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

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.


Before you dive in headfirst and regret every decision that led to owning a $200+ hot glue gun on steroids, here’s a comprehensive guide to fun, practical, and beginner-friendly prints that will make you look like a wizard without wasting filament or your sanity.

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 tugboat. It’s not just a cute little model—it’s the universal test for printer calibration.

  • Why print it? Benchy checks for layer consistency, overhangs, bridging, and whether your printer hates you today.

  • Pro tip: Print it first before attempting anything ambitious. If it comes out looking like a cursed shipwreck instead of a boat, stop everything. Your printer probably needs leveling or some TLC.


Printing Benchy is almost a rite of passage. You’ll either triumph and post photos online like a proud parent, or cry into your spool of PLA and question all your life choices. Either way, it’s fun.

2. Fidget Toys (Because Spinning Plastic is Addictive)


Let’s be real: we all need distractions. Fidget toys are perfect for testing your printer while also giving your hands something to do.

  • Gear cubes, infinite gyroscopes, and flexi-rattlesnakes are easy to print, small, and hugely satisfying to spin.

  • Bonus: They make you look way cooler when you’re absentmindedly clicking and spinning a 3D-printed contraption during class or at the library.


Tip: start with small fidget toys to avoid wasting filament. You’ll get a feel for supports, bridging, and print speeds without committing to a marathon session.

3. Phone Stands (Peak Laziness Achieved)


Why buy a phone stand when you can print one? Whether you want a basic design or something ridiculous like a miniature throne for your phone, this is a great practical print.

  • Customizable: Change colors, sizes, or even shapes (gaming controller, tiny chair, or dragon-shaped stand).

  • Fast and rewarding: Most prints finish in under two hours, giving you near-instant gratification.


Pro tip: If your stand fails, analyze where it broke. Too thin? Increase wall thickness. Bad angles? Adjust your design. Printing practical stuff teaches both design and troubleshooting skills.

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


Even if tabletop gaming isn’t your thing, printing tiny knights, dragons, or action figures is just cool.

  • Detail matters: Miniatures test how well your printer handles small features.

  • Start small: Don’t attempt a 6-inch dragon as your first miniature. Start with tiny, manageable prints.


Pro tip: post-process with sanding, painting, or primer. A hand-painted miniature instantly feels worth ten times more than the raw print. Bonus: they make great gifts.

5. Secret Storage Boxes (Hidden Compartments FTW)


Printing a storage box that slides open or features secret latches is not only fun but also practical.

  • Hide snacks, coins, or small treasures.

  • Post-processing: Sand the moving parts slightly for smoother operation.

  • Fun factor: Secret compartments make you feel like a tiny James Bond every time you open it.


Tip: start simple. A single-slide lid is easier than a complicated multi-lock system for beginners.

6. Keychains (Show Off Your Printing Skills)


Keychains are small, quick to print, and perfect for showing off your 3D printer powers.

  • Customize with initials, logos, or funny sayings.

  • Small size = minimal filament usage and fast turnaround.


Pro tip: use a strong infill (20-30%) to make the keychain durable. Nobody wants a keychain that snaps after one backpack drop.

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


If you’ve ever carried 12 grocery bags at once, you know the struggle. Clip-on bag holders are small prints that save your hands from agony.

  • Functional: Holds multiple bags comfortably.

  • Small but sturdy: Make sure to increase infill and wall thickness for strength.


Pro tip: Show your parents and friends—they’ll probably want one too. Instant mini-business opportunity.

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


3D printing + baking = wizardry.

  • Print custom shapes: initials, favorite logos, or unique designs.

  • Food safety: Make sure you use food-safe filament or coat prints with a sealant.


Fun tip: Combine printing with baking to make personalized gifts or party favors. Friends will think you’re a magician.

9. Flexi Dinosaurs (Because Dinosaurs Are Forever Cool)


Printing a flexible T-Rex is a rite of passage.

  • Prints in one go, moves right off the bed.

  • Fun, wiggly, and satisfying.


Pro tip: Flexi prints teach your printer about articulation and overhangs without complicated supports. They’re also great for desk decoration or showing off at school.

10. Self-Watering Planters (For the Neglectful Plant Parent)


If you’re like me, plants die faster than you can say “PLA.” Self-watering planters are genius.

  • Holds water in a bottom compartment and slowly hydrates the plant.

  • Great for forgetful teens or parents who kill plants accidentally.


Pro tip: Combine with a small succulent for instant desk decor that looks way fancier than it cost.

11. Coasters and Desk Organizers (Because Organization is Fun)


Small desk items are perfect for beginners.

  • Coasters: Fun designs, practical, easy to print.

  • Desk organizers: Hold pens, sticky notes, or tiny gadgets.


Pro tip: Add geometric patterns or customized initials to stand out. People love personalized desk accessories.

12. Mini Gadgets and Holders (For Extra Nerd Points)

  • Headphone stands, cable clips, and cord organizers are fast, useful prints.

  • Bonus: They teach you about tolerances and fit—critical skills for future projects.


Pro tip: Print multiple items at once to save time and filament. Batch printing small gadgets = win-win.

13. Fun Toys and Trinkets

  • Spinning tops, puzzle cubes, or little animals.

  • Great for practicing multi-color or multi-material printing.


Pro tip: Experiment with supports, layer height, and infill. Toys are forgiving and teach you printer patience.

14. Custom Gifts for Friends

  • Personalized figurines, name tags, or phone charms.

  • People love handmade, unique gifts, and you’ll get instant feedback on your designs.


Pro tip: Gifts double as practice. Test your skills before attempting a bigger money-making project.

Step 15: Learning from Failure


Even the best first prints fail sometimes. It’s okay.

  • Check first layer adhesion.

  • Watch for stringing, warping, or layer shifts.

  • Adjust bed leveling, temperature, or speed.


Pro tip: Keep a failure notebook. Write down what went wrong and how you fixed it. Your future self will thank you.

Step 16: Organize Your Prints

  • Keep finished prints, spares, and supports separate.

  • Use small bins, shelves, or drawer organizers.

  • Label everything to avoid chaos.


Pro tip: Organization = efficiency. Less wasted filament = happier teen wallet.

Step 17: Experiment and Have Fun


Don’t forget why you got a printer in the first place.

  • Mix colors, try flexible filaments, or attempt tiny sculptures.

  • Failed prints often lead to unexpected creativity.

  • Take photos and share them—friends will be impressed, and you might inspire them to start printing too.

Step 18: Final Tips for First Prints

  • Start small: Tiny prints teach you fundamentals without wasting filament.

  • Keep spare filament and tools handy.

  • Don’t rage-print. Adjust settings and take breaks.

  • Document your successes and failures.


3D printing is part science, part art, and part messy fun. If you follow these tips, your first prints will be fun, educational, and won’t make you question life choices—unless you attempt a 20-hour mega-dragon on day one. Then, well… welcome to 3D printing.

Conclusion


Your first prints should teach you, excite you, and maybe even solve a small problem. Start with fun, small projects, learn from every failure, and slowly level up to more complex creations. Soon, your desk will be filled with tiny boats, dinosaurs, and secret storage boxes, and your 3D printer will feel like a magical portal to infinite possibilities.


Remember: start simple, print wisely, and have fun. And if all else fails, just print an army of tiny boats. No judgment.

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