Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get your little kids a 3D printer for a change? 3D printers are amazing tools kids can use to gain skills in Science, Technology, Engineering,
To many, 3D printing is futuristic and far-reaching, but in reality, 3D creation is a craft, skill, and an incredible discovery for kids and literally anyone. Kids can learn how to create as many toys as they want, including ornaments, bag clips, note toggles, 3D earphone cases, jewelry, and so much more. That’s not all; kids can also print solid 3D printer items, like metal, plastic, iron, etc.
3D printers are safe for kids to use. In fact, there are customized 3D printers for kids to use. They Can use their 3D printer gifts to sharpen their creativity and printing skills, get into the 3D printing business and make some cool cash, or learn the fundamentals of STEM education.
This article explains the importance of 3D printers, as well as why 3D printers make the perfect gifts for kids.
Overview of 3D Printer Gifts for Kids
3D printer gifts for kids can be incredibly useful in their daily life. They are not merely toys or objects of fascination; rather, 3D printers are machines that can be used to print customized toys and a host of other useful items. This can spark creativity to build what they love and learn from it.
Before getting a 3D printer gift for your kids, you can start by gifting them a 3D printed accessory, see how well they love it, and then proceed to wow them with a 3D printer gift. 3D printers are quite complex and can be harmful, however, these dangers are significantly lessened with 3D printers tailored for kids. Some of the amazing protective features of these 3D printer toys include protective sensors, PLA filament, safety doors, and enclosed designs, among others.
In addition to printing beautiful 3D toys, 3D printer gifts for kids can also develop their technical abilities and equip them with critical thinking, creative, and algorithmic skills. In addition, kids can set up a 3D printing business and print imaginative concepts like ornaments, video game characters, miniatures, etc., and sell them across e-commerce websites.
All About 3D Printers
3D printers can be quite difficult to navigate but there are 3D printers that are simple and easy for anyone to use. There are so many things kids can do with a 3D printer, like offering specialized 3D printing, renting your 3D printer, printing 3D toys for sale, and printing other useful household 3D items for sale.
Just as mentioned above, 3D printing is a highly complex field, but the terms and procedures have been simplified, hence making 3D accessible to even younger kids. 3D printer users can choose from the large influx of 3D models available or take it a step further by designing their 3D model from scratch.
There are no rigid rules binding the production of 3D objects and toys, so kids can maximize their creativity, explore shapes and colors, and emerge with unique 3D designs. In addition, 3D printers can also be utilized to refurbish old toys and replace their missing parts. 3D works differently from normal printers and there are certain steps (algorithms) that must be followed when printing a 3D object. They include:
- Create a concept or an idea
- Finding a 3D model that suits that idea or making one from scratch
- Export the model
- Print, and
- Finalize the design
Why 3D Printers Make the Best Gifts for Kids
3D printers are incredible machines that allow kids to create as many toys as they want all by themselves. It is also a good way for your kids to learn about prototypes. It also equips them with problem-solving and critical thinking skills. It also increases spatial awareness in kids.
In addition to learning and acquiring new skills and knowledge, 3D printers for kids serve as a medium for them to bring their ideas to life. They can also collaborate with their friends, share ideas, and create beautiful 3D items.
What does 3D Printing Teach kids?
Kids can acquire a host of skills and knowledge with 3D printing, including:
- Hands-on learning
- Spatial awareness
- STEM Education
- Enthusiasm
- Problem solving and creativity
- 3D printing and design
- Teamwork
3D Printers as Gift that Keeps on Giving
3D printers are highly useful because they are important gifts that, if utilized properly, can generate more gifts and even money. Kids can print as many toys, action figures, miniatures, and other items as they want.
Average Cost of a 3D Printer
3D printers have varying price values, depending on the size, capacity, function, etc. However, the average cost of a small, entry-level 3D printer is between $300-$500. For high-end and commercial printers, it costs between $1500-$20000. Here is a guide for choosing the best and most affordable 3D printer for your little superhumans.
Top Best Sellers for 3D Printers for Kids as Gifts
- KID FRIENDLY: Built to be used by children, Toybox can be controlled with simple one-touch functions. No adult assistance needed, no need to adjust removable print bed, easy filament loading and novel print bed design that doesn't require a knife to remove prints like most 3D printers
- UNLIMITED CATALOG OF TOYS: Thousands of awesome toys are available at your fingertips in our Toybox catalog. New toys added weekly and seasonally.
- CREATOR SPACE AND EASY IMPORT: Upload designs to create your own toys or draw them and bring them to life through our user-friendly apps and tools. Your creations are stored on the cloud for easy access.
- 🎅Mini 3D Printers： Entina TINA2S - a 3D printer for beginners and children, compact body, ready to use out of the box, fully assembled, no complicated settings to start printing, SD card, and APP comes with multiple models, fully meet the printing needs of entry-level players, instantly start the perfect printing experience!
- 🎅Completely intelligent: equipped with the new self-developed APP, massive model library, to achieve one-click control of the printer. Print at your own pace, you can choose to print in multiple ways via APP/USB/Wiibuilder slicing software, fully open source and compatible with Cura, Simplify3d and Slicr3r slicing software.
- 🎅Upgraded wifi printing: upgraded wifi module with 5 times faster file transfer speed, supporting faster and more stable file transfer for a perfect printing experience. Convenient networking design, use PP local APP to network with one click and say goodbye to tedious network settings!
- 【3D Printer for kids & beginners】The small 3D printer is fully assembled. With the simplest setup, you can use it right out of the box. The plug-and-play 3D printer can be the first 3D printer for beginners who are interested in 3D printing and modeling.
- 【High quality prints】 The entry-level 3D printer was designed with a Cartesian structure with dual linear Z-axes to ensure reliable and fast printing. Factory-ready testing, all you need is to open the box and print directly.
- 【Auto bed leveling】The printer is beginner-friendly because you no longer have to screw the bed to level it. It calibrated itself with the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor performed a 3-point alignment of the 10*10*10 cm build plate on the substrate at the start of printing.
- COMPLETE STARTER KIT: Everything is included, just bring the imagination. This 3D printer starter kit comes with a mini printer, 10M of PLA filament, a microSD card pre-installed with model designs & splicing software, and more 3D printer accessories.
- FULLY ASSEMBLED PRINTER: Go from zero to jaw-dropping prints in no time. And the printer isn’t just ready to go out of the box, it’s sized for space-saving efficiency. It measures 8.3” x 8.3” x 11.4” and weighs 6.6 lbs - perfect for home use, classrooms, and dorm use.
- EASY AUTO LEVELING: Made with kids and beginners in mind, our printer turns complexity into creativity-fueling simplicity. It features auto-leveling and a dual z-axis rail for high-precision prints, a 2.4” LCD screen, and a flexible magnetic build plate for easy removal.
- 🎁【Smart APP Wireless Printing】 Fully assembled 3d printer, out of the box. Compact TINA2S 3D printers with self-developed APP "Poloprint Cloud", which has massive models library, realize the smartphone or tablet intellegent online one-click slicing and wifi cloud printing, no tedious operation, an ideal gift for men, women, beginners, teens, kids, etc.
- 🎁【Fully Open-Source】Tina2S mini 3d printer is compatible with Wiibuilder, Cura, Kiri(Chrome book), PrusaSlicer software, you can diy your own models and fast upload to print on computer, as well as support USB transfer. Fully open source supports command edditing, etc. (Firmwares can be taken from our wiki)
- 🎁【Quiet-Print Enviroment】WEEFUN Tina2S small 3d printers is built in self-developed motherboard for ultra-quiet printing(40~50dB), faster print speed up to 200mm/s, 8 times CPU running level increase.
- 【6.6’’ 4K+ HD screen】ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 2 uses a 6.6-inch monochrome LCD screen with a resolution of 4096*2560, which can display the models’tiny details. This can fully meet the printing needs of miniature models, and is a very good choice for upgrading from FDM printers to LCD printers
- 【Upgraded LighTurbo Matrix】Compare with ordinary matrix light source, Anycubic LighTurbo matrix provides a more stable and uniform parallel light source, which can effectively reduce the layer lines and eliminate grid lines. Therefore, Photon Mono 2 can make the model details more vivid and the model surface delicate and smooth.
- 【Larger Build Volume】The printing volume of Photon Mono 2 is 165x143x89mm, which is larger than that of Photon Mono 4K of the same machine size. It can meet the needs of saving placement space and printing large models.
- ✪【Easy installation and simple operation】: For beginners, if you don't know how to use 3D slicing software, you can directly download the model file (Gcode file) to the TF card, insert it into the printer, and start printing. Press the "+" button to put the material in. If you need to replace or remove the material, press the "-" button and wait for a while to pull it out. After the material is put in, press the play button to start printing. The X1 3D printer is also suitable for children, but it needs to be done under the guidance of parents.
- ✪【Important steps】: Leveling is the most important part of using this printer. Press the home button to start leveling, when the nozzle touches the magnetic plate, disconnect the power and start leveling. If the printer is not leveled properly, the magnetic plate may be damaged by being squeezed by the nozzle. If the nozzle is too far from the magnetic plate, the printed model will not stick to the magnetic plate. Please watch the leveling manual or video carefully
- ✪【HIGH PRECISION PRINT HEAD】: 3D printer's nozzle uses a professional all-metal nozzle to ensure the best printing temperature and minimize the risk of printing errors. In addition, the printers kit has a layer resolution of up to 0.05 mmr, guarantees the accuracy of the print model. Dual fans provide better heat dissipation for faster and more even modeling.(Note: This mini 3D printer doesn't have the Resume Print Function, if there is a power failure it will print from the beginning .)
- [Effortless 3D Printing] The AOSEED X-MAKER 3D Printer is fully assembled and requires no complex setup, or manual equipment calibration before you start printing. The intuitive software and user-friendly interface make it easy for kids to design and print their creations, bring their ideas to life. This X-MAKER 3D Printer is the perfect tool for unleashing your child’s creativity.
- [Wireless Smart One-Key Printing] With an intelligent optimization algorithm and WIFI printing capability, printing is as simple as pressing a button. This 3D printer also supports SD/USB printing, enabling printing without an internet connection. It's the perfect choice for entry-level users who want STEM education. Start enjoying the printing experience right away!
- [Enclosed Creative Workshop] Unlike fully open-source 3D printers, our enclosed 3D printers offer a range of benefits that prioritize safety for your family. With an enclosed design, harmful fumes and emissions are isolated. The leveling-free bed guarantees a proper distance between the nozzle and the printing surface, resulting in consistent and high-quality prints. The printer's enclosure protects your children and won't accidentally touch any hot or moving parts during operation.
- 【Easy to Operate】All-in-one structure design, this 3d printer is fully assembled, designed easy-operated button, visible Protective door, screen for easy setting and visible progress, very safe and easy for kids and beginners, perfect for children’s creativity developing, fun educational experience in mechanical engineering and electronics.
- 【Including PLA Printing Material & TF Card】It comes with a PLA Filament 1.75mm, enough for printing about 10 models in the size of 80x80x80mm, diversified models in the TF card meeting your needs, and you could go to our manual’s provided website for more models, such as character, education, animal, plant, brain game, houseware, building series, and etc.
- 【High Speed & High Precision】5-minute fast heating, print precisely with standard nozzle of 0.6mm in diameter to reach the precision of up to 0.1 and a speed of up to 60mm/s. The size of the 3D printer is only 220x160x225mm, very cute mini size, occupy very small place when printing and convenient to carry with.
- KID FRIENDLY: Built to be used by children, Toybox can be controlled with simple one-touch functions. No adult assistance needed, no need to adjust removable print bed, easy filament loading and novel print bed design that doesn't require a knife to remove prints like most 3D printers
- UNLIMITED CATALOG OF TOYS: Thousands of awesome toys are available at your fingertips in our Toybox catalog. New toys added weekly and seasonally
- CREATOR SPACE AND EASY IMPORT: Upload designs to create your own toys or draw them and bring them to life through our user-friendly apps and tools. Your creations are stored on the cloud for easy access
Frequently Asked Questions About 3D Printer Gifts for Kids
Absolutely. Getting your kids a 3D printer gift is one of the best decisions you can ever make as a parent. 3D printing is futuristic and equips ids with several skills, including creative thinking, problem solving, algorithmic thinking, spatial awareness, and prototypes, among others.
3D printers offer kids a way for them to bring their ideas to life. They can literally print their favorite cartoon character in its most real form, which is one of the coolest things ever.
3D printer pens are 3 items that can be used to draw physical items in the air. This is possible with its use of plastic filament, which is a photosensitive material. What you draw with a 3D printer pen is what you get. It can be used in place of a 3D printer, and it is much faster, but unlike 3D printers, 3 pens do not have existing models and one needs to have vivid imagination skills to draw perfectly.
Final Thoughts
3D printers can make great gifts for kids. They provide an exciting and engaging way for children to explore their creativity and learn about technology. 3D printing can help kids develop important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.
When choosing a 3D printer as a gift for a child, it's important to consider their age and interests. There are many different types of 3D printers available, and some are more suited to younger children while others are more appropriate for older kids. It's also important to consider the level of support and resources that come with the printer, such as tutorials, guides, and software.
Overall, 3D printers can be an excellent way to introduce kids to the world of technology and engineering. By providing children with the tools and resources to create their own designs, 3D printing can help them learn valuable skills and foster a lifelong love of learning. With the growing trend of 3D printing, it is a great way to give children an opportunity to learn about the latest technology and its possibilities.
It's a fun and educational way to encourage children to experiment and explore their own ideas, and it can be a great way to foster a passion for technology, design and engineering. So, if you're looking for a unique and exciting gift for a child, a 3D printer might be a great choice.
More 3D Printing Inspiration for Kids
- Why 3D Printers Make Great Gifts for Kids
- Parents Guide to 3D Printers for Kids
- Affordable 3D Printer for Kids Roundup Guide
- ToyBox 3D Printer for Kids - Honest Review
- Small Business Ideas for Kids with 3D Printers
- Useful Things Kids Can Make with 3D Printer
- 3D Printer Toys for Kids
- Why to Not Get 3D Printer for Kids
- Top 3D Accessories for Kids
- Show and Tell Ideas for Kids with 3D Printers