With the dawning of the year 2022 now upon us and gift-giving season in full swing, more and more people are gearing up to humbly usher a ‘new normal’ into the new year by introducing the latest and most innovative trends in sustainable living to their loved ones through 3D printed gift items.
Unpacking the Environmental Value of 3D Printed Gifting
When it comes to green living and the significance of reducing our carbon footprint to lead more progressive eco-friendly lifestyles, revolutionary advancements in technology concerning 3D printed gifts, in particular, haven’t gone unnoticed.
With 3D printing, fewer parts need outsourcing for manufacturing. This amounts to a lesser environmental impact because fewer things are being shipped across the globe with no need to operate and maintain an energy-consuming factory. In addition, materials used in 3D printing are generally recyclable.
3 Advantages to 3D Printed Gifts
- Customized Creative Flexibility: A big advantage of 3D printing is that any given printer can create almost anything that fits within its build volume, adding some individuality to the customization process, and making the technological personalization of a 3D printed gift tug a lot harder on the heartstrings of its receiver.
- Cost-Effectiveness: With only one or two machines and fewer operators needed in contrast to traditional prototyping methods, 3D printing is the most cost-effective manufacturing process.
- Waste Reduction: There is far less waste material used in the 3D printing process, which usually does not require additional tooling, as parts are built from the ground up and not carved out of a solid block as practiced in subtractive manufacturing.
This ultramodern phenomenon is paving the way for enviro-conscious gifters to embark on a virtuous path to leveling up on their gift-giving game through 3D printing.
How 3D Printing has Revolutionized the Creative Culture of Gift-Giving
Given that the gift-giving season is an unavoidable all-year-round occurrence, eco-friendly gift-givers are frequently on the lookout for the latest and greatest innovations in 3D printed gifting ideas to joyously commemorate various occasions, be it birthdays, valentines day, graduations, housewarmings, or even a special anniversary.
As such, the 3D printing revolution has introduced a substantial breakthrough in the seamless value of sentimental and sustainable gifts.
As an independent online blogger for the Green Living Blog, Zanda Simamane’s innate passion for the copywriting craft has led him on a pathway to discovery about a diverse range of topics
As an independent online blogger for the Green Living Blog, my innate passion for the copywriting craft has led me on a pathway to discovery about a diverse range of topics. I’m feeling curious and, given the extent to which 3D printing piques my interest, I have researched how we can all get in on some of that 3D printed gift action.
Gifts come in many forms, from decorative to practical so here’s a look at a few sustainably sublime 3D printed gift ideas to inspire your creative senses when thinking of the next gift you plan on printing for friends and loved ones:
1. Nameplates
Image Credit:3D Sourced
These personalized stands have many uses, whether as a bookend for a housewarming or a desk plate to congratulate someone on their new job. Whether it’s a ‘Dad’ nameplate you print in 3D for Father’s Day or a marker for a pet’s bed or bowl, all plates come in a variety of styles and can be used in a variety of ways.
2. Bookmarks
Image Credit: All3DP
Gifting doesn’t have to be a grand gesture and sometimes it’s the smaller things that make the most impact. There’s no better way to make a lasting impression on your bookworm bestie than to gift them with a meaningful bookmark they can always remember you by each time they mark a page on one of their favorite novels.
3. Toys and Figurines
Image Credit: CGTrader
Attention to all parents! If you don’t know by now, kids treasure toys and figurines of their most adored action heroes and Disney characters. 3D printed figurines make for great gifts as well, as they add an extra level of personalization to any décor and will always make for memorable moments in your child’s developmental years.
Not limited exclusively to kids, gracious grown-up giftees also have free reign to reconnect with their inner-child thanks to 3D printing.
4. Jewelry
Image Credit: 3DSourced
When it comes to gifting a loved one with jewelry, sometimes it’s the thought that counts and not the extravagant cost. Making homemade jewelry is a much more common pastime than many assume, and 3D printed jewelry is an excellent way to give any wearable present its own personal touch.
5. Puzzle Boxes
Image Credit:Etsy
Rather than simply handing over a wad of cash or whatever monetary gift you wish to bestow, why not make your giftee work for it? This classic puzzle works great as a 3D print and gifters you can source many designs and variations online via various 3D printer file sites.
Final Thoughts
Not only does printing gifts in 3D make planning your annual gifting calendar more convenient and efficient, using 3D printing to express your appreciation for others whilst considering the environment with a clean eco-friendly conscience is what makes this practice the winner of all win-win’s.