Should I Buy My Kid A 3D Printer?

Looking to stimulate your children’s creativity and problem-solving skills? Some may believe that 3D printing is too advanced for kids, but with the right technology and guidance, it can open up a whole new world of experimentation, innovation and hands-on learning. Plus, being able to create your own toys is pretty exciting.

“The magic of turning a digital design into a real, physical object sparks their imagination and creativity,” says Aleksandra Majka, Senior Services Specialist for Innovation at Toronto Public Library. “With 3D printing, the possibilities feel endless, and that’s especially exciting for kids.”

Read on to learn how to bring your child’s ideas to life in an exciting, multi-dimensional way.

Is 3D printing right for my kid?

While this technology offers kids endless possibilities for fun, as a parent, it’s important to ask yourself these key questions before diving in.

Is my kid old enough?

If it’s a struggle to teach your little ones new concepts or their attention span is limited, it may be too early. The ideal age to introduce 3D printing is six to 12 years old in a formal setting, as they have more developed motor skills, says Chris Caira, Co-founder and Owner of The Maker Bean Cafe.

Paul Tom, Education Manager at Little Robot Friends, agrees that five or six is a good age: “It helps to have some literacy skills to help navigate the workspaces.”

Are they responsible with technology?

If your kids understand how to properly use and take good care of iPads, laptops and other electronics, it’s likely they will do the same with a 3D printer. “One word that we trumpet above all others is respect—respect ourselves, each other and the machines,” says Caira.

Are they excited about 3D printing?

Ask what they think about the technology and gauge their curiosity. Interest in 3D printing has been increasing over the past decade, with more people having seen a 3D printer in action, says Caira. Tom believes it's easy to get kids interested in technology—it’s more about getting them used to trying new things.

Do you have the time to supervise?

3D printing at home requires adult supervision, so busy parents should consider whether they’re able to dedicate the necessary time. If not, consider signing your child up for a 3D workshop or class, which is a great way for them to learn in a low-cost, no-pressure environment.

“Like any parent, our budget and time is very limited,” says Caira. “So before investing in a decent 3D printer, have your kid try it out, see if their imagination is really captured by it.”

Once you’ve established whether 3D printing is right for your child, you’ll feel much more comfortable with your decision to move forward.

The benefits for children

3D printing is a game-changer for kids as it turns their ideas into real things they can see, touch and use. It gives them the power to invent. Whether they’re designing a toy, a keychain or a model of their favourite character, they’re creating something in a hands-on way that feels more like play than work.

Problem-solving skills

3D printing helps kids think critically. If a print doesn’t come out right, they have to figure out why, which can involve tweaking the design, adjusting the settings or trying again. That kind of trial-and-error learning teaches them to stay curious and keep at it. “We can watch our mistakes come to life, ask ‘why did that happen?’ then make a little adjustment and try again,” says Tom.

STEM learning

Kids get to explore design software, how machines work and even dip into basic coding, without it feeling too technical or overwhelming. They’re learning real skills while creating cool stuff they’re proud of.

“3D printing is used in virtually every scientific discipline, from chemical bonding to biological structures to physics astronomy problems,” says Caira. “Much of the STEM-learning occurs in the stages of ideation, planning and designing–especially when kids want to 3D print their own creations, versus just printing someone else’s models,” says John MacKinnon, Founder of Envision Robotics.

Spatial reasoning

When kids design in 3D, they have to think about depth, shape and how different parts fit together. It’s like solving a puzzle in their heads before they even print. Hands-on design helps sharpen their spatial awareness in a way that 2D drawing or screen time simply doesn’t.

“As kids evolve past 2D drawings, it's a real step-change to learn how to design in 3D space,” says Caira. “Two objects can look very close together from one angle, but rotate the design by 90 degrees and you'll see they're centimetres or metres apart!”

Patience and perseverance

Not every print will be perfect the first time—and that’s a good thing. Kids learn to troubleshoot, make small changes and try again, which reinforces that mistakes are part of the process, and sticking with something leads to better results. On top of that, most 3D printers aren’t very fast, so your child learns patience while awaiting the final product.

Lasting value

A 3D printer isn’t a one-and-done toy. As kids get older, their projects can grow with them—from fun figurines to serious school projects. It’s a tool that keeps opening up new possibilities, no matter their age.

3D design and printing 101

There are three basic stages to creating a 3D printed model. The first is design, which is the technical process of creating a 3D object on a computer using software like Blender, Tinkercad, Fusion 360 or SolidWorks. The result is a 3D model file. “When 3D modelling, kids learn how to look at and manipulate their designs from many different angles, identify and correct problems, and learn to design for 3D printing effectiveness and efficiency,” says MacKinnon.

The second stage is printing and fabrication, where models are prepared by slicing it into thin layers. The 3D printer then builds the object layer by layer. “You’ll spot issues where their models are likely to fail to print correctly or even in the printing process where the model prints to a point and then fails, often repeatedly. It’s at these steps where students can go back and fix their designs and attempt to print again,” says MacKinnon.

To (quite literally) explain it to a five-year-old, 3D design is like writing a recipe, and 3D printing is like cooking the dish from that recipe.

After a model is printed, the final step is to refine by smoothing surfaces or adding finishes. This can involve sanding, filing, painting or polishing. Then, voila! You have a 3D printed model.

When in doubt, trust experts to explain the basics. 3D workshops or classes offer kids a great way to develop a better understanding in a low-cost, no-pressure environment, like those at Toronto Public Library, The Maker Bean Cafe and Envision Robotics, and after-school programs like those at Little Robot Friends.

Safety considerations

It’s critical to ensure your kids can engage with 3D printing technology without jeopardizing their safety and well-being. Parents should proactively identify potential hazards to reduce the risk of harm. Here are some tips:

• Always supervise children while they are 3D printing to prevent accidents and injuries. “Keep fingers and hair away from the hot parts of the printer that melt the printing material, and motors and gears,” says Caira. Address potential hazards and ensure kids don’t touch the equipment while it’s in use.
• Explain how to safely use a 3D printer and educate your kids about the risks of operating it. “The nozzle and build plate of a 3D printer get extremely hot to melt the plastic filament, so it's important that children are supervised around these parts,” says Majka.
• Opt for a model with an easy-to-use interface that simplifies the printing process. That way, little ones can understand how to use it with minimal adult interference.
• When it comes to filaments (the material you use to create models) for at-home 3D printing, use Polylactic Acid (PLA), and avoid materials like ABS and PETG.

PLA is the safest option as it’s derived from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane, emits fewer fumes and has a lower-carbon footprint compared to petroleum-based plastics. PLA also requires less energy to produce and print, further reducing its environmental impact. Tom notes, however, while certain industrial processes can biodegrade PLA, you can’t just toss it into the backyard compost or green bin at this time.

• Keep your 3D printer in a well-ventilated space. Plastic is melted to build objects, and while most kid-friendly printers use PLA filament (which is non-toxic and made from things like cornstarch), it can still give off a light odour when heated. Breathing in any kind of plastic fumes for a long time—especially in a small, closed room—isn't a good idea.

How to choose the right 3D printer

If you’re considering purchasing a 3D printer for your kid, you should look for features that are suitable and safe for kids. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.

The two most common types of 3D printers for home use today are: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA).

FDM 3D printers are most popular, with many beginner-friendly models coming pre-assembled or nearly ready to print out of the box. Features you’ll want to look for include an enclosed build area to prevent burns and reduce fumes, a simple interface with easy-to-use software, quiet operations to keep the noise level down, and a smaller build plate to keep things manageable. These printers allow kids to quickly create simple models, like keychains, name tags and figurines.

An SLA 3D printer may be the way to go for prints with smoother surfaces that are watertight and uniform. SLAs, in general, are better suited for older kids and teens with responsible supervision.

The process involves a light source that cures liquid resin, hardening it layer by layer. It’s a bit trickier (and messier) than FDM, but has greater accuracy. Keep in mind you’ll need a place for washing and curing prints, too.

Top kid-friendly 3D printers

Finding the right 3D printer for kids doesn't have to be complicated. The key is balancing safety, ease of use and fun.

“If parents do plan to go the route of buying a 3D printer, buy one from a company that’s

reputable and well-known,” says MacKinnon. Avoid unknown brands you find online, as you’ll likely face issues with the slicing software or the availability of parts. “You might think you are saving $50 to $70, but in the end it’s going to cost you,” he explains.

Here are some recommended kid-friendly FDM 3D printers:

Prusa Mini+ ($429 to $459)

This compact 3D printer stands out for its performance and reliability. The Prusa Mini+, especially in its kit form, is great for those who are interested in the mechanics of 3D printing. Features like the input shaper and pressure advance make it quick and easy to create fast and reliable prints.

Pros:

• High-quality, reliable printing.
• Fewer failed prints.
• Tons of guides, forums and customer support available.

Cons:

• Requires assembly.
• Not fully enclosed.
• Slower speed compared to others.

“It's a high-quality printer, has a very large user base with active communities that support each other and uses easily interchangeable parts (including many that can be 3D printed by itself!) that you can buy at any hardware store or online,” says MacKinnon.

Bambu Lab A1 mini ($389)

This a great option as it's compact, easy to use and comes mostly pre-assembled, so setup is quick and frustration-free. It features smart auto-calibration and a user-friendly interface, making it approachable even for beginners.

Pros:

• Easy to use.
• Fast printing.
• Compact size and quiet operation.
• Automatic levelling and multi-colour support.

Cons:

• Small build volume (limited to Bambu ecosystem).
• No touchscreen.

Flashforge Adventurer 5M ($599)

The Adventurer 5M 3D Printer is a solid choice because it’s fast, quiet and easy to use right out of the box. It features automatic leveling and a simple interface, so young users can start printing without getting overwhelmed.

Pros:

• Fast printing.
• Quick set-up.
• Automatic levelling and simple interface.

Cons:

• Higher price point.
• Replacement parts can be hard to find.

Practical advice for parents

Though the accessibility and ease of use of 3D printing technology have significantly improved, allowing kids to confidently operate printers with minimal supervision, there are still some key things for parents to keep in mind.

Start with simple projects

Choose a beginner-friendly 3D printer that’s easy to set up and use. Some models come with pre-calibrated settings and user-friendly software, making it easier for kids to jump right in.

Set realistic expectations

3D printing can take time, especially for beginners. Be ready for trial and error, and encourage your kids to be patient as they experiment with different designs and settings. It’s all part of the learning process!

Try it out before you purchase a 3D printer

There are several free 3D modelling tools online for kids to explore and determine if it’s something they’re interested in. One of the most popular ones is Tinkercad, which is free and includes lots of online tutorials. For older kids, there are other options like Onshape, SketchUp and Blender.

Learn together

3D printing is a great way for parents and kids to learn side by side. By exploring design and printing together, you’ll bond while discovering new skills and sharing in the excitement of creating something unique. MacKinnon says parents could certainly benefit from doing a bit of 3D printing and getting to know how 3D printers work before they go out and buy one. “There are lots of things to consider, from ongoing maintenance to understanding how 3D printing works,” he says.

Focus on fun

Keep the experience light and exciting! Encourage kids to create things they’re genuinely interested in. That way, they’ll stay engaged and motivated to keep learning and experimenting. “Kids tend to 3D print things that mirror their interests at home–kids that like Pokemon like to print Pokemon characters, sports kids like to print symbols of their favourite player or team,” says MacKinnon.

Five fun and creative 3D projects

Kids love being able to print something completely customized for them. “I think that's the big advantage of 3D printing—whatever you create is uniquely yours,” Caira says. Here are five of the most popular 3D prints for kids in 2025.

1. Mythical creatures. Dragons, unicorns, underwater amphibians like axolotls—“things that you can just buy off the shelf,” Caira says.
2. Minecraft characters. Bring Steve, Pig, TNT and the whole gang to life with 3D printing.
3. Name tags. “A lot of kids that have names that aren't so common. They love the ability to see their name impressed or imprinted on some kind of 3D print,” Caira says.
4. Pet collars. Let your furry family members know you care with a personalized tag and collar.
5. Sports swag. Show your support with a custom plaque repping your favourite team.

Experts:

• Aleksandra Majka, Senior Services Specialist for Innovation, Toronto Public Library
• Chris Caira, Founder and Co-owner, The Maker Bean Cafe
• John MacKinnon, Founder and Owner, Envision Robotics
• Paul Tom, Education Manager, Little Robot Friends