12 Interesting 3D Print Gifts Ideas to Try
The use of 3D printers has skyrocketed because they provide a novel and exciting means of mass production. Artists are now taking advantage of this incredible new technology to build 3D printing projects that were previously out of the question for the average person. Having a 3D printer at your disposal eliminates a lot of the stress that comes with buying dull presents for others. Here, we'll examine a number of gift types, showcasing our extensive library of exciting 3D print models and highlighting some excellent examples.
1. Keychains
Customizable with an assortment of designs and patterns, 3D-printed keychains are both entertaining and functional. Anyone on your list would be lucky to receive one of these as a tiny present or stocking stuffer. In addition to serving as a functional accessory, like a bottle opener, keychains are a great way to express one's individuality and showcase one's interests.
Download link: Thingiverse.
2. Christmas Decorations
It goes without saying that Christmas decorations, including tree toppers and ornaments, are essential. You can't go wrong with these as a joyous and considerate present that the recipient will cherish forever. With 3D-printed Christmas decorations, you can personalize not just a gift but your entire holiday spirit.
This alternative is a one-of-a-kind method to make Christmas more joyous, and there are a lot of patterns to pick from. Because decorations tend to stay for a long time, they will continue to bring joy to Christmas gatherings for many years to come.
Download link: CGTrader.
3. Phone Accessories
It is possible that your beloved is a bit sloppy when using their mobile device. If that's the case, a 3D-printed phone stand or case can give them the much-needed protection.
A variety of designs are available for your selection, including detailed patterns and personalized monograms. One more way to express yourself or show off your favorite people's style is using phone accessories. Make sure your best friend's phone is secure (maybe even more so than they are) by coming up with the most original design possible.
Download link: Thingiverse.
4. Adjustable Monitor Shelf
This item is a lifesaver if you've ever had your desk suddenly become cramped. Even if you have a lot of room, a little shelf like this one can serve as a lovely accent and display a couple of potted plants, as seen in the photo. The device is very flexible since it can adjust to several types of panels, including monitors and TVs.
The tolerances are really tight while making this adjustable shelf, so be careful. This is why the author included part-by-part files: in case you aren't sure of your printer's tolerances or if the PLA is wet, you shouldn't utilize the print-in-place option.
Download link: MakerWorld.
5. The Industrial MONSTERA POT
If you are in search of a one-of-a-kind and customized flower container, the Monstera pot is an excellent choice. Lighter than regular flower pots, it boasts an eye-catching design thanks to 3D printing. People seeking a pot with odd proportions can also utilize Monsteras because they can be created without a support system and have a square shape. You can use it to grow monsteras, a common houseplant with a striking appearance, much as the name implies.
Download link: Thingiverse.
6. A Cool Minecraft Lamp
Those who love Minecraft will adore this decor! Iron_Harrier, a creator on Thingiverse, has created a light based on the iconic video game. The five-sided lamp, which comes in four distinct grayscales, requires separate printing and assembly. Nevertheless, the designer expressly warns against adhering them to the lamp base. The light source is a multicolor Philips smart bulb.
Download link: Thingiverse.
7. Tooned 3D Printed Birdhouse
Why not 3D print a small birdhouse to invite the feathery friends in your neighborhood? Summer is just around the corner! Designer PA1 is selling that on the Cults website. For those of you who are young or young at heart, the house in question has been "tooned," or made to resemble a cartoon. The manufacturer has included numerous directions on the marketplace to follow to guarantee that the printing procedure is error-free.
To save the printing time, he says, you may make big sections with a layer height of 0.3, and there's no need to reposition them because they're already in the correct orientation. As a last point, PA1 provides two additional birdhouse models for 3D printing in case you're not satisfied with this one.
Download link: Cults.
8. Mechanical Wall Clock
In addition to serving their practical purpose, clocks like this one are visually appealing, thanks to a set of mechanical gears that form the iconic cuckoo bird. Everybody can find something!
Be careful to print everything with the exact proportions so this doesn't become a broken clock! The remarkable design uses weights to maintain time accuracy. No post-processing or supports are required, and you are free to print in any color scheme you like.
Download link: Printables.
9. Gothic Lantern
This one-of-a-kind design is more akin to a lantern than a lamp. You can print this out and use it as Halloween decorations or as part of your gothic decor. No supports are required for this design, which is really basic. Put an LED light bulb in the space between the lantern's base and its top.
Download link: Cults.
10. Honeycomb Vase
No matter what kind of flowers you put within this curved honeycomb vase, their distinctive pattern will make them a beautiful centerpiece. Several files with the design are at your disposal, so you may choose the perfect size vase for your needs.
To avoid printing a solid block decoration that can't hold flowers and takes all day, be careful to activate vase mode (or whatever unique name your preferred slicer uses). As a backup, you can confirm that the infill is at 0% and that there is no top layer.
Download link: Thingiverse.
11. Plantygon
Not much of a gardener? This planter ornament is perfect! Cactus lovers will adore this geometric stacking planter. Depending on your preference, you can arrange it in a variety of ways to facilitate drainage from one section to another. What a wonderful vertical arrangement!
Supports are optional, but the designer suggests using them with Cura's "Touching Buildplate" feature enabled and an 18% infill rate for this particular model.
Download link: Cults.
12. A 3D Printed Chessboard
Worldwide, chess is among the most popular and well-known games. The strategy board game is undeniably one of the finest games ever made, and it never fails to captivate players of all ages. All the pieces for the classic game of chess are here in this 3D-printed set. Printing out this chess set would be a great idea for any chess aficionado, whether you're looking for a way to play at home, kill time on a vacation, or just display it. The chess set is available for download on cults.
Download link: Cults.
If you would like to modify the above files or create one from scratch, you need a CAD software. There are many programs available for 3D modeling, but we recommend using SelfCAD. It is an easy-to-use 3D design software that has a user-friendly interface while not skimping on advanced features that allow for intricate designs and stunning renders.
In addition to the 3D modeling tools, the software also comes with an in-built online slicer that you can use to slice your designs and generate the G-code to send to your 3D printer. The video below shows how to slice designs in SelfCAD.
Ditch the Ordinary, Print the Extraordinary
3D printing has opened up a world of possibilities for making one-of-a-kind, customized presents that are perfect for each occasion and person on your list. Everybody may find the perfect 3D-printed present among the many options available, whether you like to shop from a catalog or prefer to make something unique. It's reasonable to assume that you no longer need to deal with long checkout lines or stock-out problems; instead, you can just use your desktop 3D printer, which can produce an item in a couple of hours, all without leaving your house.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
Need to learn 3D modeling? Get started with interactive tutorials.