Apart from real money and high-end exotic filaments, time is our most precious commodity. Sometimes we don’t have either the time or the patience to wait multiple tens of hours for a print to finish. And then there’s the nightmare scenario – the print job imploding in on itself at the eleventh hour, leaving us dejected and having to start all over again. Nope, not doing that today.
Sometimes, we want to print something fun, something that won’t take more than an hour or two. So, here are 50 of the easiest and most fun things to 3D print. They’re so simple they’ll be finished before you know it, maybe even in less than an hour!
We’ve run these prints through the popular Cura slicer software to give us an idea on the time needed, but keep in mind that some 3D printers will perform faster than others, and you’ll probably have tweaked your machine for optimal speed and settings.
5 Easy Steps to 3D Print Easy & Fun Things
- Browse this list of fun things to 3D print for inspiration and ideas. Go ahead, take your time. We’ll be here when you get back.
- Download the STL file for your chosen model. Click on the link to take you to the site where the files are hosted, and you can download them absolutely free. Please note that some sites may require registration before you can download.
- Slice the STL file to prepare it for 3D printing. Whether you use an open-source application like Cura or a paid solution like Simplify3D, slicing is a critical step for the quality of your model. Open the STL file and tinker with settings like infill, layer height, and supports.
- Convert the STL file into G-code after you’re done slicing. Save the G-code and upload it to your 3D printer using a USB cable, an SD card, or a network connection. Now get printing!
- Alternatively, use a 3D printing service if you don’t have access to a 3D printer. Simply upload the STL files to Craftcloud by All3DP to have any of these things 3D printed in a variety of materials (even in metal).
Baroque Ornaments
For around 120 years or so beginning at the 17th century, fashion got ridiculously flash. If you’re one of those people yearning for the return of the outrageously lavish Baroque period, modern technology can help you out. Yes, with a 3D printer you can now finally smell what baroque is cooking.
The flamboyant files offered here provide a plethora of patterns, and after printing (some take just 20 minutes) you can add a dab of glue or a patch of double-sided tape to attach them to whatever you want to baroqueify.
Of course, these handy little nuggets of baroque styling aren’t a fixed size either. So, in the slicer you can simply pull an Enya and scale away, scale away, scale away.
Who made it? FB-Artwork
Where to download: Printables
Protein Scoop
Ok, sure, protein alone isn’t exactly fun. Same with scoops. You know what is fun though? Big gainz. Oh, and being able to lift anything up to the size of a compact car or crush a watermelon between your thighs.
To do those things you will, of course, require copious amounts of protein. A vital component of any strong person’s diet, protein powder is thrown into all kinds of other food/drink combos and unless you’re an absolutely massive Bro, you’ll need to measure out roughly how much you need. Hence this 15 g scoop, perfect for anyone requiring 15 g of protein, or multiples of 15 g of protein.
Let’s be honest though, this is just meant to replace the one you’ve probably lost. Or snapped with your massive power grip.
Who made it? MaciaIT
Where to download: Printables
The KÖMBE
Billed as a “grooming accessory for the unfollicled”, this potentially useful and definitely hilarious little print was originally intended as an entry to Printables’ Hair Accessories competition.
As probably the greatest comb ever produced for bald people, the Kombe makes for a great gift for any or all of the unfollicled unfortunates in your life. Functional in any environment at any time of year, this speedy little print will keep domes looking sharp and shiny 365 days a year.
Not everyone can have long, combable locks, but everyone has a scalp. So, if your hot property happens to have no tenants, then this print is perfect for you.
Who made it? ThatGuy
Where to download: Printables
Snacking Tongs
Gaming and snacks go together like musicians and part-time barista gigs. Controllers and snack grease go together like poorly stored fertilizer and fires, however. Thanks to 3D printing and the talents of designers like Jerry Lee, there’s a solution though.
These are a clever pair of ergonomic snack tongs, a simple and quick little print that can prevent the build up of snacky residue on your gaming controller, TV buttons, keyboards, anything really.
Taking just over an hour to print, these nifty tongs are one of those things that once you use, you never go back to doing what you did before. Enjoy both your game and your snacks with no compromises.
Who made it? Jerry Lee
Where to download: Printables
Bookmark Feet
Struggling to operate a book? Always losing the page you were on? Restarting every time because it just seems like the right thing to do? No, you’re playing books on Extreme difficulty. Drop it down to Normal with a bookmark.
This bookmark will take around 15 minutes to print, and once completed, you’ll never lose your progress again. Bookmarks: the save points of reading.
Also works perfectly as a gift for any podiatrist, we should add.
Who made it? Ahpaolo
Where to download: Thingiverse
Mini Disk Shooter
Tools, gadgets, and toys with which to torment friends and colleagues are unfortunately not as common as they should be. Or maybe we’ve just used them all by now…
Anyway, here’s one that tickles our fancy. A shooter for small mini discs (not to be confused with MiniDiscs). Yes, you’ve got it right, this is a projectile weapon. The 21st century’s equivalent of a crossbow, perhaps?
In around an hour, you’ll be firing these little printed disks at the people who truly, truly deserve it. You know who they are.
Who made it? Animeted
Where to download: Printables
Low Poly Porsche 911 Turbo
Yes, we’re cheating a little bit here because this is actually a pretty large model, but with a bit of scaling you can print it in a very sensible time. Anyway, fast is exactly what the Porsche 911 Turbo is all about, so it would be morally wrong to make this into a large, slow print.
Presumably taking inspiration from the 930 and 964 Porsche 911 models, this low poly riff on one of the most distinctive car designs in history makes for a perfect desk accessory or small gift for somebody obsessed with Porsche.
If you wanted a larger low poly garage on your desk, then the designer (Turtleman) has other models available too, representing brands like Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and BMW.
Who made it? Turtleman
Where to download: Printables
Car Vent Glove Dryer
Winter, with its pesky snow, strong winds, rain, mud, puddles, and anything else miserable you can think of, plays havoc with gloves. A vitally important accessory to have in the chilly season, you have to look after them, and with this handy (glove-y?) 3D print, you can dry or warm them as you travel to your next destination.
Simply clip these quick and easy prints onto the air vents of your car, pop the heater on, and the gloves will feel gorgeously dry and toasty when you slide them on next time. Is there any feeling better than sliding on some warm gloves in winter?
Who made it? Steff
Where to download: Printables
Articulated Axolotl
How are Axolotls even a real animal? These little Mexican lake dwellers look absolutely otherworldly, like some kind of frog/ET hybrid an alien species designed. It might be between this and the Platypus for the “Weirdest Animal on Earth” or “Best Alien On Earth” awards. Vote in the comments on that one, readers.
Anyway, here’s a cool 3D print that provides a flexible, bendy Axolotl toy for you to play with, and when scaling it down to 65-75%, it won’t even take that long to print. It might be the only way you get close to one, given the Axolotl’s critically endangered status and single-habitat home in Mexico. The Aztec gods are surely displeased about that, but thankfully there are people working to prevent their extinction.
Who made it? Aliens and/or Aztec gods. Oh, you mean the model? It was PrintBrothers3D
Where to download: Printables
Guitar Pick
Channel your inner Jimmy Page, Carlos Santana, or Stevie Ray Vaughan and make use of this cool little pick print. It slides onto your fingers, so looks and feels a bit different to what somebody might describe as a traditional pick.
It’s ready in a matter of minutes, and then you should be able to jump chest-deep into some pure rock, and absolutely nail Achilles Last Stand or Texas Flood. Easy.
If that works, is this then the 3D printing equivalent of doing a deal with the devil? We’re not at liberty to say.
Who made it? Tom Anderson AKA “The Real Neo”
Where to download: Printables
Impossible Chopstick Holder
There are plenty of 3D printed chopstick holders, but this elegant model really stands out. The sticks seem to be floating horizontally above the table. A stand can be printed while you prepare the meal and decorate the table. If this particular model doesn’t click with you, here are several other cool alternatives.
Who made it? ShinIshiSou
Where to download: Printables
Cat Ear Hairband
Maker Tubbabutta made this design for their 4-year-old daughter. It prints in under an hour and fits a small-headed adult, but it’s recommended to size it up by a few percent for any larger heads. Best printed with glittery filament if you really want to impress your kids. Be sure to remove the little circles at the ends before use.
Who made it? Tubbabutta
Where to download: Thingiverse
Record Adapter
Vinyl sounds better, so they say. With this joyful single adaptor, your vinyl singles also look juicier. It definitely makes a nice change to the regular bread-and-butter record adapter. The parts can be printed in under an hour each.
Who made it? jajaum3d
Where to download: Printables
Soap Dish
Why not print something useful for a change? If you have some left-over filament (a meter should do the trick), this soap dish can be ready to use in under 50 minutes. Don’t forget to turn on “vase mode” in your slicer software; otherwise, you’ll get something resembling a brick. Also, make sure to clean the disk from time to time – you don’t want to give bacteria a chance.
Who made it? Eduardo Szesz
Where to download: Printables
Cable Organizer
MakeIt3D has contributed a lot of impressive models to the 3D printing community, and their newest model will be super useful once installed on your desk. The print consists of a base and a clip, both printable in just 30 minutes. The base can be held in place with double-sided tape. Put the cable in the clip, and attach it to the base with a slight twist, and you have all your cables right there when you need them.
Who made it? MakeIt3D
Where to download: Cults
Clip
Plant Clips
If you’re into gardening, don’t throw away the last meters of your filament. It’s better to print it for these plant clips! They are ready in under 10 minutes and can be used on tomatoes or any other filigree stems. If you’re printing with PETG, you should be able to reuse them multiple times.
Who made it? propmatic3d
Where to download: Printables
Fox Decoration
Looking for an impressive last-minute gift or something decorative to brighten up a boring bare wall? Here’s a cool wireframe design in the shape of a fox head that you can print in under an hour. Of course, the design can also be scaled to any size.
Who made it? Jael Schatteman
Where to download: Thingiverse
Fidget Cube
Scale this 3D model to 80 percent to print it in 56 minutes, pluck it off the plate and start fidgeting. The best part is that it doesn’t need any assembly. It also comes in more sophisticated variants, but these take longer to print.
Who made it? Walter Hsiao
Where to download: MyMiniFactory
You’re not done fidgeting yet? Just look here!
Turbine Faucet Watersaver
We can’t say with certainty that this dinky little turbine will help you save on your water bills. But what it will deliver is a neat sprinkler effect, dispersing the water in a wide arc so that you can clean your dishes, hands, whatever, quicker.
Who made it: Luis Gonzalez
Where to download: Thingiverse
Photo Studio Stand
If you want to take pro-looking photos of your prints, print these two parts, put a sheet of paper between them, get some decent lighting, and start taking great snapshots of your prints right away.
Who made it? Marco Tasca
Where to download: Thingiverse
Single-Hand Key Organizer
There are more 3D printable key ring models than one can count, but we really liked this one. The lightweight key organizer can be printed in no time and will help you to prevent scratches on your phone or wallet, while being easy to use with one hand.
Who made it? Basti30
Where to download: Printables
Mini Containers for Bottle Caps
Most soda bottle caps are made from PETG, a durable and versatile plastic. And honestly, it would be a shame to throw it away after one use. So, upcycle your bottle cap with a fitting 3D printed mini-container. There are three types available (normal, with slits, and knurled).
Who made it? Tokyo Bird
Where to download: Thingiverse
Collar Stays
We all know that the God of Washing Machines regularly demands offerings. So, it’s no wonder that those little collar stays tend to vanish after washing.
With a 3D printer, this matter is solved within minutes. Eight of these little plastic slips can be printed in half an hour, and your shirt collars will look proper and tidy again.
Who made it? GCV3D
Where to download: Printables
Loose Leaf Binder
Sifting through and organizing receipts for expense reports – or worse, your tax returns – isn’t exactly fun. Especially not when someone has always snatched the last transparent envelope.
With this design, printed in a matter of minutes, you can staple your receipts together and keep everything nice and tidy.
Who made it? Ax
Where to download: Printables
Razor Holder
This print will help you organize your wet razors in the bathroom in a tidier, more hygienic way. The design is printed quickly – it should be ready in under half an hour – and is simply applied with some double-sided tape wherever you need it.
Who made it? CaptaiNoNo
Where to download: Thingiverse
Petite Paint Palette
There’s always something to decorate, and when you’re handling paint, a small mixing palette makes sense. Well, you don’t want to make big murals with this thumb palette, but at least it’s available for left- and right-handers.
Small tip: If you work with watercolors, roughen the palette surfaces a little with sandpaper so that the water does not roll off.
Who made it? MerganMcFergan
Where to download: Printables
Cap Lifter
Lifting a bottle cap with a bottle cap? That is what we call meta. The print itself should be finished in under an hour, and there are currently three alternative designs, a Batman, a Captain America, and a plain version.
Who made it? Paco
Where to download: Printables
Circle Pen
If you’re looking for a pen that snugly fits on your keychain, look no further. The Circle Pen was designed for Prusa’s pen competition, and it already has won over our hearts. There’s also a second version that allows for two different BIC pen cartridges.
Who made it? VG_ST_D
Where to download: Printables
Spirograph-Like
If you need a last-minute present for a child or want to revisit your kindergarten feelings, download and print these designs reminiscent of the popular Spirograph, take a pen, and start doodling. Thanks to 12 different sized inner and outer rings, you can make plenty of interesting patterns.
Who made it? Apgoldberg
Where to download: Instructables
RGB LED Remote Holder
LED strips are wonderful, but their remotes have a tendency to vanish into thin air (or in a dusty corner behind your sofa). With this short print you’ll have to search no more if you want to change the color of your LED light.
Who made it? CyTo CTO
Where to download: Thingiverse
Tape Cutter
Treat yourself to a tape cutter: an easily printable little object that’s arrived far too late on this list, given that the gift-giving time of year has just passed. Whoops. Anyway, this useful little 40-minute print attaches to your favorite roll of tape and allows you to easily cut off the bits you need for packing.
Who made it? Kevin.S3
Where to download: Printables
Lampshade
What a lovely design! These eight upward-circling spirals are finished in just 44 minutes without support structures.
The lamp diameter is 200 mm, it’s compatible with IKEA’s Hemma lamp and other pendants with an E27 base. Best print it in PETG and install an LED lightbulb.
Who made it? Kagarov
Where to download: Printables
Keyring Multitool
This compact keyring accessory features a bottle opener, a phone holder, a shopping cart token holder, and an LED light to find your lock at night. There’s even a cutout to mark it with your name or phone number.
The two parts can be printed in an hour, and you won’t need supports, glue, or soldering. The LED light needs a 2025 3 V battery,
Who made it? Ian
Where to download: Printables
Closet Hanger Extension
If you want to save space in your closet, you can print these handy coat hanger extensions. Three versions with different hole sizes are available — all of them can be printed in under an hour.
Who made it? Marcus Maximus
Where to download: Thingiverse
Pusher for Tubes
Sometimes simple ideas are the best. Although there are plenty of complicated, geared 3D designed mechanisms to help you to squeeze the last bit out of a tube, this approach is much more simple and more elegant. Print this small bracket, slide it over your toothpaste tube, and push all the rest out easily.
Who made it? Imagine Studio
Where to download: Cults
SD Card Toaster
SD cards have a tendency to vanish into thin air. With this little print, two can be stored securely on your desk. If you need them, just press the lever and they’ll pop out like yummy toast slices. Everything is print-in-place, so you won’t need to assemble anything.
Who made it? Adha Arimi
Where to download: Thingiverse
Homer Simpson Wall Decoration
Some shapes are so memorable and iconic that you just need an outline to understand what you’re dealing with. Homer Simpson, of course, is another cross-generational icon, and his outline can be printed in just a matter of minutes.
Who made it? Ignacio Gomez
Where to download: Thingiverse
Dishwasher Sign
Put an end to the eternal question: Are the dishes clean or not? No more re-washing because you just emptied half a cup of coffee all over it when putting your mug away with this little helper.
Who made it? Tony Cervantes
Where to download: Thingiverse
Got a little time and want more kitchen helpers? We’ve got plenty in this article.
Foldable Phone Stand
There are phone stands aplenty, but this lovely design can be printed in under an hour and even be folded flat. Adjust it to one of 8 different positions, put your phone or tablet on it and enjoy. Not quite your cup of tea? Give these 3D printable phone stands a try.
Who made it? Jonathan
Where to download: Printables
Filament Clip with Screw
There are some more or less clever ways to keep your filament spool properly wound, but this one’s really convincing. Print the design in a matter of minutes, take the loose end of the filament, and fasten it tightly to the spool. Voila, no more gordian knot.
Who made it? Kimframes
Where to download: Printables
Need more items to keep your filament organized? Check this out!
Gyroscope
Gyroscopes are enormously fun little devices, great for fidgeting or playing with between meetings in the (home) office or during one of life’s other little pauses. With this print, you can change the color of the rings, and it should be well under an hour from turning on your printer to playtime.
Who made it? ClementCrd
Where to download: MyMiniFactory
Baby Yoda Toothpaste Dispenser
Fun toothpaste dispensers keep popping up on every major 3D printing file repository. It’s debatable whether it’s fun or gross, but one thing’s for sure: You get extra points with fanboys of all ages if you squeeze your toothpaste Mandalorian-style through Baby Yoda’s mouth.
Who made it? Panjan123
Where to download: Thingiverse
Escher's Penrose Triangle
Dutch painter M.C. Escher is famous for his depiction of physically impossible structures. This particular model takes his famous Penrose triangle and puts it right on your 3D printer. Scale the model to 80 percent, and you can print it in under an hour.
Who made it: Kenji Nakagawa
Where to download: Thingiverse
Tie Fighter Interceptor Kit Card
This Tie Fighter Interceptor model won’t make the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs, but hey, it can be printed in an hour. It’s printed flat; you then remove the parts from the frame and just slide the pieces together. Oh, and you don’t have to stick to the Dark Side, as there are plenty of other Star Wars models to choose from.
Who made it? Michael Grugel
Where to find it: Thingiverse
Flower Pot
This lovely planter comes in a low-polygon design and prints in just 45 minutes. Scale it to your liking.
Who made it? ClementCrd
Where to find it: MyMiniFactory
Tic-Tac-Toe
Tic Tac Toe has been around for ages (the earliest version appeared in Roman times). So go for three in a row with your Xs and Os! It’s a perfect game for small children: Once they get the hang of it, they simply can’t stop playing.
The print is easy and doesn’t need any supports. If you print the model in its original size, you might go a little over an hour, but scaling it down to 90 percent will keep it within the 1-hour timeframe.
The designer Ferryteacher (see link below) also has a few other awesome designs that print well in an hour or even less, and if you want another game, here’s a fine selection of 3D printable board games.
Who made it: Ferryteacher
Where to find it: Cults
Articulated Dolphin Keychain
3D-printed articulated animal models are all the rage on Thingiverse right now. They’re designed with sections connected with built-in joints, so you can bend them with ease and watch your favorite species come to life. These joints and sections can be printed all in one go, making these articulated animals incredibly easy to print and fun to play with. Some of these articulated models take a while to print, but this articulated dolphin keychain can be made in less than an hour. It comes with a keychain loop, so you can carry this flexible sea creature and show it off wherever you go – whether that be on land or in the sea.
Who made it: paul0
Where to download: Thingiverse
Micro Catapult
This is a great little toy for the office or classroom; a print-in-place micro catapult that can lob tiny nuggets of ammo. The maker reckons it can hit targets up to two meters away. The smart feature is that you can lock the catapult in place until you’ve loaded it up and are ready to fire. The “spring” mechanism relies on the flexibility of the material. In those terms, a less brittle filament like ABS or PETG is most suitable.
Who made it: Luke Tansell
Where to download: Thingiverse
Mini Folding Knife
Constantly in need of a pocket knife? Get this credit card-sized Mini Folding Knife Assembly Kit. It may not be quite as reliable as your Swiss Army knife, but you will certainly impress your friends with this handy kit that can be assembled and folded. The printing time is a bit over an hour, but the extra minutes can compensate for an emergency case use. The model includes a serrated and non-serrated file. Some post-printing work will be required, as you need a flat and rounded finish to fit the parts together. Still, it’s basically a survival kit in a business card. How cool is that?
Who made it: PRima
Where to download: Thingiverse
Lead image source: Tokyo Bird via Thingiverse
License: The text of "50 Easy & Fun Things to 3D Print in 2024" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.