Did you know that kids can have fun, learn technology, and make money with a 3D printer? Beyond making prototypes, 3D home appliances, accessories, etc., you can make as many 3D toys as you want. In fact, the 3D printed toys business has and continues to contribute massively to the growth of the 3D printing industry.
Kids adore cartoons and idolize their favorite characters and action figures. Making 3D toys serves as an opportunity for kids to personalize their interests and bring their characters to life. In addition, the costs and sales of a 3D printer toy are inexpensive, and this makes 3D printed toys sell fast. 3D toys create room for creativity. There are no rigid rules binding the production of 3D printer toys, so kids and other 3D printer owners can maximize their creativity, explore shapes and colors, and print awesome 3D toys.
In this article, you will learn about the 3D printing toy business, as well as the best 3D printing toys for kids to make.
Overview of 3D Printed Toys for Kids to Make
3D printing generally thrives on imagination and creativity. The only limitation to what you can make with a 3D printer is your imagination. Parents can get involved in their children’s delights by making several 3D toys with them. As a parent, if you have been seeking ways to bond with your kids and spend quality time with them, then printing 3D toys is a great way to start!
There are different categories of 3D printed toys to make. The 3D printed educational toys, for instance, provide the perfect learning ground for older kids. Samples of 3D printed educational toys for kids include a Physics kit, a Raspberry Pi case, a wind energy store, pokemon chess, customized lego bricks, and many others.
Other 3D printer toys categories include programmable toys, action figures, princess sets, fidgets & spinning toys, board games, army bundles, 3D miniatures, etc. In addition, kids can also learn how to create and design a 3D toy from scratch. Due to its advanced features and process, designing a 3D model from scratch should be restricted to older kids alone. Younger kids below the age of 8 can adopt an existing 3D model or remix it to make a unique design.
Beyond printing 3D toys, a 3D printer has also proven to be useful in repairing broken toys, replacing missing parts, and refurbishing old toys. Most toys are made with plastic, and this makes it possible for 3D printers to execute these functions perfectly.
All About Starting a 3D Printing Toy Business
One of the fastest ways to make money with a 3D printer is through the sales of 3D toys. Toys, miniatures, board games, educational 3D toys, and many others, are always in constant demand. While it is great to make 3D toys for yourself and your friends, it is even greater to put yourself in the commercial world, beyond your local community, and let people see your incredible talents.
If you are starting a 3D printing toy business, here are several ways you can make money.
Family and Friends
Truth is, family and immediate friends are crucial for anyone starting a business. Their continuous support and encouragement are enough to push you through the hurdles of starting a business. You can either make random 3D toys and sell, them or ask them to make specific orders and create.
Amazon
Amazon is one of the most recognized e-commerce websites worldwide. You can market your 3D toys on the platform and get them delivered to customers, or you can become a third-party seller as an independent seller and send your prints to the nearest warehouse. Then, Amazon would handle the processing and shipping for you.
Etsy
Etsy is a global platform that supports handcrafted products. It is the perfect place to gain recognition and sell your 3D printed toys.
Fiverr
You can market your skills to one of the largest global freelance platforms, Fiverr. The online marketplace allows freelancers to display their best skills and place a bid on their services. As a 3D printing business owner, you can show off your skills for whatever price you want!
13+ 3D Printed Toys to Make
Here is our guide on the top 13 3D printed toys for you to make. Kindly note that this list is in no particular order.
3d Pangolin Toy
This awesome 3D toy was inspired by Amao Chan. According to him, he designed it as a form of support for the endangered pangolin species. You can create a simple 3D Pangolin toy as a children’s toy, an artifact, or a miniature.
Pokemon Chess
Chess is an awesome game for kids. It improves memory, develops logical thinking, improves reading skills, increases retention, etc. The 3D Pokemon chess toy is a combination of chess and pocket monsters (pokemon). It takes players on a whole different level and is an amazing 3D printed educational toy to make.
3D Star Wars At At
3D printed Star Wars toys are popular in the 3D market, but the Star Wars AT AT is unique.
Collapsing Toy Swords
Just as the name implies, you can dismantle and assemble your sword at will. You can also print some of the designs all at once, saving time and energy. There are specific requirements for making the 3D toy sword, and you can find the model and free STL files here.
Cute Mini Octopus
The 3D cute mini octopus is simple and easy to make. All the parts can be printed at once, without additional support. This is a great 3D toy for younger kids to make.
Two-Winged Flexi Dragon
This is a cool 3D toy for kids to make. It is a bit complex, and not recommended for kids below the age of 10. The two winged flexible dragon is awesome and allows for modifications/remakes.
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.
Raspberry Pi Notebook
Kids will 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.
T-Rex Skeletons
Everyone loves the legendary dinosaurs, right? With this 3D printed toy, kids can make as many skeleton dinosaurs as they want, in different shapes and sizes. The T-rex skeletons can be used for several purposes, including educational and entertainment purposes.
Mini Monster Trucks
The mini monster trucks are famous in the 3D printing toy business. This is a simple project, ‘cause it requires no support system, and the truck body and suspension prints all at once! You can download the free STL files and 3D model here.
3D Printable Sand Playset
Have a beach hangout? The 3D-printable sand playset is the perfect tool for your kids to have a swell experience at the beach. The playset is divided into four 3D printable parts, which include a sifter, bucket, shovel, rake, and mold. It is a useful 3D item for kids of all ages.
Android Prototype P-O1
This is a 3D printable action figure for lovers of DC, Disney, etc. It is made up of numerous parts joined together by glue. You can also adjust the joints and position of the robot-like Android Prototype.
Castle Playset
Designed by Creative Tools, this printable 3D toy is enough to keep your kids hooked for the rest of the holidays. The Castle Playset contains animals, walls, knights, houses, towers, and many more characters. You can use the model as a basic guide to creating a unique playset. However, it requires some specifications, and may not be a good fit for little children.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no limit to the kind of toys you can make with a 3D printer. Ranging from action figures to historic toys, playsets, board games, and educational toys, among others, you can make any kind of toy with a 4D printer.
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.
According to various sources, it costs significantly less to 3D print your toys, compared to buying at the store. In addition to the cheaper rate, printing a 3D toy is fun and gives one a true sense of fulfillment.
Chances are, someone has already made something similar to the 3D design you have in mind. All you need to do is download the 3D model and STL files, then use the model, or create a new 3D model from it.
Summary
Owning a 3D printer as a kid can serve as both a source of fun and joy while also helping them explore the world of entrepreneurship. Kids can learn what consumers may want, fulfill those needs, and make money at the same time. An investment in 3D printer invites the opportunity to grow their creative mindset, learn about entrepreneurship, and grow their passion in technology.
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
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