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20+ Inspiring 3D Printed Christmas Gifts (Ideas for Everyone on Your List)

The Snapmaker Team

The Snapmaker Team

— 8 min read
A collage of 3D printed gift ideas featuring a cat playing with a colorful ball track toy, a decorative blue and white Chinese-style vase, and a functional modular desk drawer organizer.

You've got a powerful 3D printer, and Christmas is just around the corner. You have the unique ability to make gifts that are perfectly customized, thoughtful, and one-of-a-kind.

But let's be honest: finding genuinely great gift ideas can be overwhelming. It's easy to get lost in a sea of simple trinkets when you want to find projects that are truly impressive, useful, or just plain cool.

That's why we're here. We’re cutting through the noise.

This is your ultimate, curated guide to 3D printed Christmas gifts that people will actually want to receive. We've organized this list to help you find the perfect print for the right person, from quick stocking stuffers to "wow-factor" projects.

Let's get printing.

Table of Contents

Quick & Easy 3D Printed Gifts (For Last-Minute Making)

We all run out of time. These projects are fast to print, use minimal material, and show a ton of thought. They are perfect for stocking stuffers or additions to a larger gift.

  • Personalized Ornaments: Go beyond a simple ball. Find a lithophane ornament design and turn a family photo into a magic, light-up memory. It's a gift that's guaranteed to be the star of the tree.
  • A Set of Useful Bag Clips: This sounds simple, but a well-designed, robust bag clip is something people will use every single day. Print a set of 3 or 4 in their favorite color for a quick, practical gift they'll genuinely appreciate.
  • Articulated & Flexible Toys: Dragons, lizards, and other "print-in-place" toys are always a massive hit. They're fantastic stocking stuffers for kids and curious, fidgety adults alike.
  • Smart Cable Management: Print a set of sleek, under-desk cable clips or a stylish headphone holder. It’s a 1-hour print that solves the daily annoyance of tangled wires, making it an incredibly thoughtful gift for your tech-loving friend.
  • Personalized Bookmarks: A beautiful, custom bookmark is the perfect small gift for the avid reader in your life. Find a design that matches their favorite book series or features an intricate, "impossible-to-manufacture" geometric pattern.

3D Printed Christmas Gifts for Kids & Pets

This is where the fun begins. These gifts are all about sparking joy, imagination, and play.

Project Spotlight: 3D Printed Super Mario Kart

  • Why We Love This Gift: This is pure nostalgia and fun rolled into one. It’s the perfect gift for any Nintendo fan, young or old. We love that it’s not just a "look-don't-touch" model; it's a fantastic-looking print that's tough enough for play.
  • Get the Details:
    • Machine: Snapmaker Artisan
    • Model: Patix (from Printables)
    • Print Credit: Bauke Plugge

Project Spotlight: Kitty Cat Kart Track

  • Why We Love This Gift: Don't forget your furry friends! This infinite-loop ball track is a brilliant way to keep an indoor cat entertained for hours. It’s the perfect problem-solver for a pet owner who wants to give their cat a fun, engaging toy.
  • Get the Details:
    • Model: Search "Kitty Cat Kart Track" on popular model sites.

More Ideas for Kids:

  • DIY Puzzle Boxes & Brain Teasers: This is a gift that's also an activity. You're giving them a fun, hands-on challenge that's perfect for a cozy Christmas morning.
  • Custom Crayon Holders: Stop the crayons from rolling off the table. Print a holder in the shape of their name, a dinosaur, or a rocket ship to make art time even more special.
  • "Mini-Me" Figurines: Use 3D-scanning apps (or just your design skills) to create a personalized action figure of your child, their pet, or their D&D character.

3D Printed Christmas Gifts for Adults

This category is all about blending usefulness with personal style.

Project Spotlight: 4-Color Chinese Aesthetic Vase

  • Why We Love This Gift: This is for the home decorator who appreciates art. It's not just a 3D print; it's a stunning piece of decor. It embodies the beauty of Chinese aesthetics, blending timeless hues with modern 4-color printing. It’s a truly beautiful gift that looks like it came from a high-end boutique.
  • Get the Details:
    • Machine: Snapmaker U1
    • Print Time: 11h 50m
    • Filament: Snapmaker Matte PLA & SnapSpeed PLA (325.55g total)
    • Key Settings: 0.2mm Layer Height | 270mm/s Infill Speed | 5% Grid Infill

Wondering how to make vibrant, multi-color prints like that vase? The Snapmaker U1 is built for it. It uses four independent tool heads, swapping them in seconds. This SnapSwap™ system cuts filament waste by up to 80% compared to other multi-material printers, making it the ideal choice for creating stunning, colorful gifts without the hassle.

Project Spotlight: Minimalist Mechanical Phone Holder

  • Why We Love This Gift: This is the perfect gift for the tech lover or home office hero on your list. We love it because it’s a brilliant print-in-place design that solves the real-world problem of a phone lying flat on a desk, making it perfect for hands-free video calls or just keeping an eye on notifications.
  • Get the Details:
    • Machine: Snapmaker Artisan
    • Model: PabloInventos (from Cults3D)
    • Credit: @pabloinventos

Project Spotlight: Push-push Cell Phone Drawer

  • Why We Love This Gift: This little under-desk drawer is incredibly satisfying. It’s a clever way to help someone reclaim their workspace, giving them a hidden spot for earbuds, SD cards, or keys. The push-push mechanism makes it feel like a high-end, custom-built feature.
  • Get the Details:
    • Machine: Snapmaker Artisan
    • Model: PabloInventos (from Cults3D)
    • Credit: @pabloinventos

Project Spotlight: 3D Printed Essentials Pegboard Organizer

  • Why We Love This Gift: This is the ultimate gift for the maker, crafter, or student in your life. We all have that one friend with a cluttered desk. This isn't just a gift; it's a solution. It’s a modular pegboard system that's infinitely customizable, letting them finally set up their workshop and reclaim their space.
  • Get the Details:
    • Credit: @atom.engineering

More Ideas for Adults:

  • Geometric Self-Watering Planters: The perfect gift for a friend who loves plants but is a little forgetful. You're giving them a beautiful piece of decor and a plant that stays alive—a true win-win.
  • Stackable, Stylish Coasters: Print a set of geometric coasters that tessellate (fit together) or a set with a matching holder. It's a simple print that adds a touch of modern, personal style to their living room.
  • Modular Spice Rack or Drawer Organizer: For the home cook, a custom-fit organizer is a game-changer. Measure their drawer and print a perfect-fit utensil or spice rack. It's a gift that solves a daily frustration.
  • A Sleek Kitchen Sponge Holder: Solve the problem of the "gross sponge" sitting on the sink. A simple, 3D printed caddy lets the sponge dry out properly and keeps their kitchen looking tidy.

Beyond 3D Printing: Unique Gifts with Laser & CNC

If you have a 3-in-1 machine, you can combine technologies to create gifts that are truly next-level.

Project Spotlight: Laser + 3DP Drawer

  • Why We Love This Gift: This is the ultimate 3-in-1 project. It combines a durable 3D printed frame with beautifully precise, laser-cut drawers. It’s a stunning desk organizer that shows off your skills and gives them a high-quality, functional piece that no one else will have.
  • Get the Details:
    • Machine: Snapmaker Artisan
    • Credit: @PabloInventosOficial

More 3-in-1 Ideas:

  • CNC + Laser Layered Art: 3D print a frame, CNC carve a wood layer with a map of their favorite city, and laser-etch street names. It's a multi-layered, deeply personal piece of art.
  • Laser-Engraved Slate Coasters: A set of simple slate coasters from a craft store can be laser-etched with a family name or a cool design in minutes. It's an incredibly professional-looking gift.
  • Custom-Etched Glasses: Use a rotary module to etch a custom design or monogram on a set of pint or wine glasses. It’s a high-end, custom gift that's surprisingly easy to make.

Loved how that project mixed 3D printing and laser cutting? The Snapmaker Artisan is the ultimate all-in-one workshop. It’s a modular system that lets you swap tool heads for: Dual-Extrusion 3D Printing, 40W/10W Laser & 200W CNC. It’s the single machine that does it all for the maker who wants to create next-level, multi-media gifts.

"Wow-Factor" Projects (For a Truly Unforgettable Gift)

Want to make a gift that makes them say, "You made this?!" These projects take more time and effort, but the payoff is huge.

Project Spotlight: Futuristic Fashion Bag

  • Why We Love This Gift: This is pure, wearable art for the fashion-forward person in your life. It’s a sleek, customizable conversation starter that shows just how versatile 3D printing can be. You can even customize it with chains and charms to match their vibe.
  • Get the Details:
    • Machine: Snapmaker J1s
    • Model: shimmyhe.stl (from MakerWorld)

More "Wow-Factor" Ideas:

  • A Custom Lithophane Lamp: Turn a collection of your favorite family photos into a 3D lampshade. When it lights up, the photos magically appear. This is an incredibly heartfelt and impressive gift.
  • Intricate Mechanical Clocks: For the person who loves to see how things work, a 3D printed tourbillon clock or a split-flap display is a mesmerizing mechanical sculpture.
  • A Full-Size, Wearable Helmet: For the "Star Wars" or "Marvel" fan, a full-sized, post-processed helmet is the ultimate display piece. (Hint: you'll need a good guide for gluing the parts together).
  • A Complete 3D Printed Board Game: Go all-out and print a full set of custom game pieces (like a "Catan" set), a modular board, and custom-designed tokens for a completely unique game night.

Tips for Making Your 3D Printed Gifts Look Professional

A great idea is one thing; a great finish is what makes it a gift. It can be frustrating when your print looks "homemade" with visible layer lines. Here are a few expert tips to make your projects look store-bought.

Choose the Right Filament

  • PLA: The go-to for most decorative gifts. It's easy to print and comes in the most colors.
  • PETG: Use this for functional gifts that need to be stronger or more heat/water-resistant (like kitchen or bath items).
  • Silky PLA: This is your secret weapon. The high-shine finish does an amazing job of hiding layer lines and gives a beautiful, premium look right off the print bed.

Dial in Your Slicer Settings

  • Layer Height: For high-quality gifts, use a smaller layer height like 0.12mm or 0.16mm. It takes longer, but the results are worth it for fine details.
  • Enable Ironing: This setting in your slicer passes the hot nozzle over the very top layer one last time, making it smooth and glossy. It's perfect for any flat top surface like a coaster or a box lid.

Simple Post-Processing Tricks

  • Sanding: The most effective way to remove layer lines. Start with 120-grit sandpaper and work your way up to 400-grit (or higher).
  • Filler Primer: After sanding, a few coats of automotive filler primer (found at hardware stores) will fill in any tiny imperfections, creating a perfectly smooth surface for painting.
  • Painting: A good paint job is everything. Use acrylic paints for hand-painting details or high-quality spray paints for a uniform finish.

Conclusion: Giving a Gift You Made

The best gift isn't just the object itself; it's the time, thought, and care you put into making it. Your 3D printer is a tool for turning your ideas into a physical reality, and there's no better time to use it than for Christmas.

You have the tools, and now you have the ideas. It's time to start printing.

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