If you’ve just begun learning about 3D printing, you might not realize how much the device is capable of. You might think it’s only useful for making fidgets, toys, and prototypes. Consumer printers can do so much more than that. In fact, you can create things that range from the incredibly useful to the gorgeous and fantastic, even with the most budget-friendly 3D printer. From everyday things that make your life easier to super cool designs that will wow your friends and family, 3D printing is a versatile tool that can help you bring your ideas to life.

12 Custom phone cases

Personalized designs and sizes

Creating a custom phone case is easy and incredibly practical. You can design cases that fit your phone perfectly and add your own unique designs, text, or patterns. There are also online repositories with templates you can customize with your favorite colors or themes.

To print a phone case, you’ll need flexible filament like TPU to ensure it’s durable and fits snugly. Most printers support TPU, and it’s pretty easy to find. Once you print it, your case will protect your phone and add a personal touch.

The possibilities are endless, whether you want a simple case or one with fancy designs. Your custom case can make a great gift for friends and family if you’re feeling generous.

11 Jewelry

Rings, bracelets, and pendants with intricate patterns

3D printing is an amazing tool for jewelry making. With a regular printer, you can easily create all sorts of jewelry, like rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, just the way you like them. Resin printers are especially good at making small, super-detailed jewelry.

People make jewelry using materials like PLA and resin. It can be as detailed as you want, and you can finish it with paint or a coating to make it look shiny and professional. For a metallic look, you can use a special filament or electroplate it.

The best part about 3D printing is that you can make jewelry unique, unlike anyone else. Whether making jewelry for yourself or starting a small business, 3D-printed jewelry is a fun and creative way to express yourself.

10 Plant pots

Decorative and functional designs for home gardening

3D-printed plant pots are a great way to add a touch of style to your home or garden. They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and textures so that you can find the perfect one for your space. Many have unique features like drainage holes and self-watering reservoirs, so you don’t have to worry about watering them.

PLA and PETG are the best materials for 3D-printed plant pots. They’re strong, easy to print, and will last for years. If you plan to use your pots outside, PETG is the best choice because it can withstand the weather.

If you want to make your own plant pots, you can use a 3D printer. This is a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your home or garden.

9 Board game pieces

Replacement parts or entirely custom game sets

Have you ever lost a piece from your favorite board game? No problem! A 3D printer can help you print a new one or make it unique. You can even print whole game sets from scratch.

PLA filament is excellent for making board game pieces because it’s easy to use and comes in many colors. PLA can print finely detailed shapes that can be painted to look cool, and you can even add unique themes or designs.

Printing game pieces is a fun way to keep your collection complete or make old favorites look new. It’s also a great gift for fellow board game lovers.

8 Camera mounts

Tripod attachments or GoPro accessories

3D printing is also a fantastic way to make custom camera mounts that fit your needs perfectly. Whether you need a tripod, a GoPro accessory, or a stabilizer, 3D printing can make it happen. Custom mounts are especially great for hobbyists and professional photographers because they’re flexible and can be changed to fit different situations.

PETG and ABS filaments are strong and durable materials for camera mounts. You can also add rubber or padding to make them grip better and stay stable.

The best part about 3D printing camera mounts is that they’re cheaper than buying them from a store. This makes them an excellent project for photographers who want to customize their gear and save money.

7 Household organizers for keys and more

Sleek tools to reduce clutter

Are you tired of clutter and misplacing your keys? A 3D printer can help you create innovative storage solutions, such as keys and desk organizers. These devices keep your keys right where you need them, freeing up your pockets or bags.

Many designs allow customization, such as engraving or adding slots for your phone or wallet. These stylish and functional organizers make great places to store your daily items while you’re at home or in the office.

A clutter-free workspace is key to productivity, and 3D printing lets you make custom desk organizers. These organizers can hold pens, cables, sticky notes, and other essentials, keeping your workspace organized and efficient. PLA is great for both key and desk organizers. It’s sturdy enough for the task and available in various colors. Many designs are modular, so you can easily customize and expand them.

6 Replacement knobs

For appliances like ovens or stoves

Replacing a broken appliance knob can be a hassle and expensive. But with 3D printing, you can design and print custom knobs that fit your appliance perfectly. This way, you can get it working again in no time.

People usually use PLA and PETG for knobs because they can handle different temperatures. Some designs even have special grips to make them more comfortable to hold.

Printing replacement knobs is not only cheaper, but it also gets your appliances back in working order faster.

5 Custom cookie cutters

Any shape you can imagine for baking

For all you baking enthusiasts, 3D printing might become your new best friend. You can create custom cookie cutters in any shape or size you can imagine. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want to make something special for someone, cookie cutters are the perfect way to add a personal touch.

PLA is an excellent material for cookie cutters and is super easy to use. But if you’re using them directly with food, make sure to use food-safe filaments. Sealing them with epoxy is also a wise choice, since bacteria and other microbes can grow in the gaps between layers. You can make your cookie cutters as straightforward or as complicated as you want.

This project is a great way to make baking more fun and personal. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for someone special, cookie cutters are the perfect choice.

4 Toothpaste squeezers

Small gadgets to get every drop out of the tube

Have you ever wanted one of those tiny toothpaste squeezers? They’re super helpful and make getting all the toothpaste out of the tube easy. 3D printing can make them in all sorts of cool designs, from simple to fancy.

Making these squeezers is a breeze. They don’t use much filament, so they’re quick and cheap to make. PLA material is an excellent choice because it’s easy to work with.

Using a toothpaste squeezer is a simple way to make your daily routine easier and save money. It’s a great example of how 3D printing can make a difference in our lives.

3 Fishing lures

Customizable designs for angling

If you’re a fan of fishing, 3D printing can truly up your angling game. You can make your own personalized fishing lures that are just for you. Whether you’re targeting specific fish species, fishing in different waters, or just want to try something new, 3D printing can help you create the perfect lure.

You can even make lures that look like old designs no longer in production. Or, you can get creative and design your own unique lures. You can use different types of filaments, like TPU for soft lures and PLA or PETG for hard lures. Many designs have slots for hooks and weights, so you can quickly assemble them.

Making your own lures is fun and can also help you improve your fishing success. And it’s a great way to experiment and try new things. So, if you’re an angler who loves to make things, 3D printing is worth checking out.