The plastic pins securing the front bumper and grill to a Civic aren't really the type you can just pry out with an upholstery tool. I know, because that's one of the many tools I tried...
What you need is a pair of "push pin pliers", like these from S.E. Tools...
Nothing too exciting, but I swapped out my stock 2012 EX sedan grill for an Si grill, JDM badging, and a coat of Plasti-Dip on the chrome moulding. From having a front end that looks like a hundred other Civics in my area, I now have something a little unique.
The stock Civic EX front end...
My only serious gripe: when I fully raise the front row windows on my 2012 Civic, the inner door panels will then bulge inward by about a centimetre - I've never seen that on any car before, and you know it just ain't right.
Congrats on the new car.
I believe I saw your '12 when it passed through the dealer. I was still shopping at the time, and eventually bought my car at the same place.
Shopping for a used 2012 EX, I had a preference for Silver, but couldn't find a vehicle that colour, with the load-out I wanted. I did find my car in Polished Metal Metallic. It took a few days to warm to that colour, but now I've fully bought-in - even dipping the stock rims Anthracite Grey to...
My Civic is a 2012 EX. I wanted silver, but settled for grey. I'm glad it went down that way, as the darker colour really has won me over! Now, I'm getting set to dip my rims plus some of the chrome work for an all around darker look. An Si grill is also on its way here. Previous ride was a Ford...