Twiddle. Twiddle. Spin. Spin. We all fidget in our own ways. Some of us tap our feet or twitch our hands, but we all have that desire to move.
So when the fidget toy craze blew up, everyone wanted one, whether it was the classic fidget spinner, the famous fidget cube, or something more personal. And with so many different toys on the market, it can be hard to find one that’s cheap, nice to hold, and satisfies your fidgeting needs.
With some amazing creativity, thousands of designers took it upon themselves to make their own fun toys. We’ve sifted through the internet to find the cream of the crop, compiling the best free fidget toys we could find.
If you’re itching for a new fidget toy but don’t have the setup to print your own, check out Craftcloud. With a huge range of colors and materials to choose from, you’ll have your dream distraction in no time.
Now, before we get any more fidgety, let’s get to the list!
Cubes
You may be sick of the classic fidget cube, but bear with us; some of these may surprise you. From our favorite right-angled friends to some looser interpretations of the word “cube”, there are endless ways to play!
Infinity
A new take on what a fidget can be. With multiple ways to print and be creative, this amazing fidget toy will keep your hands busy and your mind wondering if it can really go for infinity.
The designer specifically recommends a layer height of 0.2 mm. They also suggest a minimum of 10% infill, but you can increase this without issue if you want a weightier cube.
- Who designed it? austinvojta
- How printable/popular is it? There are 150 makes and 13 remixes of this clever cube. Some commenters have mentioned that the hinges can be a bit stiff straight off the bed.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Kobayashi
This is a bit bigger than your average fidget cube, ideal for someone who wants a more substantial distraction or just has big hands!
It’s quite easy to print, and there are also multicolored files available if you’re lucky enough to have a Palette or dual extruder. The hinges can cause problems initially, but after some clean-up, they should work beautifully.
This is a remix of one of Paul Kobayashi’s many fidget cube designs. If you like the look of this one, there’s more where that came from!
- Who designed it? markinthebox
- How printable/popular is it? This impressive design has over 430 makes and 13 remixes!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Original Fidget
Much like the original Kickstarter Fidget Cube, this cutesy little fella gives restless digits plenty to do. On its six sides, it features a spinning circle, moving a switch, a finger maze, an indentation, and a tunnel. However, unlike its crowdfunded fidget cube sibling, you can print this one at home for yourself.
The designer recommends ensuring that your printer can do overhangs and bridges fairly well; calibrating your machine might be a good idea. It also looks better with the “fidgets” printed in a contrasting color to the body of the cube.
- Who designed it? CThig
- How printable/popular is it? This homage to the OG fidget cube has been made 21 times, with 6 remixes also shared.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Star
It’s a box! No, it’s a star! No wait, it’s a box again? The Fidget Star is a wonderful design that will have you twitching through a constant cycle of opening and closing. Even cooler, it’s a single print-in-place model, which means that the hinges of the moving parts are printed together with everything else, so no assembly is required.
- Who designed it? mathgrrl
- How printable/popular is it? There are 65 makes and 280 remixes of this star cube, most of which are scaled to successfully print at different sizes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Venus Box
It’s not technically a cube, but it is a box, which we’re calling close enough. A remarkably clever design means this screw-based container can open its doors like the blinking of an eye. Not strictly a fidget toy per se, but the potential for hand-busying motion is high, with the added bonus of storage. We wouldn’t be able to put it down!
You’ll need a raft for the cover and doors, but the cam should be okay without it. Once it’s all printed, you can trim the triangles off the door hinges.
- Who designed it? Prot0typ1cal
- How printable/popular is it? This sneaky box has 595 makes and 17 remixes!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Puzzle Cube
This puzzle is composed of just one piece printed three times to complete the cube. It’s a puzzle because you need to figure out how to position the pieces to assemble them, but once you know, you can slide it open and closed for maximum satisfaction. The creator also includes a stand to display it.
As the model needs to be smooth, the recommended printing settings include opting out of supports, and instead using bridging, for which the creator’s included tolerance in the design as well. If you’ve never tried using bridges in 3D printing, this may be a good way to start!
- Who designed it? WildRoseBuilds
- How printable/popular is it? This cube has 380 makes. The design takes into account tolerance, but make sure your print settings are fine-tuned for optimal sliding.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Gears
One thing moves, then the other moves. Even though they’re not connected, when you spin one, they all spin. Such a simple concept, and yet, so satisfying! These next prints are perfect for the person gearing up for the perfect fidget toy.
Micro & Macro Jack
Flat tires can be frustrating, but what if you had a pocket-sized fidget toy that could lift your mood? The Micro Jack is a miniature jack that replicates the appearance and workings of a real jack. It may not be able to lift a real car, but it sure can serve as a stress reliever.
Expanding on this concept, the Macro Jack offers a larger version with more features. It comes with two rail options, free-running and clicky, providing users with a choice of tactile experiences. Additionally, various textured outer surfaces for rail, ranging from a plain surface to spikes, ridges, and more, cater to various preferences.
But that’s not the end of the road. In this miniature universe of jacks, you can also print the Average Jack – a perfect middle ground, fitting snugly between the Micro and the Macro Jacks. Not to mention, with meticulous attention to detail, the designer provides a comprehensive set of print and assembly instructions so you can have a seamless print experience.
- Who designed it? StriderVarun
- How printable/popular is it? So far, there are 11 makes of the Micro-Jack and eight makes of the Macro-Jack. If the slider doesn’t move freely, the designer suggests applying lubricant.
- Where to find it? Printables – Micro and Macro
Clicky Gear Keychain
After printing this model, you’ll never lose your keys again because you’ll be keeping a very close eye on your new gear clicker.
The print-in-place gear uses a compliant spring that makes a very satisfying clicking sound when rotated. The model has a hole so that you can mount the print onto your keychain, purse, and backpack to always have it ready.
Makers have had plenty of success printing this model in PLA, with some even printing in PETG just as well. Depending on printer tolerances and how much you have dialed in your filament settings, you may need to work the gear a little off of the print bed before it rotates freely.
- Who designed it? Trickstyle
- How printable/popular is it? You’ll find that plenty of makers are enjoying this little toy, with 4,700 downloads and 3,600 prints according to MakerWorld.
- Where to find it? MakerWorld
Revolving Gears
With its small size and given that it’s incredibly satisfying to watch, this fidget is an obvious pick. Now, it may be small, but a little size-up won’t hurt. Because of its small footprint, it’s easy to conceal it while your fingers twiddle with the fun toy.
Be careful when printing something this small because it could break easily, especially when you remove it from the bed. The designer recommends printing in ABS, which should be more durable and give you a smoother slide.
- Who designed it? kasinatorhh
- How printable/popular is it? It’s got more than 500 likes and over 6,900 downloads on Cults.
- Where to find it? Cults
Eliptical
This is an elliptical gear with no central pivot. That means the motion of cranks on each cog will always appear off-center – and yet move simultaneously – as you turn the gear. It’s a fiendishly clever little toy that’s very easy to assemble with only four separate parts.
The designer also added a new spiralized gear that gives a mind-bending view when rotated. The design is a scaled-back remix of this gear set by PerryT.
- Who designed it? cohlwiler
- How printable/popular is it? This simple-seeming gear set is approaching 400 makes on Thingiverse, and it also boasts 19 remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Gear Bearing
This model is a special favorite at the All3DP offices. It’s a single print-in-place gear bearing, which smoothly rotates when you twist the middle. Some folks like to accessorize with a hex key or – for maximum overkill – a power drill to really get those gears spinning. You can also modify the design to remove some of the gears; it should still rotate perfectly.
- Who designed it? emmett
- How printable/popular is it? With over 1,000 makes (and over a whopping 6,700 remixes), this simple design is the second-most-printed on our list!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Three Hearts
From the same designer as the gear bearings above, we have three heart-shaped gear toys. Putting these together isn’t as straightforward as other models, but the final result is rather romantic: a series of functional interlocking gears in the shape of a heart. The perfect gift for that fidgeter you dearly love (in spite of their incessant toe-tapping).
The assembly for these is quite complex, but there’s a helpful video to help the process.
- Who designed it? emmett
- How printable/popular is it? With 546 makes and 47 remixes, people have sure shown their love for these hearts!
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Spring Gear
This interesting system combines 3D printed gears, 3D printed springs, and switch fidgets to create a switch that automatically returns to its original position.
Do the gears play a significant role here? Yes! The gears are responsible for transmitting the movement from the switch onto the spring, which is necessary to automatically bring the switch back into position. Even more, their contact pushes the switch back into place.
- Who designed it? TomoDesigns
- How printable/popular is it? This model has over 2,800 downloads and more than 130 likes. It doesn’t require supports, but you may need to watch out for some warping.
- Where to find it? Cults
Things That Spin
One of life’s greatest questions: Does it just keep spinning? Forever and forever?
Print them to find out for yourself (or ask Google).
Print-in-Place Spinner
Usually, a fundamental part of fidget spinners are the bearings needed to ensure smooth spinning, so even when you print one, you still need to assemble it with a purchased bearing for it to work. Not in this case, though! This design includes 3D printed ball bearings that are printed in place, taking into account tolerances to ensure smooth spinning.
According to people who’ve printed it, the design works and spins smoothly. It doesn’t need supports, but it does need a very precise slicer and printer to ensure the clearance is enough to keep it spinning smoothly.
- Who designed it? muzz64
- How printable/popular is it? This model has 178 makes. It doesn’t need commercial bearings, but lubrication between parts is recommended.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Spinning Tops
Sometimes you just want something to spin!
This is one of the original fidget toys. There are three designs to choose from, with three different spinning top tips for each. You just have to glue the tip onto the top, and get spinning! (Cats not included.)
- Who designed it? YSoft_be3D
- How printable/popular is it? Over 445 makers have shared their makes on Thingiverse and Cults combined.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Cults
Roat-Rings
One rotating fidget ring just wasn’t enough for this designer. The RotaRings uses four interlocked ring mechanisms that all rotate and spin around each other in a mesmerizing fashion. This also makes it a great model to show off your favorite silk and rainbow filaments!
While the model prints in place, a few settings will need to be tweaked to get the best results. You will want to use a 0.2-mm layer height for the best clearance, avoid brims as they can jam up the rotating parts, and you will want to slow down your print speed on the first layer to ensure everything sticks. The designer has left more helpful instructions in the description. And if you love the RotaRings, you may want to check out the Fidget Chain by the same maker.
- Who designed it? LinkDesigns
- How printable/popular is it? So far, 84 makes have been shared for this model, with more surely on their way.
- Where to find it? Printables
Animated
This cartoon fidget spinner has to be seen to be believed. Kudos to the maker who decided to take the classic fidget spinner and up the ante.
Except for the images, the whole spinner is 3D printed, and the pieces press-fit together. The designer says it’s easy enough to disassemble if you want to change the animation. Check out the full project on Instructables to see how it was done and to build your own.
Watch it go!
- Who designed it? Jon-A-Tron
- How printable/popular is it? Four makers on Instructables have shared their own builds.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory, Instructables
Gyroscopic Keychain
Gyroscopes are pretty popular items to 3D print, with some excellent designs to challenge your fabrication skills. But this six-ring model is pretty straightforward to make. It’ll fit on your keyring and has been refined and improved over several iterations. However, discreet fidgeting is not possible if attached to your keys; jangling metal will quickly give the game away…
The project page also includes a list of other gyroscopic keyrings, so if this one’s not for you, there are plenty of options!
- Who designed it? gianfranco
- How printable/popular is it? There are 14 makes and one remix shared on Thingiverse.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Cults
Two-Way Screw
According to the direction of the thread, screws normally tighten in one direction and loosen in the other. Through some clever design, this screw can work both ways. The design consists of a screw and two nuts, a left-hand nut, and a right-hand nut. You can use both with this screw!
Again, precise printing is required to ensure smooth movement, and you can also print a top cap that snap-fits to easily take it places without risking losing the nuts.
- Who designed it? gvera
- How printable/popular is it? Prints of this model have been shared 100 times, with 18 additional designs shared as remixes. You can find different lengths both in the official files and in the remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Spinning Ball
This is a fun and fulfilling fidget ball that only requires some simple printing and a few ABEC 5 bearings (22-mm diameter). Its compact design allows for easy grip, and the spin is very satisfying!
Free-Spinning, Three-Bearing
This is an interesting twist on the classic spinner model. Typically, the spinner spins, and the bearings act as weights to keep the inertia going. In this case, the “spinner” is a static base, and the place where the bearings usually go has nested bearings that can twist around.
The model is print-in-place, so you can print it in one go. The creator recommends printing with 100% infill, no rafts, and no supports. You can also try out dual printing and make the bearing a different color than the base.
- Who designed it? timrbsnow
- How printable/popular is it? This model has 16 makes and 4 remixes so far.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Spinning Ring
It’s always nice to have a fidget toy that’s small enough to take with you wherever you go. Rather than attaching it to your keyring or backpack, you can wear this spinning ring and always have a fun little toy to play with whenever you wish.
The ring is quite simple to print, with two print-in-place halves that rotate around each other. An outer brim is recommended to help with bed adhesion. Printing at a higher resolution will result in a smoother surface finish that helps the rings to spin freely. You can find an older and customizable variation of this type of ring on Thingiverse.
- Who designed it? OwenTF
- How printable/popular is it? This simple model makes for a great quick print to try out. Over 4,400 prints on MakerWorld would agree.
- Where to find it? MakerWorld
Click & Toggle
The clicking of a pen and pressing the keys of a mechanical keyboard are some of our favorite sensational feedback. This is because the clicking and tapping sounds are paired with a tactile object. When both of these features come together, some really amazing fidget objects are made.
Fidget Elevator
The Fidget Elevator presents a tactile twist that uses a magical mechanism driven not by springs but by the forces of magnets. How does it work? This fidget toy has two end pieces that house a total of eight disc magnets and one magnet inside each of the four control pegs. Inside the elevator, there is a single ball magnet that moves around as you fidget with the tiny elevator.
To use the Fidget Elevator, simply drag the control pegs to interact with the ball magnet and direct its movement within the elevator. The tactile contacts and clicks are produced by the magnetic ball moving against grooves inside the elevator. The design comes with comprehensive print, post-print, and assembly instructions, ensuring a seamless experience for enthusiasts.
- Who designed it? koolfingers
- How printable/popular is it? Fidget Elevator has over 200 downloads across both repositories.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Printables
Miniature Hand Clicker
Requiring less than 30 minutes to print, the Miniature Hand Clicker is a quick solution for stress relief. And the best part, this compact 3D printed fidget toy requires no glues, supports, or intricate post-print processes.
While both ABS and PLA yield favorable results, users have noted that opting for PETG not only enhances structural integrity but also enhances the satisfying click sound. Once printed, a simple toggle of the head gives the click sound, providing a tactile, audible, and fidgety outlet for stress relief.
- Who designed it? Shr3Deu
- How printable/popular is it? There are 202 posted makes of this miniature hand clicker and dozens of people have claimed it as their favorite fidget toy.
- Where to find it? Printables
Tally Counter
If you’re looking for a quick project that will leave you with a great fidget toy and functional print, a tally counter might be a good choice. Not only does this print have two alternating buttons for you to press, it also has the added benefit of being a fully functional tally counter.
The designer has been through many iterations of this model to make it as easy to print and assemble as possible. Assembly will require a rubber band and a spring, with all other parts being 3D printed. There are video tutorials on how to put it all together in the model description.
- Who designed it? FredrikHamrebjorkDes
- How printable/popular is it? This functional design is quickly approaching 200 makes!
- Where to find it? Printables
Mini Keyboard
Do you ever hit random keys on your keyboard while waiting for a program to load? While this is a dangerous game to play, we understand the appeal. The click-clack of a keyboard is relaxing, and fidgeting with it is a hard temptation to resist.
That’s why this little keyboard is a great fidget toy idea! And even more, this project makes use of compliant mechanism principles for the spring system, making it good-looking and smart. What a catch!
The springs are print-in-place. The creator mentioned it worked without issue and the whole project took about 4 hours to print.
Seat Belt Buckle
Seat belts have been keeping people safe and saving lives for years, but now you can scratch the buckle-itch to fidget with this toy. It features a click-and-release mechanism that’s also pleasing to the ear.
There are two main parts of a seat belt buckle in this toy – the tongue and the case. For the tongue (in addition to a basic blank design), the maker has also provided parts with more than 40 styles. These include the logos of all the famous car brands, from which you can choose and print the one with your dream car’s logo!
This fidget toy’s parts are completely 3D printed and easy to put together. If needed, there’s a tutorial for its assembly.
- Who designed it? electrosync
- How printable/popular is it? So far, this buckle has six makes on both sites. Print with any car logo you want – all the popular ones are available for download.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Cults
Compliant Keychain
Another keychain fidget toy, but this one is a compliant mechanism that fits in your pocket. 3D printed compliant mechanisms are quite fascinating in terms of design and use. Coming back to this fidget, the center is the one that snaps side to side when moved.
The designer recommends using PLA (even though it doesn’t last long). You can easily print this in no time or print a whole batch. Many recorded makers have used PETG and other filaments, but this may result in a mechanism that’s too stiff to move.
- Who designed it? FabianVeile
- How printable/popular is it? This tiny toy is liked so much by people that even if it breaks they’ll want to replace it immediately. It will only take you 20 minutes to print a new one – over 110 makes are proof of the ease of print.
- Where to find it? Printables
Switch
You don’t have to worry about wasting electricity fidgeting with this switch. It is a simple toggling switch that has an addictive snap to it, similar to actual flip switches. Made up of four simple pieces, you can print and assemble them within an hour.
Many makers have printed their switches and boxes in contrasting colors, making some of them really vibrant. For the best results, the designer and many other makers have used 0.2-mm layer height and 15% infill as the print settings.
- Who designed it? kriswillcode
- How printable/popular is it? This minimal switch has 710 successful makes and 36 remixes shared on both sites.
- Where to find it? Printables, Thingiverse
Toggle Buttons
We humans feel the compulsion to press buttons, especially the ones that say, “Do not touch!” The good news is, you don’t have to hold yourself back with this toy. It’s a dual toggle button, and it feels quite tactile in response. This makes every click equally satisfying.
The maker has shared many variations of this button, as well as other fidgets. They also state that this fidget is part of a button-based puzzle that will be coming soon.
One thing to keep in mind is to print the back case and spring models with 100% infill, as low infill can cause them to be fragile and snap.
- Who designed it? 3d-printy
- How printable/popular is it? This button is quite popular with 31 makes and 14 remixes.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Miscellaneous
There’s no real way to describe these ones. They’re just all the things that didn’t fit into the other categories but were too good to leave out!
Gear Shift
This gear shift fidget toy is a must-have for automotive enthusiasts. It offers a tactile and engaging experience reminiscent of shifting gears, while also catering to both manual purists and automatic fans. You can choose from three distinct bases: ring, rounded, or squared.
In terms of material, the designer says – and the many makes show – that it can be printed using almost any filament. Additionally, to make the gear-shifting experience tactile, a simple ballpoint pen spring is incorporated into the design, ensuring fluffy and satisfying movements of the gear-shift knob.
- Who designed it? MichalFanta
- How printable/popular is it? There are 230 total makes and 6 remixes of this fidget toy.
- Where to find it? Printables – manual & automatic
Oloid Wobbler
Step into a world of 3D motion with the Oloid Wobbler, a simple desk toy that can help you stay calm and focused. This toy only has three parts: two identical circles and a screw that holds them together.
However, some users have reported that the screw doesn’t hold the circles together properly and that they had to use glue. The magic unfolds as you bring together these three components, resulting in a captivating and smooth motion that will leave you captivated.
- Who designed it? WildRoseBuilds
- How printable/popular is it? There are 28 shared makes in a range of finishes – the matte and silk pop out the most.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Octopus
This is one of the cutest prints we’ve come across. This sweet little octopus has articulated legs that will be fun to fidget with as it sits in your hand.
There are several versions of the file, but they’re all designed to print in one piece. The only support you’ll need is for the mouth, and the tentacles should be printed with 0% infill. So be careful: They’ll be quite fragile.
- Who designed it? McGybeer
- How printable/popular is it? Over 3,500 makes and hundreds of remixes of this friendly little octopus have been shared on all of the sites – the most of any on our list, so it’s absolutely printable.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Printables, Cults
Joystick
If you’ve ever played a video game, you’ve most likely fiddled with the joystick while waiting for a loading screen. Well, you can use the same technique in other situations with this little fidget toy.
A 3D printed spring ensures the joystick keeps moving back to the center, which is always impressive to see. Users have successfully printed it in PLA, meaning it’s a suitable material to ensure the spring functions correctly.
- Who designed it? Tomo_designs
- How printable/popular is it? This print has 26 makes on both sites, as well as 11 remixes on Thingiverse.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Cults
Kwob Puzzle
This is a fun marble puzzle that has many different designs and uses. Its rounded shape makes it nice to hold, it’s easy to print, and it’s small enough to keep in your pocket.
Final construction may vary, but the maker gives detailed instructions with the parts needed to complete it. The beads are 14-mm no-hole beads, and either ABS or acrylic will do.
- Who designed it? MakeAnything
- How printable/popular is it? It has almost 2,000 downloads on MyMiniFactory, and 5 makers have shared their prints, including one in a deep red resin.
- Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Pocket Catapult
A mini toy that lets you catapult anything from paper balls to wooden clips! This is so small that it fits in your pocket for easy access to shoot projectiles at people anytime. You can use just one hand to shoot.
But even without launching anything, the spring mechanism of this catapult also works as a fidget toy. Pull and release it for a fun spring action movement. One recorded maker uses this catapult to throw treats for his dog to catch.
- Who designed it? Tomo_designs
- How printable/popular is it? There are 13 shared makes, while the files have been downloaded over 5,000 times.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Articulate Spirit Dragon
Articulated dragons are one of the many things we can thank 3D printing for creating. There are plenty of different such designs, each looking as stunning as the last. If you have a 3D printer and haven’t printed yourself one of these dragons yet, you’re missing out.
This model in particular is known for being one of the easier to print, requiring no supports and giving you a decent surface area for bed adhesion. Be sure to pick out your favorite color-transitioning filament as these models do a fantastic job showing them off.
- Who designed it? sunset
- How printable/popular is it? This is by far one of the most popular articulate dragon models out there, with over 68,000 downloads and a whopping 964 makes.
- Where to find it? Printables
Fidget Widget
This fidget widget is a rather ingenious toy, made up of six interlinking parts. It looks rather unassuming, but don’t be fooled. Once you’ve printed and started fiddling with this little number, you’ll be completely hypnotized by a swirling vortex of plastic.
Each piece will be simple to print on its own, the complexity comes in the playing. Print it in two (or more!) colors for maximum impact.
- Who designed it? theininen
- How printable/popular is it? This endlessly entertaining set has 74 makes and 11 remixes shared on Thingiverse.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Fractal Star
If you want an easy print that has a visually stunning psychedelic movement, this is the design for you. The model is composed of 12 eight-point stars that are joined together with small joints, allowing them to pull and push on each other. When you move one, the movement causes a chain reaction across the whole model, making an entrancing visual effect.
This is easy to print. It requires no supports, raft, or brim. And it’s mostly dependent on shell thickness, as the model is pretty much all shell with only a small amount of infill in the outermost star.
- Who designed it? chuuckaduuck
- How printable/popular is it? This model has 37 makes and 2 remixes, so know that you’ll succeed.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse
Slinkies
What’s better than one slinky? More slinkies! This design has multiple files so you can have way more fun, including some unexpected shapes like Pac-Man and a matching ghost!
The designer printed these in ABS with a resolution of 0.2 mm. The files print with support sheaths that you’ll need to remove after printing, before carefully separating the coils with a knife.
They may not make that classic slinky sound, but they make up for it in the print-at-home convenience.
- Who designed it? Hercemer
- How printable/popular is it? These fun toys have five makes and four remixes shared on Thingiverse so far.
- Where to find it? Thingiverse, Cults
License: The text of "40 Best 3D Printed Fidget Toys" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.