60+ Awesome 3D Printing Ideas for 2023

3D printing has truly revolutionized the scope of what DIY home projects can look like. So, if you are the proud owner of a 3D printer and are wondering how best to use it’s talents, look no further. We have compiled a list of the best 3D printing ideas for you to try in 2023.  

What is 3D printing? 

In simple terms, 3D printing is a method of creating three-dimensional objects, through the use of computer models. 3D printers analyse a design or model given to them by a computer and print it out in real life by depositing some material, like wood filament or polymer resin layer by layer to create a 3D model. This means that with 3D printing you can create items that would otherwise be impossible to DIY. 3D printers enable you to print out cool objects and items at home, all by yourself!

So if you have been looking to try out some cool things to 3D print this new year, or just want to give out some unique, 3D printed gifts to family and friends, you are at the right place. 

Here are the Best 3D Printing Ideas for 2023:

• Earphone Holder
• Articulated Elephant
• Rubik's Cube
• Folding Leaf Bowl
• Chopstick Trainer
• Measuring Cube
• Ocarina
• Modular Fiddle
• Hanging Planter
• Baroque Picture Frame
• Tulip Vase
• Flexi Chrome T-Rex
• Groovi Monster and more

Earphone Holder

Are you always losing your earphones? Well, you are not alone. Earphones are notoriously hard to store and the ever tangling cables don’t help. This handy earphone holder is the solution. The cool thing about this 3D print idea is that it is enclosable and sturdy enough to handle being thrown around a little bit. One of the best 3D printing ideas for those of us who like to travel!

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Sneakypoo

Articulated Elephant

Not every 3D printing idea needs to serve an explicit purpose. Sometimes we like to try out cool things to 3D print just for the fun of it and this articulated elephant figure toy is one of those 3D printing ideas. This fully articulated and poseable elephant is inspired by the giant robotic puppets at the IRT Jules Verne in Nantes, France. While this elephant is far from a giant, it is definitely adorable and very printable!

Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator - Le Fabshop

Rubik’s Cube

Do you remember the hours spent trying to solve a rubik’s cube when you were a kid? Rubik’s cubes are the ultimate fidget and puzzle toy. Did you know they can also be very easily 3D printed at home? This is one of those 3D printing ideas that will surely keep you busy for quite a while!

Where to Find This - Printables
Creator - 3Dominic

Folding Leaf Bowl

This folding leaf bowl is on our list of cool 3D prints which you should definitely try because it is fun as well as really useful. The leaves on this bowl can be easily closed in a snap and then opened to uncover the contents inside. This bowl makes for a really cool table centrepiece or candy bowl and is definitely sure to get some conversations going!

Where to Find This - Cults3D
Creator - Nau_Tec

Chopstick Trainer

We all love Asian food but we can all agree that chopsticks can be complicated. Well, they don’t have to be. Visual designer Zydac on Thingiverse was inspired to create this chopstick trainer 3D print design when a Japanese restaurant gave his son some aids to help him use chopsticks.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Zydac

Measuring Cube

This amazing kitchen tool is one of the best 3D printed gift ideas for your spouse if they love to cook or bake! This single kitchen tool can replace your ever overflowing measuring cup collection easily, saving you some precious cabinet space. Measuring cube is one of those cool things to 3D print that are both fun and easy to print as well as useful.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Jevus

Ocarina

Musical instruments can be a little on the expensive side sometimes. If you want to learn how to play an instrument but don’t want to spend too much on buying one, this cool 3D print is perfect for you. This ocarina is compact, easy to print and, most importantly, musically accurate.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Robsoundtrack

Modular Fiddle

Ocarinas are simple enough but what about something a little more complicated? Say a violin? Believe it or not, you can 3D print an entire violin at home with your 3D printer. This modular violin produces excellent, musically accurate acoustics. There is also an electric version available for you to try. The modular fiddle is fully customizable and you can change or alter any part of it to make an instrument that is truly yours!

Where to Find This - Openfabpdx
Creator - David Perry

Hanging Planter

This beautiful hanging planter is perfect for home decor. If you were looking for 3D printed gift ideas for someone’s housewarming, then this cool design is definitely something you should check out. The teardrop shape gives this planter an elegant, modern look - perfect for hanging in a balcony or near a window.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - ZSAviation

Baroque Picture Frame

If you are in the market for some home decor, then this beautiful baroque picture frame is the perfect 3D print idea for your tastes. This picture frame has a nifty, vintage appearance but can be printed in a flash with your at home 3D printer. Isn’t that cool?

Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator - alex_grima

Tulip Vase

This tulip vase is simple, beautiful and elegant. Another, worthy candidate for a 3D printed gift idea for your friend’s housewarming. Interior decorating can be such a long, time-consuming process. 3D printed home decor simplifies that because you can create something custom that matches the tone and vibe of your house and your personal interior design sense.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Streetfire_Industries

Flexi Chrome T-Rex

We all love the little Google Chrome T-rex! We can’t be the only ones who have spent countless hours procrastinating by playing the little T-Rex game in our mobile Chrome browser. This insanely cool 3D print is a tribute to the beloved Chrome T-Rex. What’s more? It is completely articulated so you can now play with it in real life as well!

Where to Find This - Prusa Printers
Creator - James

Groovi Monster

This is a very simple 3D print design but a life changing one. Groovi Monster is basically designed to amplify the sound from your smartphone through simple audio-engineering. This little gadget is perfect for you if you are a student or if you want to turn up the volume on your phone but don’t want to invest in an external speaker.

Where to Find This - Cults3D
Creator - 3DShook

Dinosaur Bag Clip

Bag clips are extremely handy for everyday use in the kitchen and pantry. From keeping your chips crisp to making sure your pasta doesn’t spill out everywhere, bag clips are essential kitchen tools. But most bag clips you get on the market are kind of… boring. Well, we can’t have that! These awesome 3D printed dinosaur bag clips are just what you need!

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Tquacken

Snowman Fidget Toy

Fidget spinners are passe. What you really need this Christmas is this snazzy snowman fidget toy. This cute snowman is fully poseable and articulated and the perfect 3D printed gift idea for your office secret santa.

Where to Find This - Printables
Creator - 3DPrinty

T-Rex Tape Dispenser

Who doesn’t want a T-Rex skull on their office desk? This cool 3D printed T-Rex skull tape dispenser will give you the best possible excuse to let loose your childhood palaeontology nerd as an adult. The tape nestles neaty inside the skull with the end of it becoming the dinosaur’s tongue.

Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator - mingshiuan

Tower of Pi

If you are a math nerd then the Tower of Pi pen holder is probably something you will enjoy. This pen holder is a spiral of the digits of pi and can hold a place of honor and pride on your desk for you and others to admire. 

Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator - Roman_hegglin

Collapsible Travel Clothes Hanger

This is another amazing 3D print for those of us who like to travel. This collapsible travel coat hanger will fix all of your hotel living woes. This clothes hanger can be neatly folded up and tucked inside your suitcase which makes it the perfect for people who love to travel or move around a lot.

Where to Find This - Printables
Creator - FrenchFriesDerp

Self-watering Planter

If your house plants are constantly dying because you forget to water them then this 3D printed self-watering planter might come in particularly handy for you. All you need to do is fill in the reservoir and the water will seep into your plants all on its own without you having to manually water them everyday.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Parallel Goods

Proteus Key-Holder

Keys can be a bit of a hassle to carry around. They’re constantly jingling, get tangled with your earphone cables and can just in general be a bit of a nuisance. Inspired by Swiss army knives, this cool 3D print key holder provides an elegant, easy solution for this. This keyholder will keep your keys in place and organized without any hassle.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - ProteanMan

Anti-overheating Support for Laptops

Another indispensable utility item for home offices is this anti-overheating support for laptops. If you have been on the lookout for 3D printing ideas to help you with your laptop’s overheating issues and don’t want to purchase an expensive and bulky cooling stand just yet, check these out. These small but sturdy supports may be exactly what you need.

Where to Find This - My Minifactory
Creator - Corentin Paquet

Hanging Bird-feeder

It can be hard finding the perfect bird feeder for your garden birds but worry not because we have the perfect 3D printing idea for you. With this beautiful 3D printed bird-feeder the bird in your garden will never have to go without food again.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Tgschulz

Faceted Chess Set

A good chess set can cost a very pretty penny. Lucky for you, if you have a 3D printer at home, you don’t have to worry about that at all! This beautiful, faceted chess set can be a really cool home 3D printing project for you if you have a passion for chess. Print a chess board to go with it and you are good to go!

Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator - Thomas Davis

Darth Vader Pen Holder

This is one of the coolest 3D printing ideas for Star Wars fans which is also very useful. The Darth Vader pen holder can hold a place of pride on your desk. Extremely easy to print and very sturdy in construction, this pen holder will let you unleash the Star Wars nerd. May the force be with you!

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - tmasantos

All-in-one Desk Organizer

Desk organizers are a very important necessity for any home office desk. You need to make sure that your little pens, paper clips, flash drives and all your other bits and bobs don’t get misplaced. This 3D printing idea is the simple solution for all your stationery organization woes. With extra slots and large holes, this all-in-one desk organizer is just what you need.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Redheelerdog

Rooted Brackets

If you were looking for more cool 3D printed home decor ideas then these rooted brackets will definitely catch your eye. These are perfect for you if you want to bring a sense of nature into your home. For best results and a more authentic wooden look you can try using wood filament for 3D printing these beautiful rooted brackets

Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator - Oscar Aguirre

Desktop Cable Organizer

Don’t we all hate the ever more confusing mess of tangled cables and wires under our desks? Cable organizers can be simple, easy and cool 3D printing ideas to solve this problem. This simple cable organizer can be printed in two separate pieces and can be used to keep all your multiple cables nicely separated and organized.

Where to Find This - My Minifactory
Creator - Cameron O’Neill

Raspberry Pi Case

Raspberry Pi is the name of a popular low cost, modular, single-board computer developed by the non-profit Raspberry Pi Organization. The open design of these computers means that they often come without a casing. These casings can be easily 3D printed however as long as you have a design. This case for a Raspberry Pi 4 comes with ventilation holes and a modular design.

Where to Find This - My Minifactory
Creator - Tadeas Hollan

Panda Bookmark

A violin is definitely an interesting 3D printing idea but it is definitely not the most simple or easy. If you want some nice, easy, beginner-friendly 3D printing ideas then this cute panda bookmark might be just the right thing for you. Simple, effective and useful, this bookmark is sure to make any bookworm’s day.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - OJ46

Thin Man

Work from home getting lonely? What you need is a companion and a thin man can be exactly that. This compact 3D printing idea can help bring a smile to your face during those lonely office hours. Tiny, affable and absolutely adorable, thin man is something everyone needs.

Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator - WallTosh

Harry Potter Headphone Stand

Harry Potter has been an important part of all our childhoods. This sturdy and compact headphone stand can be the perfect thing to reignite your nostalgia and love for the famous boy wizard.

Where to Find This - Cult3D
Creator - 3DPrintBunny

One-handed Bottle-opener

Bottle openers are a must-have utility item for every household kitchen. You don’t think you need it, till you do! This one-handed bottle opener adds another layer of convenience for an already convenient tool. This is a 3D printed kitchen tool that you will be sure to thank your stars for during your next dinner party.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Kart5A

Sitting Kodama Ornaments

Kodama are Japanese folk nature spirits that inhabit trees. These benevolent spirits are sure to bring good fortune and mystique to your home garden as well. This is a really cute 3D printing idea if you have just started getting into gardening and want to liven up your garden a bit more.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Nagmay

Adjustable Spot Lamp

This 3D printed spot lamp is completely adjustable and can be an adorable and modern addition to any home or office. The original 3D print design has been printed out of wood filament and grey PLA and is designed to fit smaller E27 bulbs. We highly recommend this lamp if you are looking for 3D printed gift ideas.

Where to Find This - Cult3D
Creator - Creality

Smartphone Stand

Smartphone stands are probably one of the most popular 3D printing ideas and designs on Thingiverse and other 3D printing websites. This adorable tortoise smartphone stand comes with the added bonus of doubling up as a keychain so that you can carry it anywhere you please without losing it!

Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator - Sonia Verdu

Citrus Juicer

There are a ton of citrus juicers on the market so you may be thinking what sets this particular 3D print design apart from others? This cool 3D print idea is unique and useful in that the bottom part of the juicer easily screws on to just about any standard, narrow neck PET bottle. This makes collecting the juice as easy and efficient as juicing the fruit itself. The design has been tested on PET bottles from a variety of different countries in order to maintain accuracy.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Tammo66

Toothpick Dispenser

This cool 3D print gives you a sanitary as well as hilarious way of dispensing toothpicks. When the top part of the dispenser is lifted and dropped, a toothpick is placed onto the outstretched arms of the tiny man and offered out to you! This little toothpick dispenser is tiny but sure to be a conversation piece when you have guests over

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - shusi

Surprise Egg

Remember the little Kinder surprise eggs we loved as kids? Well agepbiz on Thingiverse has some 3D printing ideas that will send you right down memory lane. These adorable 3D printed surprise eggs are perfect as stocking stuffers for friends, family or little ones this Christmas! Careful with very young children and toddlers, however, because these contain small parts.

Where to Find This - Thinigverse
Creator - agepbiz

Dragon Egg Container

Speaking of eggs, this dragon egg container is a really nifty 3D print for all fantasy nerds out there. While you probably can’t incubate it to hatch dragons, it can make for a really cool storage container for bits and bobs or simply be a cool statement piece for your bookshelf or desk.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Lalala65765

Greek Meander Lamp

This Greek Meander lamp is one of the coolest 3D printing ideas we have seen in quite some time. When lit up, it reflects some really cool Greek meander patterns onto your wall. It may not be the most practical lamp for lighting up a room, but it can for sure light up a party and spark conversations.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Hultis

Bedside Bottle & Phone Holder

This is one of those cool 3D printing ideas that will change your life for good. This is especially useful for college students or people who don’t have space in their apartments for night stands. This secure bedside bottle and phone holder will keep your items safe and close to you while you sleep.

Where to Find This - Printables
Creator - Hesed

Marble Maze

This cool 3D printed marble maze can keep both adults and children busy for hours! This puzzle game relies on a very simple gravity based maze design with ball and socket joints. If you have kids who never seem to stay in one place, try 3D printing this cool toy for them at home. You will not regret it.

Where to Find This - Printables
Creator - Ericman314

Petite Paint Palette

This one's for the artists out there. This cool 3D print will be a real game changer for you if you like to paint. It fits perfectly on your thumb and can be useful for wiping your brush down when switching colors, mixing small amounts of colors for detail work and more.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Megan McFergan

Flying Sea Turtle

This cool 3D printed mechanical toy is truly a marvel. The inspiration behind this creation comes from the poor sea turtle who got caught with a plastic straw in his nose and inspired millions around the world to give up single use plastics like straws. The toy uses a simple turn handle mechanism and perfect if you are looking for really unique 3D printed gift ideas.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Amaochan

Polar Bear & Seal

If you liked the flying sea turtle, you will like this cute polar bear and seal toy even more. The best and most cool 3D prints have a little bit of mischief in them. Nothing proves that better than this little toy. The peekaboo playing seal and the wide eyed polar bear can make anyone’s day.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Amaochan

Giroid Vase

The Giroid vase is perfect for you if you are looking for cool 3D print ideas for home decor. This vase looks like a slowly unraveling ribbon and can be the perfect addition to your bedside table or the centerpiece for your dining room table. If you like contemporary or modern home decor, you are sure to enjoy this vase.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Area3D

Wall Folder

This wall folder is an amazing utility item for any office. You no longer have to worry about misplaced papers and messy desks. Neatly place everything into your wall folder and breathe a sigh of relief.

Where to Find This - My Minifactory
Creator -Matter Hackers

Wall Outlet Shelf

Speaking of wall mounted utility items, this wall outlet charging shelf is life changing. Have you ever precariously balanced your phone on top of the adapter when charging it at a wall outlet without any table or other furniture nearby? Then this shelf is for you. With this amazing and useful 3D print you never have to worry about your phone falling off while charging ever again.

Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator -WallTosh

Collapsible Basket

Baskets are useful when you have items to store and nuisance when you don’t. This collapsible basket takes care of that problem. No more worrying about scarce counter space because with this awesome 3D print idea, you can simply fold up and stowaway the basket when you don’t have need for it.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - 3Dprintingworld

Batman Fidget Toy

Fidget spinners are useful in maintaining focus for those of us who are a little restless. But let’s be honest, most fidget spinner toys are really quite boring and uninspiring. Well, no more. This cool Batman inspired fidget toy is the perfect 3D printing idea to help you focus at work.

Where to Find This - Pinshape
Creator - Heraldo Medeiros

Toothbrush Holder

Have you been thinking of replacing that old broken coffee mug from its designation as your toothbrush holder? If you have been checking out cool 3D prints to take its place, check out this literal ‘tooth’-brush holder. This cute little 3D print is sure to give all pun lovers a bit of a laugh.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Ericman93

Christmas Tree Photo Frame

If you want to send family members pictures of you and the family this Christmas, consider using these pretty Christmas tree themed photo frames. These pretty little frames are subtle enough to be used outside of the holiday season as well which makes them the perfect 3D printed home decor idea if you want to revamp your living room.

Where to Find This - Printables
Creator - Myhackspace

Tiny Lantern

If you have been on the lookout for cute, quaint little cottage core 3D printing ideas then this tiny lantern will be right up your alley. It makes the perfect home decor item and it is small enough that you can put it literally anywhere. Perfect for a taste of cottage core without having to rearrange your whole house.

Where to Find This - Printables
Creator - Vikkon

Moon Lamp

You may have seen this beautiful moon lamp on Instagram and other websites. Well, you can now have it in your home and what’s more, you can make it yourself. This moon lamp 3D print even has all the beautiful detail work required to make it look super realistic and beautiful.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - moononournation

Bird Clock

Looking for cool 3D prints to decorate your home with? This beautiful bird clock will be right up your alley. The steampunk, mechanical, bird design gives this clock a truly unique look. This can also be a really cool 3D printed gift idea for friends and family, especially if you have a housewarming event coming up.

Where to Find This - Printables
Creator - Hairald

Tiny Zen Garden

We all need something to calm down and relax sometimes. Zen gardens are a wonderful way of calming your mind. But turning your whole backyard into a Zen garden is really not the most practical idea for most people. This tiny zen garden 3D print can help you soothe yourself without leaving your desk.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Motofuzzi

Robot Pencil Sharpener

This adorable robot pencil sharpener is sure to liven up your desk at the office or at home. The robot is basically a case designed to hold a standard, single hole wedge pencil sharpener to make sure you don’t lose it. As an added bonus, it is also perfect for kids if you are thinking about creating a back to school kit for your children.

Where to Find This - My Minifactory
Creator - Tanya Weisner

Picture Frame Christmas Bauble

Can there be anything better than a Christmas ornament with pictures of you and your family tucked inside? Personalize your Christmas tree to the next level with this beautiful picture frame, Christmas bauble.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - Dazus

Melting Snowmen

Nothing screams winter quite like a snowman. If you have been looking for cool 3D prints and cute winter themed decorations to put up for the Christmas and New years, then check out these adorable little snowmen. These are sure to liven up any mantelpiece in a flash.

Where to Find This - Printables
Creator - ArKay894

Tic Tac Gun

If you want some light harmless fun for you and your friends then this little tic tac gun is one of the best 3D printing ideas you can get. This fun toy will take you back to your school days of paper catapults and airsoft guns. The tic tac gun is a small, handy and incredibly fun toy to bring back the 8 year old in you.

Where to Find This - Thingiverse
Creator - HerrBatman

Sharing Your 3D Printing Ideas Online!

Did these cool 3D prints and ideas inspire you? You can share your own 3D prints online with the world. All you need is your very own personal portfolio website.

If you have a knack for creating and modelling your own 3D print designs, then you must be looking for a place to display your talents and maybe even make some money off of it. But it is very easy to get lost in the crowd on websites like Thingiverse. If you are truly looking to show off your 3D printing ideas with the world, there is nothing better than creating a portfolio website of your own.

The solution here is Pixpa – an all-in-one DIY website builder platform that seeks to empower creative professionals and small business owners by helping them build beautiful, professional websites all without touching a single line of code!

You can create your own 3D print design portfolio website on Pixpa easily, even without coding skills. Use the stunning, clean and professional templates and modern galleries to display your work and share your 3D printing and design skills with the world. If you are new to website building and design, then this step by step guide on how to design a website is sure to help you out!

Do you have 3D print ideas to sell? With the e-commerce galleries, you can sell your 3D print designs as digital downloads, or set up a full-featured online store to sell your own 3D printed creations. Use Pixpa’s extensive marketing and SEO tools to promote your products and designs and start earning an income from your 3D printing skills! Also check out this guide on how to create an e-commerce website to learn how to best set up an online store to sell your 3D prints and designs!

Conclusion

We hope this article gave you lots of ideas and inspiration for your next 3D printing project! 3D printing is not just a fun weekend hobby. It can be the start of a lucrative business if you know what to do. Consider taking a look at this guide on how to start a small business if you are thinking about 3D printing business ideas. However, if you are not looking for business ideas but simply more design inspiration, check out these amazing designers and their portfolios!

So, what are you waiting for? Set up your very own 3D printing design portfolio or e-commerce website! You can join Pixpa today and start sharing your own 3D printing projects and designs with the world! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 3D printing?

3D printing is a method of creating three dimensional objects, models and figures. It involves the use of a 3D printer which can read and analyse models fed into it through a computer and then print the computer model out as a real world object.

How does 3D printing work?

In 3D printing, a specially designed 3D printer analyses a computer created model of an object and then deposits some material, like wood filament or PLA, layer by layer to create a real life, 3D rendition of the object. Often 3D print models need to incorporate supports to ensure that the object stays stable while printing.

Where did the idea of 3d printing come from?

3D printing came about due to the need for the development of rapid prototyping mechanisms for research and development purposes. Hideo Kodama came up with the technology in the early 1980s however the technology was not patented till 1988 when Charles Hull, an American furniture builder, developed his own stereolithography or 3D printing machine and was granted a patent for the same.

How to submit a 3d printing idea?

You can share your 3D printing ideas on sites like Thingiverse and Pinshape. You can also create your own 3D printing and design portfolio website to share your 3D printing ideas with the world.

Can you print metal with 3d printers?

Yes, you can print metal with 3D printers. But you will need a special 3D printer with the capacity to use powdered metal to create objects and parts.

How to make 3D models for printing

To create a 3D model for printing, you will need a CAD (computer aided design) or 3D modeling software. With this software you can make 3D models and designs which you can input into a 3D printer for printing. You can check out this article on the best 3D modeling software to find out which one will be best for you!

How can you make money from 3D printing?

If you are interested in 3D printing business ideas then you can make money by selling 3D print ideas or designs on your website or by creating 3D printed products and selling them. Keeping copyright and trademarks in mind is very important when embarking on any such venture!