing and building DIY toys as a team.
Educational Space Games
Beyond toys, educational space games make screen time more meaningful and fun. Our top picks include:
- Kerbal Space Program– Manage your own space program by building rockets, launching missions, and getting adorable green astronauts into space.
- Space Agency – Guide a fledgling space program from its first rocket launch to colonizing Mars through strategic decisions.
- Astroneer – Explore and reshape distant planets by surviving hostile environments, mining resources, and crafting bases.
- Orbital Mechanics 101 – Physically accurate space flight simulation that teaches orbits, zero-G, and space maneuvers.
- SpaceEngine – An interactive 3D planetarium allowing seamless space exploration between galaxies and down to planet surfaces.
Pair toys with one of these stellar space games for the ultimate educational play
Frequently Asked Questions About Space Toys for 12 Year Old Boys
What are the benefits of space toys for 12 year old boys?
Space toys provide many benefits for 12 year old boys. They inspire passion for space exploration and science, allow for hands-on learning of STEM skills like engineering and problem-solving, encourage creativity through open-ended play, provide engaging bonding time with family or friends, and get kids excited about topics like astronomy, rocketry, and space travel.
What are the most popular types of space toys today?
Some of the most popular types of space toys include STEM learning toys like robotics kits, building toys like LEGO and K’NEX, action figures from sci-fi movies, tech toys like programmable robots and electronics kits, arts and crafts for DIY projects, and educational toys like telescopes and science kits.
What are good space toys for 12 year old boys on a budget?
Great budget space toys under $25 include science experiment kits, astronomy guides, solar system models, glow in the dark kits, LEGO sets, snap circuit kits, geode kits to crack open crystals, jigsaw puzzles showing the planets, and intro telescope kits. These stimulate their interest in space without a big investment.
What high-end space toys help teach advanced STEM skills?
Higher end space toys from $75-$200+ that teach advanced STEM skills include robotics kits like programmable droids, electronics kits using circuits to build complex tech projects, advanced telescopes capable of photography and tracking celestial objects, augmented reality learning kits, and tablet-based STEM games fused with interactive tactile toys.
Are there DIY space projects to make affordable space toys at home?
Some fun DIY space toy ideas include building bottle rocket launchers, designing aluminum foil space suits, whipping up edible astronaut ice cream, constructing moon phase calendars to track the lunar cycle’s phases, and using household materials to build model rockets or space-themed art projects. DIY projects make great hands-on activities to do as a family.