My Favorite 3D Prints of all Time (With Links)
The Best 3D Prints and Designers I've Found
After printing hundreds of models, these are the designs that stand out from the rest. Whether you're looking for a fun project, a unique gift, or something that makes people say "Wow!", this collection features the prints I've enjoyed most over the years.
I've included links to the original creators so you can support them and print these designs yourself. I'll continue adding new favorites as I discover them! -Em
Almost all of my favorite 3D printed designs come from the three talented designers featured below.
#1 LeHa Design
Best Known For: Functional games, unique gifts, and high-quality designs.
My Favorite Print: RummyPup & RummyPup Doghouse
It's almost impossible for me to choose a single favorite design from LeHa Design because I've printed so many of their creations over the years. If I had to pick just one, it would be the RummyPup set. We keep ours stored in the adorable RummyPup Doghouse, and it comes out nearly every week for family game night.
Why I Recommend LeHa Design
LeHa Design consistently produces some of the most reliable models I've printed. The files are thoughtfully designed, well-tested, and easy to print successfully. In fact, the only failures I've experienced with their models were caused by my own printer settings or mistakes.
A few things that stand out:
- Excellent print success rate
- High-quality product photos and website
- Many designs available in both AMS and non-AMS versions
- Responsive to customer feedback and requests
- Large library of models
Pricing & Licensing
LeHa Design offers individual designs for purchase for personal use as well as commercial licensing options for makers who want to sell printed versions of their models.
#2 PrintyJay
Best Known For: Adorable animal sets, high-quality designs, reasonable commercial license pricing.
My Favorite Print: All of the TinyTerras sets!
I've printed nearly every TinyTerras set, and they're some of my favorite 3D prints to display and gift. These adorable desk pets are fun to collect, make unique gifts, and have been a huge hit with every kid I've given them to.
Why I Recommend PrintyJay
TinyTerras combines cute, collectible designs with excellent print quality and one of the most affordable commercial licensing options available to makers.
A few things that stand out:
- Excellent print success rate
- Easy-to-follow build instructions
- Adorable animal-themed designs that appeal to both kids and adults
- Realistic terrarium displays, especially when paired with a piece of clear acrylic or plexiglass
- Large and consistently growing library of models
- One of the most reasonably priced commercial licenses I've found
Pricing & Licensing
PrintyJay offers individual designs for purchase for personal use as well as commercial licensing options for makers who want to sell printed versions of their models.
#3 ForgeCore
Best Known For:
Creative plant-themed designs, clever food-themed games, and innovative board games that transform into books.
My Favorite Prints:
I love all of ForgeCore's game designs. I've printed Sushi Chess, Snack Attack, and countless book-style games like Snakes and Ladders. His ability to combine creativity, functionality, and playability is unlike anything I've seen from other designers.
Why I Recommend ForgeCore
It's almost impossible to be involved in the 3D printing community without coming across ForgeCore. His Instagram reels are incredibly well done and always make me want to fire up my printer and start a new project. There's a reason his designs have been downloaded millions of times—he consistently creates unique models that stand out from the crowd.
A Few Things That Stand Out:
- Creative, original designs that are unlike anything else on the major 3D printing platforms
- Huge library of models, including access to Core Essentials and Ludo with a commercial license
- One of the most downloaded and recognizable designers in the 3D printing community
- Clear, easy-to-follow instructions
- Good print success rate, though some models are more advanced and may require a bit more experience than beginner-friendly designs
Pricing & Licensing
While some designers sell files individually, ForgeCore requires a membership to access his designs. If you enjoy his style, the subscription can be well worth it given the size of his library and the frequency with which he releases new models.
Other Favorite 3D Prints
SnapLock Card Game Cases
I've replaced nearly every cardboard card box in my game closet with these cases. They're durable, organized, and one of the most useful prints I've ever made.
Giant Bracelet Beads by Flowalistik
If you've ever wanted to turn a friendship bracelet into a giant piece of home décor, this print does exactly that. It's creative, highly customizable, and one of the most fun decorative prints I've seen in a long time.
Sliceable Magnetic Food
These magnetic food sets are incredibly fun to print and even more fun to play with. The sliceable fruits, vegetables, and other foods connect with magnets, creating an interactive toy that's both educational and entertaining. They're always a hit with kids and make fantastic gifts.
Flying Propeller
I've lost count of how many of these I've printed. They're fun, inexpensive, and surprisingly addictive to play with. No matter the age, people can't resist launching them again and again.
Gyroscopic Keychain Spinners
These keychain spinners are incredibly popular on MakerWorld, and after printing several myself, it's easy to see why. They're quick to print, consistently turn out great, and spin incredibly smoothly. It's one of those simple designs that people can't resist picking up and playing with.
Dummy 13
I've gifted Dummy 13 kits—along with a variety of fun accessories, to so many kids over the years, and they've always been a huge hit. The fully articulated figures are fun to pose, customize, and play with, making them one of the most engaging 3D printed toys I've come across. They're the kind of print that kids keep coming back to long after the excitement of a new toy would normally wear off.
Bigfoot Spinner
The Bigfoot Zoetrope Spinner is one of those prints that instantly grabs people's attention. At first glance it looks like a simple fidget spinner, but when it spins, Bigfoot appears to come to life in a flipbook-style animation. It's a fun blend of science, art, and 3D printing!