This toy gun design has a fascinating back story, and you should watch the video explaining it. After having built the world’s largest Nerf gun, YouTuber and engineer Marc Rober wanted to go for the opposite: The smallest working Nerf gun in the world. He and a team of scientists managed to shrink a working Nerf blaster to the size of a hair and even go beyond that. Unless your 3D printer can print with carbon nanotubes, you won’t make it that far, but it’s definitely worth exploring the wonderful one-piece compliant mechanism.

Who made it? BYUCMR

Where to download: Cults

This simple boomerang is great for the last meter of your filament spool. It can be printed quickly, as it’s only two layers thick and uses less than 5 grams of filament. After printing, wait for the bed to cool, then bend the edges slightly downwards, and you’re ready to start throwing. If everything works out and your technique is fine, it will fly around a two-meter wide circle and return to your hands.

Who made it? Martin Rigatoni

Where to download: Printables

Nowadays, chess has become super-standardized. With the rise of chess software, opening databases, and grandmasters galore, much of the raw grit and brutal fun has been taken out of the game.

This changes with Minichess. It’s played on a 5×5 board with fewer pieces. As it’s extremely condensed, the war is on from the first move.

Printing the board and pieces should be straightforward, and you can make the set satisfyingly snappy with small magnets to hold the storage tray in place. We wish you all the best in crushing your opponents.

Who made it? Daniel Beaver

Where to download: Cults

How about a personalized keyring that doubles as a fidget toy? Pick the letters, then choose a base for up to 15 characters. The free download contains the alphabet in a standard font with non-rotating letters. Or with rotating letters if you like to keep your fingers busy.

Who made it? Layermodels

Where to download: Thingiverse

Ever wished Benchy was seaworthy – and had a paddle? Consider it granted, with this printable, rubber band-powered Benchy Paddle Boat. The print is a simple two-parter: the Benchy’s hull, which features two pontoon-like structures, and the paddle.

No supports or special filament is required. All you need to do is print, attach a rubber band, wind the paddle, and take to the sea (or kitchen sink). Happy paddlin’!

Who made it? Jaysen Petersen

Where to download: Thingiverse

This balance game is “Tetris-inspired” – and by that we mean it’s essentially Tetris on a see-saw with a huge “Tetris” logo on it. Players roll their 3D printed die to determine a piece to use, then stack it atop the see-saw, in an attempt to claim victory by building the highest stack.

No matter what, though, you’re all winners here: reducing screen time by taking the digital to the real world, and spreading a competitive holiday spirit to everyone around you. There are also plenty of printing success stories and tips on Printables, where the model is housed, so be sure to check those out should you want some inspiration.

Who made it? Paulorfo

Where to download: Printables

This print will take some of you back to recess in elementary school. It’s also definitely not a Beyblade. Definitely not. It might look like a Beyblade, it might function like a Beyblade, it may, for all intents and purposes, be a Beyblade. But, for what we assume are legal reasons, it isn’t.

Still, this print includes files for a launcher and several not-Beyblade tops. Print it, assemble it, and get ready for battle on the blacktop. (This print is not compatible with officially licensed Beyblade tops. That’s because it isn’t a Beyblade).

Who made it? Francois Le Bois

Where to download: Thingiverse

The Hubble Telescope is iconic. It’s also in space. But what if you could put it on your desk – or hold it in the palm of your hand? With the “Hubble Telescope Model Card” you can. Printed as single “cards” – similar to how snap-together models are packaged and sold – you’ll print (no glue required) a miniature Hubble Telescope model of your very own.

Each part is numbered, making assembly a literal snap, but “go slow” the instructions read. There are also a few slicing tips on the model’s Printables page – using a 0.2 mm layer height  – for example, but overall this is a simple, scientific print that can unleash anyone’s inner astronaut – or unlock a love for model making. Designer Nakozen has shared a lot of other model kit cards, so check out their profile for more!

Who made it? Nakozen

Where to download: Printables

“Everyone is talking about toroidal rotors,” reads the description for this Flying Copter Toy. Everyone indeed – and now you’re in on the fun.

A remix of Meister Edel’s previous flying copter model, which featured regular propellors rather than the new toroidal design. Regardless, it’s a toy that’s instantly familiar to just about everyone, with a rotor capable of flying “like 10 meters into the air”, according to one Printables user. A robust, easily printable design makes this a great last-minute stocking stuffer. Just be sure to use it outside. Trust us, your ceiling will thank you.

Who made it? Meister Edel

Where to download: Printables

This twist on a classic fidget spinner lets you unleash your inner Michelangelo with a nunchaku-inspired design. It’s also a very simple print for PLA filament, requiring only a few tweaks to settings (such as a 15% infill).

The “Ringchaku’s” plastic chain links are an especially cool touch, considering you can make it as long or short as you’d like – so long as it doesn’t affect overall functionality (designer Jaatinen recommends “length 14”). Who knows, maybe you can use your Ringchaku to fight off the fidget spinner’s irrelevance!

Who made it?Jouni Ahola

Where to download: Thingiverse

With their print-in-place movable limbs and cutesy eyes, these miniature robots may be too small to take over the world, but they will almost certainly conquer your heart. The feedback on these little guys and gals is also highly positive, with users eager to share their finished prints, although there are quite a few reports of the robots’ hands falling off.

A one-handed robot? Some might call that a flaw, we call it character. It’s also worth noting that this design does require supports when printing, but they’re pre-modeled. You shouldn’t have much trouble creating a robot of your own.

Who made it? Polar B34R

Where to download: Printables

Getting its namesake from a maker’s favorite axis, it’s the Z-Rex! Featuring jaws that open and “bite” – an effect achieved by holding the model’s leg and pushing down on the tail, this is a 125 mm print that can easily be scaled up to achieve more jurassic proportions. Regardless of how big your Z-Rex, be sure to print “with at least three shells and 50% or more infill”.

Interested, but not a dino-nerd? Sacrilege. But designer Murray Clark still has you covered with a range of Z-series models that includes Bugz, Eaglez, Ratz, Catz, and even Woodpeckerz.

Who made it? Murray Clark

Where to download: Thingiverse

Much like last week’s Hubble Telescope model, this working catapult design is printed in card form, then snapped together, piece by piece. It’s also “fairly powerful”, according to the Printables page (where you’ll also find surprisingly detailed assembly instructions). This sentiment is also echoed through the print’s comments section, which features hundreds of satisfied users.

What exactly you’ll launch, however, is up to you. Peas? Marbles? Filament blobs? The possibilities are essentially limitless. Let the siege begin.

Who made it? Adam-M

Where to download: Printables

What’s Christmas without a functioning rocket launcher? No Christmas at all, we say. This design looks as though it was ripped from the hands of a retro GI Joe action figure – and works in much the same way, with a simple button press launching printable projectiles, of which there are several designs to choose from.

It’s also print-in-place and requires no supports, although you’ll need to tweak a few settings to boost your chances of success (a minimum of three walls and a layer height of at least 0.16 mm, to name a few). Can’t wait until yours is finished printing? Check out this video for a taste of the rocket launcher in action.

Who made it? Nakozen

Where to download: Printables

We briefly covered this print over the summer, but it’s so cool it’s worth a second look. An officially licensed model of Optimus Primal from the movie, “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”, simply print and let it dangle from wherever you choose, thanks to its chain-link-like arms and legs.

As far as Printables models go, this one’s at the top of Santa’s list. The results speak for themselves – with hundreds of positive reviews (and pictures to go along with them) raving about just how high-quality this design is. Best of all? It’s a print-in-place design. Autobots, no assembly required!

Who made it? Paramount Pictures

Where to download: Printables

Wish your holiday could be more headache-inducing? Consider it done, with the Puzzle of Evil, a four-piece puzzle with both “easy” and “hard” modes that promises “many hours” of rage (or fun). If this is anything like similar puzzles on the market, even “easy” won’t be a walk in the park.

And with a folding clamshell design with space for magnets should you want a more secure closure, the puzzle is ready for the long drive down to Grandma’s and Grandpa’s.

Who made it? hairyfacedhooman

Where to download: Printables

First, you print the chairs. Then, you stack the chairs in a friendly competition. Then you win – or you lose, and you backhand the stacked chairs so that they scatter across the linoleum, and start a whole-family argument. At least, that’s how it went in our house, during those halcyon days of holiday chair-stacking.

Anyway, this one’s pretty simple, with a single-file print consisting of nine individual chairs. There’s a bit more nuance to the game than what’s listed above, but not much; as the description reads, it’s “a simple game where you stack chairs”. Of course, before you play, check the Printables page for the full rules.

Who made it? Thomas H 3D

Where to download: Printables

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!

No, wait, it is a plane, after all – a paper one, to be exact. And it was shot from the Ultimate Plane Launcher. Boasting easy assembly and a simple, handgun-style design that’s a straightforward print and assembly, this launcher is good for essentially any variety of paper plane, and needs only three rubber bands to function properly. Just load the plane, point, and shoot (away from anything breakable, preferably).

There are a few GIFs of the launcher in action – and those showing proper loading technique – plus an assembly diagram on the Printables page. So be sure to check them out before takeoff.

Who made it? Sevro

Where to download: Printables

This spinning top design promises minute of fun. No, that’s not a typo. According to its Printables page, the finished print will spin for a full minute. You’ll print in two parts, the top and the tip. Then you’ll snap the tip to the top and get spinning.

This print’s an easy one, requiring no supports, although for best results you may want to add a brim to the tip. Got a few hours to kill? Spin this top 180 times in a row and watch as your day melts away. That’s what we call good times.

Who made it? Matt Thibs

Where to download: Printables

Originating as a woodwork blueprint before being adapted to 3D printers, this spirograph print features the spirograph itself, as well as four gears with which to draw geometric patterns. It’s also designed with kids in mind – with rounded edges and large gears that better fit small hands.

You’ll need a thin pen or pencil for the best results in actually drawing the patterns, so keep that in mind should you be stuffing stockings with this surefire holiday winner.

Who made it? Bea Res

Where to download: Printables

With a print-in-place design and a spinning rotor, this helicopter is ready to take to the imaginary skies. As far as prints go, this one’s simple: just use .20 mm layers and a 0.4 mm nozzle, and there you have it.

There are a ton of comments on Printables that show surprisingly high-quality results here. Additionally, there’s a Chinook version of the same print available, should you be transporting some PLA troops. No offense, Benchy, but you may have some competition. #SpeedPIPHelicopter? Anyone? Anyone?

Who made it? Triple G Workshop

Where to download: Printables

Not that you’d ever want to fake stab someone during the holiday season, but just in case – consider this print of a katana with a collapsing blade. It’s a print-in-place design that requires no supports (just a 0.4 mm nozzle), which really adds to the cool factor.

Pair it with the nunchaku fidget spinner we wrote about earlier this month for a full-on ninja Christmas. Just don’t take this one through airport security. You’ve been warned.

Who made it? 3D Printing World

Where to download: Printables

No, it’s not officially licensed, but this Poké Ball might as well be, with how close it looks to the “real” thing. With a hinged design and room for a small (3D printed or not) Pokémon figurine, you’ll be living out your Pokémaster fantasies. The print does require “minimal support”, but other than that, it’s pretty straightforward.

Check out the design’s Thingiverse page for assembly instructions and a quick YouTube video that documents the Pokéball’s creation (and gives a real-life look at the end result).

Who made it? Der_Dennis

Where to download: Thingiverse

It may be designed to take out the trash, but this functional, print-in-place garbage truck is anything but. The fact that it’s free is almost shocking. There’s a working lever that picks up miniature trash cans – which boast rolling wheels and functional lids – a working back door, and wheels that roll.

This is one of the most impressive designs, in terms of functionality, we’ve written about during this series, so it’s fitting that it takes the Christmas Day slot. There are also two available versions – a standard and a mini – each of which was designed for its size (meaning one is not a scaled version of the other). Both are available on the same Printables page, where you can also see a few pics and GIFs of the truck itself.

Who made it? WhopperPrinting

Where to download: Printables