Ah, the holidays. A time for family, and about as much relaxation as you can manage while the kids are out of school and fueled on a daily dose of seasonal chocolate from their advent calendars.
Your 3D printer can help (somewhat), with quick prints that provide a daily dose of fun. 3D printed advent toys, if you will.
All month until December 25th were bringing you All3DP Unwrapped: daily highlights of quick and easy toys that you can 3D print over the holiday season. We’re sure to dig up something fun for you, whether its a daily advent toy, gifts for the holiday celebrated by your family, or just a micro project for yourself. Check it out!
With a “mind-bending passthrough effect”, this Christmas tree is a four-part print that will bring both seasonal festivity and some “ho ho holy moly!” aesthetics to your table, mantle, or desktop.
Less a puzzle (as it’s described on MakerWorld) than a decoration, you’ll need about four hours to print the both parts of the tree, plus its tiny stand and star topper. The results are admittedly pretty cool – and especially livened up by printing and displaying the accompanying tiny presents and reindeer, links for which you can find on the tree’s page.
Who made it? Altron Designs
Where to download? MakerWorld
What’s Christmas without a little magic? And what better way to make magic, but with this printable magic wand. It’s about as simple – and as classic – of a design as you’d imagine, with a Fairy Godmother-esque star atop the handle.
What stands out here, however, is an included OnShape file that allows for easy “remixing”. One user, for example, tweaked the wand to make it a glow-in-the-dark keychain. Merry Christmas and happy magicking!
Who made it? kowitz
Where to download? MakerWorld
The holidays are here, which means you should spend less time working, and more time bowling at your desk. And you can do just that with this two-part print, which includes a lane, ball, 10 pins, and a “launch ramp” (so you can bowl like your Grandma).
There are a few design tips here – printing the pins with a skirt, for example – so be sure to check those out before getting started. Use this bowling set enough and who knows, maybe you’re in for two turkeys this year: one on your table and one on the lanes.
Who made it? Mr. Scott
Where to download? MakerWorld
Nothing says American Christmas like American football. But what about the rest of the world? Not to worry –thanks to this print, everyone, no matter where they are, can take to the gridiron for their own tiny game.
With two goalposts, a kickstand, and a football (which you should print in TPU to keep your fingers in prime – and pain-free – present-unwrapping condition), this printable set has everything you need for a competitive yet (hopefully) friendly matchup. It would also make a pretty great stocking stuffer for any football fan.
Who made it? L10design
Where to download? MakerWorld
This bubble wand is perfect for those “who love playing with bubbles”, which, let’s be real, means all of us. It features both a wand to make them and a bowl in which to keep the liquid solution (a great recipe for which you can find here) – meaning this is the all-in-one bubble-maker you’ve been so desperately searching for. Take note, however: you’ll need to print with a 3-5 mm-margined raft for best results.
But hold on, we’ve saved the best for last. Despite coming in at just four inches (100 mm) wide, the bubbles this wand creates can exceed a foot (30.5 cm) in diameter, proving yet again that it’s not the size of your wand, it’s how you use it. You hear that, everyone everywhere?
Who made it? ericsnis
Where to download? Printables
Bored on the bus? Long layover? Quiet night at home? Break out this portable tic-tac-toe set, with tiles that stack up and fit neatly in a tiny, foldable black box.
All told, the set measures a scant 35 x 35 x 30 mm, and has enough tiles for a three-by-three gird – perfect for quick, small-scale (drinking) games. Print it, give it as a gift, and prepare for a few Xs and Os of your own, if you catch our drift.
Who made it? EmanueleRagusa
Where to download? MakerWorld
Not that we would recommend squishing turtles, but here’s a turtle you can squish. Designed with a “flex concept” that causes them to cutely bounce after being tapped or dropped – as well as with several variations of shell and a retractable head – you’re in for a small amount of assembly here, but no worries: it’s all done with easily attachable H-clips, meaning no glue required.
This is a great one for kids (although be wary of the turtles’ small size, and potential to break into even smaller pieces), as we think they’ll dig both the design and the bouncing effect, which is quite fun.
Who made it? jakejake
Where to download? Cults3D
This magnet fishing game features a fishing pool with a magnetic attachment, as well as a handful of magnet-embedded sea creatures like seahorses and jellyfish to “fish” for. Aesthetically, it’s very pleasing, especially when it’s printed in pastel colors – and entertainment-wise you’re looking at a nice little distraction for the kids (or yourself, of course).
A few instructions to heed here: user 0.4 mm nozzle, 0.2m m layer height, and a 10-15% for the animal pieces. You’ll also need to stop your printer mid-print to insert the magnets. Check the game’s Printables page for all the details.
Who made it? WunschGedruckt
Where to download? Printables
Inspired by “traditional German candle-powered Weihnachts pyramide“, you’ll use your radiator (or another heat source, so long as it’s far enough away from open flames) to make this tree spin. There are also holes on the platform, to which you can attach miniature 3D printed models of your choice.
The print as a whole is as intricate as Christmas decorations come, with a fuzzy-skinned tree, a rotating platform, propeller-like blades, and a star to top things off. Although it’s designed for Bambu Lab printers – specifically the A1 Mini – you can scale this one up should you want to go bigger, although take note: the lighter the weight of the end result, the better the spinning action you’ll get.
Who made it? N33 Designs
Where to download? MakerWorld
Got an Elf on the Shelf that’s keeping tabs on the kids? In essence a puzzle, you’ll print three pieces and a board into which they attach. Then it’s up to The EOTS and his dirty tricks.
In this case, that means your elf will “hide” the pieces during the night, leaving it up to the pint-sized, nice-list hopefuls in your household to find and return them to their rightful positions. Should their mission be successful, all will be righted in the Elfin Kingdom, and Christmas will be saved. Then the elf can get back to doing what he (it?) does best: watching you sleep.
Who made it? ChrisRook
Where to download? MakerWorld
It’s Christmas for cats, too – so why not give your feline friend a gift? Normally, we’d try to think of a few cat puns, but this print’s MakerWorld page beat us to the punch: “Print this fur-midable Christmas themed tumbling cat toy, fill it up with sand for a purr-fect tumble and the rest is hiss-tory!”
The print comes in two versions: hollow and 100% infill, although the hollow tree will work best, says creator rijstraket. You can also choose to top your tree with a star, as well as print a funnel that will let you more easily fill your tree with sand, avoiding a potentially cat-astrophic mess (oh yeah, we’ve still got it).
Who made it? rijstraket
Where to download? MakerWorld
Rudolph may look sad, but we swear he’s just resting. Regardless, it’s a pretty sweet design, featuring an “articulating” body that moves around in a Slinky-esque way. It’s also available in a variety of different animals, from sloths to ducks to axolotls, just in case reindeer aren’t your thing.
While you can choose from a single color or multicolor version of Rudolph here, is there really a choice? What’s Rudolph without a shiny nose? Also, be sure to visit creator NeonGraveStoneArt’s Patreon, where a bunch of cool, printable stuff is on offer.
Who made it? NeonGraveStoneArt
Where to download? Printables
This one is a little more involved than most of our advent toy picks: this toy car has a lot of parts – 14 files, to be exact – meaning it’s a great gift choice for anyone into models, Lego, puzzles, or anything else you can put together. Assembly doesn’t look too difficult, so this could be something for the kids as well, so long as they aren’t super young.
The car’s 136.5 mm x 80.5 mm x 59.5 mm size is in the sweet spot – big enough to display, but small enough to stow away in a drawer – and the design is also noteworthy, with aesthetics that would look at home on the shelf of a toy store. Should it not quite be to your taste, however, you can choose from one of the seven other variants on creator Jeanpierre Gillot’s Printables page.
Who made it? Jeanpierre Gillot
Where to download? Printables
Should you be in the mood to blast a loved one, friend, or colleague with air, this is the print for you. It might look a bit like a hairdryer, but attach a balloon to the back, and you’ve got an air cannon, baby. Sound weird? You can watch it in action on YouTube.
You’ll print the cannon in two parts: the handle and the body. Other than that, you’re looking at a quick and easy project – so you can slice it, print it, and get to annoying those closest to you.
Who made it? Pirotsuku
Where to download? Thingiverse
Finished “Armored Core VI” and looking for a new challenge? Why not print and assemble this detailed 1/18-scale mech model, with 40 modular components (think shields, guns, and cables) that allow you to tack on your preferred robotic flair.
The model as a whole is compatible with the many other mech-adjacent prints – robotic dogs and an ornithopter from “Dune” are noteworthy examples here – available on Kmech Toys’ Printables profile, so be sure to check those out if you’re ready for more gear-grinding action.
Who made it? Kmech Toys
Where to download? Printables
Reminiscent of a Rubik’s cube, this puzzle is sure to keep your hands and brain busy. Completing it will require you to align the balls by color, but be warned: this is trickier than it looks.
Assembly of the puzzle requires no glue – instead it’s held together by a printable pin – although you will need some for the balls, which are printed as two halves. Other than that, this is pretty straightforward. If only the puzzle itself were so easy.
Who made it? TheCraftyMaker
Where to download Cults
Designer MyGadgetLife was searching for a fun, safe, and creative way for kids of all ages to enjoy their very own “multi-tool” … and came up with this. The clever design transforms regular wooden pencils into a multi-tool kids can assemble themselves with a flathead screwdriver. The design fits standard pencil profiles and is perfect for those old stubby ones, too. The models holds pencils which are up to 80mm long, so you can cut regular pencils in half.
Who made it? MyGadgetLife
Where to download: Cults
You won’t be able to fight off a predator with it, but this small fidget toy will give you a Spec-ops-Arnold feeling. Sure, it’s on the bigger side when it comes to keychains, but hey, it’s the only one we know of that shoots airsoft pellets. For loading, you rotate the barrel and press the release to let the pellet fly. The model consists of 10+ parts, and you’ll spend some time assembling it.
Who made it? Jaatinen
Where to download: Thingiverse
This 3D printed fan will keep you cool even in hot situations. With its collapsible parts, it looks fragile, especially with the thickness of the blades being just 0.8mm. The blades interlock smartly so they don’t overextend or pass through their collapsed state.
Everything prints in place. Best print it with a brim, then snip off the pieces and break the wings free.
Who made it? Rossero
Where to download: Printables
We adore this “phone pillow” design: Crafted to resemble a cozy cushion, the plush-like design provides a comfortable resting place for your device, seamlessly blending functionality with style.
It’s comfortably sized for bigger phones (like the Samsung Galaxy S24 or iPhone 15 Pro Max). If your phone is smaller, scale the model to reduce your print time. There’s an additional version with a slot for the charging cable.
Who made it? HpInvent
Where to download: Makerworld
If you’re into board games or roleplaying, a dice tower is a useful accessory. This particular model, made by Squinn, won a recent Printables contest with its beautiful castle motif and the wrap-around spiral staircase. When dice are dropped into it, they will randomly roll and bounce off the stairs as they fall down.
The model is easy to print, and doesn’t even need any support structures. It stands 18 cm tall by default, but please scale it to your liking.
Who made it? Squinn
Where to download: Printables
This whistle is small, looks great, fits snugly on a keyring, and emits a clear, high dual-tone sound. Despite its size and height (only 3mm), it’s actually quite loud! Don’t use support structures when printing it, and make sure the first layer is just right.
Who made it? Jonas Daehnert
Where to download: Printables
Initially created for an adventure race, these 3D printed stamp-like embosser tools can make your belongings more interesting. Use them to emboss thin, smooth, and flat surfaces, like paper, cardstock, paper, vellum, textile fabric, parchment, or leather.
Who made it? Andor_Yok
Where to download: Printables
Existing in a space somewhere between playfulness and cleanliness, these stackable desk boxes can be attached and detached easily. They are five times the size of a certain iconic brick brand, and bring a bit of childhood nostalgia into your office. Currently, there are two versions available (2×2 and 2×4 size).
These might take a little longer to print than most of the models here, but it’ll be worth it for a fitting office or playroom!
Who made it? Sakul
Where to download: MakerWorld
How about a personalized keyring with your name, which you can use 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
Looking for more? See last year’s All3DP Unwrapped for lots of 3D printable toys, and check back tomorrow for something new!
License: The text of "All3DP Unwrapped 2024: 3D Printable Advent Toys" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.