Imagine a world where your child can bring their wildest drawings to life, not just on paper, but in three dimensions! Have you ever seen a child’s eyes light up with wonder at the possibility of creating something tangible from their imagination? 3D pens offer that magical bridge between imagination and reality, turning flat designs into exciting, holdable creations.
But navigating the world of 3D pens for kids can feel overwhelming. With so many different models, features, and price points, how do you know which one is safe, easy to use, and truly sparks creativity? You want a pen that’s not too complicated, won’t overheat, and will keep your child engaged without frustration.
This post is your roadmap to finding the perfect 3D pen for your young artist. We’ll break down what makes a great kids’ 3D pen, highlight key features to look for, and even suggest some top picks. Get ready to discover how a 3D pen can unlock a new level of fun and learning, and help you make a confident choice for your child’s next creative adventure.
Our Top 5 3D Pens For Kids Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 3D Pens For Kids Detailed Reviews
1. SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen with Display – Includes 3D Pen
Rating: 8.8/10
Unleash your creativity with the SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen, a fantastic tool for turning your imagination into tangible 3D creations! This pen is designed for everyone, from kids exploring art class projects to adults looking for a fun, hands-on hobby. You can draw, doodle, and build anything you can dream up, making it perfect for decorations, custom gifts, or even fixing small items around the house.
What We Like:
- It’s a complete kit, ready to go right out of the box with filament, a guide, and the charger.
- The stepless speed control lets you adjust how fast the filament comes out, so you can make detailed lines or fill in areas quickly.
- It’s easy for beginners to use, with simple instructions for loading filament and starting to draw.
- The pen can use different types of plastic (PLA and ABS) and has adjustable temperatures for various projects.
- Safety features like an auto-sleep function and anti-clogging technology are included, plus a 1-year guarantee for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it includes starter colors, you’ll likely want to buy more filament to keep the creativity flowing.
- The initial warm-up time of 2-3 minutes might feel a little long when you’re eager to start creating.
The SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen offers a fun and accessible way to explore 3D art. It’s a great gift for aspiring artists and makers, providing hours of creative enjoyment.
2. 3Doodler Start+ Essentials (2024) 3D Pen Set for Kids
Rating: 8.8/10
Unleash your child’s creativity with the 3Doodler Start+ Essentials (2024) 3D Pen Set! This kit is designed to be an easy-to-use, educational STEM toy for boys and girls aged 6 and up, making learning and art fun from home.
What We Like:
- Child-Safe Design: This is the only 3D printing pen made for kids that has no hot parts. The nozzle and plastic are safe to touch, so there are no burn worries. It only uses the safest 3Doodler Start plastic filaments.
- Upgraded Experience: The pen is now slimmer and easier to hold. It charges 50% faster and comes with 50% more plastic filament. You also get 10 new stencils and a safety stand-by mode. These upgrades make 3D drawing even better.
- Screen-Free Learning: Cut down on screen time with the 3Doodler Start+. Kids can enjoy hours of play and learning. They can connect 3D creations to STEM ideas in just seconds.
- Complete Kit: Everything you need is in the box. It includes the 3Doodler Start 3D Pen, a DoodlePad/Doodlemat, 72 strands of mixed-color Start+ plastics, a USB-C cable, and an activity guide.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: The packaging is made from 100% recyclable materials. We use as little disposable plastic as possible. Plus, there’s a warranty policy to ensure you’re happy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the pen is designed for ease of use, some very young children might need a little adult help getting started with their first few projects.
- The included plastic filament, while plentiful, might be used up quickly by enthusiastic young artists, requiring additional purchases sooner rather than later.
The 3Doodler Start+ Essentials (2024) is a fantastic way to spark imagination and introduce STEM concepts through hands-on play. It offers a safe and engaging creative outlet for young minds.
3. MYNT3D Super 3D Pen
Rating: 9.1/10
Unleash your creativity and transform your drawings into amazing 3D masterpieces with the MYNT3D Super 3D Pen. This pen lets you bring your imagination to life by building in three dimensions. It works with both ABS and PLA plastic filaments, giving you lots of options for your projects. Whether you’re a kid exploring a new hobby, an artist looking for a unique tool, or an engineer sketching out ideas, this pen is designed for everyone.
What We Like:
- It turns regular drawings into cool 3D art.
- A special slider lets you control the plastic flow for smooth drawing.
- The nozzle is almost impossible to clog and built to last.
- It’s great for all ages, from kids to adults.
- The kit comes with three colors of filament, a power adapter, and a comfortable pen.
- It includes a one-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, the pen might still require some care during use.
- The initial learning curve for controlling speed and flow might take a little practice.
The MYNT3D Super 3D Pen offers a fantastic way to explore 3D creation. It’s a fun and accessible tool for anyone wanting to add a new dimension to their projects.
4. SCRIB3D Advanced 3D Printing Pen with 20 Feet of Filament
Rating: 9.0/10
Unleash your inner artist with the SCRIB3D Advanced 3D Printing Pen. This incredible tool lets you create, draw, doodle, sketch, and build in 3D! It’s designed for both beginners and experienced creators, offering a smooth and accurate doodling experience. Get ready to bring your imagination to life in three dimensions.
What We Like:
- It’s a fantastic gift idea for anyone who loves to create!
- The variable speed control and large LCD screen give you precise control over heat and settings.
- Its sleek, ergonomic design with a soft-touch surface makes it super comfortable to hold for long creative sessions.
- The pen features easy-to-use buttons for loading, unloading, and adjusting temperature and speed, with 8 different speed options.
- The ready-to-use kit includes PLA filament, a power adapter, a manual, and a stencil guide, so you can start creating right away.
- PLA filament is easy to use and great for all skill levels.
- It’s beginner-friendly with simple setup instructions.
- Built-in safety and anti-clogging features ensure a smooth and worry-free experience.
- It comes with a 1-year guarantee and helpful customer service.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it includes 20 feet of filament, more colors might be desired for a wider range of projects.
- The initial warm-up time of 2-3 minutes could be slightly faster for instant gratification.
This SCRIB3D Advanced 3D Printing Pen is a remarkable tool for anyone looking to explore the world of 3D creation. It’s a fun, safe, and user-friendly way to bring your wildest ideas into reality.
5. SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen with 3 Starter Colors and PLA Refill Pack with 20 Assorted Colors
Rating: 8.8/10
Unleash your creativity with the SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen, an all-in-one bundle designed to bring your ideas to life! This package includes the SCRIB3D P1 pen, three starter colors of filament, and a massive refill pack with 20 assorted colors. It’s everything you need to start 3D doodling right out of the box.
What We Like:
- All-in-One Fun: You get the pen, 30 feet of filament to start, and an extra 328 feet of assorted colors. That’s a lot of creative fuel!
- Color Your World: The 20 assorted colors mean you can make almost anything imaginable. Think blue skies, green grass, and red robots!
- Super Easy to Use: This pen is made for beginners. It’s simple to plug in, heat up, and start drawing. The speed slider is easy to control, and the manual guides you through everything.
- Built to Last: The ceramic nozzle and good motor mean this pen won’t clog easily. It’s designed to work smoothly for all your projects.
- Do-It-All Tool: From making cool art to fixing toys or creating unique gifts, this bundle handles it all.
What Could Be Improved:
- Filament Quantity: While the refill pack is generous, the starter amount is quite small. You might run out faster than you think.
- Learning Curve for Advanced Use: While easy for basic doodling, mastering complex designs might take some practice.
This bundle is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to explore the exciting world of 3D printing. Get ready to create, invent, and have a blast!
Unleash Your Inner Artist: The Ultimate 3D Pen Buying Guide for Kids
Ready to bring your wildest creations to life? 3D pens are amazing tools that let kids draw in three dimensions, building up cool objects layer by layer. This guide will help you pick the perfect 3D pen for your little artist.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a 3D pen, keep these important features in mind:
Safety First!
- Low Temperature or “Kid-Friendly” Models: Some 3D pens use special filaments that melt at a much lower temperature. This is super important for younger kids to prevent burns. Always check the pen’s temperature rating.
- Auto Shut-Off: A pen that turns itself off after a few minutes of inactivity is a great safety feature. It saves energy and reduces the risk of accidents.
- Cordless/Rechargeable Options: Battery-powered or rechargeable pens offer more freedom to move around and create without being tied to an outlet. They can also be safer as they don’t have a long cord to trip over.
Ease of Use
- Simple Controls: Look for pens with just a few easy-to-understand buttons. Too many complicated settings can be frustrating for kids.
- Ergonomic Design: The pen should feel comfortable to hold for small hands. A good grip makes it easier to draw for longer periods.
- Adjustable Speed Settings: Different drawing tasks need different speeds. Being able to slow down for detailed work or speed up for larger areas is a big plus.
Filament Compatibility
- Types of Filament: Most kids’ 3D pens use PLA (polylactic acid) filament. It’s eco-friendly and safe. Some pens might also work with ABS, but PLA is usually the best choice for beginners.
- Filament Diameter: Pens usually work with specific filament diameters (like 1.75mm). Make sure the pen you choose uses a common size so you can easily buy more filament later.
Important Materials
The materials used in a 3D pen and its filament are crucial for safety and quality.
The Pen Itself
- Durable Plastic Casing: The pen body should be made of sturdy plastic that can withstand a few bumps.
- Heat-Resistant Nozzle: The part where the melted plastic comes out needs to be made of a material that can handle heat safely.
The Filament
- PLA (Polylactic Acid): This is the most common and recommended filament for kids. It’s made from corn starch or sugarcane, making it biodegradable and less toxic than other plastics. It also melts at a lower temperature, which is safer.
- PCL (Polycaprolactone): This is an even lower-temperature filament, often used in the safest “no-heat” pens. It’s also biodegradable and very flexible.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things make a 3D pen great, while others can make it a headache.
What Makes a Pen Great:
- Smooth Filament Feeding: The pen should smoothly pull the filament in and push it out without getting jammed.
- Consistent Melted Plastic Flow: The melted plastic should come out in a steady stream, allowing for precise drawing.
- Good Temperature Control: The pen needs to heat the filament to the right temperature consistently. This prevents clogs and ensures the plastic melts properly.
- Easy to Clean: If the nozzle gets clogged, it should be easy to clear out.
What Can Make a Pen Less Than Ideal:
- Frequent Jams: If the filament gets stuck often, it will be frustrating. This can happen if the pen’s internal mechanism isn’t great or if the filament quality is poor.
- Uneven Plastic Flow: If the melted plastic comes out in blobs or skips, it’s hard to create smooth lines.
- Overheating or Underheating: If the pen gets too hot, it can be a burn risk. If it’s too cold, the plastic won’t melt properly.
- Difficult Filament Loading: If it’s tricky to get the filament into the pen, it can be a barrier to creativity.
User Experience and Use Cases
How does a 3D pen feel to use, and what can kids make with it?
A Fun and Engaging Experience
- Hands-On Creativity: 3D pens let kids physically build their ideas. This is a fantastic way to develop fine motor skills and spatial reasoning.
- Problem-Solving: Kids learn to think about how to build structures and solve challenges as they create.
- Endless Possibilities: From simple shapes to detailed characters, the only limit is their imagination.
What Can Kids Create?
- Toys and Figurines: Draw favorite cartoon characters, animals, or even design their own unique toys.
- Art Projects: Create 3D drawings, jewelry, or decorations for their room.
- School Projects: Build models for science or history projects, making learning more interactive.
- Repairing Small Items: With adult supervision, they could even use it to reattach small plastic parts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the youngest age that can use a 3D pen?
A: For pens with low-temperature filaments, around 6-8 years old is often a good starting point with adult supervision. Always check the manufacturer’s age recommendation.
Q: Do I need special software to use a 3D pen?
A: No, 3D pens work like regular drawing tools. You just need the pen, filament, and your imagination!
Q: How long does a stick of filament last?
A: It depends on how much you use and the thickness of your lines. A standard stick can create quite a few projects.
Q: Can 3D pens be messy?
A: They can be a little messy if the melted plastic drips. It’s a good idea to use a protective mat or old newspaper underneath your workspace.
Q: What should I do if the filament gets stuck?
A: Most pens have a way to reverse the filament. If it’s really stuck, you might need to gently pull it out or follow the pen’s instructions for clearing a jam.
Q: Are 3D pens safe for kids to use unsupervised?
A: Even with low-temperature pens, adult supervision is always recommended, especially for younger children, to ensure safe handling and prevent accidental burns or misuse.
Q: Where can I buy more filament for my 3D pen?
A: You can find filament online from major retailers or directly from the 3D pen manufacturer’s website.
Q: What’s the difference between a 3D pen and a 3D printer?
A: A 3D printer builds objects layer by layer from a digital design, while a 3D pen lets you draw your creations freehand in the air.
Q: Can I use any type of plastic filament with any 3D pen?
A: No, it’s important to use the filament type and diameter that your specific 3D pen is designed for. Using the wrong filament can damage the pen.
Q: What are some fun first projects for a beginner using a 3D pen?
A: Simple things like drawing a flat heart or star and then building up sides to make it 3D are great. You can also try making small animals, simple shapes, or decorating existing objects.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.