Bored of pointless 3D printer projects? Stuck for ideas? Presenting a list of cool things to 3D print which are genuinely useful.
Don’t miss: 33 Best Sites for Free 3D Printer Models & STL Files to 3D Print
Like us, you’re tremendously excited by the possibilities of 3D printing. Unfortunately, the landscape is cluttered with trinkets, doodads and ornaments. We’re in danger of drowning in 3D printed objects that nobody wants or needs.
Fight the tide of mediocrity! Let’s make stuff that’s actually useful! Here’s a list of cool things to 3D print, right now, today. Prove to your nearest and dearest that there’s an everyday and practical application of this wonderful technology.
If you don’t have a 3D printer at hand, you can have the 3D models printed by a professional 3D printing service. To get the best price, please use All3DP’s Best Price 3D Printing Service.
Cool Things to 3D Print in 5 Easy Steps
- Browse this list of cool 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 GCode after you’re done slicing. Save the GCode and upload it to your 3D printer, either using a USB connection, an SD card, or a network connection. Now get printing!
- Alternatively, use a Service if you don’t have access to a 3D printer. Simply upload the STL files to All3DP’s Best Price 3D Printing Service to have any of these cool things 3D printed.
Cool Things to 3D Print #1: Caffeine Molecule Drinks Coaster 
You love coffee, we love coffee, everybody loves coffee. But you know what no-one likes? Ugly brown rings. Ugh! Banish them from your table with this smart drinks coaster in the shape of the caffeine molecule.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $3.41 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Ejo Schrama.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #2: One Handed Page Holder
A simple but ingenious lifehack for those who like to read good old fashioned books. You know, those stacks of pressed wood fibre, embossed with glyphs that induce shared hallucinations. Keep a book open with one handed with this page holder.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $6.56 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Ales Strucovsky.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #3: Survival Whistle
This is a survival whistle of completely original design, which is rugged, easy to make and carry, and is very loud. How loud? Try 118 decibels for size! That’s more than enough to get you noticed in an emergency situation.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $12.83 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Joe Zisa.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #4: Headphone Stand
For those folks spending any amount of time listening to music at their desk, a decent headphone stand is a crucial accessory. Sure, you could have an ordinary headset stand, or you could make some big audio dynamite with a 3D printed headphone stand. Choose wisely!
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $138.13 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: MakerBot.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #5: Stackable Hex Drawers
Phone charger cables, USB cables, HDMI cables, Thunderbolt cables, DisplayPort cables… Your office space is littered in a spaghetti of cables, are we right? Banish the mess with this set of hex drawers. The design is stackable too, so you can extend the hive as the need arises.
Who made it: Dan O’Connell.
Where to download it: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #6: Self-Watering Planter
Houseplants dying from neglect? NEVER AGAIN. Print off this easy-peasy automatic plant waterer, and your conscience will remain clean. Particularly useful for kitchen herbs, where you can make them last up to a week longer by repotting in this natty device.
Who made it: Parallelgoods.
Where to download it: Cults3D.
Cool Things to 3D Print #7: Toothpaste Tube Squeezer
Squeeze every last drop of toothpaste from the tube with this toothpaste tube squeezer. It prints in three separate parts, and is wide enough to accommodate most tubes on the market. Not only a cool thing to 3D print, but also something to keep your breath minty fresh.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $22.96 excl. shipping and tax
Who made it: Justin Otten.
Where to download it: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #8: Digital Sundial
Your eyes do not deceive you. This insanely cool thing to 3D print is a digital sundial. And it really does work. The shape of the sundial has been engineered to only let through the right rays at the right time and angle, so it can display the actual time at 20 minute intervals. Operational only during daylight hours, naturally, between 10:00 and 16:00.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $344.81 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Mojoptix.
Where to download it: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #9: Earbud Holder
We spend a small fortune on our earphones for music on the move, but not enough to protect them when not in use. Securely stash those buds in this 3D printed earbud holder.
Who made it: Robert.
Where to download it: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #10: Upcycle Jar Greenhouse
With this cool thing to 3D print, you can upcycle a glass jar into a mini greenhouse for your plants. It also features a water reservoir and a lip to collect condensation water and re-inject it in the reservoir. With the hexagonal design, you can pack them in a honeycomb pattern or mix sizes easily.
Who made it: Julien Krivacsy.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $47.89 excl. shipping & tax
Or you can check individual prices for the jars below:
Cool Things to 3D Print #11: Platform Jack
This is a fully assembled platform jack, 3D printed as one piece. No messing around with multiple parts. The adjustable height can be used to raise or prop up an object of reasonable weight.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $58.24 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Intentional3D.
Where to download it: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #12: Origami Carabiner
Now, these carabiners are not something you would use in a life-or-death scenario like mountain climbing, but they are pretty tough for less essential applications. The designer reckons it can hold a load up to 77 lbs in weight!
Who made it: ddf3d.com.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #13: Sliding Bag Clip
Sometimes it’s the simplest items which prove to be the most useful. And so it is with this sliding bag clip, which is printed with two parts that can securely hold packets closed. Perfect if you want to keep your herbs and spices fresh but don’t have a jar, or maybe you want to hold off on scarfing a full bag of chips.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $8.28 excl. shipping & tax
Note: You have to select the right clip size for your bag.
Who made it: Walter Hsiao.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #14: Secret Shelf
Keep your precious documents or currency hidden from view in this secret shelf stash.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $32.44 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Tosh.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #15: Side Release Buckle
Have you broken the buckle on your favorite rucksack? Not a problem, simply make yourself a new one. Fabricate a sturdy new side release buckle on your 3D printer, and give that backpack a whole new lease of life.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $10.28 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Russel Singer.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #16: Customizable U-Hook
This is a set of parametric u-hooks, which are suitable for universal use and very strong. How strong? One hook was used to hold a plastic bag full of heavy books weighing 47.4 kg. Use either the four sample hooks supplied, or adapt and modify for your own use with the supplied CAD files.
Who made it: Serge Payen.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #17: Labyrinth Gift Box
When it comes to giving gifts, cash is not the most imaginative of presents. Wrap up your notes in a more exciting package with this Labyrinth Gift Box. There’s only one correct path, so the lucky recipient will have to work at it a fair bit to unlock the prize tucked inside.
Who made it: Robert.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #18: Sliding Door Bolt
Obviously, this sliding door bolt will not protect you against breaking and entering. It’s made of plastic! But if you want to keep a cabinet or shed door securely closed, this quick and easy design will get the job done.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $53.52 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Peter Moore.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #19: Plastic Wrench
Fully articulated plastic wrench, for general purpose, er, wrenching around the house.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $18.89 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Daniel Noree.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #20: Klots Quick Release Shoelaces
This a 3D printed lacing system, where the two halves of your laces quickly and neatly snap together. But hey, if you’re too busy to even tie your shoelaces, then perhaps a pair of loafers are the better option.
Who made it: Tino Kaartovuori.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #21: Soap Dish
An elegant soap dish for the bathroom, in two separate pieces that are washable. You can customize the inner tray with your own patterns, if you prefer.
Who made it: PiuLAB.
Where to download: Cults3D.
Cool Things to 3D Print #22: Pizza Bottle Opener
Ah, pizza and beer. How much do we love thee? This pizza bottle opener combines two of the world’s favorite passions into one. The handy design has a slot for a penny, which provides the leverage for opening a bottle, plus a hole for a keychain ring. Don’t leave home without it!
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $10.93 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: 3DBrooklyn.
Where to download: Cults3D.
Cool Things to 3D Print #23: FLEX_Link
This is a chair that anyone with access to a 3D printer can make. All you have to do is assemble the printed parts together with sheets of plywood (which you can find at any hardware store). With some CAD skills, you can even customize it to make the chair more ergonomic, or even create a whole new version.
Who made it: ColorFabb.
Where to download: YouMagine.
Cool Things to 3D Print #24: Monster Mouth Headphone Holder
If you like to use a large pair of headphones at your desk, then this “monster mouth” could be just what you need. It’s got a “print in place” adjustable clamp so it can be securely attached to your desk, plus additional features to keep the cord from getting tangled.
Who made it: Phil Barrenger.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #25: Out of Office Desk Sign
Rushing off to a meeting? Going out to lunch? Or maybe you’re on holiday? This is a another useful item for your desk, a sign that can be flipped up or down to indicate your availability. Print as two separate parts in different colors, and glue them together.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $27.36 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Tosh.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #26: Swiss Army Style Key Chain
This is a variation on the classic Swiss Army Knife design that swaps out the blades and can openers for something infinitely more useful — your house-keys. Prints in two halves, and the keys are held in place using standard hex nuts and bolts.
Who made it: Craig Blanchette.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #27: Auto Coin Sorter for All Currencies
Pockets laden with loose change? Impose ORDER on your finances with this coin sorting device. The smart thing is that it can be adapted for any currency in the world, from the mighy US dollar to the humble Thai baht.
Get it professionally 3D printed from $159.87 excl. shipping & tax (USD Version)
Get it professionally 3D printed from $172.96 excl. shipping & tax (EUR Version)
Get it professionally 3D printed from $174.50 excl. shipping & tax (CAD Version)
Who made it: YoungCat CHEN.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #28: Collapsible Coffee Sleeve
Perhaps you bought a cup of takeaway coffee and forgot the sleeve to protect your hands from scalding. Or maybe the prospect of filling landfills with pointless waste is putting a bad taste in your java. Either way, this collapsible, reuseable coffee sleeve has you covered.
Who made it: Tom Hazzard.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #29: Snap On Portal Bookstand
Whether you’re a fan of the Portal videogame or not, this is a charming application of the concept to your bookshelves. Because what’s reading, after all, but a PORTAL TO ANOTHER DIMENSION…? Each stand is assembled from three separate pieces, so you can mix and match colors.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $172.84 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Humberto R. Baptista.
Where to get it: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #30: Tampon Magazine
Designed around an essential item that almost all women use, this is a tampon holder that loads up like a gun magazine. Functional yet witty, action heroines should get a good chuckle out of this one.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $49.55 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Sexy Cyborg.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #31: Hex Phone Sound Amplifier
This is a passive amplifier for your smartphone, which adds a little extra “oomph” to those tinny speakers when blasting out your tunes.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $113.44 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Edditive.
Where to download: Pinshape.
Cool Things to 3D Print #32: AA to C Battery Adapter
Did you know that the only difference between a C battery and an AA battery is the size? Despite offering the same voltage, the bigger batteries are significantly more expensive to buy. This neat little hack allows you to quickly and safely adapt an AA battery into C size for your electrical appliances.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $4.52 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Jwags55.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #33: Cow Face Doorstop
Annoyed by swinging doors in your home or office? Have weird fascination with bovines? Then this doorstop is for YOU. It’s lightweight, designed for easy placement, and simple to fabricate. Just don’t try to milk it.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $18.42 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Desibot!
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #34: SD Card Mountain
If you’re a regular user of digital cameras or 3D printers, then you’ll probably have little stacks of SD cards dotted around your workspace. Keep them neatly organized with this SD card mountain.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $14.11 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: 3D Brooklyn.
Where to download: Cults3D.
Cool Things to 3D Print #35: Shopping Bag Handle
We’ve all been there. Trudging back home from the supermarket, laden with shopping bags. The forces of gravity are biting the plastic into your hands, amirite? NO MORE. Print off these shopping bag handles, and sore hands are a thing of the past!
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $25.36 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Walter Hsiao.
Where to download: Thingiverse
Cool Things to 3D Print #36: Jar Handle
Upcycle an empty jam jar with a 3D printed handle. What could be simpler?
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $29.63 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: le FabShop.
Where to download: YouMagine.
Cool Things to 3D Print #37: One-handed Bottle Opener
This boomerang shaped one-handed bottle opener helps people with difficulties in performing movements or activities which require hand strength, such as opening a plastic bottle. Print one off and give it to your grandma; she’ll love you for it.
Who made it: PiuLAB.
Where to download: Cults3D.
Cool Things to 3D Print #38: Drawer Knobs with Labels
The art of storing doesn’t have to be boring. The HobbKnob is a dinky little drawer knob with a label track, so that you can describe the contents of your drawers. Never misplace your socks again!
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $12.71 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Brent J. Rosenburgh.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #39: Plastic Hammer
THWACK is a lean and mean plastic hammer for general purpose clobbering. Perfect for bludgeoning interior nails, tight-fitting objects, free-form jazz percussion, and intimidating strangers.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $68.67 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Brent J. Rosenburgh.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #40: Piggy Bank
Keep your loose change safe in this cutesy coin bank in the shape of an overweight pig.
Where to download: 3DShook.
Cool Things to 3D Print #41: Wall Outlet Shelf
Put a shelf on your power socket, so you can prop up the phone when charging. This model also has an angled slot that holds your smartphone and tablets in an upright viewing position.
Who made it: Tosh Sayama.
Where to download: MyMiniFactory.
Cool Things to 3D Print #42: Calendar Blocks
These days, we rely on our smartphones and the interwebs to tell us what date it is. But this desk calendar is a clever blend of old-school timekeeping and modern technology, and the tactile design is very appealing for the modern office space.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $157.14 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Kraaij.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #43: Articulated Lamp
This modular, articulated lamp is composed of 6 basic pieces: bottom, trunk, and a top piece which houses a LED Tap Light. More pieces can be added to make the lamp as long as you like.
Who made it: Luca Parmegiani.
Where to download: MyMiniFactory.
Cool Things to 3D Print #44: Shower Head
Is bathing under a waterfall on your bucket list? The next best thing is this 3D printed shower head (probably).
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $76.51 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Brent J. Rosenburgh.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #45: Stiletto Business Card Case
Impress your fellow executives with this stylish and functional business card case. Each case holds around 20 standard American sized business cards, and comes with a printable “spring” to ensure the topmost card glides smoothly out of the slot.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $56.44 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Jeff Kerr.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #46: Space Invader Toilet Paper Holder
Brighten up the bathroom with this functional print of a classic Space Invader. Um, holding your toilet paper.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $784.04 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Sebisebman.
Where to download: YouMagine.
Cool Things to 3D Print #47: Car Windshield Ice Scraper
Winter is coming. Or in some cases, it’s already here. Quickly and easily remove the snow and ice from your car windshield with this handy-dandy ice-scraper. It prints without supports, and has a hole for a cord-loop on the end.
Who made it: Tony D.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #48: Solo Finger Pen
The solo finger pen is a dramatic flourish on the humble writing instrument, where a mechanical jointed finger and a flexible “BIC” pen transform you into a Steampunk Shakespeare.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $35.52 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Bernie Solo.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #49: AeroPress Unlock Ring
Ardent coffee drinkers will already have an Aeropress in their kitchen or office. It’s simply one of the best coffee makers you can buy. But some folks struggle with removing the filter cap after a brew. This custom unlock ring will solve the problem.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $14.11 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Werner Stein.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
Cool Things to 3D Print #50: GoPro Knuckle Mount
This is a handheld mount for the GoPro camera. It may indeed resemble a set of brass knuckles, and perhaps it’d be tempting to film yourself throwing a punch in glorious HD, but that’s not the intended use. This useful item is for handheld recording while running, skating, diving, skydiving etc.
Get it professionally 3D printed from: $37.63 excl. shipping & tax
Who made it: Batuhan Esirger.
Where to download: Thingiverse.
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