13+ Amazing Things Kids Can Make with 3D Printers (Really Easy Projects)

3D printers is a technology that kids can use to unleash their creativity and imagination. Moreover, 3D printing is a modern and sophisticated field that involves science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 3D printing is a fast-budding industry that has started to gain global recognition. With 3D printers, kids have an opportunity to use technology, engineering, digital education, and business savvy.

The possibilities of what you can create with a 3D printer are endless. Examples of incredible things you can design and print with a 3D printer include children's toys, ornaments, jewelry, a remote spring mount, video game characters, arts, and a refrigerator note toggle. Teachers have adopted 3D printers to teach their kids various STEM concepts, such as the free, printable programmable eggbot, designing a space rover, etc.

Overview of Useful Things Kids can Make with a 3D Printer

From making a 3D refrigerator note toggle, to other small useful 3D objects like a 3D phone case, 3D earphones case, 3D cube puzzle toys, 3D toothpaste tube roller, and many more, 3D printing for kids provides ample of opportunities for using creativity and critical thinking skills.

In addition, 3D printers can make utilitarian products as well. Items kids can make with small 3D printers for kids include: 3D benches, bladekey, bag clip, citrus juicer, self-mounting soap dish, and many others.

3d printer idea projects for kids useful — Curious boy is learning more about working principle of 3d printer at technology class. Science and education. Inventions and creativity for kids. Selective focus

All About 3D Printers for Kids to Use

3D printers can be complex and difficult to navigate, but there are simpler 3D printer designs that are safer and easy for anyone, including younger kids, to use (like Toybox). There are so many ways to explore with a 3D printer. From printing miniatures, toys, jewelry, and cosplay items, to architecture models, apparel, phone cases, eyewear frames, etc, 3D printing is incredible! Really, there is no limit to what you can achieve- your only limitation is your imagination.

13+ Useful Things Kids Can Make With 3D Printers

Here are up to 13 simple and useful items and your kids can make using a 3D model and printer.

3d printer projects easy for kids to make

Chessbot Monster

Using the ChessBot free, printable model, you can teach your kids how to become experts in the legendary game of chess. The transformable 3D chess set can be transformed into several action figures.

3D Prosthetics Arm & Leg

The brain behind this incredible idea is Samantha Payne, the founder of Open Bionics. The 3D printed arm/leg is beautiful, affordable, and significantly cheaper than normal prosthetics. Older kids can use the 3D model to learn how to create a 3D printed arm.

This is a beautiful item that can help billions of people across the globe achieve their dreams!

Earbud Case

Really, a 3D earbud case has to be one of the most useful 3D items ever, right? With the help of parents and other learning guides, kids can learn how to create a 3D earbud case that helps protect the buds from tangling and eventual destruction.

Zip Toggles

Broken zippers can be so frustrating! This 3D zipper toggles helps to maintain your dress, jeans, backpack, and basically any other item with a jean. This is a useful household 3D item that’s simple and easy to make. You can download free 3D model here.

Combination Safe

This is a particularly useful item for large families or homes with little kids. The combination safe helps you secure your keys and flash drives. With the 5-digit lock combination, safe, you can be rest assured that your keys and valuables are secure. Check out the different 3D combination safe models, i.e. combination safe for the visually impaired, here.

Pencil Holder

The customizable pencil holder is a great tool for organizing your desk and keeping your pencils and pens safe. Kids can either choose an existing 3D design, or get creative and print a customized design.

Toolbox For Kids

With a basic 3D printer, your kids can create their own specialized toolbox. The toolbox can help keep their toys, miniatures, and other tiny tools organized. Kids can also learn the rudiments of construction, engineering, and 3D design and printing.

Measuring Spoons

This is another useful household 3D item idea for kids. Some measuring spoons are hard to misplace alone, because they come in sets. However, with the 3D measuring spoons, you can always replace your favorite measuring spoon. Download the free 3D model here.

Smartphone & Tablet Stand

With the 3D smartphone stand, you can sit back and enjoy your videos & texts without worrying about your phone falling. This is a quite difficult project, and only recommended for older kids. This project allows for flexibility, as it comes in different variations, designs, colors, and sizes.

Bag Clip With A Screw Cap

You do not have to worry about your grains and cereals spilling on your kitchen slab everytime! This 3D bag clip with a screw cap is a must-have in every home. Unlike other bag clips, you do not have to take off this clip whenever you want to pour out our cereal. All you need to do is unscrew the cap, and you are good to go!

Planters

Add more aesthetics to your home and garden with the modern 3D printers. You can replace these awesome 3D planters with the traditional ones and watch your home come to life!

Tip- the 3D planters are in very high demand in the 3D market!

Self-Watering Planters

The self-watering planters are useful and needed in every home and business. The 3D planters come in 2 parts- the planter and a water reservoir. It is a great 3D print that saves time, energy, and is easy to use.

Mini Raspberry Pi Notebook

Kids will definitely love the idea of transforming their raspberry pi into a tiny computer. With a Pi and the PiTFT screen module, you can make a mini Raspberry Pi notebook. For instructions on how to assemble your mini computer after printing the case, watch this video.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are 7 things that can be made using 3D printing?

The top 7 items you can make with a 3D printer include: zip toggles, measuring spoons, zip toggles, earbud case, bad clip with a screw cap, planters, and smartphone stands. Find out other incredible things you can make with a 3D printer here.

At what age can kids use 3D printers?

Due to its simplicity and repackaged designs, sizes, costs, and safety precautions, 3D has been made available to kids. Kids aged 8 and above can use 3D printers perfectly.

Is 3D printing hard to learn?

3D printing is a generally complex field which needs a level of understanding to navigate. However, the terms and procedures have been simplified to make it accessible to anyone, including younger children. Today, there are tons of easy-to-use 3D printers, 3D designs, and 3D models.

Final Thoughts on Useful Things Kids Can make with 3D Printers

Just as highlighted in this article, there are so many fun and simple projects and things kids can make with a 3D printer. The options are unlimited, and most items have models for kids and other users to follow. Simple items, such as a flower vase, a shoe pad, a lamp, toys, tablecloth, wall hanger, etc., can all be created in 3D.

Parents can also join the fun and create these 3D items with their kids. This article on 3D printer projects for small business ideas for kids will guide you through the various ways your kids can make money with a 3D printer.