15 Best Things to 3D Print for Beginners in 2025 🎉

Diving into the world of 3D printing can feel like stepping into a sci-fi movie—except you’re the creator, the engineer, and the artist all at once! But where do you start when the possibilities seem endless and your printer is humming with potential? Fear not! We’ve curated the 15 best things to 3D print for beginners that are not only fun and easy but also practical and rewarding. From nifty phone stands to clever cable holders and even educational models for kids, these projects will help you master the basics and keep your enthusiasm blazing.

Did you know that over 1 million free 3D printable models are available online, but not all are beginner-friendly? We’ll guide you through the cream of the crop, share insider tips on materials and troubleshooting, and reveal where to find the best files so you can skip the frustration and jump straight into success. Plus, stay tuned for our expert recommendations on the perfect starter printers and must-have tools that make printing a breeze.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with simple, practical projects like phone stands and keychains to build confidence.
  • PLA filament is your best friend for easy, low-warp prints that smell pleasant.
  • Use trusted sources like Thingiverse and MyMiniFactory for beginner-friendly 3D models.
  • Invest in essential tools such as a digital caliper and scraper to improve print quality.
  • Choose beginner-friendly printers like the Creality Ender 3 V2 or Prusa Mini+ for reliability and community support.

Ready to unleash your creativity and print your way to mastery? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Fun Facts for 3D Printing Beginners

Welcome to the wonderful world of 3D printing! Whether you’ve just unboxed your first printer or are still dreaming about it, we at 3D Printed™ have some golden nuggets of wisdom to kickstart your journey. 🎉

Quick Tips to Avoid Beginner Frustrations

  • Start Simple: Choose easy prints like phone stands or keychains to build confidence.
  • Use PLA Filament: It’s forgiving, smells nice, and prints well on most beginner machines.
  • Level Your Bed: A well-leveled print bed is your best friend for perfect first layers.
  • Check Your Nozzle: Clean it regularly to avoid clogs and poor extrusion.
  • Patience is Key: Prints take time; rushing leads to mistakes and frustration.

Fun Facts to Keep You Inspired

  • The first 3D printer was created in 1983 by Chuck Hull, who also invented stereolithography (SLA).
  • Over 1 million free 3D printable models are available on Thingiverse.
  • The largest 3D printed object is a 10-meter-long boat printed in 2019!
  • 3D printing is used in aerospace, medicine, fashion, and even food industries.

Curious about what to print first? We’ll reveal the top 15 beginner-friendly projects that are fun, practical, and perfect for learning. Keep reading!

For a deeper dive into what products can be 3D printed, check out our related article: What products can be 3D printed?.

🔍 Understanding 3D Printing Basics: A Beginner’s Guide

Video: 50+ Useful 3D Prints For Beginners You Should Try.

Before we dive into the best things to 3D print, let’s get you up to speed on the fundamentals of 3D printing. Knowing the basics will save you headaches and help you pick the right projects.

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing, aka additive manufacturing, builds objects layer by layer from digital models. The most common type for beginners is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), where melted filament is extruded through a nozzle.

Key Components of a 3D Printer

Component Function Why It Matters
Print Bed Surface where the object is built Needs to be level and heated
Extruder/Nozzle Melts and deposits filament Controls print quality
Filament Material used (PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU) Affects strength, flexibility
Stepper Motors Move print head and bed precisely Ensures accuracy and detail
Control Board Runs the printer firmware Coordinates all movements

Common Filament Types for Beginners

  • PLA: Easy to print, biodegradable, low warp.
  • PETG: Stronger, more flexible, slightly harder to print.
  • TPU: Flexible, great for cable protectors and wearables.

How Does the Printing Process Work?

  1. Design or download a 3D model (STL or OBJ files).
  2. Slice the model using software like Cura or PrusaSlicer to generate G-code.
  3. Send the G-code to your printer via SD card or USB.
  4. Printer heats up and starts layering filament.
  5. Post-processing: Remove supports, sand, or paint if desired.

Want to master slicing? Check our 3D Design Software section for tutorials and tips.

🛠️ Essential Tools and Materials for New 3D Printing Enthusiasts

Video: Ultimate Beginners Guide To Starting 3D Printing In 2025!

Getting the right tools and materials can make or break your beginner experience. Here’s what we recommend to complement your 3D printer.

Must-Have Tools

  • Digital Caliper: For precise measurements of your prints and parts.
  • Scraper/Spatula: To safely remove prints from the bed without damage.
  • Tweezers: Handy for removing small bits of filament or cleaning nozzles.
  • Needle Files: For smoothing rough edges and post-processing.
  • Glue Stick or Blue Painter’s Tape: Improves bed adhesion for PLA prints.
Filament Type Ease of Use Strength Flexibility Odor Recommended For
PLA ✅ Easy Moderate Low Low General purpose, decorative
PETG ⚠️ Moderate High Medium Low Functional parts, outdoor use
TPU ⚠️ Moderate Medium High Low Flexible parts, cable protectors

Bonus: Upgrading Your Printer

  • Glass Bed: For better adhesion and smoother bottoms.
  • All-Metal Hotend: Allows printing higher-temp filaments like ABS.
  • Enclosure: Keeps temperature stable, reduces warping.

Our engineers swear by the Creality Ender 3 V2 for beginners due to its affordability and upgrade potential. See our full review in 3D Printer Reviews.

🌟 Top 15 Best Things to 3D Print for Beginners: From Practical to Playful

Video: New to 3D Printing? Print These First!

Ready to print your first projects? We’ve curated the top 15 beginner-friendly prints that balance ease, usefulness, and fun. Each comes with tips, benefits, and links to free models.

1. Handy Phone Stands and Holders

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 8
Functionality 9
Print Difficulty 3
Usefulness 10

Why print a phone stand? It’s simple, quick, and practical. Plus, it teaches you about overhangs and bridging without supports.

Our favorite: The “Adjustable Phone Stand” on Thingiverse — customizable and sturdy.

Tips:

  • Use PLA for easy printing.
  • Print with 20-30% infill for strength.
  • Experiment with different angles to find your perfect viewing tilt.

2. Customized Keychains and Tags

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 7
Functionality 7
Print Difficulty 2
Usefulness 8

Keychains are a great first project to practice text engraving and simple shapes. They’re quick, personal, and make excellent gifts.

Pro tip: Use bright PLA colors for visibility and try adding your name or a fun phrase.

Find tons of free keychain models on MyMiniFactory.

3. Simple Desk Organizers and Cable Holders

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 8
Functionality 10
Print Difficulty 4
Usefulness 10

Desk clutter? No problem! Organizers and cable holders are functional and satisfying prints that help you practice dimensional accuracy.

Example: The “Cable Saver” from MyMiniFactory protects charging cables from fraying.

Material Tip: TPU filament works great for flexible cable protectors.

4. Fun Fidget Toys and Puzzles

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 9
Functionality 7
Print Difficulty 5
Usefulness 6

Fidget spinners, twisty puzzles, or simple gear toys are fun ways to learn about moving parts and tolerances.

Our favorite: The “Flexi Rex” on Thingiverse — a flexible T-Rex that prints in one piece!

5. Replacement Parts for Household Items

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 7
Functionality 9
Print Difficulty 6
Usefulness 10

Broken plastic clips, knobs, or hooks? 3D printing lets you save money and reduce waste by making your own replacements.

Tip: Measure carefully and print in PETG for durability.

Check Thingiverse for common household fixes.

6. Personalized Coasters and Kitchen Gadgets

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 8
Functionality 8
Print Difficulty 4
Usefulness 8

Coasters with your initials or fun patterns are easy to print and add personality to your kitchen or office.

Kitchen gadgets like bag clips or measuring spoons are also beginner-friendly and practical.

7. Miniature Planters and Garden Accessories

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 8
Functionality 7
Print Difficulty 5
Usefulness 7

Add some green to your space with small planters or seedling trays. These prints teach you about watertightness and layering.

8. Educational Models and Science Kits

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 9
Functionality 8
Print Difficulty 6
Usefulness 9

From DNA helixes to planetary models, educational prints are perfect for kids and adults alike.

Explore 3D Printing in Education for inspiring projects.

9. Simple Jewelry and Wearables

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 8
Functionality 6
Print Difficulty 5
Usefulness 6

Try printing rings, pendants, or bracelets. PLA is fine for prototypes, but consider resin or flexible filaments for comfort.

10. Board Game Accessories and Tokens

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 9
Functionality 8
Print Difficulty 4
Usefulness 8

Customize your favorite games with unique tokens, card holders, or dice towers.

11. Customizable Wall Hooks and Hangers

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 7
Functionality 9
Print Difficulty 5
Usefulness 9

Easy to print and super useful for organizing your space. Use PETG for strength.

12. Beginner-Friendly Robot Parts and Gadgets

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 8
Functionality 7
Print Difficulty 6
Usefulness 7

Start small with simple chassis or sensor mounts. Great for STEM learning.

13. Creative Art and Decorative Pieces

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 9
Functionality 5
Print Difficulty 6
Usefulness 5

Explore your artistic side with vases, sculptures, or abstract designs.

14. Basic Mechanical Assemblies and Gears

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 8
Functionality 8
Print Difficulty 7
Usefulness 7

Print interlocking gears or simple machines to understand mechanics and tolerances.

15. Simple Toys and Figurines for Kids

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Design 8
Functionality 6
Print Difficulty 5
Usefulness 7

Safe, fun, and educational toys like dinosaurs, cars, or animals are perfect for family projects.

👶 Best 3D Printing Projects for Kids: Safe, Fun, and Educational

Video: 50+ Useful 3D Prints You Never Knew You Could Print.

Getting kids involved in 3D printing is a fantastic way to spark creativity and STEM interest. Here are some top picks:

  • Puzzle Cubes: Develop spatial reasoning.
  • Animal Figurines: Encourage imaginative play.
  • Name Tags: Personalize backpacks or rooms.
  • Simple Robots: Kits like the mBot combine printing and electronics.

Safety Tip: Always supervise kids around hot printer parts and small printed pieces.

🏠 Great 3D Printing Projects to Enhance Your Home Life

Video: 5 Best Beginner 3D Printers in 2025.

Want to make your home smarter and tidier? Try these:

  • Cable Management Clips: Keep cords neat and tangle-free.
  • Wall Mounts for Remotes: Never lose your TV remote again!
  • Plant Pot Drip Trays: Protect surfaces from water damage.
  • Custom Light Switch Covers: Add personality to your rooms.

These projects are not only useful but also help you practice precision and fit.

💡 Practical 3D Printing Projects That Solve Everyday Problems

Video: 50 Useful 3D Prints for Your Home – Smart Ideas.

3D printing shines brightest when it solves real problems. Here are some crowd favorites:

  • Bag Clips: Keep food fresh with reusable clips.
  • Replacement Drawer Handles: Fix broken handles without buying new furniture.
  • SD Card Holders: Organize your memory cards safely.
  • Headphone Cable Protectors: Prevent fraying and extend cable life.

Our engineers love the Cable Saver model on MyMiniFactory for its simplicity and utility.

🌐 Where to Find High-Quality 3D Printer Files for Beginners

Video: 23 Free Prints For Beginners (That Don’t Suck).

Finding reliable, easy-to-print models is crucial for beginners. Here are our top sources:

Platform Highlights Link
Thingiverse Largest free library, community-driven Thingiverse
MyMiniFactory Curated, quality-checked models MyMiniFactory
Cults3D Mix of free and paid, artistic designs Cults3D
Yeggi Search engine for 3D models Yeggi
Pinshape Tutorials and user ratings Pinshape

Pro Tip: Always check print settings and user comments before printing.

🧩 Troubleshooting Common Beginner 3D Printing Issues

Video: I Hand-Picked the BEST 3D Prints.

Even pros hit snags! Here’s how to tackle the most common beginner problems:

Issue Cause Solution
Poor Bed Adhesion Uneven bed, dirty surface Level bed, clean with isopropyl alcohol
Stringing Retraction settings too low Increase retraction distance/speed
Warping Cooling too fast, no enclosure Use enclosure, print with brim
Layer Shifting Loose belts or pulleys Tighten belts, check stepper motors
Clogged Nozzle Filament debris or heat issues Clean nozzle, check temperature

For detailed guides, visit our 3D Printing Innovations section.

🎨 Tips for Customizing and Personalizing Your 3D Prints

Video: Beginners Guide To 3D Printers In 2023.

Want to make your prints truly yours? Here’s how:

  • Paint and Finish: Use acrylic paints or spray primers for vibrant colors.
  • Filament Choice: Try silk, glow-in-the-dark, or wood-fill filaments.
  • Post-Processing: Sanding, acetone vapor smoothing (for ABS), or resin coating.
  • Adding Inserts: Embed magnets, LEDs, or hardware for extra function.

Our favorite beginner-friendly customization is filament swapping mid-print for multicolor effects.

Video: 10 products that to sell on Etsy (3d printing).

Choosing your first printer is a big step. Here’s a quick rating table of popular beginner models:

Printer Model Ease of Use Print Quality Community Support Upgradeability Overall Score
Creality Ender 3 V2 9 8 10 9 9
Prusa Mini+ 10 9 9 8 9
Anycubic i3 Mega S 8 7 8 7 7.5
FlashForge Finder 9 7 7 6 7.25

Why these? They balance affordability, ease of use, and print quality with strong user communities.

Accessories to consider: Spare nozzles, filament dryers, and enclosure kits.

📚 Our Final Thoughts on the Best Things to 3D Print for Beginners

Video: Updated Beginners Guide To 3D Printers In 2024!

Starting your 3D printing journey is like opening a door to endless creativity and problem-solving. From simple phone stands to educational models and practical household fixes, the best beginner projects are those that teach you new skills while keeping the fun alive.

Remember, every failed print is a lesson, and every successful one is a triumph. Don’t be afraid to experiment, explore different materials, and customize your prints.

If you want to see some of these projects in action, check out the featured video above where practical and useful prints come to life — including desk organizers and cable savers that our engineers love!

Happy printing! 🚀

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About 3D Printing for Beginners

Q1: What’s the easiest filament to start with?
A: PLA is the go-to for beginners due to its ease of printing and low warping.

Q2: How long does a typical beginner print take?
A: Small projects like keychains or phone stands usually take 1-3 hours.

Q3: Can I print multi-color objects with a single extruder?
A: Yes, with filament swaps mid-print or using multi-material upgrades.

Q4: Where can I find free beginner-friendly 3D models?
A: Check out Thingiverse and MyMiniFactory.

Q5: How do I fix warping issues?
A: Use a heated bed, enclosure, and print with brim or raft settings.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

Conclusion

a table topped with lots of plastic toys

After exploring the best things to 3D print for beginners, it’s clear that starting simple and practical is the winning formula. From handy phone stands to fun fidget toys and replacement household parts, these projects not only build your skills but also keep the excitement alive as you see your creations come to life.

Our team at 3D Printed™ confidently recommends beginning with PLA filament and printers like the Creality Ender 3 V2 or Prusa Mini+ for their balance of ease, quality, and community support. These machines empower you to tackle a wide variety of projects while learning the ropes.

Remember the question we teased earlier: “What to print first to avoid frustration and keep motivated?” The answer is right here—choose simple, quick, and useful prints like keychains, cable holders, or phone stands. These projects teach you essential skills like bed leveling, adhesion, and slicing without overwhelming you.

So, grab your filament, download some free models from Thingiverse or MyMiniFactory, and start printing! Every layer you lay down is a step toward mastering this amazing technology.

Happy printing and may your nozzle never clog! 🚀

3D Printers & Accessories:

Filaments & Tools:

Books for Beginners:

  • 3D Printing Failures: How to Diagnose and Repair All 3D Printing Issues by Sean Aranda — Amazon Link
  • 3D Printing Projects: 20 Design Projects for Your 3D Printer by DK — Amazon Link
  • Getting Started with 3D Printing by Liza Wallach Kloski and Nick Kloski — Amazon Link

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About 3D Printing for Beginners

What are the easiest 3D printing projects for beginners?

The easiest projects are those with simple geometry, minimal supports, and small print times. Examples include:

  • Keychains and tags: Great for practicing text engraving and simple shapes.
  • Phone stands: Teach overhangs and bridging without supports.
  • Cable holders: Small, functional, and quick to print.
  • Fidget toys like the Flexi Rex: Single-piece, flexible prints that are fun and educational.

These projects help beginners learn essential printer settings like bed leveling, adhesion, and slicing without overwhelming complexity.

Which 3D printing materials are best for beginners?

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is the best filament for beginners because:

  • It prints at lower temperatures (around 190-220°C), reducing the risk of nozzle clogs.
  • It has minimal warping and does not require a heated bed (though one helps).
  • It emits a mild, non-toxic smell compared to ABS or PETG.
  • It’s widely available and affordable.

Once comfortable, beginners can experiment with PETG for stronger parts or TPU for flexible prints, but these require more tuning.

How can beginners troubleshoot common 3D printing issues?

Troubleshooting starts with identifying symptoms and causes:

  • Poor bed adhesion: Often caused by an unlevel bed or dirty surface. Solution: re-level the bed and clean it with isopropyl alcohol.
  • Stringing: Caused by insufficient retraction settings. Solution: increase retraction distance and speed in your slicer.
  • Warping: Due to rapid cooling or lack of enclosure. Solution: use a heated bed, print with a brim, or enclose your printer.
  • Layer shifting: Caused by loose belts or stepper motor issues. Solution: tighten belts and check motor connections.
  • Clogged nozzle: Caused by filament debris or incorrect temperature. Solution: clean the nozzle and verify temperature settings.

Using community resources like the Prusa Knowledge Base and forums can provide tailored advice.

What tools do beginners need for successful 3D printing?

Essential tools include:

  • Digital caliper: For precise measurement of prints and replacement parts.
  • Scraper or spatula: To safely remove prints from the bed without damage.
  • Tweezers: For cleaning small filament bits and nozzle maintenance.
  • Needle files or sandpaper: For smoothing rough edges and post-processing.
  • Glue stick or painter’s tape: To improve bed adhesion, especially for PLA.

Having these tools on hand makes the printing process smoother and helps avoid common beginner frustrations.

How can beginners find reliable 3D models to print?

Beginners should use trusted repositories with active communities and quality checks:

  • Thingiverse: Largest free library with millions of models.
  • MyMiniFactory: Curated and quality-checked models.
  • Cults3D: Offers both free and paid artistic designs.
  • Pinshape: Includes tutorials and user ratings.

Always read user comments and check print settings before starting a print to avoid surprises.

Happy printing, and may your filament always flow smoothly! 🎉

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob is the editor of 3D-Printed.org, where he leads a team of engineers and writers that turn complex 3D printing into clear, step-by-step guides—covering printers, materials, slicer workflows, and real-world projects.

With decades of experience as a maker and software engineer who studied 3D modeling in college, Jacob focuses on reliable settings, print economics, and sustainable practices so readers can go from first layer to finished part with fewer failed prints. When he’s not testing filaments, 3D modeling, or dialing in 3D printer profiles, Jacob’s writing helps beginners build confidence and experienced users push for production-ready results.

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