3D printing is a fun way to create personalized toys while teaching kids STEM skills. Here’s a quick rundown of the beginner 3D printers for kids, focusing on safety, ease of use, and educational features:
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AOSEED X-MAKER JOY ($259): Fully enclosed, touchscreen with passcode lock, and 2000+ toy designs.
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AOSEED X-MAKER ($399): Advanced version with more design apps and materials like PLA, PETG, and ABS.
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Creality Ender-3 V2 Neo ($299): Affordable with automatic bed leveling and larger build volume.
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FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite ($299): Compact, supports multiple materials, and easy filament loading.
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Monoprice Voxel ($359-$389): Pre-assembled, enclosed chamber, and Wi-Fi/cloud printing.
Quick Comparison
| Printer | Price | Build Volume (mm) | Materials Supported | Key Features |
| AOSEED X-MAKER JOY | $259 | 150 × 150 × 150 | PLA | Enclosed, passcode lock, 2000 models |
| AOSEED X-MAKER | $399 | 150 × 150 × 150 | PLA, PETG, ABS | Advanced apps, Wi-Fi, touchscreen |
| Creality Ender-3 V2 Neo | $299 | 220 × 220 × 250 | PLA, PETG, ABS | Auto-leveling, resume print |
| FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite | $299 | 150 × 150 × 150 | PLA, ABS, specialty filaments | Compact, safe filament loading |
| Monoprice Voxel | $359-$389 | 150 × 150 × 150 | PLA | Pre-assembled, Wi-Fi/cloud printing |
These printers balance safety and usability, making 3D printing accessible and fun for kids. Read on for detailed features and tips for safe 3D printing.
Joy vs. X-MAKER 3D Printer: Which is the Best 3D Printer for
Key Features for Kids' 3D Printers
When it comes to 3D printers for kids, safety, ease of use, and tools that encourage learning and creativity are key.
Focused on Safety The AOSEED printer keeps hot components out of reach with a fully enclosed chamber, ensuring little hands stay safe. Plus, a child safety screen lock with passcode protection adds an extra layer of security.
Simple Controls Kids can easily navigate the printer using touchscreen icons, while advanced settings are tucked away behind a passcode-protected menu for adults.
Learning-Focused Tools and Software AOSEED boosts STEM education with six toy-creation apps designed for kids aged 4–12. The X-MAKER goes further by offering both a mobile app and Windows desktop software, enabling kids to design posable figures, vehicles, wind-up toys, and more.
Adaptable Printing Options The X-MAKER accommodates different skill levels with three slicer options: a mobile app slicer for quick jobs, One-Press Printing for AOSEED designs, and X-Print (based on Cura) with beginner, intermediate, and advanced modes.
Up next, we’ll dive into five standout models, starting with AOSEED’s most kid-friendly option.
1. AOSEED X-MAKER JOY
The AOSEED X-MAKER JOY is an entry-level 3D printer designed for safety, simplicity, and fun. Priced at $259, it features an enclosed design, a passcode-locked touchscreen, and a soft magnetic plate to avoid pinched fingers.
Built-In Toy-Building Apps
This printer comes with apps that let users create:
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Poseable stick figures with printed joints
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Custom vehicles and playsets
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Wind-up toys with moving parts
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Unique 3D drawings and designs
Print Specifications
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Build volume: 150 × 150 × 150 mm
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Speed: 300 mm/s
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Material: PLA only
Smart Software Options
The X-MAKER JOY supports various slicer options, including a mobile app, one-touch printing, and X-Print (based on Cura), making it accessible for users of all experience levels.
What’s Included
The package includes the JOY printer, a preloaded USB drive, a starter PLA spool, a quick-start guide, and access to over 2000 toy models.
Next, we'll explore how the full-sized AOSEED X-MAKER expands on these features and offers greater capacity.
2. AOSEED X-MAKER
Building on the X-MAKER JOY, the AOSEED X-MAKER ($399) brings more advanced features while keeping the kid-friendly design that parents and educators appreciate. It’s a great way to strengthen STEM skills without compromising on safety or fun.
Safety Comes First
The X-MAKER is designed with safety in mind. It has a fully enclosed structure with a magnet-locked acrylic door to keep small hands away from moving parts. The soft magnetic build plate minimizes the risk of finger pinching, and the 3.5" touchscreen includes a passcode lock to prevent accidental use.
Fun Design Tools for Toy Creation
The X-MAKER comes with a selection of beginner-friendly design apps, making it easy for kids to create their own toys:
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Doll Maker: Design custom poseable figures.
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HingeX: Create flexible toys with built-in hinges.
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Winder: Build personalized wind-up toys.
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3D Drawing: Sketch and print original designs.
Key Features and Specs
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Build volume: 150 × 150 × 150 mm
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Materials supported: PLA, PETG, ABS
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Interface: 3.5" touchscreen with passcode lock
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB
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Print speed: 300 mm/s
Smart Software and Easy Integration
The X-MAKER is packed with software options to suit different skill levels. From one-click printing to advanced settings in X-Print, kids can explore at their own pace. It also includes a mobile app for remote control and a preloaded flash drive with over 2000 toy models - perfect for guided or freeform projects.
Next, we’ll check out the Creality Ender-3 V2 Neo, a budget-friendly printer with reliable performance.
3. Creality Ender-3 V2 Neo
The Creality Ender-3 V2 Neo offers a balance of affordability, straightforward setup, and dependable performance - ideal for families new to 3D printing. Priced at approximately $299, it’s a great starting point for beginners.
User-Friendly Features
This printer includes CR Touch automatic bed leveling and a flexible spring-steel magnetic build plate, simplifying two common challenges: bed calibration and removing finished prints. Plus, its quiet operation makes it a good fit for home environments.
Perfect for Toy Making
With a build volume of 220 × 220 × 250 mm (roughly 8.7 × 8.7 × 9.8 in)(]), the Ender-3 V2 Neo can handle most toy designs with ease. Its sturdy all-metal frame keeps prints stable, even during long sessions. The built-in resume-print function ensures your progress isn’t lost in case of a power outage.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Max Nozzle Temperature | 260 °C (500 °F) |
| Max Bed Temperature | 100 °C (212 °F) |
| Compatible Materials | PLA, PETG, ABS |
Tips for Smooth Printing
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For small parts, consider using rafts or applying a glue stick to the build plate for better adhesion.
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Store filament in a dry place to prevent issues.
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Use the resume-print feature for larger models to avoid starting over after interruptions.
Creative Resources
Creality Cloud provides a library of toy models and templates, making it easy to find inspiration. Beginners often start with articulated figures or decorative playsets to practice assembling and moving parts.
While it may not be as child-focused as the AOSEED, the Ender-3 V2 Neo combines reliable performance with a budget-friendly price. Up next: the FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite, our fourth choice.
4. FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite
The FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite is a compact FDM 3D printer with a 150×150×150 mm (5.9 in) build volume, making it a great choice for creating small toy parts under parental supervision.
Priced at $299, this printer works with a variety of materials, including:
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PLA (standard and high-speed)
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ABS
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Pearl PLA
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Color Change PLA
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Wood-Filled
Its enclosed filament bay and one-click loading system make material changes easy and safe, even for kids. Plus, its small size allows it to fit neatly on desks or workstations, with all moving parts securely enclosed for added safety.
Next, we'll look at the Monoprice Voxel, which combines an enclosed design with user-friendly features for young creators.
5. Monoprice Voxel
The Monoprice Voxel, priced between $359 and $389, comes fully assembled and is ready to use in just 15 minutes. It features a 150 × 150 × 150 mm enclosed FDM chamber, combining user convenience with added safety.
Key Safety Features:
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Fully enclosed build chamber to keep moving parts secure
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Removable, flexible build platform for safer print removal
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Guided calibration for quick and easy setup
The enclosed design ensures consistent temperatures, reducing the risk of warping and delivering detailed, high-quality prints - perfect for toy parts and other intricate designs.
"Home and educational users will find a lot to like with the Monoprice Voxel, a neat 3D printer that produces high-quality prints at a low cost and that's one of the best budget 3D printers you can buy." – Tom's Guide()
Educational Tools & Connectivity Options:
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Includes one year of PolarCloud Premium with STEAMTrax lessons
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Simplified FlashPrint-MP 'Basic' mode for beginners
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Wi-Fi and cloud printing through PolarCloud
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Built-in model storage for convenience
However, the side-mounted filament holder is designed for smaller spools, and the enclosure may rattle during operation.
Up next, check out how all five models compare in our detailed specs overview.
Printer Specs at a Glance
| Feature | AOSEED X‑MAKER JOY | AOSEED X‑MAKER |
| Price | ~$259 | ~$399 |
| Ideal Age Range | 4–9 years | Ages 4 and up |
| Safety | Fully enclosed design | Fully enclosed, screen‑lock passcode |
| Design Tools | One‑click printing, curated toy library | Mobile & PC software, 14 toy building apps [1] |
| Learning Resources | 2000+ ready‑to‑print toy designs | PBL STEM courses, 3D design tutorials |
The AOSEED X‑MAKER stands out with 14 toy-building apps that let users create personalized toys.
Next, we’ll dive into key safety tips for 3D printing with kids.
Safety Guide for 3D Printing with Kids
Before diving into your first AOSEED toy project, make sure to follow these safety tips. These steps will help ensure a secure and enjoyable 3D printing experience.
Choose Safe Materials Stick with PLA (Polylactic Acid) filament. It's widely regarded as non-toxic and produces minimal fumes during printing. Steer clear of ABS filament, as it can release harmful fumes and particles.
Setup and Workspace Set up your printer in a well-ventilated, dedicated space away from common living areas. Keep the area clean by regularly removing stray filament particles from surfaces.
Key Safety Features to Look For
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Enclosed build chamber to keep hot components out of reach
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Passcode-protected touchscreen
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Soft magnetic build plate to prevent pinching
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Child-friendly software for safer operation
Supervision and Maintenance Always keep an eye on children when the printer is in use. For maintenance, wipe surfaces with a damp cloth and use a HEPA-filtered vacuum to collect fine particles.
Final Thoughts
Priced at $399, the AOSEED X‑MAKER offers a balance of safety and creative opportunities, making it a great choice for crafting personalized toys.
Here’s what stands out when selecting a 3D printer for kids:
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Safety Features: The fully enclosed chamber and passcode-protected touchscreen ensure little hands stay safe during use.
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Creative Growth: Built-in toy design apps make it easy for beginners to start, while advanced slicer options cater to more experienced users.
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Great Value: Packed with features, free software, and unlimited design tools, the X‑MAKER supports long-term creative projects.
Want to inspire your child’s creativity? Visit AOSEED to explore the AOSEED X‑MAKER.
