Finding the perfect gift for students doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With 3D printing, you can create unique, useful, and fun items that students will love—whether it’s for birthdays, reward incentives, or just to motivate and celebrate learning milestones.
These prints are affordable, customizable, and designed to bring both joy and practicality to a student’s daily life.
Here are some of the best 3D print gift ideas for students, handpicked for their usefulness, creativity, and fun factor.
1. MORF Worm Fidget Toy Keychain – Sphere
This small but clever toy doubles as a fidget and a keychain, making it the perfect on-the-go distraction tool for students who like to keep their hands busy. Designed with interlocking parts, the MORF Worm fidget toy has a satisfying twist-and-turn motion that provides quiet stimulation without being distracting.
Students can hang it on their backpacks or pencil cases, use it during study breaks, or even as a calming aid during exams. It’s a great option for kids who benefit from sensory tools, or for any student who enjoys a little movement while thinking.
2. Airless Tennis Ball
This isn’t just a ball—it’s a lesson in design and material science. The Airless Tennis Ball is printed in one piece using flexible filament, giving it bounce and durability without any internal air pressure. It’s ideal for students who enjoy physical activity, STEM demonstrations, or simple recess games.
It’s also a fun object to explore in physics or engineering classes, especially to talk about force and material stress. Whether used for play or as a desktop curiosity, it’s a fun and educational gift that students will enjoy.
Explore More: 10 Fun 3D Printed Games and Accessories You Can Make at Home
3. Pencil Extender
by AMAO CHAN
Every student has gone through the frustration of trying to write with a pencil that’s too short to hold comfortably. The Pencil Extender solves this simple but common problem in an easy, effective way. It slips onto the stub of a pencil, instantly making it feel like new again.
This is a great gift for younger students who go through pencils quickly, or for those who are learning to write and need a firm, stable grip. It’s also a budget-friendly way to help students get the most out of their school supplies without constantly buying new ones.
4. Cute Hamster Pen Holder
by 3DJPDESIGNS
For students who love to keep their desks neat—or just enjoy adorable desk accessories—this Cute Hamster Pen Holder is a winner. Shaped like a plump little hamster perched on a pumpkin, it brings charm and function to a student’s study area.
It holds pens, pencils, markers, or even small tools, and can be placed on a desk, bookshelf, or bedside table. The playful design encourages tidiness without feeling like a chore, and it makes studying just a little bit more fun. It’s especially great for younger students or anyone who enjoys animal-themed decor.
5. Kawaii Chicken Pen Holder & Plant Pot
Combining fun and functionality, this Kawaii Chicken design is both a pen holder and a small plant pot. With its cute, wide-eyed expression and cracked eggshell base, it instantly stands out on any desk or shelf. Students can use it to store pens, highlighters, or even small desk items like erasers and USB drives.
Alternatively, it doubles as a cheerful planter for succulents or fake greenery, adding a little personality to a study space. It’s perfect for students who love colorful, fun decorations that also serve a practical purpose.
Explore More: 10 Cute 3D Prints That Are Just Too Adorable to Resist
6. Brain Puzzle
The Brain Puzzle is more than just a cool-looking model—it’s an engaging educational toy. Made of interlocking pieces shaped like the folds of a human brain, this puzzle challenges students to use problem-solving and spatial reasoning as they piece it together.
It’s a fantastic tool for science classrooms or homeschooling environments, and it can even serve as a tactile study break for older students. Whether used for learning anatomy or just as a mental workout, this brain-shaped puzzle is a smart gift for curious minds.
7. Snowshoe Phone Holder
Every student needs a convenient spot to keep their phone—whether for attending online classes, watching educational videos, or simply charging it overnight. This Snowshoe Phone Holder offers a unique solution with its sleek, flat design and strong support structure.
Inspired by the shape of a snowshoe, it holds phones at just the right angle for easy viewing on a desk or bedside table. It’s a thoughtful gift that blends style with function, making it great for students who value both utility and minimalism. It also prints easily and requires no assembly, which makes it perfect for quick, last-minute gifting.
8. Chain Link Gridfinity Bins (2×2)
Organization can be a challenge for students of all ages, especially when it comes to keeping small items in order. These Chain Link Gridfinity Bins make it easy to store things like paperclips, SD cards, erasers, or study flashcards in a neat, modular format.
Each bin connects to others using a clever chain-link design, allowing students to customize their own layout. Whether they’re organizing their desk at home or a locker at school, these bins help create a cleaner, more efficient space to study and store supplies. They’re simple, stackable, and extremely practical for everyday use.
9. Monster Planter Cubes
These Monster Planter Cubes are bold, fun, and full of personality—perfect for students who enjoy unique and quirky desk decor. Each cube features a different monster face, making them both a conversation piece and a practical mini planter.
Students can use them to grow small plants or succulents, or even to hold pens and supplies. They’re especially great for adding life to a dorm room or study space. Plus, they provide a creative way to encourage responsibility and care, especially if gifted with a low-maintenance plant.
10. Print-in-Place Cute Cat Pencil Holder
This charming pencil holder shaped like a plump, sitting cat is perfect for students who love animals and adorable design. It prints in one piece and doesn’t require assembly, making it ideal for quick gifts or classroom rewards.
It holds multiple pens and pencils and looks great on any desk or shelf. Students will enjoy having this cute companion nearby while studying or doing homework. It’s simple, useful, and adds just the right amount of whimsy to brighten up a workspace.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to gifting, students appreciate items that are both fun and functional. With 3D printing, you can create something that feels personal, serves a purpose, and stands out from store-bought alternatives. These 3D print gift ideas for students are easy to make, cost-effective, and thoughtful—perfect for classrooms, birthdays, or motivational rewards.
Choose the model that best matches your student’s interests, add a little customization, and you’ll have a gift that’s sure to impress and inspire.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for more gift ideas, we’ve got plenty to offer. For teachers, be sure to check out our list of the best 3D print gift ideas for teachers. You’ll also love our blog, The Best 3D Printed Gifts for Any Occasion: 50+ Ideas You’ll Love. From functional 3D prints to automata, superhero busts, and more, you’re sure to find something memorable that will leave a lasting impression.