15 Profitable Things to Make and Sell with Your 3D Printer in 2025

Your 3D printer isn't just a hobby tool—it's a business opportunity. If you're wondering what things to make and sell with your 3D printer, you're in the right place. The maker economy is booming, and creative entrepreneurs are turning their Bambu Lab, Prusa, and Creality machines into profit centers.

This guide covers 15 proven profitable 3D prints you can make and sell online or at craft fairs. Each product includes pricing guidance, marketplace tips, and real-world considerations.

Table of Contents

Understanding the 3D Printing Business Landscape

Before diving into specific products, understand what makes 3D printed products to sell successful. The best items combine:

  • Low material cost (under $2 per unit)
  • Quick print time (under 4 hours)
  • High perceived value ($15+ retail price)
  • Customization potential (names, dates, locations)
  • Reliable printing (minimal support failures)

Your target customer isn't a 3D printing expert. They're buying the result, not the process. Focus on products that solve problems or create emotional connections.

Product #1: Custom Keychains

Material Cost: $0.30–$0.80
Print Time: 30–90 minutes
Suggested Retail: $8–$15
Best Marketplace: Etsy, craft fairs

Custom keychains remain one of the most profitable 3D prints. Print in batches of 10–20 to maximize efficiency. Use PLA for durability and color variety. Add metal keychains rings (buy bulk packs of 100 for $8–$12 on Amazon).

Popular variations:

  • Name keychains with embossed text
  • Coordinate keychains (latitude/longitude of special locations)
  • Initial keychains with decorative backing
  • Pet paw print keychains (trace customer photos)

Tip: Offer multi-color options if you have an AMS or MMU. Two-color keychains command $3–$5 more per unit.

Product #2: Cable Organizers

Material Cost: $0.40–$1.20
Print Time: 1–3 hours
Suggested Retail: $10–$18
Best Marketplace: Amazon Handmade, Etsy

Everyone has cable chaos. Desktop cable clips, charging station organizers, and cable wraps sell consistently. Design tip: make them magnetic (embed 6x2mm neodymium magnets) for metal desk attachment.

High-demand designs:

  • 3-slot charging station holders (fits phone + watch + earbuds)
  • Under-desk cable clips (set of 5)
  • Cable wraps with snap closure
  • Monitor stand cable channels

Use PETG instead of PLA for better flex properties in cable wraps. Print at 0.2mm layer height for smooth surfaces that won't snag cables.

Product #3: Plant Pots and Planters

Material Cost: $1.50–$4.00
Print Time: 3–8 hours
Suggested Retail: $18–$35
Best Marketplace: Etsy, local plant shops, Instagram

Geometric planters photograph beautifully and appeal to millennial/Gen-Z home decorators. Use drainage holes (or sell drainage trays separately as add-ons).

Trending styles:

  • Geometric faceted pots (80–120mm diameter)
  • Self-watering planters (two-part design)
  • Hanging planters with integrated hook
  • Face planters (abstract or artistic)

Print in vase mode (spiralize outer contour) to reduce print time by 60%. This creates a single-wall design that's still sturdy enough for small succulents. Finish with spray sealant to make them waterproof.

Product #4: Cookie Cutters

Material Cost: $0.25–$0.60
Print Time: 20–60 minutes
Suggested Retail: $6–$12 (or $25–$40 for sets)
Best Marketplace: Etsy, seasonal craft fairs

Custom cookie cutters are seasonal goldmines. Time your Etsy listings 6–8 weeks before holidays.

Seasonal opportunities:

  • Valentine's Day (January sales peak)
  • Easter (February–March)
  • Halloween (August–September)
  • Christmas (September–October)

Use food-safe PLA (check manufacturer specs—Prusa's PLA is food contact safe when properly handled). Print at 0.2mm layer height. Design with 10mm walls and 15mm height for structural integrity.

Pro tip: Offer matching cookie stencils as add-on products. Customers buy both for elaborate designs.

Product #5: Phone Stands

Material Cost: $0.80–$2.00
Print Time: 2–4 hours
Suggested Retail: $14–$22
Best Marketplace: Amazon Handmade, office supply stores

Universal phone stands work, but custom designs sell for 2x more. Add logo cutouts, embossed text, or integrated wireless charging.

Popular variations:

  • Adjustable angle stands (multi-piece design)
  • Combo phone + Apple Watch stands
  • Bedside charging stands with cable routing
  • Foldable travel stands

Print with 25% gyroid infill for strength without excessive material use. Test with multiple phone cases before listing—design for iPhone 15 Pro Max with bulky case (the largest common size).

Product #6: Terrain Model Coasters

Material Cost: $1.20–$2.50
Print Time: 3–5 hours
Suggested Retail: $18–$28 (or $65–$90 for sets of 4)
Best Marketplace: Etsy, REI, outdoor gift shops

This is where things get interesting. 3D printed topography creates unique products that competitors can't easily replicate. Terrain coasters feature actual mountain ranges, coastlines, or hiking areas with relief detail.

These appeal to outdoor adventurers, hikers, and travel enthusiasts. Each coaster shows a different location—think "Colorado 14ers Set" or "Pacific Coast Trail Collection."

Design specs:

  • 100mm diameter circular or 90mm square
  • 8–12mm total height (6mm base + 2–6mm terrain)
  • Raised rim to contain condensation
  • Cork pad on bottom (self-adhesive, buy bulk)

Use TopoMeshLab to generate terrain models with semantic layers—print water in blue, vegetation in green, roads in gray using multi-color 3MF files. The Multi-Color 3MF Terrain: Bambu Lab AMS Print Guide covers the complete workflow.

Marketing angle: "Drink your morning coffee on the summit of Mt. Rainier." Personalization drives premium pricing.

Product #7: Miniatures for Tabletop Gaming

Material Cost: $0.40–$1.50
Print Time: 1–4 hours (resin) or 3–8 hours (FDM)
Suggested Retail: $8–$25 per mini
Best Marketplace: Etsy, gaming stores, conventions

Tabletop gaming is a $12 billion market (per Statista data). Custom miniatures let players personalize their campaigns.

Resin printing dominates this category due to detail requirements, but FDM works for terrain pieces, dice towers, and storage solutions.

FDM opportunities:

  • Modular dungeon tiles (OpenLock compatible)
  • Dice towers and rolling trays
  • Spell effect markers
  • Storage boxes for cards/tokens

Price terrain tile sets at $45–$75 for 20-piece starter packs. Bundle discounts encourage larger orders.

Product #8: Custom Stamps

Material Cost: $1.00–$2.50
Print Time: 2–4 hours
Suggested Retail: $15–$28
Best Marketplace: Etsy, teacher supply stores

Self-inking stamp handles + 3D printed dies create custom stamps. Popular with teachers, small business owners, and crafters.

Applications:

  • Return address stamps
  • Logo stamps for packaging
  • Classroom reward stamps ("Great Job!" with star)
  • Date stamps for planners

Print the stamp die at 0.1mm layer height for sharp text. Use flexible TPU for the stamp surface (better ink transfer). Sell replacement dies separately for repeat customers.

Product #9: Drawer Organizers

Material Cost: $2.00–$5.00
Print Time: 4–10 hours
Suggested Retail: $22–$45
Best Marketplace: Amazon Handmade, Container Store partnerships

Modular drawer organizers solve the "junk drawer" problem. Design interlocking pieces that customers can configure.

Popular configurations:

  • Kitchen utensil dividers
  • Makeup organizer trays
  • Tool drawer inserts
  • Office supply organizers

Offer custom sizing—charge $5–$10 more for made-to-order dimensions. Customers measure their drawers and you print exact-fit organizers. This justifies higher prices and reduces returns.

Print in PETG for kitchen use (dishwasher safe at low temps). Use 15% infill to keep material costs down while maintaining rigidity.

Product #10: Lithophanes and Photo Frames

Material Cost: $1.50–$3.50
Print Time: 4–12 hours
Suggested Retail: $28–$65
Best Marketplace: Etsy, photo gift shops

Lithophanes turn photos into 3D prints that reveal the image when backlit. Requires white or natural PLA and precise layer height control (0.12–0.16mm).

Product variations:

  • Curved lithophane lamps (print vertically)
  • Photo cube nightlights (4–6 images)
  • Flat framed lithophanes with LED backlight
  • Terrain-bordered photo frames (combine topography with photo cutout)

The terrain frame concept is powerful: print a mountain range or coastline as the frame border, with a cutout for a 4x6" photo in the center. Customers buy frames of locations they've visited with photos from that trip.

Use 100% infill for lithophanes. Wall thickness of 2–4mm works for most images. Test prints are essential—charge customers for test prints or build the cost into your pricing.

Product #11: Topographic Fridge Magnets

Material Cost: $0.80–$1.50
Print Time: 2–3 hours
Suggested Retail: $18–$25
Best Marketplace: Etsy, national park gift shops, REI

Compact terrain models (50–70mm diameter) with embedded magnet slots make perfect souvenirs. Design with 6x2mm magnet pocket on the back.

Location ideas:

  • National parks (Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon)
  • Ski resorts (Vail, Whistler, Aspen)
  • Famous peaks (Everest, Kilimanjaro, Denali)
  • Hometown locations (personalized orders)

Print in multi-color when possible—water in blue, peaks in white for snow. Each magnet becomes a miniature art piece.

Partner with tourism boards or outdoor retailers for wholesale opportunities. A 50-unit order at $8 wholesale ($18 retail) yields $400 revenue with $75 material cost.

Product #12: Jewelry Components

Material Cost: $0.15–$0.50
Print Time: 30–90 minutes
Suggested Retail: $12–$35 (finished jewelry)
Best Marketplace: Etsy, craft fairs

Print pendants, earring components, and bracelet charms. Combine with metal findings (jump rings, ear wires, chains).

Popular designs:

  • Geometric pendant necklaces
  • Terrain elevation earrings (mountain silhouettes)
  • Personalized name necklaces
  • Zodiac constellation pendants

Use 0.12mm layer height for smooth surfaces. Post-process with sandpaper (400 → 800 grit) and acrylic sealer. Consider acetone vapor smoothing for ABS prints.

Craft fair tip: Display on jewelry busts with good lighting. Customers buy what they can visualize wearing.

Product #13: Camera Accessories

Material Cost: $2.00–$6.00
Print Time: 3–8 hours
Suggested Retail: $25–$55
Best Marketplace: Photography forums, Amazon

Photographers pay premium prices for specialized tools. Target specific camera models.

In-demand products:

  • Lens cap holders (clips to camera strap)
  • Flash diffusers (custom fit for speedlights)
  • Tripod quick-release plates (Arca-Swiss compatible)
  • Cable organizers for camera bags
  • GoPro mounts (custom angles)

Research compatibility carefully. List specific camera models in your title and tags ("Sony A7 IV Lens Cap Holder" performs better than "Camera Lens Holder").

Use ASA or PETG for outdoor accessories (UV resistance).

Product #14: Succulent Planters

Material Cost: $0.80–$2.50
Print Time: 2–6 hours
Suggested Retail: $14–$28
Best Marketplace: Etsy, farmers markets, Instagram

Smaller than standard plant pots, succulent planters print faster and use less material while commanding similar prices.

Design features:

  • 40–60mm diameter (fits 2" nursery pots)
  • No drainage needed (succulents prefer dry soil)
  • Geometric or organic shapes
  • Hanging varieties with integrated loop

Bundle with live succulents if you're selling at farmers markets or craft fairs. Partner with a local nursery for $2–$3 wholesale succulents. Sell the combo for $22–$28.

Instagram is your marketing engine. Post styled photos with #succulentlove #plantsofinstagram #plantdecor tags. Engagement drives sales.

Product #15: Educational Models

Material Cost: $3.00–$8.00
Print Time: 6–15 hours
Suggested Retail: $35–$75
Best Marketplace: Teachers Pay Teachers, Etsy, school supply stores

Teachers and homeschool parents buy educational models. Focus on curriculum-aligned topics.

High-demand subjects:

  • Solar system models (scaled distances)
  • Molecular structures (chemistry)
  • Topographic map models (geography lessons)
  • Historical building replicas
  • Math manipulatives (fraction bars, geometric solids)

TopoMeshLab terrain models work perfectly for geography education. Teachers import GPX hiking trails to teach about elevation gain, distance, and terrain analysis. Generate models of local geography so students study their own region.

Package with lesson plans (PDF downloads). This adds perceived value and justifies higher pricing. You're selling education, not just plastic.

Pricing Strategy for 3D Printed Products

Many makers underprice their work. Use this formula:

Retail Price = (Material Cost × 3) + (Print Time in Hours × $15) + Customization Premium

Example: A terrain coaster costs $1.50 in material, takes 4 hours to print, includes custom location selection:

  • Material: $1.50 × 3 = $4.50
  • Labor: 4 hours × $15 = $60.00
  • Customization: +$10.00
  • Retail Price: $74.50 (round to $75)

This seems high, but remember:

  • Your time is valuable
  • Machine depreciation matters
  • Failed prints happen
  • Customer service takes time
  • Marketplace fees eat 10–15%

For wholesale (selling to retailers), use 40–50% of retail price. A $75 coaster wholesales for $30–$38.

Don't compete on price. Compete on quality, customization, and customer experience.

Where to Sell Your 3D Prints

Etsy

Best for: Custom items, niche products, craft fair 3D prints
Fees: 6.5% transaction + $0.20 listing + 3% payment processing
Tip: Use all 13 photo slots. First photo is critical—white background, good lighting, show scale.

Amazon Handmade

Best for: Higher volume, functional products
Fees: 15% referral fee (no listing fees)
Tip: Professional product photography required. Invest in a lightbox ($30–$50).

Craft Fairs and Makers Markets

Best for: Testing products, immediate feedback, building local following
Cost: $50–$200 booth fee
Tip: Bring business cards with QR code to your Etsy shop. Many customers browse in person, buy online later.

Instagram Shop

Best for: Visual products (planters, jewelry, terrain models)
Fees: 5% per transaction
Tip: Post 3–5 times per week. Use Reels to show print timelapses. Engagement matters more than follower count.

Local Retail Partnerships

Best for: Steady wholesale income
Approach: Coffee shops, gift shops, outdoor stores, bookstores
Tip: Bring samples and a one-page wholesale catalog with pricing.

Photography Tips for Online Sales

Your photos sell the product. Here's the minimum setup:

Equipment:

  • Smartphone camera (iPhone 12+ or equivalent Android)
  • White poster board backdrop ($3 at dollar store)
  • Natural window light or two desk lamps
  • Small props for scale/styling

Photo checklist for each listing:

  1. White background hero shot (main image)
  2. Lifestyle shot (product in use)
  3. Scale reference (ruler or common object)
  4. Detail shot (close-up of texture/features)
  5. Packaging shot (if applicable)
  6. Multiple angle views

For terrain products, include a comparison shot showing the real location on a map next to your print. This helps customers visualize the connection.

Edit photos with free tools like Canva or Photopea. Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation. Maintain consistent style across your shop.

Legal Considerations

Before selling, understand these key points:

Model Licensing
Don't sell designs from Thingiverse or Printables unless they explicitly allow commercial use. Check the Creative Commons license. "CC BY-NC" means non-commercial only.

Better option: Create original designs or purchase commercial licenses from designers on MyMiniFactory, CGTrader, or Cults3D.

Business Structure
File as a sole proprietor (simplest) or LLC (more protection). Get an EIN from the IRS (free). Open a separate business bank account.

Sales Tax
Collect sales tax in states where you have "nexus" (physical presence). Etsy and Amazon often handle this automatically, but check your state requirements.

Product Liability
Carry product liability insurance if selling functional items (phone stands, organizers) or anything food-related. Costs $250–$600 per year. The Hartford and Hiscox offer maker-specific policies.

Trademark/Copyright
Avoid printing copyrighted characters, logos, or brand names without license agreements. Disney, Marvel, and Nintendo actively pursue makers. Original designs only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most profitable 3D printed item to sell?

Custom items with personalization command the highest margins. Things to make and sell with your 3D printer that include names, dates, coordinates, or locations typically sell for 2–3x more than generic versions. Terrain coasters, custom keychains, and personalized planters consistently rank among top Etsy 3D printing ideas for profitability.

Do I need a commercial license for 3D printer files?

Yes, if you're selling prints made from downloaded models. Most free STL files on Thingiverse are for personal use only. Check the license carefully—look for "CC BY" or "CC BY-SA" which allow commercial use with attribution. Better yet, design your own products or purchase commercial licenses from designers on platforms like MyMiniFactory. TopoMeshLab-generated models include commercial usage rights.

What 3D printed products sell best at craft fairs?

Small, affordable impulse purchases ($10–$25) perform best at craft fairs. Custom keychains, cable organizers, plant pots, and cookie cutters consistently sell well. Display items at eye level with clear pricing. Bring business cards for customers who want custom orders later. Print in popular colors (white, black, pastels) and have your printer running at the booth—the movement attracts attention and demonstrates the technology.

How much can I realistically make selling 3D prints?

Part-time makers typically earn $500–$2,000 per month once established (3–6 months). Full-time professionals can reach $3,000–$8,000 monthly, though this requires multiple product lines, efficient workflows, and strong marketing. Your income depends on pricing strategy, production capacity, and time invested in marketing. Start with realistic expectations—your first month might generate $100–$300 while you test products and build reviews. Focus on profitable 3D prints with fast turnaround times to maximize your machine's earning potential.

Should I use PLA or PETG for products I'm selling?

PLA works for most decorative items (planters, keychains, models) due to easy printing and color variety. Use PETG for functional products that need durability or temperature resistance—cable organizers, kitchen items, outdoor accessories. PETG costs 20–30% more but reduces returns from broken products. For terrain models and coasters, PLA is perfect since they're display items. Always mention material in your product description so customers know what they're buying.

Turn Your Printer Into a Business

These 15 products represent proven sellers, but the real opportunity lies in customization. The makers who succeed don't just print objects—they create meaningful products that solve problems or commemorate experiences.

Terrain models sit at the intersection of personalization and visual impact. Whether you're creating coasters of a customer's favorite hiking trail or fridge magnets of their hometown, you're selling memories, not plastic.

Ready to add custom terrain products to your shop? TopoMeshLab generates print-ready STL and multi-color 3MF files for any location worldwide. Import GPX tracks, add semantic layers, and download files optimized for your specific printer. Start creating unique 3D printed products to sell that your competitors can't replicate.

Your 3D printer is waiting. Time to put it to work.