3D Printing
65 Awesome Things to 3D print in 2023
Scott Gabdullin
Updated on November 15, 2023
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If you have a 3D printer, you know that there are endless exciting prints to try out. From fidget toys and attractive decorations to useful gadgets and organizers, there are more 3D print ideas than your printer (and budget) can handle.
Nonetheless, if you want to put more items on your list of things to print, here are 65 cool and fun things to 3D print in 2022.
Nintendo Switch Joy Con Grip
Where to download: Cults3D
By Tokytome
Any adult who holds Nintendo Switch Joycons knows they’re tiny, which is great if you are on the go. At home? Not so much.
You can print yourself a Nintendo Switch joy-con grip to keep your hands from cramping while you try to play. They might also help if you have a little one who tends to push the controller’s side buttons on accident.
Toothpaste Squeezer
Where to download: Printables
By Spidersky1489
If you have a 3D printer and haven’t made a toothpaste-squeezing gadget, this project is easy and will change your life. This build is perfect so you have no more missing toothpaste in the back of the tube and no more messes when trying to get the perfect amount out.
Three-Digit Combination Safe Box
Where to download: Printables
By Hugo
You can print a small three-digit combination safe to keep on your desk. It’s still plastic, of course, so you should avoid putting your true valuables inside, but it’s a reflection of all the things you can do with a 3D printer.
This print is pretty complex, with 25 different printings you will need to assemble at the end. However, the instructions provided by the creator are clear and very helpful.
Cascade Card Wallet
Where to download: Printables
By Hugo
The cascade card wallet lets you look at and grab your cards neatly and conveniently. You can lift the lever on the bottom, and all your cards will appear in a convenience cascade. You can push the lever back down when you want to put them away.
Rubber Band Gun
Where to download: Printables
By LoboCNC (Note: do not aim rubber bands at people)
As a kid, who didn’t spend their time flicking rubber bands at classmates and siblings? But there were always those times when you let go at the wrong time and flick your finger in the process. You’ll never have to snap your finger again with the rubber band gun.
This print comes in eight files with some assembly required. The gun is compatible with 1/16-inch and 1/8-inch thick bands. The download also comes with a card stand to practice your aim.
Self-Watering Seed Starter
Where to download: Printables
By LoboCNC (Note: do not aim rubber bands at people)
As a kid, who didn’t spend their time flicking rubber bands at classmates and siblings? But there were always those times when you let go at the wrong time and flick your finger in the process. You’ll never have to snap your finger again with the rubber band gun.
This print comes in eight files with some assembly required. The gun is compatible with 1/16-inch and 1/8-inch thick bands. The download also comes with a card stand to practice your aim.
Dice Tower
Where to download: Cults3D
By wylerb05
Whether you are running a Dungeons and Dragons campaign or playing another tabletop game, you can keep your dice from knocking over your minis with a dice tower. The creator designed this build to fit in smaller printers, so newbies are welcome to give this one a shot.
Question Block Nintendo Switch Game Case
Where to download: My Mini Factory
By Kickass3DPrints
By the time you’re buying your ninth or tenth Switch game, you’ve likely begun to realize you don’t want to keep all of the game boxes handy. You can put your favorite games in this classic-looking cartridge case, perfect for travel or leaving on display.
Leaf Drink Coasters
Where to download: Printables
By Trilobyte3D
If you need coasters in your living room or kitchen, you might as well make them decorative. This design allows a functional part of your life to become amazing 3D-printed art.
They’re also textured to keep condensation from running off the leaf onto your table. There are even differently shaped leaves, depending on the theme you want to make.
This build is excellent for beginners and doesn’t require support.
Tensile Table
Where to download: Printables
By rcmz
Tensile tables are incredible because they hold up without direct support anchoring the tabletop to the base. Through the wonders of physics (and tensile strength), they manage to stand up anyway.
This build needs a lot of filament, but it’s a print as-is, so there’s no need for complicated gluing or screwing things together once the printing is done. As a note, the chains on this build can be fragile, so use caution when you remove them from the supports.
Modular Desktop Fountain
Where to download: Printables
By 3D Printy
If you print this modular desktop fountain, there are 34 files to mix and match. Even better, if you know how to design your own 3D printer plans, you can customize them however you want. You can add plants, rocks, figurines- just about anything that comes to mind.
Egg Roll Basket
Where to download: Printables
By Cisco
You can keep your eggs in a regular carton, or you can keep them in a spiral, egg-rolling basket. This print is small enough to fit in the fridge and holds regular-sized eggs.
Four different designs are available, and they all print in one piece. You can also choose between a plan that fits 12 or 18 eggs. Just make sure to load it carefully, so you’re not cleaning up cracked eggs in your fridge.
Geodome Cat House
Where to download: Printables
By Dean Rogers
Anyone with a car knows that if there’s a small space, they’ll find a way in, even if it means they can’t get back out. If you give your furry friend their own geometric dome to hide in, maybe they’ll finally stop hiding under furniture.
This cat dome is a big project- it’s made in 129 pieces from 10 different file prints. Additionally, as there are so many parts, there’s a lot of construction after the printing is done.
Drink Organizer
Where to download: Printables
By Ljhtom (Javier Hernando)
This drink organizer fits ten cans and will work on most fridge shelves. The slight angle of the shelves rolls cans towards you. It also moves the cans from top to bottom, so you don’t have to stock two different racks.
Dancing Jellyfish
Where to download: Printables
By jajaum3d
Some 3D prints are functional, and some are art. The dancing jellyfish falls into the art category. You can keep it on your desk to play with or in your living room as a conversation starter.
This print is done in 17 parts that you will have to assemble afterward, but you won’t need to use glue because everything should lock into place easily.
Skeleton
Where to download: Printables
By Printerboy
This skeleton print is one file that will print fifteen bones you can assemble yourself. It’s not anatomically correct, but it’s a fantastic desk ornament. You can also pose this print in different positions, such as holding pencils or dancing.
Adjustable Airplane Phone Holder
Where to download: Printables
By SquidgyPlastic
It’s almost impossible to sit comfortably on a plane while looking at your phone. This adjustable clip will allow you to sit back and watch a TV or movie during your flight without having to hold your phone up the whole time. It clips easily into tray tables for most planes.
This print is made in seven separate pieces that are easy to put together. Because it’s adjustable, it will also hold most phone models.
Interlocking Sorting Cubes
Where to download: Printables
By DrFeelgood
The creator of this design is used to sort board game pieces, but you can use it for Halloween candy, coins, puzzle pieces, or other bits and pieces you need to sort through. These hexagons are not only interlocking but stackable for extra modularity.
There are 35 different files you can mix and match in this print. Some containers are multiple hexagons, while others have subdividers for smaller pieces. There are also a few holders if you need to carry or move your hexagons around.
High Garden Planter
Where to download: Printables
By Cisco
This customizable, modular, stackable planter is perfect if you’re looking to garden but are low on space. This print has 84 mix-and-match files to create your ideal planter- just make sure to put the heaviest pots on the bottom.
Gingerbread House Kit Card
Where to download: Printables
By Nakozen
Kit cards are great small gifts for loved ones, and a gingerbread house is a perfect gift to put in a stocking at Christmas.
You can use whatever filament color you like, whether you choose to go with a festive red and green or a true-to-life gingerbread brown; this kit card will put a smile on anyone’s face for the holidays.
Battery Holder
Where to download: Printables
By Nodashi
A battery holder for your two most commonly used batteries (AA and AAA) will save you from digging through a giant bucket of batteries only to find that you’re completely out.
The windows in this build let you know how many batteries you have left, and they’re easy to grab. You can even drill this build into the wall for more accessible storage.
This build is perfect for beginners as it comes in one piece, and the print file is ready to go.
Customizable Snow Globe
Where to download: Printables
By Sconnie Makes
To build this “snow globe” (it doesn’t hold water and snow, of course), you can choose three different frames and slot them into the base. There are ten different frames to choose from, a few of which are reversible, meaning there are dozens of combinations.
QR Code For Your Wifi
Where to download: Printables
By fuchsr
QR Codes for wifi are everywhere, from restaurants to doctor’s offices. You can make your own to put on your fridge or a stand, so you’ll never have to read the numbers off the back of your router to guests again.
Drink Holder For Your Desk
Where to download: Printables
By Martin_au
This drink holder attaches to your desk and hangs your drink over the side so that if an accident does happen, you won’t spill on your computer or ruin important papers. It’s also adjustable, so you don’t have to worry about your desk being the wrong size.
This print is made in a few different parts, but they screw together rather than needing to be glued. It fits most water bottles and cans.
Pull Ring Copter
Where to download: Printables
By agepbiz
A pull ring copter is an easy-to-make toy and a great way to test your printing skills. This build is easy and only needs five different parts. You can print it in all kinds of colors and hand them out as party favors for kids or as treats on Halloween.
Ferris Wheel Plant Stand
Where to download: Printables
By Jacob Cardwell
There are tons of free print patterns available for flower pots, but not nearly as many for a flower pot Ferris wheel. This print isn’t just decoration, either- it spins. You’ll need to print 11 different parts to make the Ferris wheel, but it’s more than worth it to be able to turn your plants around.
Tiny Paint Palette
Where to download: Printables
By MerganMcFergan
If you’re into painting- whether it’s Minifigures or your 3D printed creations- a miniature paint palette that hangs off your thumb can make your work easier. This print has grooves and three different compartments to keep your paints from unwanted mixing.
The little paint palette is a perfect project for total beginners. There are no supports, and it’s made in one solid piece- no construction is needed afterward.
Christmas Tree Ornaments
Where to download: Printables
By TomasT
Christmas tree ornaments are a great project for gifts around the holidays. They’re also ideal if you don’t want to have breakable glass on your tree. This project has 35 different ornaments you can print, so you won’t need to have any repeats if you don’t want to.
Sponge Holder
Where to download: Printables
By Catdad Workshop
This sponge holder isn’t designed like just any old tray. It has three different compartments for sponges of various sizes, and it is angled downwards towards your sink.
The angle ensures that any excess water that drips out of your sponges will run into your sink instead of the counter. It’s also printed in one single print without any extra components.
Cutlery Tray For Your Drawer
Where to download: Printables
By Curious Mint
This cutlery tray features stacked compartments that allow you to keep more cutlery in a smaller space. There are three different trays that you can make, depending on the size of your drawer and what you’re looking for.
Clip For a Chip Bag
Where to download: Printables
By Mikolas Zuza
This print is the perfect solution if you- like most people- have a habit of losing chip clips. In one single print, you can make ten chip clips to keep bags closed. Better yet, when you (inevitably) lose them again, you can just run another print.
Miniature Candy Vending Machine
Where to download: Printables
By Aeonfly
This vending machine print fixes the one fault of real candy vending machines- having to pay for the candy. This functioning vending machine will dispense some sweets (or whatever you decide to keep inside) every time you turn the crank.
This 3D-printed vending machine can fit candy up to the size of a peanut M&M. It needs 17 parts you can make in four printings.
Circular Sock Knitting Machine
Where to download: Printables
By JeepingJohnny
Unlike crocheting, knitting can be done by a machine, and with this print, you can use a machine to make a machine to knit a pair of socks for you. The knitting machine is a bit of a complicated pattern, but once you complete it, you’ll save yourself the trouble of learning to knit.
This design will need at least 17 different prints, plus hooks that you’ll have to buy separately. It has a needle lift tool and thread guide insert as well.
Marble Maze
Where to download: Printables
By ericman314
If you’re looking for another distraction on your desk, this marble maze is the perfect time-eater. This marble maze needs eight pieces you can complete in three prints, but it’s a snap-together design, meaning you won’t need glue or other hardware.
Sunglasses Car Clip
Where to download: Printables
By Celta
If you’ve ever scrambled around your car looking for your sunglasses as the sun blinds you, you know that a sunglasses car clip can be a game changer. The only way to improve this fantastic invention is to make it yourself.
You can make this clip in one printing, and multiple sizes are available. The creator advises that they work best with thicker, non-wired glasses.
Desktop Stomp Rocket
Where to download: Printables
By LoboCNC
This design is a miniature version of the classic stomp-powered air rocket. Whether you print this project for a kid or yourself, it’s sure to be the perfect endless distraction.
This print has only three different parts, but they fit together snugly to ensure as much air as possible flows into the rocket. However, this snugness also means that it’s a reasonably precise print, so make sure to calibrate your equipment and tune your tolerances before attempting this print.
Print-in-Place Rubik’s Cube
Where to download: Printables
By Anton Granata
This piece is entirely print-in-place, meaning it will work straight off the print plate. However, as it has many moving parts and close clearances, it’s a tricky print to nail down.
Note that you will also need to paint your cube after printing it if you want to solve it.
Squeeze Fan
Where to download: Printables
By GeorgeZSL
A squeeze fan is a battery and power-free way to stay cool and refreshed- perfect for backpacking, camping, or festivals.
This design comes with three different blades that you can attach. Each blade choice spins with different speeds and air flows. This design does not require any gluing or extra components.
Teabag Holder
Where to download: Thingiverse
By malick_e
A tea bag organizer will allow you to have multiple kinds of tea accessible at once. This design features two compartments with ridges that will keep your tea upright and a tray to keep the two compartments together. The teabag holder is a simple print that is perfect for beginners.
Sun and Moon Orrery
Where to download: Thingiverse
By larkysprints
This design will allow you to watch as the Earth orbits the sun and rotates for night and day. While it cannot account for the Earth’s tilt (and the seasons that come with it), it is otherwise accurate, and the Earth will finish an orbit every 365 spins.
You could even paint the Earth portion of this print to look like a globe so you can watch as the sun rises and falls on your part of the Earth.
Honeycomb Tool Organizer
Where to download: Printables
By Guillaume Gendron
If you have been 3D printing for any amount of time, you’ve likely collected tons of gadgets and tools to do your work. This organizer will hold everything from paint and brushes to Exacto-knives and hex wrenches, all in their own compartments.
If you run out of space after making your honeycomb organizer, you can always craft another one to sit next to it. The matching sides mean that they will fit snugly next to each other.
Ukulele
Where to download: Thingiverse
By Solstice
You can use your 3D printer to make fully functioning, tunable ukuleles. After printing the body and neck of your ukulele, you will need to do some extra work. For starters, this project will need to be glued together to work.
While you can 3D print many things, instrument strings are not among them (yet). You will also need to buy strings for your instrument if you want to play it.
Hot Pot Holder
Where to download: Cults3D
By Gazzaladra
While you can’t use 3D printer plastic alone to make a pot holder, you can use this print and cork to create one. All you need for this print is your 3D printer and extra wine bottle corks. This ‘corkerpiller,’ as the creator has dubbed it, can be tightened or loosened to create circles of various sizes.
Parallel Ruler
Where to download: Cults3D
By IL3D
It’s easy to make a ruler using a 3D printer, but this design will allow you to make a parallel ruler. A parallel ruler has small wheels on the bottom, enabling you to shift the ruler while staying parallel to a previously drawn line.
This project is a print-in-place, meaning no assembly is necessary after you print it. The ruler measures up to 17 centimeters.
List Stencil
Where to download: Printables
By EddiePrints
Many stencil prints are available for 3D printing, but few are as helpful as a list stencil. Though it’s designed specifically for post-it notes, this stencil will allow you to turn any unlined paper into a checklist.
Recorder
Where to download: Thingiverse
By cymon
Whether you have a kid who would love to play with a recorder or you haven’t touched one since fifth grade, a recorder is a perfect build to test your tuning skills on your printer.
According to the creator of this print, the recorder should be turned to an F or C. While this instrument won’t be as effective as a ‘real’ store-bought recorder, it will still play.
Chromecast TV Remote Mount
Where to download: Printables
By ByteSlinger
This print is the perfect solution if you have Chromecast on your TV and have a problem keeping tabs on your remote. It mounts easily under your table, and you can click the remote in and out, so it’s easily accessible.
Because of this build’s ‘click-in’ feature, you will need additional pieces you cannot print, including springs and screws.
While this build does not work with other kinds of TV remotes, it could easily be adapted if you have the know-how.
Bathroom Storage Box
Where to download: Cults3D
By Hyper3D
Too many bathrooms only have small sinks and medicine cabinet storage- never enough room for everything you need in your routine. This ‘super box’ will store your toothbrushes and toothpaste to buy you extra space and mount easily onto the wall.
You can screw the box into the wall or use double-sided tape as a renter-friendly DIY.
Glasses Headlights
Where to download: Thingiverse
By cmcelraft
Whether you’re working on a 3D print build or another project, sometimes you just need extra light to shine in the right spot. Glasses headlights can allow you to see what you’re working on without having to rig a flashlight at just the right angle.
This glasses headlight build will hold lights in the right direction for you to see, but you will have to buy the lights and batteries separately. As much as 3D printers can do, they cannot yet make batteries and lightbulbs.
Can Cover
Roman Terrace Garden Succulent Planter
Where to download: Printables
By Qrome
There are many pots, vases, cups, and planters designed to be made by the 3D printer, but this one is particularly interesting. Shaped like an old Roman terraced building, this planter has three compartments that can hold small plants.
This print has some detailing work that requires precision, but it comes in one large block- no support needed.
PC Case Stand
Where to download: Thingiverse
By Jawaiian
Underneath the PC case is the most under-utilized source of computer cooling around. Fortunately, you can provide your computer with extra airflow by printing lifts for your computer.
This print will also create the illusion that your desk has grown hands to PC above its head. You can match the plastic to your desk to sell the visual.
Unscrewable Toothbrush Holder
Where to download: Cults3D
By gazzaladra
Almost everyone uses a cup as a holder to keep their toothbrushes off the dirty bathroom counter, but as water runs off the brush into the cup, it creates the perfect spot for mold and bacteria to grow.
Reaching your hand into the bottom of the cup can be impossibly difficult, and the dishwasher doesn’t always clean it well enough. With your 3D printer, you can make a cup that keeps your toothbrush off your counter and is easy to clean.
Carabiner
Where to download: Thingiverse
By Charlie1982
While a carabiner printed at home won’t be strong enough for rock climbing or heavy lifting, it will be sufficiently sturdy to keep your keys strapped to your bag.
This carabiner is done in two prints that need to be attached afterward, but you won’t need any special supplies. You can also use different colors for the two prints for extra customization.
Spirograph
Where to download: Thingiverse
By 3Domas
This spirograph print comes with a few varieties of gears so that you can make different designs. Whether you are an adult that wants to explore the crafts you did as a kid or you’re looking for a gift for a child, a spirograph will bring you hours of fun.
Light Switch Plate Cover Handle
Where to download: Thingiverse
By LoboCNC
This print will let you cover your light switches in dramatic emergency handles, perfect for Halloween (or particularly themed houses). The creator has provided plans for single, double, and triple switches.
This build is made in three parts and should come together without additional pieces or glue. You will need to screw it onto your light plate, but you can use the screw that already holds your light covers.
Crystal Corner Decorations
Where to download: Cults3D
By Holoprops
This design will add decorative crystals to your home anywhere you have a corner. You can print them in different colors or paint them after you finish printing them to create different effects.
You can make this print in two parts that easily click together. The heavy crystals on top hold the lighter side crystals up, so there’s no need for glue or adhesive unless you want the smaller crystals on top.
Dinosaur Balance Desk Game
Where to download: Printables
By Dragon
This print contains 11 different game pieces that can be used in various stacks to create the ultimate dinosaur tower. This game is perfect to have on your desk as a distraction during slow work hours or to give as a gift.
You can print your dinosaurs in various colors (black and white, for example) to create different dinosaur game themes.
Chess Set
Where to download: Thingiverse
By BigBagBison
The creator of this chess build set out to create a model that could not be made by any process other than 3D printing. The spirals cannot be manufactured by regular plastic molds, making it a unique set.
This build has six print files and does not include a board, so you will need to source one (or print one!) yourself. Remember to print your two sets in different colors so you can tell them apart while playing.
Secret Stash Witch’s Cauldron
Where to download: Cults3D
By HoloProps
From the outside, this cauldron looks like a standard Halloween decoration, but if you pull the spoon, you’ll reveal a secret inside the compartment that you can fill with whatever you want.
This build can also have moods depending on the colors you choose. You could paint the inside ‘potion’ to look like bubbles or blood red to look like a spooky stew. This print is done with three components you can easily put together for the final construction.
Bird House
Where to download: Thingiverse
By mr_megatronic
This stylish birdhouse design is the perfect addition to any garden. It is easy to make, coming in four different parts that lock together without glue. You can paint this birdhouse to match your own home or leave it blank.
While the creator designed this build to fit small songbirds, you could quickly scale it to suit larger or smaller birds.
Ultimate Storage Holder
Where to download: Thingiverse
By Lalo_Solo
This storage for your various storage devices is the perfect way to keep your files organized on your desktop. It can hold eight USB sticks, eight SD cards, and 15 MicroSD cards. This simple build can be made in one print without supports or additional construction.
Business Card Embosser
Where to download: Cults3D
By Filar3D
This easy-turn business card embosser comes with 14 designs, including hearts, zigzags, dots, and waves. An embosser is a great way to make your business card stand out.
If you’re looking for a professional design, you can hire the creator of this design to make your logo or try to design it yourself.
Tablet Stand
Where to download: Thingiverse
By not colin farrell
There are many printable phone and tablet stands, but not many are designed to look like tentacles coming out of your table. The creator designed this print for tablets 210mm x 132mm, but you could scale it for devices of other sizes.
AC Vent Car Phone Holder
Where to download: Cults3D
By 22serhat22
This phone holder is designed to fit on most car vents and hold most current-generation phones. It locks into place when you put your phone on the lower bar, keeping your device secure.
This print locks together without any additional materials like glue or screws.
Wrapping Up
You can make many things as your next project with your printer. From instruments to puzzles, your printer is only limited by your imagination. The next time you are unsure what to make, remember these 65 cool and fun 3D print ideas.
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Scott Gabdullin
Scott Gabdullin is a Canadian entrepreneur, investor, and marketing expert who has successfully combined his passion for technology and innovation with a love for adventure and exploration.
Scott brings 12 years of digital marketing experience and a hardcore work ethic to his new passion for 3D printing. If he is not working on this business, he is likely travelling and Overlanding across North America with his wife and 2-year-old son in their Jeep Rubicon.
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