As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to explore how 3D printing can add an extra touch of fun and usefulness. Christmas offers a perfect opportunity to print personalized gifts, table decorations, and ornaments for both family and friends. It’s a time when enthusiasts can truly showcase their skills and demonstrate what these remarkable machines are capable of. With the availability of a wide variety of colors to choose from and numerous websites offering 3D files, the possibilities are endless. The only challenge lies in deciding what to print. In this guide, we will feature some of the best Christmas 3D print ideas.
This Guide Covers
3D Printing as Family Christmas Activity
Christmas presents an ideal occasion to involve the entire family in the process. Whether it’s brainstorming gift ideas or having the kids join in on the printing adventure, it’s an excellent opportunity to ignite their imaginations and potentially spark an interest in the world of 3D printing. Imagine the joy of receiving a gift that someone has custom-made just for you, or decorating the Christmas tree with ornaments that the kids themselves have selected and helped bring to life through 3D printing. It adds a special, individualized touch to the holiday season.
3D Printers of Choice
Christmas-themed prints can be produced on budget FDM and resin 3D printers that have become available on the market in abundance. Each printer type has its pluses and minuses, but if you want to keep the printing process as family-friendly as possible, then FDM 3D printers are the best option. These are much less messy and involve friendlier materials as well.
Remember, even when operating an FDM 3D printer with small kids around, non-stop supervision is highly recommended, as there are high-temperature processes involved, and small parts and plastic bits can be a choking hazard.
Design by KOZA Design on Cults
©3DWithUs – Print and Photo: Richard Hirst
– Filament. Even when using a 3D printer without multicolor options, using four or five different colors for the different parts can create a lot of nice variations. Traditionally, Christmas colors are red and green, as well as white and gold. These color filaments are widely available to purchase on Amazon, for example, where filament brands often offer themed bundles. New dual and tri-color filaments allow us to play and create even more stunning prints. Check out our filament guide to learn more about popular filament types.
3D Print Ideas
As the Christmas theme is very popular in the 3D printing community, more models are becoming available on file repositories from year to year. Selecting the right print can be quite a challenge. To make the process more enjoyable and to share some inspiration, we searched through these platforms and explored many collections. Our goal was to curate a diverse selection of models that stand out from the traditional options and offer a unique twist to the festive spirit.
Christmas Trees
So, let’s start with some Christmas tree ideas. I found some models on Thangs3D, and one that I liked was a Christmas tree puzzle. After printing the four colors, it locks together like a candy cane pattern. So, you can even take it apart and get friends or family to try putting it back together.
Design by Bugman on Thangs
©3DWithUs – Print and Photo: Richard Hirst
Here is another Christmas tree model that can be used as an ornament and printed as a Kit Card flat model.
Design by w3ace on Thingiverse
©3DWithUs – Print and Photo: Max Funkner
Christmas Themed Kit Card Models
Quickly printable flat models can be customized and sent by post with the Christmas cards or used as extra entertainment (puzzle) with the popular Christmas Crackers. Have a look at the themed kit card collection by Nakozen on Printables. The talented designer also published a kit card design guide on how he creates such designs.
Design by Nakozen on Printables
With the Permission – Print and Photo: Nakozen
Most assembled kit card models, with a little bit of help from adhesion to keep the model together, and an added loop, can be hung on the tree as small, light, and colorful ornaments.
Christmas Tree Decorations
In the spirit of the holiday season, 3D printing Christmas tree decorations serve as a delightful way to personalize your tree or create thoughtful gifts for loved ones. The abundance of ideas and designs available can make the decision-making process a bit challenging.
Fortunately, with the efficiency of modern 3D printers, small prints can be completed in approximately half an hour. This means you can quickly produce many decorations in various colors to suit your preferences. Whether you choose to utilize filaments you already have or opt for specific colors that reflect someone’s favorite hues, the choice is entirely up to you. You may even decide to maintain a specific color scheme for your tree or simply go with your favorite color.
Designs by KOZA Design on Cults and Body-3D on Thingiverse
©3DWithUs – Print and Photo: Richard Hirst
To inspire you, I’ve personally selected a few designs that caught my eye. I printed charming ornaments featuring Rudolph, the Grinch, a whimsical gnome, and a collection of adorable teddy bears dressed in different costumes. By using both tri-color filament and solid colors, each design comes to life in truly astonishing ways. Plus, you can also use most of these models as keyrings after you have used them on a Christmas Tree.
Christmas Table Decorations
Looking to make your table shine this holiday season? I’ve discovered some fantastic and practical models for table decorations that will leave your guests in awe! Printing your own decorations not only allows you to customize them to your liking, but also gives you a chance to involve your children in the process. It’s a wonderful way to create memorable moments and make the decorations even more special for your loved ones. As I mentioned before, by encouraging your little ones to help choose and print these designs, you’re nurturing their creativity and making them feel proud of their accomplishments. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter when your guests admire these unique pieces of art!
Designs by EmbraceNext on Cults and ThinAir3D on Cults
©3DWithUs – Print and Photo: Richard Hirst
So here are a couple of bowls which you could use for sweets or for holding jars with condiments. These decorations are not just limited to the table! They can also be used as charming ornaments, adding a touch of joy and festivity to any corner of your home.
Christmas Ornaments
Tired of expensive Christmas ornaments? Discover the cost-effective beauty of 3D printing by creating your own stunning decorations! With an abundance of free or affordably priced files available from talented designers on reputable STL sites, the options are limitless.
Design by MakerBot on Thingiverse
©3DWithUs – Print and Photo: Richard Hirst
I’ve personally had the pleasure of printing some extraordinary models using both tri- and dual-color filaments on my Creality K1 and Ankermake M5C, which we reviewed recently. The captivating play of light on these pieces is truly a sight to behold. The Yousu filaments from Amazon that I used produced stunning results with their vibrant tri- and dual-color options.
Design by KOZA Design on Cults
©3DWithUs – Print and Photo: Richard Hirst
Let me share a couple of my favorite finds with you. Firstly, I finally fulfilled my longstanding desire for a Nutcracker ornament that perfectly suited my taste—a design that eluded me in the past. And the Rudolph ornament from Koza Design is a true gem, as it includes battery tealight functionality to create a mesmerizing illuminated effect.
©3DWithUs – Print and Photo: Richard Hirst
Christmas Elf by Bugman on Thingiverse
Embrace the affordability and artistry of 3D-printed Christmas ornaments this holiday season. Watch as your personalized creations become cherished heirlooms that add a touch of magic to your festive decor.
Christmas Guide Conclusion
As the holiday season approaches, I wanted to share a Christmas guide that showcases the incredible possibilities and versatility of 3D printing. This technology allows for exceptional detail and an impressive range of colors, providing endless opportunities to create unique and personal decorations. Witnessing the amazed reactions of others when they see your 3D-printed creations is truly gratifying.
In fact, the marvels of 3D printing never cease to astound me, not only during the holidays but all year round. The ability to take your imagination and transform it into tangible objects is both captivating and empowering. Moreover, it’s a hobby that can involve the whole family, allowing everyone to join in the excitement of selecting prints and colors, as well as participating in the printing process itself.
With 3D printers now available at affordable prices from various reputable brands, it has become accessible to enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Engaging in this hobby not only offers enjoyment but also provides an opportunity for children to learn a valuable new skill in a fun and interactive manner.
So, embrace the joy of 3D printing this holiday season and watch as your creations bring delight and wonder to your loved ones. Let the magic of this technology inspire you to explore new possibilities and unleash your creativity. Happy printing!
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