What Can Beginners 3D Print? 10 Fun & Easy Ideas to Get You Started

So, you’ve just unboxed your 3D printer (or you're hovering over the “Buy Now” button), and now you're wondering, what do I even print first? We get it. With millions of files and designs out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a pro to make something cool, useful, or just plain fun.

Maybe you’re fine-tuning your first few prints or still figuring out how to get that perfect first layer, either way, this guide has your back. The 3D printing ideas for beginners we’ve gathered are simple, practical, and fun to make. They won’t overwhelm you with complicated settings, and they’ll help you get familiar with your printer while making things you’ll actually want to keep. Plus, there’s something seriously satisfying about printing a small object and watching it take shape right before your eyes.

Curious which filament works best for your prints? Check out our beginner-friendly Choosing the Right 3D Printing Material: A Guide to Making the Best Material Selection to get it right from the start.

1. Customizable Dice

(source: Cults3D)

Rolling into 3D printing for newbies? Start with something small, fun, and surprisingly satisfying, custom dice! These make for a great beginner project because they’re compact, quick to print, and offer plenty of room for creativity. You can find loads of dice STL files online with unique styles, classic six-sided ones, RPG-style D20s, even quirky designs with dragons or skulls. Want to personalize them with initials, symbols, or your favorite number font? Many models are fully editable, letting you experiment with customization without diving into complex modeling. Plus, if your first print doesn’t roll quite right, it’s an easy excuse to tweak your settings and try again (in the name of "testing," of course)

Why print this? It’s a playful way to practice precision printing and explore basic customization, all while making something cool and collectible.

2. Test Rook

(source: Cults3D)

Think of the Test Rook as the 3D printer equivalent of a rite of passage. This intricate little tower might look like a fancy chess piece, but it’s actually a benchmark model designed to push your printer’s capabilities. Inside the tower, there’s a spiral staircase, overhangs, fine details, and narrow gaps, all packed into a single print. Don’t worry, though, it’s still some useful 3D printing for beginners. You don’t have to tweak much beyond your standard settings, and printing this is a great way to evaluate how well your machine handles small details and vertical accuracy.

Why print this? It’s the perfect “show-off” print that lets you test detail resolution, overhang performance, and bridging, all while creating something that looks awesome on your desk.

3. 3D Printed Cars (Multi-Part Build)

(source: Thingiverse)

Once you've nailed a few simple prints, it's time to level up, and printing a toy car is the perfect way to dip your toes into multi-part projects. These aren’t just single-piece models; they’re a collection of parts you’ll print separately and assemble, giving you hands-on experience with tolerances, part fitting, and basic assembly. The best part? Most designs are snap-fit or use simple pegs, so no glue or hardware required. Printing a car helps you understand how moving parts come together, and the end result is a fun, functional little racer you can actually roll across your desk.

Why print this? It’s a beginner 3D print intro to building projects from parts, great for learning how separate pieces interact and fit after printing.

4. Smartphone Standby Dock

(source: makerworld)

If you’re looking to print something useful right out of the gate, an iPhone standby dock is a smart and stylish choice. These minimalist docks are designed to hold your phone upright while charging, perfect for iOS’s StandBy mode, which turns your screen into a clock, calendar, or photo display when docked sideways. Most designs are one-piece prints with clean lines, stable bases, and a slot for your charging cable. They’re beginner-friendly and easy to customize if you want to tweak dimensions for a case or add a personal touch.

Why print this? It’s a practical project you’ll use every day, and it’s a great way to start printing things that improve your desk or nightstand setup.

5. Attachable Nintendo Switch Grip

(source: 3D Printable Nintendo Switch attachable grip by Brandon Mott)

An awesome project that blends utility with fun. Designed to slip right onto your Joy‑Con–attached Switch, these grips mirror the ergonomics of pro controllers but are super quick and easy to print. Many designs are made from two mirrored halves that snap together around the console, and you can even personalize them. No cumbersome calibration needed, just print, snap on, and go.

Why print this? It enhances comfort for those long gaming sessions and gives you a great introduction to printing functional accessories that integrate with real hardware.

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6. Universal Zip Toggle

(source: 3D Printable Universal Zip Toggle by Josh Forwood)

Here’s a small, handy print that delivers big value, meet the Universal Zip Toggle. It's a neat 3D-printed zipper pull that fits almost any zip, whether it's your jacket, backpack, or duffle bag. The design usually clips onto the zipper slider without needing tools, and includes a loop that makes gripping easier, especially helpful in cold weather or for anyone with limited dexterity. Plus, it’s simple enough for beginners to print in a few minutes using basic settings and minimal supports.

Why print this? It’s a practical everyday upgrade that adds custom flair and improved usability to gear you already own, perfect for practicing clean, functional prints.

7. Bag Clip with Screw Cap

(source: thingiverse)

Here’s a clever and practical print: a bag clip with a built-in screw cap, perfect for sealing leftover food or pantry bags. It’s basically a two-part design: a hinged clamp to seal your bag and a threaded cap that screws over the top to lock everything in place. You’ll need to print both parts and snap them together, which is a fun little exercise in assembly and tolerance. No glue or hardware needed, just clean up the prints and watch them fit snugly.

Why print this? It’s a super functional kitchen gadget that helps reduce waste, and it gives you hands-on experience with parts that move and fit together right off the printer, ideal for beginners.

8. Hairy Horse

(source: Cults3D)

What makes this model stand out is the clever technique used to create the mane and tail: ultra-thin strands are printed horizontally, connected to a small wall that’s removed post-print. Once separated, the filaments fluff out like real hair. Want to take it up a notch? A gentle pass with a heat gun can smooth or style the strands, turning your model into a graceful, glossy centerpiece. It’s an eye-catching print that gives beginners a fun intro to artistic finishing techniques without diving into complex post-processing.

Why print this? It’s part sculpture, part experiment, and a great way to learn how detailed, delicate elements can be brought to life with your printer.

9. Unique Plant Pots

(source: Cults3D)

Each one looks like a tiny character with its plant acting as the head! Designed with a cute, cartoonish body at the base and a cup-shaped planter on top, they bring personality and charm to any shelf, desk, or windowsill. These fun pots are simple to print, usually just one piece with minimal supports, and their open-top design works well for small succulents or air plants. Plus, the lightweight and durable PLA is kitchen-safe and great for indoor use.

Why print this? It’s a delightful, functional case study in design-first 3D printing, perfect for learning about overhangs, plant-friendly tolerances, and creating something adorable that brightens up your space.

10. Moon Lamp

(source: moononournation from Thingiverse)

Designed with a textured, hollow shell that mimics the moon’s cratered surface, this model truly comes to life when lit from within. Add a small LED puck or fairy lights inside, and it’ll cast a warm, dreamy glow that instantly upgrades your space, bedroom, office, or even a cozy reading nook.

Print-wise, it’s a fun challenge: you’ll want to use supports that only touch the build plate (so the inside stays clean) and print with a raft to keep that sphere secure. It’s not a hard project, but it’s a great introduction to how lighting, surface texture, and printer settings come together to create something visually stunning.

Why print this? It’s a showpiece project that blends form and function, perfect for learning support calibration while making something that gets compliments every time the lights go down.

Conclusion

If you're just getting started with 3D printing, the journey can feel a little overwhelming, but the right first prints make all the difference. These beginner-friendly models are more than just fun, they help you understand your machine, build skills, and gain confidence one layer at a time.

From useful tools and desk toys to creative home decor and functional gadgets, these are some of the best things to 3D print for beginners. Whether you're learning how to fine-tune your settings or experimenting with post-processing, these 3D printing ideas for beginners are the perfect starting point. Happy printing, and don’t forget to show off your creations! Need help bringing your first 3D models to life? Let us handle the printing, check out our affordable 3D printing services.