First Fun Things to Print on Your 3D Printer (Without Regretting Your Life Choices)

 So, you finally got a 3D printer. Congratulations! You’re now the proud owner of a machine that can turn plastic into... well, slightly different plastic. But don’t just start throwing random models at it and hoping for the best—trust me, nothing crushes the soul like waiting six hours for a print, only for it to turn into a spaghetti monster.

To save you from disappointment (and wasted filament), here are some of the best first prints that are actually fun, useful, and won’t make you rage-quit 3D printing on day one.

1. The Classic Benchy (a.k.a. "The Tiny Boat of Truth")

If you’ve ever looked up 3D printing, you’ve seen this tiny boat. It’s not just a cute little tugboat—it’s a test to make sure your printer is working correctly. Print this first, and if it comes out looking more like a cursed shipwreck than a boat, you know something’s wrong.

2. A Fidget Toy (Because Spinning Plastic is Addictive)

Whether it’s a gear cube, a flexi-rattlesnake, or one of those infinite rotating gyroscopes, fidget toys are perfect for testing your printer while also giving your hands something to do. Bonus: they make you look 200% cooler in school when you're absentmindedly clicking and spinning a 3D-printed contraption.

3. A Phone Stand (For Peak Laziness)

Why buy a phone stand when you can print one? Whether you want a basic one, a fancy one shaped like a gaming controller, or even a tiny chair for your phone (because why not), this is a great way to make something practical right away.

4. A Miniature Figurine (Action Figures for the Broke but Creative)

Even if you’re not into tabletop games, printing a little knight, dragon, or even a custom action figure is just cool. Plus, it’s a great way to see how well your printer handles detail. Just don’t start printing an entire army until you’re sure you won’t end up with a pile of melted, vaguely human-shaped blobs.

5. A Secret Storage Box (Because Hidden Compartments Are Cool)

There are tons of print-in-place storage boxes that slide open with secret latches. Hide your money, snacks, or just the knowledge that you printed something unnecessarily fancy for no reason.

6. A Keychain (So You Can Prove You Own a 3D Printer)

Look, we all know the first rule of 3D printing: you have to show off. Print a custom keychain with your name, a cool logo, or something nerdy. It’s a small print, so even if it fails, you won’t be too heartbroken.

7. A Clip-on Bag Holder (Because Grocery Bags Are the Worst)

Ever carried 12 grocery bags in one trip because making two trips is not an option? Print one of those bag-handling grips, and you’ll finally have an excuse for your 3D printer’s existence when your parents ask, "What is this thing actually good for?"

8. A Cookie Cutter (Yes, Your Printer Can Make Snacks Better)

Printing a shape, slamming it into cookie dough, and baking it is basically wizardry. Whether you make a Batman logo, a pickleball paddle (if you’re into that), or your initials, it’s a great way to combine technology with dessert. Just make sure your filament is food-safe!

9. A Flexi Dinosaur (Because Dinosaurs Are Always Cool)

The flexi T-Rex is a rite of passage for new 3D printer owners. It prints in one go and moves right off the print bed. If you’ve never held a little wiggly dinosaur in your hands and made it stomp around your desk, you’re missing out.

10. A Self-Watering Planter (For the Plant You’ll Forget About)

If you’ve ever killed a plant by accident (or just pure neglect), a self-watering planter is a great print. It holds water in a bottom compartment and slowly hydrates the plant, so you don’t have to remember to water it every day. (No promises it’ll survive if you never check on it, though.)

Final Advice: Don’t Rage-Print

When your first prints fail—and they will—don’t panic. Adjust your settings, make sure your bed is leveled, and for the love of all things plastic, don’t just keep printing random stuff and hoping it magically fixes itself. Start simple, have fun, and soon you’ll be drowning in so many cool prints that you’ll start questioning where all this plastic is even going.

Now go forth and print wisely! (Or just print an army of tiny boats. No judgment.)

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