The 5 Best Toys We've Printed Using Our 3D Printer

Each one of these prints encourages important skills like creativity, problem-solving, fine motor development, perseverance and imaginative play... all without our kids even realising they're learning.

So here are our five favourites (so far!).

1. Zoo Animal Balancing Game

🔗 Print file: https://makerworld.com/en/models/467340-jungle-jumble-animal-stacking-game#profileId-376395 

This balancing game has become a favourite for our kids. While they're busy trying to stop the animals from falling over, they're actually developing patience, problem-solving, hand-eye coordination and strengthening the little muscles they'll one day use for writing.

It's simple, but surprisingly addictive!

2. Mini Farmyard Barn

🔗 Print file: https://makerworld.com/en/models/1232063-mini-barn-3d-printed-storage-for-tiny-animals#profileId-1259023

This is probably the toy that's changed roles the most since we printed it.Some days it's a barn, other days it's an animal café, or even a tiny veterinary surgery. That's exactly why we love open-ended toys. They don't tell children how to play- they allow children to decide for themselves, encouraging imagination, storytelling and creative thinking.

3. Excavator

🔗 Print file: https://makerworld.com/en/models/769288-fun-assembly-excavator#profileId-707342 

This one was a project in itself. Lol.

Our 4 year old  helped my husband build it piece by piece before letting it loose in the sandpit. It took patience, following instructions, problem-solving and perseverance, but seeing the excitement when it was finally finished made every minute worth it.

4. Flexible Animals

🔗 Print files:

• Fish https://makerworld.com/en/models/1638553-flexi-flounder-little-mermaid-articulated-toy#profileId-1731952

• Dinosaur https://makerworld.com/en/models/1634871-flexi-skeleton-t-rex-dinosaur#profileId-1727012 

• Fire Engine https://makerworld.com/en/models/1794017-fire-truck-two-styles-no-ams-3-colors-monochromati#profileId-1912283

  
  

These were printed simply because the kids thought they looked fun... and they've probably had more playtime than almost anything else we've printed.

They've inspired stories, imaginative adventures, small world play, and have somehow ended up in almost every room of the house!

Sometimes the simplest toys end up being the most loved.

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5. Toolbox

🔗 Print file: https://makerworld.com/en/models/524854-screwdriver-set-for-children-suitcase-workspace#profileId-441659

This might actually be our favourite.

To the kids, they're simply tightening screws with a little screwdriver.

But while they're busy playing, they're learning how things fit together, strengthening their hands, exploring how tools work and developing confidence to have a go for themselves. It's one of those toys that keeps them engaged for ages because it feels like a real job rather than a game.

Thoughts

If there's one thing we've learned since buying our 3D printer, it's that the best toys aren't always the flashiest ones. The ones our kids come back to time and time again are the ones that encourage them to think, imagine, create and explore and invite them to keep discovering new ways to play.

If you end up printing any of these, we'd love to see them in action! Tag @PeachyPastures so we can see what your little ones create. 🤍