Gift Ideas for People Who Love 3D Printing
Looking for the perfect gift for someone obsessed with 3D printing? Whether they’re a total beginner or a seasoned maker, there’s lots of thoughtful, practical, and just plain cool gifts out there that they’ll actually use (and love).
As someone who runs a 140,000+ member 3D printing group, a blog, and even sells my own printed models—I’ve seen all kinds of wish lists. So if you’re a partner, parent, or friend scratching your head, this guide has you covered.
Must-Have Tools & Maintenance Kits
If they tinker with prints a lot (and trust me, they do), these tools make a huge difference:
- Digital Calipers – Perfect for measuring print dimensions and tuning settings. An essential in any printer’s toolkit.
- Deburring Tools & Scrapers – Ideal for cleaning up prints and removing supports without damaging the model.
- Precision Tweezers & Needle-Nose Pliers – Great for handling tricky details and small components.
- Nozzle Cleaning Kits – Blocked nozzles are a common headache. A clean nozzle = smoother prints.
👉 Want a full set? Check out our 3D Printing Tools collection
Filament Variety Packs (Because You Can Never Have Too Much)
Filament is like candy to a 3D printer user. But don’t just grab the basic black PLA—go a little wild:
- Glow-in-the-dark, wood-filled, silk or rainbow filament
- TPU for flexible prints
- Carbon Fiber or PLA-CF for strong, pro-looking models
Want to go the extra mile? Pair a filament pack with our handy 3D Printing Filament Calculator Tool to help them plan their prints.
Printer Upgrades They’ll Totally Geek Out Over
Want to make their setup feel brand new again? These upgrades are user-approved:
- Auto Bed-Leveling Sensor (like BLTouch) – Game changer. No more fiddling with screws before every print.
- PEI or Magnetic Print Beds – Way better adhesion and easy removal.
- Hardened Steel or Ruby-Tipped Nozzles – For high-temp or abrasive filaments.
- BIQU Cryogrip build plate – Excellent grip, no more prints curling up at the corners!
All these are great for FDM users like me—I use them on my own machines and wouldn’t go back.
Remote Monitoring and Smarter Control
Give them control over their printer even when they’re out and about:
- Raspberry Pi with OctoPrint – Lets users control and monitor their printer remotely.
- Camera Mount Kit – To watch time-lapses or troubleshoot fails.
Perfect for anyone who prints often and wants to save time (or avoid disasters!).
Skill-Building & Creative Exploration
For those who want to level up their hobby or get creative beyond the printer:
- Nomad Sculpt App (iPad) – I personally use this to create my own models from scratch.
- Tinkercad – Completely free, great for kids and beginners.
- Books like “The 3D Printing Handbook” or “Functional Design for 3D Printing” – Solid, practical reads.
Fun Extras & Stocking Stuffers
Not every gift has to be high-tech. Sometimes it’s the small things that bring the most joy:
- 3D Print-Themed Stickers or T-Shirts
- Miniature tool organizers or print storage bins
- Flexible keychains, toys, or puzzles (especially if you grab them from our Top STL Files collection!)
Workspace Upgrades
Turn their maker zone into a more functional, comfortable space:
- LED Lighting Kits – For a clean, visible print area.
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones – Great for family members who share space with a noisy printer.
- Enclosures – Improve safety, print quality, and even reduce smell.
These gifts are perfect for someone who prints often and values quality-of-life improvements.
What NOT to Buy
Avoid super niche printer parts unless you know the exact model and setup. Instead, opt for universal tools, upgrades, and materials.
Pro tip? Ask casually what they’re struggling with—or better yet, snoop around their workspace for ideas.
Wrap-Up: Building the Ultimate Gift Bundle
Want to really wow them? Create a themed gift pack:
- The Beginner Bundle: PLA variety pack + calipers + print removal tools
- The Upgrade Pack: Auto-leveling sensor + PEI sheet + cleaning kit
- The Creator Kit: Nomad Sculpt subscription + stylus + 3D model book
Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, holiday, or just-because, these gifts show you get their passion—and that means a lot.
If you need more ideas, check out our 3D Printing Deals.
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